The Parish Church of St Mary's Guarlford

Church Environment

GUARLFORD AND MADRESFIELD WITH NEWLAND PCC AGM 26TH APRIL 2007

 Churchwardens' report on church fabric and contents for Guarlford

This report covers the period 1 January to 31st December 2006.

In March the oil storage tank was replaced by one with a double cavity to comply with the latest Oil Pollution Regulations - at a total cost of £1784. The previous tank was very old and would have had to be replaced anyway. The new tank was screened with green trellis and ivy creeper was planted round the base so that eventually the tank will be completely screened from view.

In May 2006 the church architects produced at the PCC's request a detailed specification for quinquennial repairs to the east and west apex stones and to other stonework on the west gable end. The remainder of 2006 and into 2007 was taken up with the seeking of funds to carry out the work. At the time, based on the architect's figures, the amount sought was £11,000 including architect's fees. The Diocese approved the proposed work by faculty but the actual cost is likely to be an extra 10% or so.

Also in May the PCC applied for, and received, a faculty to reserve an area of the churchyard for the interment of cremated remains. There is no cost associated with this. In June the lead gulley between the inner and outer vestries was replaced as recommended in the last quinquennial report and there were sundry slate and lead flashing repairs - all at a total cost of £720.

The church contents have been checked against the inventory and nothing is missing.

Your churchwardens are grateful to the ladies who form the cleaning party that keeps the church in good order and who also keep the flower roster going and at no cost to the PCC.

2007 will be taken up with the quinquennial repairs already mentioned and, if the faculty is granted, the removal of pews at the west end of the nave, as discussed in previous PCC meetings.