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The Fabric Sub-CommitteeTHE ROLE OF THE FABRIC COMMITTEEPrevious articles in this series have described their constitution and workloads. Fabric is no different in its membership of Parochial Church Council representatives with co-opted skills, but its recent and current work has been unusually high because of the two Renewal projects at the Churches. WHO ARE THE MEMBERS?PCC members sit on the committee with Father Stephen as the 'lead for clergy'. The churchwardens are both members though Ken tends to take responsibility with his electrical skills being useful. He also sits on the DAC of which Father Stephen is vice-chairman; more of that later. We have representatives from the two hall committees, a churchwarden from St Nicolas' and one or two practically minded people from each Church. If we are all present it is a big group but one which always starts meetings with a prayer to remind us we are stewards of materials trying to enhance our approach to God. WHAT DO WE DO?Like every building things need maintenance so a lot of the projects come round year by year: churchyard cleaning, repainting, mending breakages some of which may be malicious. We thank everyone who joins these working parties, or who carries out small projects unseen. Every five years the architects to the Churches prepare detailed reports on the state of the buildings and give advice whether serious problems are developing, or there have been changes in public building regulations. These quinquennial reports usually show the churches to be in good repair but in recent years the deterioration of St Nicolas' ceiling and windows has been more highlighted. We are indebted to Geoff Shaw for the dedication he has shown in co-ordinating the renewal. The leaky St Mary's heating has become more costly to maintain and floor materials becoming tired despite repairs. The Halls are valuable assets, but need to fulfil modern hygiene and safety laws. Everywhere should be accessible for disabled people. WHY DO WE DO IT?The Church space provides accommodation and atmosphere for a variety of activities of which worship is central. Meetings, concerts, weddings, baptisms and funerals are some of the events to which regular and occasional members come and a balance of those needs is required, some of which may be in conflict. It is strictly not for the Fabric committee to decide on the flexibility of ambiance required but John Moles also sits on the Worship Committee so is able to bring the intentions for worship. These are developed from the Parish consultation day so are the implementation of the wishes of the membership. I write this to explain why some of the achieved and planned changes are happening. HOW DO WE DO IT?The ideas all cost money and have to be worked through architectural designs and approval by Church authorities. The Finance committee is given as much warning of these costs so planned expenditure can occur. Some projects have been underwritten by bequests whilst others have had specific appeals. Any structural change to the fabric of the churches needs the approval of the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC). The secretary to that committee advises by phone which small items can go ahead, but bigger projects need forms, public advertisement, and approval. The DAC has experts who will give advice so well worked applications usually pass without a problem. This all takes time but ensures projects are sensitive to architectural heritage and archaeology. IS IT WORTHWHILE?We hope the developments at St Nicolas' and St Mary's will last several generations and still carry gravitas after many years. The completion of St Nicolas' required patience and a big step in faith. As we embark on the renewal project of St Mary's we ask for your support and understanding of the careful work being done by the fabric committee membership. MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEEFr Stephen, Ken Bradbury, Peter Atwood, Jackie Moles, Cyril Beer, Alan Jackson, Geoff Shaw, John Moles, David Lyle, Henry Morris, Wendy Thomas, Bob Lyle. David Lyle This article first appeared in the July 2003 edition of the Prestbury Parish magazine |
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