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FABRIC, GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCHIt may sound like a department store guide but in fact it’s our annual report on our buildings (the fabric), goods (the things in our buildings) and ornaments (the more decorative items). Fabric - The year was dominated by the re-decoration of the curacy house (at 413 Scarborough Avenue) in readiness for Ysmena’s arrival. The property had been left in a fairly poor condition by the last tenants and the opportunity was also taken to tone down some of the more vibrant colours favoured by the previous resident curate. So out went the orange paint and old carpets and in came creams and laminated flooring. The exterior work by Mick New, with plumbing contracted out to Robert Mitchell, leaving the inside works to a small band of workers lead by Jenny and Rob, who also provided most of the materials. At times it looked as if the work would never be completed, but several trips to the recycling centre and a lot of evenings and weekends of hard work left us with a half decent property. This was just in time for the five yearly survey which noted some major works remain to be done when funds allow, in particular replacement of rotten window cills and the back door. As to Holy Trinity itself, no major works were undertaken. The next Diocesan quinquennial report (our five yearly survey) falls due later this year and will form the basis of future planned works. The monthly working party (reported elsewhere) continued to maintain the building in good repair and the glorious summer enabled the grounds to be well maintained. The ‘Friends of Holy Trinity’ generously paid for new window guards which were fitted to the North windows (after obtaining of the necessary faculty), and are so unobtrusive as to be hardly noticeable. As to future works, plans are being drawn up for an accessible toilet and our compliance with the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act was reviewed. Estimates were also obtained for the replacement of the heating system of up to £44,000 plus VAT. Future advice is being obtained before proposals are put to the Friends and the fund raising commences. Fortunately, the existing heating has worked adequately, if noisily. Goods - The cooker reached the end of its life and a replacement will be sourced. Arrangements are also in hand to test all portable electrical items to comply with health and safety laws. The sound system was faulty, so the loop system amplifier was repaired and the roving microphone amplifier is under repair. A contract was placed with West One Fire Protection for the supply and annual inspection of our fire extinguishers. Ornaments - One of the Trinity chalices became damaged during cleaning but was expertly repaired. New chalices were dedicated at Christ the King and at Trinity where Jacky Page gave a leaving present of a pottery set of chalice and cruet. A figurine of St Francis of Assissi was also donated and is positioned behind the choir stalls. Jenny Moules & Adil Vittachi |