Scope and Content
Includes:
Letter from Charter Building Design Group, Chartered Architects, 3a Woburn Street, Ampthill: "We are expanding the Luton office of this practice and are moving on 11 Jan 1973 to new and larger premises at Ebbisham House, 31 Castle Street, Luton LU1 3AG. Our partners Mr Harrison, Mr Huckleby and Mr Miller will continue to practice from this new address." 10 Jan 1973
Similar letter from CBDG, 2 Union Street, Luton: "We shall be practicing from our new and larger offices near the Castle Street roundabout." 5 Jan 1973
Letter from J W Westley, John Laing Research and Development Ltd, Manor Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, to County Architect: "I am investigating the construction industry's use of Codes of Practice on behalf of the British Standards Institution. Several organisations in all sectors of the construction industry have co-operated by answering a preliminary questionnaire and by granting me an interview at which representatives from various levels of authority answered a few questions about Codes of Practice. To complete the picture for the whole of the construction process we should like to investigate the use of Codes of Practice in other types of organisations. We do not think that a preliminary questionnaire of the type answered by industrial organisations has any relevance to your case. We should, however, be grateful if you agree to co-operate by allowing us to ask a small group of representatives from the relevant departments in your organisation a few questions about Codes of Practice. Any discussions would be arranged at your convenience and would not last more than about an hour. All discussions and results of the survey will be confidential. I should be very pleased if you would write or telephone me to arrange a suitable date and time." 30 Jan 1973
Reply: "I confirm that my deputy, Mr Chalk, and other selected members of my staff will be pleased to meet you at 3.30pm Mon 12 Feb to discuss the Use of Codes of Practice. I enclose a map of Bedford to assist you in finding County Hall. My department is on the fifth floor of the building." 2 Feb 1973
Letter from Geoff Bradley, Chairman, Research into Child Blindness, Garrick House, Drysdale Street, London N1, to Mr Leslie Bold, Chairman, Bedfordshire County Council: "Would you have any objection to our buying the waste computer paper and punched cards from your organisation? This material is very badly needed for resale; we buy vital research equipment with the profit. We never accept money - we pay you. Can you help?" 7 Aug 1973
Reply from Clerk of the County Council: "Alderman Bowles the Chairman of the County Council has asked me to thank you for your letter and to say that at the present time the Council have an arrangement with a Waste Paper Company who buy their waste computer paper and other waste paper (we do not use punched cards). If at some future date tenders are being invited for the purchase of the Council's waste paper, I will ask the County Architect to get in touch with you." 14 Aug 1973
Letter from W H Cork, Gully & Co, Guildhall House, 81-87 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7DS, regarding John Walsh (Builders) Ltd in liquidation: "In accordance with the provisions of Section 299 of the Companies Act 1948, we wish to report further on the progress of this liquidation ...The only matter delaying the closing of the liquidation is the finalisation of taxation matters involving negotiation of tax losses available to the subsidiary Company to which the business and certain assets were agreed to be transferred prior to the commencement of the winding-up. As soon as this matter is finalised a further small distribution can be made to preferential Creditors and the liquidation closed. We regret that there does not appear to be any possibility of sufficient realisations to discharge the preferential liabilities in full and enable any distribution to be made to Unsecured Creditors. In compliance with the provisions of Section 299 of the Companies Act 1948, it is necessary to convene a formal Meeting of the Members and Creditors and Notice of these Meetings is attached. However, at these Meetings the liquidation account attached and the report contained in this letter will be placed before the Meetings. If you desire any further information we will do our best to supply it upon hearing from you." 29 May 1974
Liquidators' Account of Receipts and Payments 26 Jan 1967 to 25 Jan 1974
Notice is hereby given pursuant to Section 299 of the Companies Act 1948, that a General Meeting of the Members of John Walsh (Builders) Limited will be held at the Offices of W H Cork, Gully & Co, Chartered Accountants of 19 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1DA, on Wed 3 Jul 1974 at 11.45am to be followed at 12 noon by a General Meeting of the Creditors for the purpose of receiving an account of the Liquidator's Acts and Dealings and of the conduct of the Winding-up to date. (Joint Liquidators N H Russell, M A Jordan); 29 May 1974
Letter from A C Hetherington, Secretary to the Association of County Councils, Eaton House, 66a Eaton Square, Westminster SW1W 9BH, to Chief Executive: "The Department of the Environment, in association with the Department of Education and Science, the Department of Health and Social Security and the Home Office, is developing further the available indices needed to monitor tender prices for public sector construction work. The indices will provide a basis for estimating the effect on tenders of shortening the minimum period for variation of price contracts and also in the longer term for monitoring prices for general purposes. At present indices are available for house building and road building contracts and they will shortly be available for water and sewerage works. The Departments now aim to extend this coverage to include educational buildings (represented by primary schools). social service buildings and police buildings. The DoE has consulted the local authority Associations and is at present consulting the National Federation of Building Trades Employers on a proposal that local authorities should lend the Department, preferably for a few weeks, copies of the priced bills of quantities for contracts selected by the central government departments concerned from their routine lists of tenders let. Subject to certain safeguards, the local authority Associations have agreed to the proposed procedure as it is felt that considerable benefits accrue to local authorities from the maintenance of the indices. The confidentiality of the bills will be fully respected and the information used solely for statistical purposes. The Department will be issuing a circular setting out in detail the arrangements and the purpose of this letter is to inform local authorities of the likelihood of the extension of the monitoring procedure in the near future." 26 Jun 1974
20 year Guarantee from the Charter Preservation Company, 21 Stuart Road, Kempston, for Chemical Damp-Proofing Treatment at Campton County Primary School; contract completed 9 May 1974, guarantee dated 28 Jun 1974
Letter from W P Caves, Caves Decorators, 12 Hornes End Road, Flitwick, to County Architect: "We are pleased to inform you that we are now in a position to extend our services to glazing and would be pleased to give prompt attention to all your requirements in this field, covering a radius of 20 miles." 11 Jul 1974
Letter from L Chambers & Son, Builders and Maintenance Contractors, 61 Rowan Crescent, Biggleswade, to County Architect: "Due to increased costs we have been compelled to raise our day rates from £1.50 per hour to £1.70 per hour. This rate will apply to our next accounts submitted." 2 Sep 1974
Letter from Paint & Painting Industries' Liaison Committee (via Association of County Councils): "I am writing to request your Authority's support for making the best use of painting resources during winter months. For many years, the painting and decorating industry has suffered a serious wastage of skilled labour due to lack of interior maintenance work in winter, with loss of earnings and a sense of insecurity. The Paint & Painting Industries' Liaison Committee (on which both manufacturers and applicators are represented) now wishes to point out that there is a serious danger of a recession later this year. It would be in clients' interest to defer to the winter months as much work as possible. The Committee is aware that the level of local authority expenditure was reduced earlie this year. It understands, however, that the Property Services Agency of the Department of the Environment has achieved economies by deferring new construction and alterations to existing buildings, rather than by cutting back on painting and essential maintenance. It is hoped that local authorities will follow a similar policy. While recognising that much external redecoration can only be carried out in the better weather, the Committee considers that there is now a strong case for spreading most other worh throughout the year." 28 Oct 1974
Letter from Trevor Crocker & Partners, Chartered Engineers, Drive House, 323-339 London Road, Mitcham, Surrey, to B.A.S. Auto Heating Ltd., Oakstone Works, Dudley Street, Leighton Buzzard: "We are writing to confirm our telephone conversation of yesterday concerning completion of outstanding items at Stockwood Park Golf Pavilion as follows: 1) Filter still required for kitchen Extract Fan; 2) Quotation required for automatic shutters for Bar Extract Fan; 3) Quotation required for fitting grille to side of Kitchen Extract Canopy; 4) Stewards flat to be balanced; 5) Commissioning figures and air flow rates to be supplied; 6) Two radiators still require balancing; 7) One heating pump still not functioning correctly; 8) Some ceiling tiles have been removed by ductwork erectors. Have arrangements been made for their replacement?; 9) Record drawings and instruction manuals required; We understand that you will be attending to these points within the next few days and we will telephone you again shortly after Christmas to make arrangements for a final inspection to be made. Mr V Burrage of Bedfordshire County Council would like to be present on this occasion and it will be necessary to arrange this meeting for a date which will also be convenient to him." 18 Dec 1974
Letter from County Planner to J G Lawrence Gibbs, Honorary Treasurer, Central Committee for the Architectural Advisory Panels, 4 Hobart Place, London SW1W 0HY: "Now that we are considering our draft budget for the year 1975/76, I feel that I should write to you about our future relationship to the Committee. This County has for many years, as you well know, supported the Committee in all of its work. My predecessor up to 1965 Peter Lawes, was a very good friend of the Committee and I myself have had the privilege of serving sometime on the Committee as representative for the Royal Town Planning Institute. In nearly ten years in this County I have had the help of an extremely competent Advisory Panel made up of architects from private practice, from the staff of the County Architect's Department and from the staffs of constituent local authorities. Perhaps because of the sterling work done by this Panel, there is now some move within the Districts to set up a similar sort of body at District level. We do, however, have four District Councils and their views in no way coincide. Whilst one may well rely upon its own internal architectural service, another bids fair to have a full blown independent Panel. Rather as we surmised, our needs in this respect at County level have dwindled almost to nothing. The great mass of planning applications are dealt with by the District Council quite independent of the County Council. Apart from minerals applications, the only ones which now come our way are the big ones and the difficult ones. It follows that when matters of advice are at issue, we have our hands full. We have not thought it sufficient to rely on the sieving process of a Panel but to have the more positive resources of an Architects Department behind us. We have accordingly disbanded the County Panel and when we need design advice we enjoy the full resources of the County Architect's Department. You would expect me to have commended the activities of our erstwhile Panel to the new Districts - and this I have done. In the circumstances, however, we feel it at the present time not unreasonable that any contribution to your funds should flow from the District Councils and not from the County Council. We hope, therefore, that you will appreciate that whilst we stand four-square behind you, we do not consider at the present time that it would be appropriate for us to make a financial donation to your activities." 14 Jan 1975
Letter from County Architect to A C Hetherington, Secretary to the Association of County Councils: "I have read the British Standards Institute policy statement and am impressed with the scope of the programme it sets out. On the question of the promotion of standards and services by those who can benefit from them it could be that the standards are still considered minimum standards by many competent manufacturers in the building industry. This no doubt has a limiting effect - which will be overcome if the standards were seen to have a wider application and a direct parallel with manufacturers own products. The Health and Safety at Work Act covers the use of materials and component manufacture and no doubt BSS's and CPs will need to embrace this aspect too." 24 Mar 1975
Letter from R Clark (Electrical Contractors) Ltd, 4 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay to County Architect regarding overdue retentions, sundry contracts: "We would be very grateful if you would arrange to finalise the following Contracts: 1) Shefford Lower School, Wrights of Langford, completed Nov 1974, final account agreed; 2) Shefford Upper School, Neville Builders, completed 1973, various additions until 1975; 3) Northfields Upper School, Neville Builders; 4) Kempston School for Physically Handicpped Children, A G Baxter & Co, Feb 1975 final account, plus AI 75 Jan 1976, practical completion Jan 1975; 5) Day Centre, Conduit Road, Bedford, Birch & Chesser Ltd, final account Dec 1974 plus AI 74 Feb 1975; 6) Harlington Upper School, a reduction in the retention monies would be appreciated; 7) Priory School Dunstable, Jarvis Harpenden Ltd, final account Apr 1974, retention 15 months overdue; 8) Child Reception Centre Marsh Farm Luton, Mowcliffe Ltd, final account Oct 1974, extras £34.50 since that date, plus £286.90; 9) Leighton Linslade, Swimming Pool, Sports Facilities, please reduce the retention monies to 2 1/2%; 10) Kempston Special School, Austin Cannons, John Wilmott Ltd, final account Dec 1974." 15 Jan 1976
Letter from R Schreiner, C & S Decorators, 26 Windmill Lane, Raunds: "Please note that as from Mar 1976 will you please forward all correspondence concerning Mr Coull to 35 Stancliffe Road, Bedford" [sticker with new address covers old address for Mr Coull] 29 Feb 1976
Letter from Kevin Calvert, Calvert Photography, Bainson House, Alton Road, Luton LU1 3NS: "Since Calvert Photography started in Oct 1975 we have specialised mainly in commerical, industrial and architectural photography. We also undertake aerial photography, building progress photography, works functions, press photography and produce very good colour portraits for the board room and the home. Our sophisticated equipment includes cameras with formats from 5" x 4" to 35mm, capable of dealing with a wide range of photography. We also have a comprehensive range of portable electronic flash, equally suitable for colour and black and white. Working in close contact with industrial designers we are able to offer professional advice on brochures and all forms of publicity material." [with list of prices] Feb 1976
Letter from Conquest Construction Ltd, 24 Cardiff Road, Luton LU1 1PP: "As from Mar 15 our address will be 34 Ashton Road, Luton"; Mar 1976
Letter from County Architect to J Garne, Chief Education Officer, Oxfordshire County Council: "I refer to Cliffbond Ltd, Bedford, and your letter of 21 Jun 1976. The firm Cliffbond Ltd is not on my Department's approved list of Landscape Contractors. However, the firm Alan Miller Contracting (Cardington Landscapes Ltd) is an associate company of this particular firm which has been temporarily suspended from my Department's approved list pending clarification of the company's financial position. Alan Miller Contracting has undertaken soft landscaping works to Lower Schools and children's homes for the County Council and the standard has been generally fair; however, you will appreciate that in view of the firm's present position I cannot recommend this firm to you at this moment in time. I trust that these comments will be of use to you." 30 Jun 1976
Letter from L Chambers & Son, Builders and Maintenance Contractors, 61 Rowan Crescent, Biggleswade and 23 Eastdale Close, Kempston, to County Architect: "As from 12/8/76 due to the increase in wages for operatives and other costs we are increasing our rates from £2 to £2.20 per hour." 12 Aug 1976
Letter from County Architect to Carlton Main Brickworks Ltd, High Street, Grimethorpe, nr Barnsley: "Thank you for your letter and attached pamphlet dated 1 Dec illustrating the bricks supplied by your firm, this has been placed in the Technical Library for future reference." 2 Dec 1976
Letter from W H Cork, Gully & Co, regarding David Charles Construction Ltd (in Receivership) and subsidiary companies: David Charles Construction (Midlands) Ltd; David Charles Construction (Northampton) Ltd; David Charles Construction (Tamworth) Ltd; A E Symes Ltd (in Receivership); A E Symes (City) Ltd; "An informal Meeting of the Principal Creditors of the Construction Group of David Charles Ltd was convened and held on 16 Dec last to explain the financial position of David Charles Construction Ltd and its subsidiary companies, following the appointment of Barclays Bank Ltd on 15 Oct 1976 of Michael Jordan and Douglas Hawkins of this Firm as Joint Receivers and Managers of David Charles Construction Ltd and A E Symes Ltd ...Creditors were informed that it had been found that since 1 Jul 1974, the trading of the Construction Group had been carried out through subsidiary companies acting as agents for the parent company, David Charles Construction Ltd. Legal advice has been sought on the position arising out of these agency agreements and the Receivers are advised that all assets of the Construction Group vest in the parent company and the Creditors generally must have a right of claim against the parent company but subject to the prior changes prescribed by the Barclays Bank Debenture." [9 pages, plus approximate combined statement of affairs as at 15 Oct 1976 and Notes to the approximate combined statement of affairs] 4 Feb 1977
Letter from Bernard L Clark, Bernard L Clark & Partners, 39 Victoria Street, London SW1, to Norman White, County Architect: "Thank you so much for your letter of 15th instant, I was very sad to learn of John Barker's death. Few people realise the great service rendered [to] the construction profession and industry by John Barker's and indeed your whole Council, by their honest and open minded attitude in the affair of the County Hall. The knowledge made available for others to study has without doubt prevented many similar problems, primarily because there were so many unique features and problems to which solutions were sought, the report became almost a 'bible' and was eagerly requested from many parts of the world. How I wish that this same attitude would prevail in many of the current problems, rather than the gross 'covering up' and seeking of ridiculous 'scapegoats', so that time and again one sees the same bad design or faults perpetrated in the design of bridges, roads, buildings etc. As you probably know, I lecture a great deal on the subject of 'Structural Failures' but the ever growing list of failures seems a most dreadful indictment on our supposed technological advances. Perhaps 'paradox' would be a better word, as I find young engineers particularly, always interested in the subject, but for some reason, failures seem to get more prolific as the years go on, with the same simple basic faults often repeated. Maybe we will see a 'chair' of 'structural failures' at one of our Universities one day and the gap between sound design and 'near miss' type of design, much narrower." 20 Dec 1977
Letter from C F Heating (Prop. Bravworth Heating Ltd), Newnham House, 4 Horne Lane, Bedford: "Having recently received a cheque from you for engineering services, we would respectfully point out that the Company name has been changed to that which is above and would be grateful if various Departments within the Council could be informed." [no indication what previous name was] 16 Jan 1978
Letter from A E Fry, Director, Ceiling Consultants Ltd, Allric House, 21 Farley Hill, Luton LU1 5EE: "Due to the diverse fields of operation within the building industry, which our Company now operates, it has proved necessary to restructure and consolidate our activities. As part of this reorganisation, the Ceilings Division in future will be carried out by our Associate Company, Ceicon Co-Ordinated Services Ltd., in order that it can develop and prosper in its own right. The previous personalities, service and expertise provided will remain and continue and we would appreciate it if you could kindly address all future enquiry correspondence as follows: Ceicon Co-Ordinated Services Ltd, Kingswood House, Woburn Road, Heath & Reach, LU7 0AP. This change of policy is effective from 1 Jun 1979 and we trust that this rearrangement will prove beneficial to both our organisations. We will keep you well informed of any future changes and developments, as part of our continuing policy to improve our services. P.S. Kingswood House address and telephone number will be operative from 2 Jul 1979." received 19 Jul 1979
Letter from W P Caves, 12a Hornes End Road, Flitwick, MK45 1HJ [very faded]: "With effect from 1/10/79, Caves Decorators and W P Caves become one firm trading under the name of W P Caves & Son. This change is designed with the long term intent of strengthening the standard of service we offer, reducing overheads and keeping increases in costs to a minimum. Please therefore note the following: 1) All outstanding orders and quotations will be honoured by W P Caves & Son; 2) Invoices for work in hand will be rendered by W P Caves & Son; 3) Payments due on outstanding invoices should be paid to W P Caves or Caves Decorators as appropriate (early settlement of these accounts will be much appreciated). Management and staff remain the same and should you have any questions please contact W P or B D Caves. We take this opportunity of thanking you for your past business and hope the change made will be of ultimate benefit to you. Assuring you of our best attention at all times." Sep 1979
Letter from Cleerburn Ltd, 1 High Street, Slough: "We thank you for your telephone enquiry today, regarding the disposal of approximately 30lbs/hr of compacted security waste by Incineration. We feel the most suitable size and model of Incinerator for your purposes would be the Cleerburn Model RL20PR as described in our enclosed leaflet. We trust this information is satisfactory but should you require any more details, please do not hesitate to contact us." [with brochure, price list and extensive list of customers] 21 Mar 1980
Letter from Steven P Cockburn, 19 Manor Close, Bromham: "I am a pupil in the upper sixth form of Wootton Upper School. As a final year project for my Design and Technology 'A' level course I have been given the following design brief: 'Design a bus shelter for a busy city centre stop. The shelter is to contain a vandal-proof information indicator system. Information such as frequency, delays, and current hold-ups will thus be immediately available to awaiting passengers. The realisation is to be in the form of a full size indicator system and a scale model of the shelter.' At present I am researching the problem and would be very pleased if you could help me in any way. I am particularly interested in the structure of bus shelters generally; and it would be of great advantage to me if you could send me any information as to their design and construction." received 29 Aug 1980
Reply from County Architect: "No doubt by now you will have received a telephone call from Mr David Robinson, my Technical Librarian and Information Officer, giving you guidance as to where to obtain the details you require. I hope you will be successful with your project." 29 Aug 1980