CA8/497

Meppershall VP School M463 [E/M5]

1947-1981

From: 1947 To: 1981

Includes: Letter from Reverend Martin Pierce, School Correspondent, to Director of Education; 'The School Managers have agreed to the tender from M & W C Simons for the re-decoration of the interior of Meppershall School, on the understanding that the County Authority will pay 9/10ths of the cost if they approve. A member of your staff who recently visited the school commented on the need for the work to be put in hand - which we were already endeavouring to have done. We should be glad of the requisite approval as soon as possible so that the work may be done before the end of the summer holiday. I am informed that a licence is not necessary for this work to the school, and should be glad if you would confirm that that is so. We note that the tender is addressed wrongly to your authority, and are quite aware that all responsibility in dealing with the contractor rests with the Managers themselves'; Aug 1947 Memo from ?Director of Education to County Treasurer; 'This is to inform you that the Sites & Buildings Sub-Committee of the Education Committee confirmed authority given to the Managers to carry out internal renovations at a cost of £85 and recommend that the appropriate proportion of the cost in respect of "fair wear and tear" be paid'; Dec 1947 Letter from Mr C W Firmin, Treasurer to Managers [acting Correspondent] to County Treasurer; 'At the time you advised us that we should have the playground re-surfaced, I asked you whether we were entirely responsible for the cost of this work. I am not sure what your reply was as I have mislaid the letter, but I believe you said that when the work was completed I should send you the receipted account for your consideration. I now enclose the receipted account'; Oct 1949 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'Arrangements have been made for Meppershall V P School and Lower Stondon C P School to form a joint football team of junior boys. They use a football pitch on land owned by Miss Collins of Top Farm, Meppershall. I have now been asked whether the playing field machinery can be used in connection with the maintenance of this field. I am in favour of this, but it will be necessary to obtain the owner's permission. This will involve a truck and trailer crossing her land, and I should be grateful if you would take the matter up with her. The question of summer maintenance should also be cleared at the same time'; Nov 1951 Letter from County Architect to Miss Collins, Top Farm; 'I understand you have no objection to my Authority entering your field with equipment in order to maintain the football pitch. I understand you wish my Authority's workmen to keep to a direct track so that the least damage is caused to the grass, and that you wish my Authority to mow the football pitch during the summer season. I shall be glad if you will kindly confirm that the above-mentioned points are correct, and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your very kind attention and co-operation you have afforded'; Nov 1951 Similar permission given by Mr H A Collings, Bury Farm, Meppershall; Nov 1951 Memo from Estates Surveyor to County Architect; 'I am informed that no payment is made for the use of Miss Collins' field neither is there a Tenancy Agreement in existence. Mr McKay of the Education Department has informed me that we utilise this field only by verbal agreement between the Headmaster and Mr Henderson and Miss Collins'; Nov 1951 Memo from Estates Surveyor to Mr Goodman; 'Following my enquiries regarding the use ofrai land at Meppershall where no comfirmation in writing or agreement has been signed, I would point out that this situation has arisen twice before, i.e. Leighton Buzzard Baptist Schoolroom, Hockliffe Street, and Leighton Buzzard, King Street, School Garden. It would appear that the Education Department go out and make these tentative arrangements without confirming the matter legally. I respectfully consider that all negotiations for additional land or premises should, in the first instance, come through this Department'; Nov 1951 Form to the Ministry of Education 'Application for Aided Status'; 'The Managers of the Meppershall V P School No 75 at a meeting held on twelfth day of December 1951 resolved that application be made to the Minister of Education for an order directing that the school shall be an Aided school. I am directed therefore, to request the Minster to make an order under Section 15 (2) of the Education Act 1944 directing that the Meppershall V P School shall be an Aided school'; May 1952 Observations by Bedfordshire Local Education Authority; 'The Development Plan provides for the continuance of this school as a 1 class Voluntary Primary School, the existing building to be adapted in Period C, at an estimated cost of £2,000'; Memo; 'Would you please note that this school has been awarded "Aided" Status as from 17 Sep 1952' Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'The Correspondent to the Managers has written to me about the condition of the floor of the school. Will you please arrange for an inspection to be made to find out whether repairs are necessary and, if so, whether the cost should be met by the Authority? At the same time perhaps you would consider the existing lighting and let me know whether it can conveniently be improved'; Mar 1953 Specification of Works for Proposed Renewal of Flooring to Classrooms at Meppershall (Aided) Voluntary Primary Junior Mixed School; Jun 1953 Letter from County Architect to Regional Priority Officer, Ministry of Education; 'It is necessary to renew the flooring at the school and for this purpose a timber licence for 0.625 of a standard of imported softwood will be required. I therefore enclose a formal application on Form 515G and TC3/8/CPL, duly completed, and as it is hoped to do this work during the coming summer holidays I shall be pleased if you can let me have a licence as soon as possible'; Jun 1953 Memo from ?County Architect to Director of Education; 'I refer to your memo of Mar 1953 and have to advise you that the tenders have been invited for repairs to the floor of the school. In connection with the existing electric lighting, I have to report that the present lighting is inadequate, there being two lighting points in the main classroom, one in the small classroom, and one in the cloaks. I would suggest that four lighting points be provided in the main classroom, two in the small classroom, one in the Entrance Porch and one outside the front Entrance Door as also the rear door'; Jun 1953 Plan of classrooms 1/8" scale showing existing lighting; proposed improvements to lighting and suggested power circuit with 15 amp point for caretaker etc., Quotation from R Clark, Electrical Contractor, Barton; '4 lights in small classroom; 6 lights in large classroom; 1 light in corridor; 2 exterior lights; 1 13 amp heating point; for the sum of £31..2s..6d; with 11" plastic Coolicon shades for £35; Jun 1953 Tenders invited for renewal of flooring to classrooms; Jul 1953 Messrs Dawsons (Shefford) were successful with their tender for the above for £150..10s; timber licence forwarded to them; Jul 1953 Memo to Director of Education; 'Will you pleased inform the Managers that we propose to carry out during the summer holidays internal decoration of two classrooms, one cloakroom and the sanitary offices. The playground is also to be re-surfaced. This is in order the Managers may make any observations they choose in case they have in mind any adaptations which may affect this work'; Mar 1954 Alfred Bagnall & Sons Ltd, London W12, were successful with their tender for internal decoration (amount not stated); Jun 1954 Cheque to be issued for £230; Oct 1954; final account submitted amounted to £259..11s..4d; Oct 1954 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'You have recently provided new floors in the main room and infants' classroom and you may perhaps know that I have been enquiring all round regarding fireguards and the safety of the children. Mr Walker recently visited the school and was asked for advice by the Headmistress. The fireguards, removed because of the new floors, have not been properly secured. They are on the large size and all have front gates which do not close properly. In fact, they are at the moment fixed by string. The infant room in particular is small with 24 children on the roll and the Headmistress asks that if the fireguards could be securely fixed but at the same time be removable during the summer months she would have much more space available. Perhaps you would be good enough to look intothis matter which seems to involve a) the safe fixing but enabling removal during the summer; b) smaller guards and c) repair of the guards if you advise that smaller guards are unwise as a protective measure'; May 1954 Letter from H T Pimm, Correspondent, to Director of Education; 'The School Managers at their meeting last night considered the proposed lighting scheme of the County Architect and were of the opinion that they had better talk over the matter (and other matters mentioned below) with the Architect before embarking on so costly a plan. Our position is, until we know what has got to be done to bring the premises up to the required standard, it is uneconomic to spend money on work which may be scrapped in a few years time. Mr Nash's specification was for a temporary improvement of the present lighting system to tide us over until the permanent plan was known. Would the Architect's scheme remain when the time comes to adapt the school premises for its future use under the new educational system? The Head Teacher asked the Managers to consider having a water tap placed in such a position that pails could be put under it for filling. This would need a drain and, again, the Managers feel it better to do ch layernothing until the alterations that will have to be carried out sooner or later are known. The Head Teacher also asked permission to have clear glass fitted where other types of glass now are. Here, again, we would like to know the mind of the County Architect. Could you, Sir, please explain our position to the County Architect and tell him of our desire to discuss these matters with him? It is now clear that none of these things can be done before the school is redecorated - and that is a pity'; Jul 1954 Report by H.M. Inspectors; 'This two-teacher school is a model of excellent organisation, enterprise and purposeful industry to which the 56 children respond with a spontaneity and eagerness that gives pleasure to the visitor. Little wonder that the Empire Day ceremony with its songs, dances and the crowning of the May Queen fired the children and parents with enthusiasm. The creditable verse speaking and reading, the singing, art and handwork are matched by the easy style shown in the free writing that is encouraged easily from an early stage, and by the accuracy and logical reasoning shown in calculations. Intelligent records, too, are kept of school broadcasts in history, geography and nature study. That so much should have been achieved under the cramped conditions imposed by a mid-nineteenth century building that allows no free space inside, is indeed a tribute to the skill of the Head Mistress and her friend both of who came here in 1950. Matters that merit the favourable attention of those concerned include the replacement of frosted glass panes that keep out much light, placed as they are in windows alread81y high above the heads of the children, exterior painting of the building and the removal of the dividing wall in the playground to provide space and scope for freedom of physical movement. One further point; if the number of children continues to increase, there is no doubt that extensions to the building will have to be considered; May 1955 Memo from ?County Architect to Director of Education; 'I have been informed by the County Surveyor that he has received a request from the Meppershall Parish Council for the erection of a barrier at the school entrance because the children run out onto the narrow footpath then onto the carriageway which is also narrow. He has pointed out there is no room for the barrier on the path and I am arranging for one to be erected in the playground'; Jul 1956 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'It has been reported to me that the gate in the boundary wall has become loose and part of the wall is in a dangerous condition. I should be grateful if you would arrange for repairs to be carried out as soon as possible'; May 1957 Further memo; 'I am informed that the fireplace in the infants' room is in need of attention. I shall be grateful if you will arrange to have it repaired before the heating season starts'; Jul 1957 Letter from Headmistress to County Architect; 'The repairs to the front gate of the school are still outstanding. In May, when the order was given, I considered that delay would be dangerous, and since then the iron gate has been pulled from the stones which once supported it. Three times infant children have been saved from being crushed under the falling gate by older children or a teacher who happened to be near. The children have been forbidden to touch it, being told that it must be left open, but it has been left so long and it is the only entrance to the school and the youngest children sometimes forget or do not realise the danger. If the repairs cannot be carried out by Mr Saunders, will you consider cancelling the order to him and sending someone else, or having the gate removed? The latter would not be satisfactory as there is only a narrow pavement between the playground and the road, but it would be preferable to the present state of affairs'; Nov 1957 Letter from County Architect to Mr F Saunders, Shillington; 'I refer to my order ...dated 30 May 1957, for re-fixing gate and making good brickwork to boundary wall. This work has not yet been put to hand and I understand that the gate is now in a dangerous condition, in fact on three recent occasions the gate has fallen, each time narrowly missing a small child. It is necessary for the gate to be kept in position to prevent children running directly into the road. I shall be pleased, therefore, if you will put this work in hand immediately or if you are not in a position to do so, inform me accordingly and return the order. I trust, however, that this will not be necessary'; Nov 1957 Supplementary Report by the Director of Education to Sites and Buildings Sub-Commitee; 'The Meppershall Parish Council have asked for cycle parking accommodation at the school, and are supported by the Chairman of the Managers. At present 9 of the 53 children who attend the school leave their cycles in the open yard of the adjoining Public House, and the Parish Council are concerned about the danger which exists when the children leave this yard which is a blind entry sit uated at a bend in the main road. In the opinion of the Headmistress, hardship would be caused in only one case if the children were to walk to school, and the Sub-Committee are asked to give this matter their consideration'; Feb 1958 Resolution passed at Education Committee meeting; 'That the application of the Meppershall Parish Council for cycle storage accommodation to be provided at this school be declined'; Mar 1958 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'You will remember that at one time it was agreed that the wall separating the two playgrounds at this school should remain in situ until such time as building operations started on the premises. It now seems that as it will be some time before the Managers put any work in hand, the ultimate value of the wall as hard core is outweighed by the considerable inconvenience suffered at present by the school. I should be grateful therefore if you would make the necessary arrangements to have this wall removed. I have informed the Rector of my intention'; Aug 1959 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'The Correspondent has written to me concerning maintenance work which has been carried out at the school over the past years and it appears from an examination of their accounts, some work has been done which could properly have been done by the Education Committee'; Nov 1959 Reply; 'I refer to your memo and the enclosed account from M & W C Simons which you forwarded with your memo. It has taken some little time in checking this account and agree that all the items should have been carried out by this department, and I should be glad if you would advise the Treasurer accordingly in order that the Trustees may be reimbursed. I must, however, ask you to draw the Trustees' attention to the condition of the drains at this school. My Area Surveyor reports that the existing drainage will be a constant source of trouble and advises that the Trustees have a new drainage system installed. You will, no doubt, advise them of the maintenance grant which may be obtained for this work'; Apr 1960 Letter from Miss F M Green, Headmistress, to Director of Education; 'Once again I have had to report to the Managers that the channel of the Boys' urinal is blocked. I have asked for it to be put right immediately, but I have no hopes that this will happen, for it is usually in this state for several days, sometimes as long as a fortnight. This has been happening about once a term ever since I came here five years ago. I have asked the Managers repeatedly if the drains can be inspected and cleaned regularly before they get into this state but with no result. Ought I report it to the Sanitary Inspector? Another repair that has been neglected for over six months is the school roof. There are missing and loose tiles and a piece jutting out at the front of the building which may fall on children. They are compelled to walk there to enter and leave the building. Some time ago a Circular invited direct reports of this kind, but I was not sure whether this applied to Church Aided Schools. There was no Managers meeting last term but I have seen the Rector and Chairman and Correspondent frequently'; Sep 1961 Further letter; 'One of the electric light lamp holders has broken . I hope it can be replaced very soon, because there is insufficient artificial light on dull days when it is possible to use both. I think it would be advisable for the electrician who is instructed to carry out the work to inspect the others. Would it not be possible to have adequate lighting. I have mentioned this matter to the Managers on several occasions but I do not know whether they have reported to you'; Sep 1961 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'Further to my memoranda of 19 Sep and 16 Nov, I have been informed by the Headmistress that the Postal Authorities are now refusing to deliver mail to the school until a letter box is provided. Will you please arrange for one to be provided as a matter of urgency?; Mar 1962 Memo from A G Giddings to Chief Building Surveyor; 'Could you please let me know the position regarding the Managers improvement scheme at the school. If the work will not be carried out until the 1963/64 financial year I shall have to make provision in the Estimates for the cost of decorations. You will remember that the decorations were passed over to the Managers' Architect to carry out in conjunction with the improvements'; Oct 1962 Form BM2; 'Holes burned in "tortoise" classroom stove. Front draught door has started to fall away. This stove is our only form of heating in this room; Joint on waste pipe of washstand leaking badly'; Nov 1963 Form BM2; 'Wooden fence separating the playground from the electricity booster marked "Dangerous" needs repairing in two places; Wire netting and wall of playground surround also needs attention; Repair form forwarded last week still awaiting attention'; Nov 1963 Form BM2; 'Wooden and wire fence surrounding electric booster next to the playground. This is marked "Dangerous" and the children now have access to this. This is the second notice; Washbasin in porch now renewed, but now too high for the small infants to reach, could it please be lowered'; Dec 1963 Specification of Work for Internal Decorations; ?Jun 1964 Form BM2; 'Wire netting surrounding the playground in rusted and badly holed condition. Apart from obvious danger from rusted cuts etc., balls used in games are continually going into the road, therefore games are having to be curtailed'; Sep 1964 Form BM2; 'Second Request; Wire netting surrounding playground in rusty and badly holed condition. Danger of cuts from rusty wire. Games are curtailed because the balls are continually going into the road; Wire preventing children from contact with the electric "booster" next to playground also in bad state of repair; Wash sink too high for infants, unable to reach tap, and paper towel rack too, because of draining board being placed badly'; Oct 1964 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'Mr Henley yesterday evening met the Chairman of the Managers, the Headmistress and the School Cleaner at the school and the question arose of how best to stoke the "tortoise" stove in the junior classroom. This question, as you may know, has been contentious there for some time. I am sure that a visit by your representative to see both Miss Green [Headmistress] and Mrs Vintner to discuss the most efficient means of using the stove would be appreciated. At present all efforts to maintain the classroom temperature at 62 F or thereabouts fail for the greater part of the day'; Jan 1965 Reply; 'My representative called at this school and examined the stove, and talked with the Headmistress, and his findings are the same as when he visited these premises 11 Dec 1963, when it was stated that the stove in question is inadequate to heat a classroom of the size in which it is installed, and that unless more hours could be spent on cleaning and stoking (which under the present 11 hours per week is impossible), some more efficient heating system must be installed'; Feb 1965 Reply; 'The improvement to the heating system is the responsibility of the Managers and I know they are anxious to remodel the school in the near future. In the circumstances I would like to suggest that they install some form of supplementary heating e.g. electric heaters, and I wonder if you would be good enough to let me know what you recommend and what the approximate cost would be'; Feb 1965 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'When the Caretaker called at the office yesterday morning, she mentioned that she found it extremely difficult and on many occasions more or less impossible to start the fire in the stove in the larger classroom with the anthracite which is being provided. She said that by using a little coal the stove starts quite easily'; May 1965 Letter from C W Firmin, Correspondent to the Managers; 'I have been instructed by the Managers to write to you regarding the washing facilities here. Now that school meals are supplied, our Head Teacher points out that our present facilities for washing are inadequate. The Managers are somewhat in agreement and we would be glad of your advice on this matter. Three wash basins have been suggested. We would also be interested to know how the cost of such an installation would be borne'; Aug 1965 Reply from ?County Architect; 'First I must apologise for the delay in answering your letter of so long ago as 22 Aug last, but it has only just been discovered among some drawings - I am sorry about this and trust that you will forgive me. The rating for wash basins by the Department of Education & Science is, for schools under 50 children, 4 basins with an adequate supply of warmed water to each basin. The cost of providing these facilities falls on the Managers but this may be subject to a maintenance grant so a "form 48A Schools" should be completed and forwarded to the Department of Education & Science through the Director of Education when works of this nature are contemplated. You have a scheme for the development of your school prepared by Messrs Peter Dunham,. Widdup and Harrison, so it may be as well to consult them before making any minor alterations so that, if possible, what you do adds up to the final plan'; Dec 1965 Letter from Correspondent; 'The coal suppliers (Ellis & Everard) have pointed out that the pathway giving access to the fuel store needs a better surface as it becomes dangerous in wet weather. The School Managers are of the opinion that a surfacing of tarmac would probably be the best treatment and I shall be pleased to know whether you would consider having this done'; May 1966 Further letter; 'I have to officially report that the ?housing of the tortoise stove has partly burnt away and a small hole has appeared in the casing. I shall be gald if you will arrange to have repairs, if practical, carried out'; May 1966 Further letter; 'In the infants room we have an Autovector heater (number 50). The door is fitted with vertical strips of transparent material. Many of these strips have become warped and consequently it is not possible to control draught properly. I shall be obliged if you will arrange to have this fault rectified'; May 1966 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect regarding comments from the Correspondent; 'At a recent meeting of the Managers of this school it was noted that the arrangement to tarmac the path to the fuel store behind the school had not yet been done'; Jan 1967 Form BM2; [mentions five previous reports on this subject dating from Nov 1963] 'Wire netting around playground: I would like you to consider this as urgent and important: continual loss of balls; There is an electricity sub-station adjoining the playground and of course the roadway along the front. When the children play ball games the ball quite frequently goes over or through the wire into the sub-station where it is lost because I do not let the children trespass, particularly in view of the voltage danger, or into the road with its obvious risk, but we do recover those'; Jun 1967 [pen note: No action taken. Fencing found to be 10'6" above playground level and in good condition] Memo from Director of Education to County Architect; 'You will no doubt recall a request from the Managers of the school to repair a pathway to a fuel store, but that as this fuel store was for the school house the Managers were informed it was their responsibility to carry out any repairs to this path. The Managers have now made a further request for repairs to the path but the school house is now being temporarily used for teaching accommodation and in the opinion of the Clerk of the Council the responsibility for repair rests with the Authority. I should be grateful if you would carry out any necessary repairs to this path which will be used for approximately 12 months pending the erection of the new school'; Nov 1967 Further memo; 'The Secretary of the Parent Teacher Association has written to me that they have seen the swimming pool provided at Toddington School and would like to provide a similar one at Meppershall School. She has asked if they could have the plans and specifications to enable them to obtain a quotation from the builder undertaking the alterations and extensions to the school. You may consider that the arranging of a contract such as this should be carried out by you or, alternatively, would you feel that the Architects for the extensions - The Charter Building Design Group - could undertake responsibility for this?'; Dec 1967 Letter from County Architect to Engineer & Surveyor, Biggleswade Rural District Council; 'I refer to the question of the disposal of the effluent from the proposed swimming pool, and to the telephone conversation between your Deputy, Mr Craske, and Mr Hartley of this office. The swimming pool would require its filtration plant back-washed probably on alternate days at the height of use, and the quantity of water involved would be between 30 and 50 gallons on each occasion. Once a year the pool would require emptying for cleaning and painting. The capacity would be approximately 30,000 gallons, but the time and period of emptying could be arranged overnight, over 24 hours, or more, according to your requirement. I trust you will find that you can agree to this, and look forward to receiving your consent and your requirements, as soon as possible'; Sep 1968 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'The Architects to the Managers and Parent Teacher Association have submitted detailed estimates of the cost of providing a standard permanent Junior Learner Pool all in accordance with the standard design we have agreed, and this is in the total cost of £2,771..7s, which I consider to be reasonable [gives breakdown: Pool and paving - £1,680..6s..3d; Pump House and connections - £390; Galvanised handrail - £43..10s; Filter and equipment - £572..10s..9d; Installation of pipework - £85; PTA to pay half for pool and paving and handrail (£861..18s..1d); County Council to pay the rest (£1909..8s..11d)] I should be pleased to receive your observations as the Architects to the scheme are anxious to receive approval and to get the work under way as soon as possible'; Oct 1968 Report of Chief Fire Officer regarding the intention of holding a concert at the school; '1) Both the main exit via the entrance lobby and the emergency exit at the opposite end of the hall must be kept clear at all times. A clear gangway at least 3'6" wide must be maintained along the side and end of the hall between the above exits; 2) The maximum number of parents and children at any one performance to be limited to 110, with the seating arranged so that no seat is more than 12' from a gangway, measured along the line of the seating; 3) The stage for the performance should be sited by the wall between the kitchen serving hatch and the door to the old section of the school; 4) If any curtains are used around the stage area these must be treated with flame retardant solution; 5) The Architect, Mr Buss, was asked to provide a landing outside the emergency exit door the full width of the doors at the same level as the inside floor; 6) Also to have the operating instructions "PUSH BAR TO OPEN" displayed adjacent to the bar of the panic latch on the above door;' Oct 1968 Letter from Correspondent; 'The Manager's attention has been drawn to the dangerous state of a wooden building which is adjacent to the school. It is right up to the footpath and there is a risk of it collapsing and injuring passing children. The building belongs to Mr Barnes or Mr Murden of High Street, Meppershall, who is aware of this letter. When I approached him he said he was awaiting permission to pull down and use the site for other purposes. We would be pleased if you would investigate'; Aug 1969 Letter from County Architect to Chief Public Health Officer, Biggleswade Rural District Council; 'I have written to the occupier, Mr Barnes, of 105 High Street, requesting him to undertake all necessary action with regard to the building as it affects the school premises. It occurred to me that you would be interested in the matter as it also abuts a public footpath'; Sep 1969 Reply from Chief Pubic Health Inspector; 'I have seen the building in question this morning and have served a notice on the owner under Section 58 of the Public Health Act 1936'; Sep 1969 Letter from County Architect to Mr Barnes; 'The Managers of the school which adjoins your property have forwarded a letter expressing their grave concern in regard to the safety of the timber building situated on your land at the N.E. corner of the school site. My Area Building Surveyor reports that the building is in a very dilapidated state and considers that the apprehension of the Managers is well founded. I should be obliged if you would therefore carry out the necessary measures to render the building safe. The problem is one that should in my opinion be regarded as urgent'; Sep 1969 Further enquiries regarding the above result in County Architect stating that following the notice being served the building was demolished and removed from the site; Mar 1970 Letter from Area Building Surveyor regading request for a blind for the school kitchen window; 'On investigation the Supervisor Cook mentioned great difficulty experienced working at the sinks when the sun is at full intensity. The ladies are subject to intense heat, steam from the hot water, the solar rays, sunlight and glare from windows and reflection from the water. One has to admit the combination undoubtedly leads to arduous conditions and great discomfort. The fitting of a blind internally to the window will create a dirt trap and difficulty in maintenance and operation, to reach approx. 21" over the sinks and equipment fixed under the window. Also ventilation will be adversely affected. An external shop type sun blind will need constant attention and periodic replacement of the covering, if canvas is used it must be furled dry, if plastic, care must be taken to avoid tears. By replacing the existing clear glass with "Anti-Sun", shade: blue/green, clear plate, maintenance will be avoided, a reduction of the solar heat will be effected, glare eliminated. Approx. cost £35. The premises have been provided since 1968 under the recently completed scheme of improvement by the Church Authorities. It may be advisable that they be approached as to their views, and provision of the modification'; Oct 1969 [pen note: Put in white venetian blinds, I find that this has been the general practice] Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I have received a drawing from the Managers' Architects indicating their proposals for replacing the existing school house attached to the old school buildings with a new expansion providing an extra teaching room ...I have no comment to make on the proposal from a technical aspect, and I presume that if you are prepared to support this proposal, you will take up the matter further with the Managers'; Nov 1969 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'The Correspondent to the Managers has drawn attention to the condition of the boundary fence; "In the course of levelling, the ground is now lower at the boundary and the posts of the boundary fence are now exposed at their base and found to be rotten. This makes the fence unsafe, particularly should high winds arise. Furthermore, the fence shields children from an electricity high power transformer"'; Mar 1970 Letter from F G Davies, Treasurer of Parent Teacher Association, to Mr Hucklesby, The Charter Building Design Group; 'You will remember that the Committee of the PTA were concerned some eight months ago at a further increase on the original estimate for the pool. At that time we all met at the school and as a result of this meeting you wrote to us on the 19 Jun advising that our share of the cost would be £986..18s..1 1/2d. Since that date two payments have been made to the Bedfordshire County Council ...which shows that this was a final balance of our total contribution. On payment of that account I took it that our commitment was finished. On the assumption that your figure was right and the BCC amount was wrong, the only amount outstanding is £49..6s..10d. The PTA is not prepared to pay this last sum until: a) close board fencing is built around the pool as per contract; b) repairs to the pool are effected; As regards b) a lot more cracks have now appeared both on the edge of the pool and to the floor of the pool and it is our view that the pool is not in a satisfactory condition. The additional items shown on your statement are questionable indeed and at this stage we do not intend to make any comment on the various figures you have shown. We must say that we are particularly surprised that on such a simple matter as building a pool there has been much confusion as to the various costs involved. We, the PTA, were not a party to the contract and as we have no copy of it we are unaware of the terms involved'; Mar 1970 Tenders invited for Provision of Fencing around Swimming Pool; Glenside Landscape & Construction Ltd, Luton, were successful Mar 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'My Physical Education Organiser, Mrs Thompson, wants to provide some outdoor climbing apparatus at the school but is finding difficulty in siting it as the playground is only just large enough for a netball court. She has therefore suggested that a hard surface area, approximately 7 1/2 yards square, be provided adjacent to the path on the playing field side of the school. I shall be pleased if you will let me have an estimate for the cost of this work. Mrs Thompson has also asked whether the surface of the playground has been passed as satisfactory. I shall be pleased to have your comments on this point {pencil note: has now been resurfaced and we will inspect]. Problems have also arisen regarding the use of the netball court and at the moment balls have continuously to be retrieved from the swimming pool. It has therefore been suggested that a fence be erected along this side of the pool and that it should be at least 9 ft high to avoid the ball going into the pool. I shall be pleased if you will let me have an estimate of the cost of this fence'; Apr 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'The Headmistress has informed me that she is experiencing some difficulties in using the grassed area at the school. She states that part of the area is not fenced and there is consequently some nuisance being caused to adjoining neighbours through balls going into their gardens. I should be pleased if you would let me know whether the Authority or the adjoining house owners are responsible for the maintenance of any existing fence or the erection of a new one. The Headmistress also draws attention to the fact that there is no means of securing the school grounds as there are no gates on the front entrance. I shall be glad to receive your comments on this point. Presumably with the type of fencing provided at the front of the school the provision of gates would not really provide any additional deterrent; Apr 1970 Letter from Headmistress to Chief Education Officer; 'During the recent extension of the school, two new outside toilets were built. These are now complete, but the water has not been connected. Could you arrange for this to be done so that the toilets can be brought into use as soon as possible'; Apr 1970 Comments from Area Building Surveyor; 'With regard to the condition of the playground surface. I inspected this and found that there are a number of undulations in the surface which indicated the area would generally have puddles on it during rain. The topping course is "fretting" and is of an open texture 1/4" down aggregate and is loosening, there being loose aggregate on the surface in small amounts. The estimated cost to re-surface the playground with 1/4" thick consolidated topping coat is £180. Two external W.C.s have been provided, one for boys and one for girls, in the Diocesan Extension Scheme for the school; but neither have been completed; W.C. pans have been fitted, the water supply and fixing of the cisterns have been left uncompleted. The boundary fencing to the playfield area on the East boundary has not been provided (approx 50' long) and that to the North boundary shared with adjoining houses is in a deplorable state. The owners along this boundary have been responsible for its upkeep in the past and generally the height is 3'. The Head Teacher has expressed concern about the omission of the fencing along these boundaries and problems likely to arise when having ball games on the grassed area which they border'; ?Apr 1970 County Architect's response to memos dating from April; '1) Climbing Apparatus: The cost of providing a hard surface area of approximately 7 1/2 yards square to take the outdoor climbing apparatus would be approximately £130; 2) Playground Surface: I understand that the playground area has been resurfaced and I am arranging for the work to be inspected by my Area Building Surveyor; 3) Toilets: The toilets referred to were provided as part of the Managers' scheme and I ahve contacted the Architect concerned and asked that action be taken to bring these toilets into use as soon as possible; 4) Fencing: I am looking into the question of the responsibility for the boundary fences to the site, but as you know I hope that the whole question of fencing of Education sites will shortly be reviewed, and I think that guidance on this issue will then be available; With regard to the fencing of the swimming pool, as you know we have recently completed a fence to the normal specification for this type of work and again I would hope that the fencing policy to be established will guide us on the question of provision of anything more than this'; May 1970 Letter from Correspondent to the Managers to Chief Education Officer; 'I have your letter of 11 Mar before me and have traced the correspondence concerned in your letter dated 20 Nov 1969. I regret that I have not previously explained the position, which is: The Managers are favourably inclined towards the provision of an out of doors cycle shed and prefer the 2 ?sided version. It was felt at the time this was discussed that we should not immediately commit ourselves before we knew what plan of building would meet with your approval to rank for grant, and have your advice as to its siting and approximate cost. We would be pleased to have this information'; Apr 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I understand from the Managers that they are thinking in terms of a cycle shed for 12 bicycles'; May 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I shall be grateful if you will make arrangements for the provision of approximately 7 1/2 square yards of hard surface to take the outdoor climbing apparatus. The approximate cost of £130 to be charged to the Primary Schools Contingency Fund 1970/71'; Jun 1970 Further memo; 'I understand from my Physical Education Organiser, Mrs Thompson, that this apparatus has been ordered and delivery is expected early in September. I should be grateful if the necessary work could be completed in good time to enable the apparatus to be erected on delivery'; Jun 1970 Memo from County Architect to Mr T Hollinshead, Building Surveyor; 'I shall be pleased if you will let me have an estimate for providing suitable fencing to the playground and playing field surround at the school. I understand that some of the fencing already in existence is in a deplorable state and is the responsibility of the adjoining owners. However, for your purposes ignore this fence and estimate for providing the necessary fencing to the whole of the play areas'; Sep 1970 Reply; '6' high chain link fence (black plastic covered) 2" mesh fencing erected on concrete posts; NW boundary (to private houses) trees approx 12" and 9" girth are sited on or close to the boundary. May effect erection to the true line; NE boundary (to private property) not clearly defined due to overgrowth of bushes and trees and as above; total estimated cost to provide fencing on these two boundaries £300; May I suggest that the Estates Surveyor places pegs to show the current line before erection of a new fence is carried out. The property immediately adjoining the school frontage (NE corner of the site) is owned by the local baker who last year was required by the Local Authority to demolish an old timber structure which had become unsafe. Since this removal a section of the school boundary is exposed which formerly this building enclosed. Would you please request the Clerk of the County Council to request the owner to re-?erect and so enclose the property'; ?Sep 1970 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I estimate that the cost of providing a 6ft high chain link fence will be in the order of £300. There is no money available in the current estimates for this and I shall be pleased to have your instructions; Sep 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'A report has today been received from the Headmistress stating that a child sustained an accident from this broken fencing around the grassed area. I understand the children are continually being warned to keep away from the fence'; Oct 1970 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'With regard to your memo in respect of the erection of a 6' high chain link fence along one boundary. This Department is agreeable to erect the fence to prevent the school childrens activities being a nuisance to the adjoining house owners. The cost of this work has been included in the estimates for the work to be carried out during the 1971/72 financial year'; Dec 1970 Further memo; 'With regard to your memo concerning an accident to a child sustained from a section of broken boundary fencing. My Area Building Surveyor has contacted the Head Teacher and it is evident that this section of fencing is NOT owned by or the responsibility of this Authority. It is owned by the occupant of the adjoining property Mr I Murden of 105 High Street and forms the rear boundary of his garden and is in very poor condition. The repairs to the section of fencing for which this Authority is responsible and to which you may be referring were carried out during October of this year. I wish to draw your attention to the difficulty my Area Building Surveyor had in establishing the location along the boundary where the accident occurred. When requesting by telephone the facts of the case, the Head Teacher refused to identify the point on the boundary or the address and name of the house occupants. This necessitated unnecessary delay and visit just to establish the house address number. May I request that the Head Teacher be informed that, as was pointed out to her, that in a case of an accident that has been reported, the relevant facts have to be established, and it is unreasonable to deliberately withhold them. You will perhaps remember that funds have been requested during the next financial year to erect a 6' high chain link fence along this boundary to prevent school activities creating a nuisance to the adjoining owners'; Dec 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I have received a letter from the Parent Teacher Association asking when the swimming pool is going to be painted. I should be pleased if you will let me know as soon as possible whether you are proposing to undertake this work and if so, a rough indication as when it is likely to be carried out'; Nov 1970 Reply; 'This pool has been constructed with a self finish and regular and thorough cleaning is all that is necessary. I have made provision for the swimming pool to be painted internally prior to the commencement of the swimming season 1971'; Dec 1970 Letter from Department of Education & Science; 'I am directed by the Secretary of State to say that she approves, retrospectively, so far as her requirements are concerned, the Managers' proposal to carry out repairs at the school, at cost on tender of £1038..17s. The above expenditure provides for repairs to the roof. This Department should be informed as soon as possible of the total amount of the Authority's contribution towards the cost of the project, together with a brief statement showing component items'; Nov 1970 Invoice from M & WC Simons, Meppershall, for re-roofing the main roof over the School Hall and the Kitchen; total £1018..16s; Jun 1970 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I am now able to give you the amount of contribution the Local Education Authority should make towards the re-roofing of the school. The following items are applicable: The sum of £286 is the sum applicable to the roofed area over the kitchen, £3 is the sum proportionate for the repairs to gable ends and £6 is the proportion for the treatment of timbers, making a sum total of £295. You will no doubt inform the Ministry of these amounts'; Feb 1971 Letter from Headmistress; 'I am pleased to learn that this matter [fencing] is in hand, but I am not sure from your letter whether all the fencing needed is to be erected. Does this cover the boundary behind the houses and also extend across the northern end of the grassed area, to link up with the existing fence abutting on Mr Wetherall's where there is no fence at all?'; Dec 1970 Letter from County Architect to owners of properties abutting the school boundary: 95-105 High Street; 'During the year 1 Apr 1971 to 31 Mar 1972 this Authority intends erecting a boundary fence along a section of the playing field area, adjoining your property, in order to reduce the incidents of balls going beyond play areas and on the adjoining land, and to avoid school activities becoming a nuisance. On inspection of the site it would appear that in some instances, vegetation and trees have grown so as to overhang the boundary line and obstruct the erection of the new fencing. Your willing co-operation is sought in this matter to the benefit of all parties, by the trimming back of any vegetation of your property likely to be obstructing the line of fence. This will enable you to carry out any trimming or re-planting at a period most suitable to the respective plant. At the time of erecting the fence any overhanging vegetation will be trimmed back to line the fence, although our contractors will be requested to take every care, their site attendance may not coincide with that best suited to any particular plant. I trust you will readily assist my staff as you may be assured of their co-operation in this matter'; Mar 1971 Response from Greene King as owners of 95 High Street; 'I have investigated this matter and find that the boundary to which you object is in point adjacent to the premises which were known as the "Five Bells". This House is owned by Messrs Whitbread Brewery and has been closed for some time. I suggest therefore you redirect your request to them'; Mar 1971 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council; 'During a recent visit to the school my Area Building Surveyor noticed that efflorescent action of the internal plaster has caused damage to the decoration of the Assembly Hall wall under a large window, and partition wall to the School Kitchen on both sides. An examination of the area indicates the penetration of rain through the external brickwork joints may be the cause. Would you request the Church Authorities to carry out the necessary remedial work at an early date to avoid further damage to the structure'; Jun 1971 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer regarding site for cycle storage; 'A site was agreed with the School Managers' representative shortly after your correspondence Apr/May last year. This was to be adjacent to the area where climbing apparatus was to be erected, and care in checking clearances between the proposed site for cycle racks and the apparatus showed that this was adequate. I am surprised to learn that nothing further has happened and suggest that you get in touch with the Managers'; Jul 1971 Letter from Correspondent; 'At a recent meeting of the Managers, the lack of a boundary fence to the school playing field was very much the concern of the meeting. You will find from past correspondence that a considerable time ago you admitted that this fence was a necessity. The position worsens as time passes because children and dogs from neighbouring properties trespass freely during out of school hours. We have been informed by our Divisional Building Surveyor (Mr Hollingshead) that this work should be carried out this year and I have been instructed by the Managers to contact you again, pressing for urgent attention to this matter. A further length of unfenced boundary is that bordering onto land, for which we understand building development has been granted, and the Managers consider that this boundary also would be best fenced at the same time, to avoid possible trouble in the future'; Jul 1971 [with rough sketch] Memo from Chief Fire Officer; 'At the request of the Headmistress, an inspection has been made at the school regarding the storage of newspapers for salvage in an all timber shed. The shed is situated about 5' from the school premises and should fire occur involving it, there would be a risk of spread of fire to the school premises. It is recommended that the shed be moved to a position further away from the school and that until such time, the paper already stored be removed by the paper salvage collector and that further paper storage cease. It was noted during the visit that the battery operated fire alarm unit in the entrance hall had broken wall brackets and could easily be knocked off the wall, and the unit installed near to the telephone was inoperative due to flat batteries which were removed to prevent damage being caused to the unit'; Jul 1971 Letter from Correspondent; 'We are informed that fencing of all our, at present, unfenced boundaries is programmed to be erected in this current period. Some delay, which has been explained, has occurred. At a recent meeting of the Managers, it was reported that on part of this boundary, ground adjacent to ours, is due for building development commencing in Dec. The Managers feel that it would be preferable if our fencing could be completed prior to this date to avoid confusion and would be glad of your co-operation'; Oct 1971 Further Letter; 'I have to state that as promised, I brought the matter of the faulty brickwork before the Managers when they met 25 Jan last. They agree that this must be attended to and would be pleased to know the extent of the fault and your Architect's suggested treatment of the trouble'; Feb 1972 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I have received a letter from the Managers of the school informing me that the temporary fencing which was erected around the swimming pool as a safety precaution is still at the school and is proving something of a hazard on the playing field. I believe the cost of this was met from the swimming pool account. Also at the school are three off peak storage heaters which were provided in Dec 1965 and towards which the Managers contributed £24 of the total cost of £96. I understand that these heaters were used for two years only as they were not required when the extensions to the school were taken into use. Perhaps you could let me know whether these items could be collected from the school and used at other educational establishments and whether you consider the Managers should be reimbursed some part of their expenditure'; Feb 1972 Reply; 'With reference to your memo regarding the fencing (chestnut) now lying in the playing field area ...This material is not now needed in any of the schools in the immediate area and therefore, as you suggest, it could be collected and used to a good purpose at another educational establishment'; May 1972 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council; 'During a recent visit to the school, my Area Building Surveyor was informed that rain is penetrating the roof above the school kitchen area and along the line of a rain gutter between the school and the house building. Would you please request the Church Authorities to carry out the necessary remedial work at an early date to avoid damage to the internal structure'; Jun 1972 Legal Notice; 'Notice is hereby given in accordance with the provisions of Section 13(3) of the Education Act 1944, that we, the undersigned, propose to make a significant change in the character of Meppershall Church of England Voluntary Aided School, in the Rural District of Biggleswade, by providing for pupils within an age range of 5-9. For an interim period the school will be available for pupils within the age range of 5-10 or 5-11'; with note: 'Under the approved Scheme for the Re-organisation of Schools in Bedfordshire, Meppershall Aided VP School will become a Lower School. This will result in the age range of pupils being reduced from 5-11 to 5-9 and constitutes a change in character of the school'; Aug 1972 Reply from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'The suggestion that the cold water supply to the swimming pool plant room be carried underground should, if possible, be implemented with the work you propose as this would improve the circuit and give greater protection to the water service'; Jan 1973 Letter from County Architect to Anglia Water; 'Please find an application enclosed for the supply of water at the school. I understand that the meter will now supply the whole school and that in due course you will terminate the unmetered supply. The alterations to the building have been completed and the premises brought into use Sep 1974'; Jan 1975 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I have received a letter from the Correspondent to the Managers regarding work which the Managers wish to be done in order to clean up and finalise the extensions which are now nearing completion; 1) Paving in front of extension - £265.70; 2) Boundary wall repair - £175; 3) Softwood shed 22' x 8' x 7' (for cycle shed) - £669 including VAT; 4) Painting whole of existing exterior - £686.80 including VAT; 5) Repairing front fence where rotten - £22.50 including VAT; 6) Fix only, coat of arms and letters - School Name - £17.75 (plus approximately £40 for lettering); As you are no doubt aware, the items set out above are all outside the contracts of the school. Item 1) will cost less as the Managers have agreed to less paving. From earlier correspondence it has been agreed that the Authority will provide the cycle stands quite apart from any possible assistance we might wish to give towards the shed itself. I should be grateful if you would kindly let me know whether any of the items are the responsibility of the Authority'; Jun 1974 Reply; 'From the list of items, only those numbered 2 and 5 can be dealt with as maintenance in the strict sense of the word and on receiving a BM1 form from the Head Teacher I will instruct my Area Building Surveyor to place the work in hand. With regard to items 1, 3 and 6, these are items which if carried out would provide an element of improvement and as such should be provided by the School Managers. The final item, the external painting of the school building is a maintenance item for which the School Managers are responsible. If the Managers require any technical assistance on this point I should be pleased to assist'; Feb 1975 Further comments; 'My Area Building Surveyor who has visited the site and inspected various items as listed has raised a query on the cost of Item 3, the softwood shed 22' x 8' x 7' and even supposing that the concrete base was included in the price, considers it more than this Department would have considered a reasonable costing for this item. The same comment regarding Item 4 and the cost of external decoration would apply. My Area Surveyor has stated that he would be rather disappointed if a lower sum could not be obtained on competitive tender for this work, he has also indicated that there is a leak in the roof of the cycle shed and the chipboard decking is wet in approximately the centre of the structure'; Feb 1975 Reply; 'You agreed that the repair of the school fence and the boundary walls were the Authority's responsibility and requested the Headmaster to submit a form BM2 for the work to be done. The School Managers were notified of this 3 Mar 1975. However, you will appreciate that your memos were replies to my memos of 10 Jun and 18 Sep 1974 and because of the delay the School Managers had already arranged for the work to be undertaken before receipt of my letter. I have now received the bills for this work from the Managers, and under the circumstances I should be grateful if you would arrange for them to be paid'; May 1975 Paid invoices from J Justice, Builder & Contractor, Harlington; 1) Paving at front and side of classroom to match existing - £265.70; 2) Building new bicycle shed in softwood 22' x 8' x 7' made in shiplap boarding and creosoted, front open for easy access. Bottom plate approx 6" above concrete. Bolted to angle irons etc., - £669 (includes VAT @ 8%); 3) Repainting exterior of school, excluding new extension. Burn off flaked paintwork where required, prime, rub down, stop up. Undercoat and gloss to architect's specification - £686.80 (includes VAT @ 10%); 4) Supply and fix Perspex lettering on fascia as instructed by architects - £32.05; 5) Repair crack in flat roof of classroom 2 - £15 (includes VAT @ 8%); paid Jun 1975 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'With this memo are copies of documents relating to a claim on form 48A Schools [Jun 1975] for various works carried out at the school [as above, total claimed £1668.55]. I shall be grateful if you will kindly check the claim and let me know of any items which are the responsibility of the Local Education Authority and if the claim can be signed and forwarded to the Department of Education and Science'; Jul 1975 Letter from A Ward, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer; 'Further to my telephone conversation and a visit from the ground staff I wish to report severe waterlogging on the grass area adjacent to the playground. I am given to understand that alterations to nearby farm buildings have taken place and that these alterations concerned drainage. There has also been domestic development recently in the vicinity and I feel that this may have some bearing upon the problem'; May 1975 Letter from Senior Environmental Health Officer, Mid Bedfordshire District Council; 'Upon inspection of the premises, it was found that there is not an intervening ventilated space between the WC and the kitchen. Please will you arrange for a ventilated space to be provided as soon as possible'; Oct 1975 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I have received a letter from the Head Teacher complaining about the heating. I understand that she did complain to your Department early in Jan and although one of your Engineers or Contractor carried out certain repairs to the boiler installation it does not seem to have improved matters and temperatures are again very low, certainly less than the recommended 62 F. I should be grateful if a further inspection of the plant could be carried out and please let me know if there are any difficulties about improving the heating at this school'; Feb 1977 Memo from School Meals Service to County Architect; 'The kitchen is plagued with flies - there is a pig farm nearby. Can the kitchen have some appliance to counteract the flies. Shillington have recently been issued with some gadget (thought by the Area Organiser to be electrical) for the same purpose'; Aug 1977 Letter from Charter Building Design Group to County Architect; 'We were asked by Mr Firmin of the School Governors to investigate the problems of leakage to the first extension roof. We visited site with various sub-contractors all of whom are of the opinion that the old felt roof is breaking up (this being constructed of an earlier material than the more durable felt being used to date). After our initial investigations, the material was discussed with Mr Mathers who indicated that the County were, at the moment, using Messrs Andersons polyester based material in such situations as Meppershall finds itself. We have consequently obtained competetive quotations for the work: Briggs Amasco Ltd - £2358.50; Expert Roofing Ltd - £2010.86; Deck Roofing Ltd - £2633.80; The last two companies were recommended by Andersons, the suppliers of the polyester based material, and both have quoted the specification prepared by Andersons. You will see, therefore, that the lowest tender is from Expert Roofing Ltd, and on this basis we wrote to Mr Firmin and recommended the School Governors accept this quotation which they have now indicated by phone to us today as having done so. We are writing to you at this stage to clarify what the next move would be in putting this work in hand. we understand that the school could get a grant for this work, but we are not absolutely clear as to what forms require filling in, and how we go about approaching either yourselves or the Department of Education and Science relating to this grant, and the work involved. We would be grateful of your guidance on this matter'; Apr 1977 Reply; 'Please submit your report together with copies of quotations for the remedial work to the roof to the County Council's Chief Education Officer for submission to the Department of Education and Science for their approval. When approval has been received and the work put in hand, a claim for a grant should be made on Form 48 Schools which, again, should be forwarded via the Chief Education Officer to the Department of Education and Science who will pay 75% of the total cost, including fees'; Apr 1977 Letter from Charter Building Design Group to Architect's Department; 'We recently received a telephone message from yourselves indicating that we could authorise work to start at the school regarding the repair to the roof, on the understanding that we would be getting in writing from yourselves confirmation of this. We have not, as yet, received such confirmation and are, however, reluctant to act on a verbal instruction where so much money is beign expended'; Aug 1977 Form 48 Schools; claim for roof repairs totalling £2067.37; Dec 1977; Further claim for additional £266.76; Jun-Aug 1978 Letter from Mrs J Lunn, Headmistress, to County Architect regarding low temperatures in the school; 'Class 3 - 66 F; Class 2 - 60 F; Class 1 - 58 F; Hall - 56 F; Group Room - 56 F; Office - 60 F; 'These readings [taken at 10am] are very low when one takes into account each class has an electric heater on as well to supplement the heating system'; Nov 1977 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'My Area Building Surveyor reports that, as a resultof a routine visit to the school on a recent occasion, he feels that I should write to you and point out that unless urgent re-painting is carried out on the external timber work of the school, serious deterioration will rapidly take place. The paintwork has peeled badly allowing water penetration to the timber frames. Can I suggest that the Managers be advised as a first precaution to rub down and prime all these bare areas prior to a full re-painting scheme in the Spring'; Dec 1977 Memo from County Valuer & Estates Officer to County Architect regarding flooding of playing field; '1) Owing to the sunken nature of the grassed playing area, this forms a natural sump for all surface water falling on it; 2) In an extremely wet time it is possible that the water table is close to if not above the surface; 3) A generally damp condition prevailed during the last term, therefore the surface could have been puddled down by the effect of small feet, into an impervious layer; 4) Water which otherwise should flow into a piped ditch parallel with the southern boundary of the site may be overflowing on to our land but there was no obvious sign of water in any quantity washing its way into the school site and down the bank; 5) Natural drainage through the sub-strata may well have been obstructed by the swimming pool which is on the lower side of the general fall of the land; 6) It is doubtful if attention to the ditch and existing drain on the south side of the site would guarantee that flooding would never occur; 7) Three possible means of drainage do suggest themselves: a) a drain laid from the depression to the road on the south side of the school would be the cheapest, provided you could get access into the roadside storm water drain; b) if the pool has a drainage pump for emptying, could this be utilised; c) a large soakway excavated on the lower side of the swimming pool with drains from the low area into it'; Aug 1978 Letter from Correspondent to the Managers to Meppershall Parish Council; 'At a meeting of the Managers last evening, the flooding of the school site following the storm on the evening of 30 May last, was under discussion, and I was instructed to express our protest in writing. We would refer you to our letter to you dated 9 Feb 1979 in which it was pointed out that this threat of flooding will always exist in the event of heavy rainfall, due entirely to the inefficiency of the "lawn ditch" adjacent to the school premises. We requested urgent attention to this matter. You should know that following the Feb flooding, our own drainage of our site was considerably modified and improved, and has proved quite capable of coping with storm water normally, but is quite overwhelmed by the torrent from the ditch which continued to pour in until Friday night. On this occasion the silt found its way into the swimming pool which had to be drained, cleaned out and refilled. The only fortunate point for all concerned is that the children were on holiday otherwise they must have suffered a two days closure'; Jun 1979 Covering letter from Correspondent to the Managers to County Architect; 'You will remember a previous occasion when the school premises were flooded by the same cause and you personally inspected the situation. You will note that we have stated that the work completed by Dawsons of Shefford under the supervision of Mr Coleman has proved to be quite efficient. I understand, though only verbally, that a definite course of action has been decided by the Parish Council'; Jun 1979 Memo from County Architect to Chief Eduation Officer; 'I write to report that as stated by Mr Firmin [Correspondent] I have carried out a complete overhaul of the drainage system for surface water within the school premises. This consisted of providing new manholes and a new connection to storm water manholes on adjoining properties because existing drains had been broken and damaged by tree roots. This resulted in the system adequately coping with storm water within the confines of the school area and premises. During recent severe storms, however, this area was severely flooded by water coming down from higher adjacent land which was unable to escape through the system of ditches because they were blocked with rubbish. As can be seen by the letter which the Managers have despatched to the Parish Council we are now awaiting their response for requests that this system should be put back into order and suggest we await the outcome before taking action to support this letter'; Jul 1979 Invoice from C O Cook, Meppershall, for repainting exterior of school and replacing rotted wood; £360; Sep 1978 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'One item "Playground fencing" is the responsibility of the LEA and I shall be grateful if you will request the County Treasurer to remit the amount of £25 to the St Albans Diocesan Board of Finance'; Dec 1978 Form BM2; 'Class 1 midday today 59 F. Can anything be done to improve heating as some children are having to wear overcoats'; Nov 1979 Letter from Chief Education Officer to Mrs J F Lunn, Headmistress; 'The County Architect has informed me that the cause of the low classroom temperatures is poorly fitting external classroom doors and heaters which are badly sited. As these matters are Managers' responsibility perhaps you will ask them to obtain advice from the School Architect concerned'; Dec 1979 Letter from Chief Education Officer to Headmistress; 'The County Architect has confirmed that his Engineer inspected the school heating plant and found it to be working to the best of its capabilities. He recommends that the heaters should be moved to more favourable positions near outside walls and suggest that a qualified Consultant Engineer should be requested to recalculate the heat losses and check them against the performance of the system. This matter was reported to you in my letter of 14 Dec 1979 which also mentioned poorly fitting classroom external doors. They were not referred to on this occasion and I wonder if they have been attended to'; Dec 1980 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect; 'I refer to my memo 8 Dec 1980 regarding the supplying and fitting of draught excluders to the main doors and windows at the school, to which I do not seem to have received a reply. I should be grateful if you would inspect the work and confirm that the work is satisfactory and also let me know whether any part of the cost is the responsibility of the Authority'; Jan 1981 Form BM2; 'Mr Firmin, Correspondent to the Managers, telephoned about the playground being flooded and said he had tried to clear the drains himself without success. He had phoned Biggleswade Office but Mr Cope had gone to other employment and Mr Newton was unable to help. Mr Firmin has given an order to Dawsons to clear the drains and Mr Inskipp has asked him to send the bill when it arrives. Please be prepared to issue a covering order and pay the account'; Jul 1980 Letter from Clerk of Meppershall Parish Council to Chief Education Officer; 'We have received from the District Engineer a copy of a letter on flooding at the school, dated 20 May 1980, which had apparently gone astray'; Sep 1980 Letter from District Engineer to Clerk of Meppershall Parish Council; 'I confirm my opinion that the ditch is privately owned and that when I examined it, I could find nothing which would warrant action under the Land Drainage Act 1976. As far as the school is concerned, I feel the County Architect could be asked to look at the whole question of surface water drainage, particularly in respect of the playground, when improvements could well be made'; May 1980 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I have carried out works necessary to eliminate the problem of flooding in the playground area and would hope this problem has now been drawn to a conclusion'; Oct 1980 Memo from County Planning Officer to County Architect regarding a twin-stemmed willow tree; 'One of the stems is split and has fallen onto the boundary fence. Would you please arrange for the broken stem to be cut back to ground level, to reduce risk of children being injured should the tree fall'; Jan 1981 Form BM2 regarding areas requiring re-decoration; 'Group Room, Pugmill Room and Office - water damage resulting from leaking roof; Hall Wall - plaster is crumbling; Boys Toilet; Class 3 - Wall in cloakroom area, edge is crumbling. Wall by heater; Class 2 - Wall in cloakroom is crumbling. Corner of wall near heater is crumbling; Class 1 - Wall by Wendy House, corner is crumbling. Entrance Lobby'; Mar 1981 Quotation from M & J Felt Roofing, Kempston, for roof repairs; 'Stripping stones and bedding in hot bitumen; 1/2" fibre insulation board; make waterproof with one layer hyperbase (high tensile felt) and top layer of superflex (high tensile felt) each layer sealed in hot bitumen and finished with white spar chippings; renew alloy edging; skirtings formed to roof lights and brickwork in superflex green mineral; 3 No. renew roof vents; for £1490 [before VAT]; May 1981 Letter from Charter Building Design Group to Area Building Surveyor, Mid-Bedfordshire District Council; 'We have been called in by the School Governors to try and establish the reasons for the leaking roof. To this end we have asked M & J Felt Roofing to attend site to give us their advice. Our conclusions are that whilst the roof is generally in reasonable repair, there are certain bubble areas which we feel do constitute a hazard. There is also the problem of the integral gutter, and it is from here that the majority of the leakage is occurring. It is our intention to fill this gutter with lightweight aggregate concrete to bring it up to the level of the surrounding roof, and then to employ M & J Felt Roofing to put a new roof covering over the existing. A copy of their quotation showing the specification is enclosed. We would point out that we have had the estimate checked by our Quantity Surveyor, and they feel it is very reasonable in view of the fact that it is remedial work. We also enclose a copy of a drawing showing our proposals (scale 1:5) and it is our intention to obtain from Dawson's of Shefford a budget price for carrying out the builders work involved in filling the old gutter and reducing the existing parapet to enable the fitting of the outside gutter'; May 1981 Estimate from Dawson's for Works to Flat Roof based on accompanying drawing (scale 1:5); £574.20 [before VAT]; May 1981 Letter from Assistant Schools Officer, St Albans Diocesan Education Committee, to Chief Education Officer; 'Water from leaks in the roof is filtering into the electrical wiring system and thus causing a dangerous situation. The electrical wiring has been checked, and will be re-checked after the work has been completed. As the total cost is well below the Department's limit for repairs, the Governors are instructing the contractor to go ahead, but I thought you might like details of the work proposed, all of which, incidentally, is Governors financial responsibility'; Jun 1981 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer; 'I am afraid I was not able to let you have my comments on the proposed remedial work on the flat roof before 3 Jul. However, I think it will be necessary to check whether the proposals will upgrade the thermal insulation of the roof - the current DES standard requires a "U" value of 0.6; and whether there is a satisfactory fall to the proposed gutter. Of course, if it is proposed to upgrade the thermal insulation of the roof it will be equally necessary to predict any condensation problems which might accrue, and to deal with such matters'; Jul 1981 Memo from County Architect to Mr S Johnson, Education Department; 'A section of the Assembly Hall floor collapsed owing to wood rot, a temporary repair has been made, but a new solid floor with hardwood block finish will be laid as soon as possible. One of the causes to deterioration of the floor is the slate DPC [Damp Proof Course], this has broken down allowing dampness to affect the floor timbers. As the DPC is the Governors responsibility, could you please advise them as soon as possible. It is imperative that a new DPC by injection method is carried out at each gable end before a new floor is laid. The approximate cost for DPC injection would be £180'; Jul 1981 Tender from BMH Construction Company (Clifton) Ltd for Flooring Works was successful for £3,612; Sep 1981 Letter from Headmistress to County Architect; 'During the Summer Term, I discovered that our hall floor was rotten, and the Authority agreed to replace it with a beautiful, expensive Super Parket floor, which will probably outlast the school building. Our local Surveyor, Mr Grinwood, said he would look into the possibility of redecorating the walls of the hall, whch haven't seen a coat of paint for at least ten years. However, it appears there are no funds available for the purpose. I feel it would be in the Authority's own interest, having invested all this money in a new floor, to complete the job by giving the hall a coat of paint, so that all the walls are the same colour. At the moment, quite honestly, the hall looks rather like some depressing run down, inner city school. The plaster is crumbling, due to age. We have a variety of colours on the walls, a dark revolting green wall, two dirty grey walls, covered with dust from the work done, and one off white wall, as well as pink paintwork underneath the kitchen hatch. I do appreciate that funds are limited, however when I see other schools, with falling rolls, having new extensions with luxurious decor and plush furnishings, my own request for a coat of paint seems very modest, and I feel Meppershall is being somewhat neglected'; Nov 1981 Further letter; 'Recently the Governors received the Architect's Quinquennial Report on the structure of the school. Although the report was on the structure of the building, which is the Governor's responsibility, he included a quite detailed list of internal repairs which need doing. Our school has not been redecorated for at least ten years, and there are many things which need attention. I have studied the report and have listed the main points of this report, in order to bring to your attention the state of the school; Classroom 1: Hardwood edging around sink distorted; Taps to lavatory basins are tight, need taking apart, cleaning and repairing; edges of walls crumbling, need repair; Classroom 2: Plaster in cloakroom area has fallen away; edges of walls need repair, crumbling; door binds on frame, needs easing; Classroom 3: Edges of walls badly damaged, need repairing; Girls' Toilets; Cubicle latches stiff; taps stiff; Boys' Toilets: Door needs easing; taps tight; broken W C seat; General Office: Door to hall needs adjustment; Front Classroom: Some dampness near kiln room door; hot tap requires treatment; Boiler: Door to boiler requires easing to ensure it fits tight in its frame. This is essential as door must shut correctly to maintain its fire integrity; Kitchen and Ancillary Areas: Door to lobby from kitchen is warped, does not shut correctly; roller shutter to hall should be adjusted as soon as possible; tiled bench in larder is badly chipped; legs supporting bench are rusted; Hall: North West corner, brickwork blowing due to lime in bricks becoming damp; fire door needs adjusting; The Architect also indicated throughout the report that there was a need for general redecoration. I am aware that there is no redecorating being done in schools, but felt you would wish to know what state our school is in'; Nov 1981 Invoices from Dawsons (Shefford) Ltd; Carrying out work to flat roof - £660.33; Oct 1981; Taking down ceiling and carting away; supplying and fixing plasterboard, skimming and redecorating ceiling - £144.26; Oct 1981 Invoice from R Clark (Electrical Contractors) Ltd, Barton; Testing electrical installation after roof repairs - £21.85; Sep 1981 Invoice from M & J Felt Roofing Ltd, Kempston; replacing roofing felt - £1,713.50; Sep 1981 [all include VAT @ 15%] Form 48a Schools; claim to Department of Education and Science for £2539.94 [as above]; Nov 1981

Stored off site - 2 working days notice required to retreive from storage. Please contact us.

file

MEPPERSHALL, Meppershall Voluntary Aided County Primary School, Meppershall State Schools