CA8/244

(M281). Southill County Primary School.

1965-1975

From: 1965 To: 1975

Includes: Letter from S G Pickles, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "There are many occasions in the normal school week when the use of water is necessary in the classroom. Apart from the need to be able to wash one's hands without putting on outdoor clothing and walking twenty or thirty yards in sometimes wintry weather, water is needed for various forms of art and craft, for various science experiments, for watering indoor plants and in the Infant Room for water play. While it would be desirable to have water on tap in each classroom it would be a great help to have at least one supply of water in the main school building. A work's order has just been sent to Mr H Bull of Sandy to convert the old kitchen to a staff room. There is water already connected to this room which is built on to the main school building and it should not be a difficult or expensive job to run water into the main school building [with rough sketch of school layout showing areas where water is required (Classroom II) and where water would be desired (Classrooms I, II, III)]; 8 Feb 1965 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "I refer to the conversation which you had with my Deputy on 22 Apr 1965. The Parents' Association at the school has now raised sufficient funds to contribute towards the cost of a learner-type swimming pool of size 48' x 24' x 3' and an order has been placed for the pool and it is expected to be delivered on 21 May 1965. The Headmaster and Mr Henderson have provisionally agreed a site for the pool on an area of grass next to the school playground, and I should be grateful to know if you would have any objections to this proposed site." 23 Apr 1965 Reply: "I have no objection to the pool being sited on the area of grass referred to, but the position on this grass area is important. I am preparing a drawing showing the position for the pool which will permit any further additional classroom block to be accommodated. A copy of this drawing will be forwarded to you as soon as it has been completed." 30 Apr 1965 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "The agent for the Southill Estates has informed me that at a recent meeting of the Parish Council it was reported that the chain link fencing on the eastern boundary of the playing field was broken and in a dangerous state of repair. I should be grateful if you could arrange for this fence to be inspected and the necessary repairs carried out." 27 May 1965 Note from E Hollinshead [reply]: "An order was issued on 25 May 1965 to Messrs Bull of Sandy to give urgent attention to the necessary repairs." Letter from County Architect to Headmaster: "Thank you for your kind invitation to attend the Garden Fete on 19 Jun. I regret that owing to a previous engagement I shall not be able to accept. I was a little concerned to note, by the way, that you hope to have the swimming pool in use by that day. I think it most unlikely that all the work in connection with the construction of the pool and connecting it up to electricity supply will have been done by then. You probably are aware that the Authority in conjunction with a number of schools have a considerable programme of providing these swimming pools this year, and all the work is being requested in the current month, and I think I am right in saying that in the case of your school it is only recently that you have decided to go ahead with it and it has been added to the list of this year's programme. I hope, therefore, that you will not be too disappointed if in fact it is not possible to complete all the work in time for your Garden Fete." 10 Jun 1965 Reply: "I had a letter last week from Sussex Pools who have assured me that the pool would be complete with all its equipment by Thu this week. The hut to house the filter plant was erected last week. The Parent Teacher Association decided to go ahead with a pool last Oct and it was then that I informed the Authority. Unfortunately the Authority did not reply to my letter for nearly four months which caused the delay in placing this school on the programme." 14 Jun 1965 Letter from County Architect to Mr W J Clark [Secretary, Southill Parish Hall Fund], Pecks Piece, Stanford: "The Director of Education has informed me that the Trustees of the Parish Hall are agreeable to the Hall being used by pupils of the school on three occasions each week for a period of two hours on each occasion, for the purpose of P.E. and Movement activities. They will also require some lockable storage facilities for the items of equipment such as a tape recorder and radio. I understand the the Trustees have agreed to allow the School to commence use of the Hall pending the completion of a formal agreement. Will you please let me have your terms based on the weekly use of the Hall so that I can report to my appropriate Committee." 27 Oct 1965 Reply: "It appears from the letting book that Mon, Wed and Fri are the days used by the pupils. In order that no misunderstanding regarding the six hourly letting, and before such an agreement regarding on which days of the week are used, the Committee would like to point out that on five occasions in the year there [are] events organised which fall on a Fri evening, which necessitate seating arrangements to be carried out on a Thu evening, which means in effect that the main hall is not available on Fridays. To avoid a clash of events the Committee would like to feel that there is a certain amount of flexibility regarding the Fri letting, and perhaps on these occasions a Thu would suffice. As you know, up to the present time no particular days have been mentioned. I would be pleased to have your views on this matter." 13 Dec 1965 Letter from Clerk of the County Council to W J Clark: "I understand from the County Architect that the following terms have been agreed with the Southill Parish Hall Committee for the use by the County Council of the Parish Hall, Southill, for the purpose of P.E. and Movement activities: Rent - £2..10s per School week; The Council to have the use of the Parish Hall on three occasions of each School week for approximately two hours on each occasion; The tenancy to commence on 11 Oct 1965, and to be determinable by either party giving to the other one month's notice in writing expiring at any time; The Committee to provide storage facilities for items of equipment such as a tape recorder and radio; The Council to be responsible for any damage, loss or breakage other than that which is beyond its control; The Council to ensure that all outside doors and windows are fully secured before leaving the Hall and also to shut the gate on to the road; If you have no objection I would prefer as a matter of administrative convenience for the rent to be paid quarterly in arrear, the first payment to be made on the next quarter day, i.e. 25 Mar 1966, and to be in respect of the period from 11 Oct 1965 to 25 Mar 1966. If you approve the terms as set out above, I do not think there is any necessity for a formal Agreement to be entered into and perhaps you would be good enough to signify your agreement by signing the carbon copy of this letter which is enclosed herewith." 12 Jan 1966 Letter from Clerk of the County Council to S Molloy, Esquire, J.P., Estate Office, Southill Park: "The Local Education Authority's lease of Southill C P School together with the Rural Studies area expires on 30 Sep next and I have now been instructed by the Authority to seek a renewal of the lease for a further period of seven years from 30 Sep 1966, with an option to renew at the end of that period. I should be glad to know whether Mr Whitbread is prepared to renew this lease for this further period on the existing terms and conditions or alternatively on revised terms to be agreed by the District Valuer." 15 Jun 1966 Reply: "Mr Whitbread will be very pleased to renew the lease for a further seven years from 30 Sep next but would be glad if you would agree to pay a rent as follows: School premises - £306 per annum; School House, at present let on a half yearly agreement - £88 per annum; Small area for Rural Studies, say £6 per annum; total £400 per annum. The first two figures are based on the gross assessment for rating, the latter being a reduction of £11 per annum in order to make a round figure of £400. If the District Valuer can agree these figures no doubt you will prepare an endorsement as in previous years to give effect to this." 17 Jun 1966 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "I should be glad if you would kindly let me know whether you agree the terms which are now suggested for the renewal of the lease and, if so, if you will kindly let me have the necessary plans and particulars to forward on to the District Valuer." 12 Jun 1966 Letter from District Valuer and Estates Officer to Clerk of the County Council: "With reference to the proposed renewal of lease, I confirm I am prepared to recommend the rent of £290 per annum, which has been provisionally agreed with the Lessor's agent. This rent is for the lease of the premises commencing 30 Sep 1966, for a period of seven years, the terms as otherwise contained in the past lease. Mr Molloy asks that the usual endorsement be now prepared." 3 Nov 1966 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "I refer to the Headmaster's request for the provision of display boarding at the school. I am anxious to meet some of the Headmaster's requirements for display boarding and I understand that your Area Building Surveyor has visited him and discussed the proposals with him. I should be grateful, therefore, if you could let me have a current estimate for meeting the Headmaster's requirements with a view to some provision being made from the present year's Primary School Contingency Allowance." 30 Jun 1966 Drawing: Southill C P School as Existing: 'This is a composite plan to show accommodation; as it is not a survey it should not be used to obtain detailed site measurements'; scale 1/8" to 1'; with inset location plan 1:2500; Jul 1966 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "The converted Staff Room at this school is used each afternoon during term time for the teaching of French Classes. The Headmaster informs me that although there is a convector heater in this room the heating is inadequate and he has suggested that the central heating system adjoining the room be tapped to provide more comfortable conditions during the winter months. I should be grateful if you could let me have your views on the feasibility of the Headmaster's suggestion, together with an estimate of the cost involved." 25 Oct 1966 Report of E Hollinshead, Area Building Surveyor, to County Architect: "Several years ago the toilet block at this school showed signs of settlement, and the position has remained static until recently. In Feb of this year, the Director of Education raised the matter in a memo dated 23/2/67. I carried out a survey at this time, and there appeared to be no change in the situation, and have continued checks at irregular intervals since. Over the past two months, a deterioration has occurred and it is now evident that movement is taking place. I received a maintenance requisition from the Headmaster dated 13 Sep 1967 but on my visit following its receipt, the Headmaster was absent and I was unable to inspect the area to which he referred. However, I did detect evidence of minor movements elsewhere on the site. On my subsequent visit, the Headmaster was able to indicate the area, and I also carried out an inspection of the whole site. Recent settlement had occurred generally over the whole of the site, and was most evident in the following: School Building: Two bricks over the doorway arch leading from the main entrance to class 1 have moved 1/8". The rear wall of the Headmaster's Office which is a lean-to addition to the school building shows approximately 3/8" movement outwards at a height of 7ft from floor level. Externally, hair cracks have appeared in the jointing of the brickwork at eaves level around the main entrance and several window arches show hair crack movement in their joints. Toilet Block: This building is the one most affected. The floor of the boys' toilet has shown open cracks in the concrete for a long time, due to subsidence, and recently these have increased. The floor has tended to drop fractionally and the urinal channel has been adversely affected for many years. The partition wall dividing this section with the stores shows a drop of 1 3/4" but this has been constant for the period I have been aware of it. The rear wall of the toilet shows a bulge of 3/4" and spacing at floor level between wall and floor has also appeared to have remained constant at 5/8" average. The rear wall of the toilet block section which is used as a tool store shows signs of recent movement outwards and roof timbers also show indications. The girls' toilet shows little or no movement. The end section of this building which is part of the house tenancy and the responsibility of the owners (Whitbread) shows movement. The end wall bulges 3/4" and is in urgent need of repair. The House Property: On the rear elevation, earlier settlement has been pointed up and this repair now shows hair cracks along the line of the original movement. I understand that future plans proposed for this school include the provision of a new toilet block. In view of the recent developments, I would like to suggest that the Chief Structural Engineer might carry out a survey at an early date and report on whether it would be economical to carry out the extensive repairs to the toilet block, bearing in mind its age and construction, or to carry out minor remedial work amd possibly bring forward the construction of a new building as a replacement. Further, his recommendations wiht regard to the main school building would also be valued. With respect to the house property, a letter to the Whitbread Estate Office, concerning external repairs and settlement is attached for your approval. I have made enquiries with regard to water pumping in the area and am of the opinion that resulting from wells having been sunk to provide water for manufacturing and irrigation, the general water table has now dropped, following the dry summer, resulting in this recent and sudden movement." 28 Nov 1967 Letter from County Architect to Whitbread Estate Office, Southill, regarding the School House: "My Building Surveyor has inspected the complaints received from the Headmaster and issued orders for work to be carried out for which the Authority is responsible under the terms of the lease. In addition, he reports that the following work needs attention as hereunder: Minor repointing of brickwork at low level on the front elevation; Some brickwork repairs and repointing is needed to the chimney stack; Several tiles need replacing and refixing to the roof; A lead apron and gutter need attention on the rear elevation of the roof; Rising damp is discernible on the internal face of the external walls of the two reception rooms; The extrnal wall of the outhouse is in need of early attention. It has developed a bulge and the brickwork jointing is reported to be in a poor state; On the rear elevation of the house a crack has developed and follows the line of an earlier repair. I would appreciate your kind co-operation in this matter and arrange for these repairs to be carried out as soon as possible." 28 Nov 1967 Reply from S Molloy: "When rectifying the complaints made by the Headmaster, I would be very grateful if your workmen could also carry out the items listed in your letter for which we are responsible. If you will then send me an account I will pay it at once. Our maintenance staff is very busy and your help would be much appreciated." 30 Nov 1967 Further report from E Hollinshead: "The telltales have been fixed and dated 19/2/68. On my visit 25/3/68 I found no sign of general movement over the past month. However, over the main entrance door the brickwork arch does show signs of having moved (dropped), but whilst movement here may have occurred very slightly over the past four weeks, it is not measurable with a tape or rule." [pencil note: should something be done about this?]; 27 Mar 1968 Letter from County Architect to Eastern Electricity, Prebend Street, Bedford: "Further to the discussions between your Mr L Webb and my Mr F J Smith, I understand that you could afford a supply based on the special School Meals Service agreement but metered on a Night and Day rate for the following loads: Cooking and Water Heating 34.95 KW; Miscellaneous (Lighting etc.,) 7.57 KW; 'Electricaire' (off peak) Heater 6KW; I agree that the charging circuit of the Electricaire Heater will be provided with suitable time switch control to operate only between the hours of 7pm and 7am and that such control will have provision for your seals. Will you please confirm that this arrangement will be satisfactory and prepare the appropriate agreement forms." 3 Jan 1968 Letter from K Watson Ltd, Bedford Road, Houghton Conquest, to Mrs J Rook, Littledene, Southill Road, Broom: "Further to the visit of our representative to Southill C P School, we now have pleasure in submitting below our quotation for the supply and installation of the swimming pool heater required by you. Our offer therefore comprises: To supply and installation of one Calor Propane swimming pool heater unit, together with all necessary pipework (water and gas), fixtures and fittings, test and set to work £234..12s..6d; Cylinders free on loan; Gas £4..17s..1d per 100 lbs; We trust that our offer is in line with your requirements and that we may be favoured with your most valued order in due course." 1 Apr 1968 Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "The Secretary to the P.T.A. has now written seeking approval to the acceptance of the quotation of K Watson Ltd for the provision of heating to the learner pool. I should be glad to know if you can approve this as the P.T.A. is anxious to have the work carried out during the summer holiday." 5 Jul 1968 Reply: "Before passing comment on this I would very much like to see a quotation for off-peak heating from the Eastern Electricity Board." 23 Jul 1968 Letter from Headmaster to Clerk of the County Council: "During the past winter we had great difficulty, once again, in heating the school house. In spite of using coal, solid fuel stove, electric fires, calor gas fire, paraffin and a load of logs, there were times when certain rooms were uncomfortably cold - perhaps we are not as hardy as we used to be. I should welcome the opportunity to discuss the provision of central heating in the house with one of your officials." 20 May 1969 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect and Chief Education Officer: "You will be aware that the School House is held on lease from the Whitbread Estate and the lease expires in Sep 1973." 28 May 1969 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "Mr Pyne of my department has made many attempts to contact Mr Du Sautoy but without success. I have had no opportunity to look at the school house recently but speaking from memory, I do not think it is worth spending £450 on a hot water central heating scheme. It is likely that the damp and cold is because there is no damp course and the introduction of such a system without careful thought may start building troubles which at the present time do not exist. Prehaps the most sensible thing would be for the tenant to be given authority to install night store heaters as tenants fixtures, which he could take away should he move house in the future. I shall be unable to send an architect representative on 21 Aug, but I hope these notes will enable Mr Du Sautoy to make useful comment to Major Molloy." 18 Aug 1969 Reply: "Before I attended the meeting I had understood the situation to be that Mr Pickles, the Headmaster, had contacted Mr Molloy, the Whitbread Estate Agent, to ascertain whether the Whitbread Estate would consider installing the proposed central heating. At that stage the best form of central heating was thought by Mr Todd of your Department to be a connection with the school boiler, which has some spare capacity. At the meeting Mr Molloy seemed to think that it was unlikely that the Whitbread Estate would be prepared to finance the capital cost - some £450 - for the installation of the equipment. It was not the Estate's policy to do so, and in the rare cases where an exception was made, it was where the tenant might have difficulty in raising the necessary finance. He did not consider that this could apply to the County Council. On the other hand, he had no objection to the County Council's putting in central heating itself, with some arrangement between the Estate and the Council whereby the Council would be compensated proportionately if the lease was determined at some time before the expiry of a notional writing off period for the capital involved. I put to Mr Pickles your point that he be given authority to install night store heaters as tenant's fixtures, but he was not happy about this, in that he felt that if he were to move at some time in the future, a future tenant might not be prepared to pay a reasonable sum for them. However, I believe that if there is no other form of central heating put to him, he would be prepared to consider this alternative. I would be grateful for your comments on the above, so that I may prepare a suitable proposal to put before the Whitbread Estate and the Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee. It seems unlikely that a proposal that the Whitbread Estate install the central heating themselves, the cost of which would be reflected in an increased rent payable by us, and passed on to Mr Pickles, will be accepted by the Estate for the reasons I have given above. On the other hand, I take it that you are not prepared to recommend to the Committee that we ourselves finance the venture, even if the Whitbread Estate were to compensate us for any expired time if the lease ended before the end of the writing off period. My suggestion is that, subject to Committee approval, we offer to authorise Mr Pickles' installation of night store heaters and if he is not prepared to accept them, the matter need not go to Committee. I should perhaps add that Mr Pickles is prepared to pay an increased rent of up to £60 per annum, which represents the present cost to him of heating by the inadequate means at his disposal." 21 Aug 1969 Reply: "Mr Molloy is sensible and I would not advise that we should do the work for the reason given in my previous memo. If Mr Pickles provided himself with nightstore heaters, I cannot see why this would need committee approval - they are no more than the installation of electric fires and he could take them with him if he should move. Mr Pyne did just this when he rented County Council property and I am sure other council staff tenants have done the same." 27 Aug 1969 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Treasurer and County Architect: "Will you please note that Mr S G Pickles, the tenant of the School House, will terminate his tenancy on 31 Dec 1969. Will the County Treasurer please arrange to deduct rent up to and including that date. I should be glad if the County Architect would arrange for an inspection to be carried out, and for any necessary redecorations to be done. In order that I may inform the prospective tenant what the rent will be, could I have details of the estimated cost of redecoration as soon as possible." 11 Dec 1969 Further memo to County Architect: "The Chief Education Officer has informed me that both downstairs rooms and the pantry of the School House are damp. I should be glad if you could arrange to inspect the rooms in question and let me have your observations in due course." 11 Dec 1969 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "You may remember that in the Summer of this year, the Headmaster asked for permission to install central heating. Mr Pickles has now left, and his successor is now raising the matter again. I attach a letter from him [faded photocopy] upon which I would like your observations. You may remember that the difficulty was that the house belongs to the Whitbread Estate, from whom the County Council has a lease. The Whitbread Estate was not prepared to finance the capital cost - some £400 in respect of full central heating - and neither was the County Council. Your own suggestion was that the tenant be allowed to install electric night storage heaters. Since the new tenant is insisting that his request go before the Education Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee, I will be grateful if you will consider what recommendations you would make to that Committee." 10 Dec 1969 Reply: "I suggest that perhaps the best way of settling this matter would be for the County Council to install the necessary wiring to take night store heaters which would then enable the tenant to have such heaters fixed if he wished, and he would be able to remove them if he left the house, or dispose of them to a subsequent tenant. I would install adequate wiring to cover the house as a whole and I estimate that the cost of night store heaters would be up to £185, depending on how many the tenant wished to install. If you would like to get Mr Pickles' agreement to this then I will put the matter in hand, subject, of course, to the agreement of the Whitbread Estate." 15 Jan 1970 Reply: "I agree with your recommendation and shall put them to Mr Dawson, the tenant who is likely to be moving in in the near future. Mr Pickles has left." 16 Jan 1970 Further memo: "I have heard from Mr Dawson that he is not prepared to accept the installation of electric night storage heaters, so that our recent correspondence on the subject is now immaterial. Mr Dawson, the new Headmaster, intends to move in during the latter weeks of Feb, so I would be grateful if you would make some steps towards the curing of the damp patch before that date. At present Mr Dawson is contesting the right of the County Council to carry out decorations, as he feels he would be better able to carry them out himself. I would be grateful, therefore, if you would not carry out any decorations until the matter has been decided by the Local Government Buildings Sub-Committee on 3 Mar." 3 Feb 1970 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to Clerk of the County Council regarding the School House: "I must point out that I have not had a meeting with Mr Hollinshead. He telephoned me last week about this damp patch and I said that, so far as I was aware, this was a matter for the County Council and I believe that Clause 5 on page 3 of the Lease, refers. He then told me that he had a meeting with my Clerk of Works who had agreed we woulod treat the damp but there must have been some misunderstanding as my Clerk of Works has not met Mr Hollinshead now for some time and then it was in connection with rainwater down-spouting and general external repairs. Incidentally, the present Headmaster has telephoned me on several occasions regarding various points about the school and I would be grateful if you would make it clear to him that you are the tenants and if anything is required he must make his application through you and not through me." 9 Feb 1970 Reply: "I would point out however, that the School House is governed by one of your tenancy agreements - copy herewith [not here]. You will note that Clause 4(3) states that the tenant shall keep and leave the cottage in good and tenantable repair, but excluding the main walls. Furthermore, the Housing Act 1961 requires a landlord to carry out repairs to the structure of the house. In view of the above, I will be grateful if you will reconsider your decision not [to] carry out work to remedy the damp patch." 12 Feb 1970 Reply: "I apologise for my error in referring to the School House being governed by a Lease. I had completely forgotten that this used to be the case but that we had subsequently signed a form of cottage agreement, a copy of which you sent to me. This now brings us back to what I said in my letter. I have no record, nor has my Clerk of Works, showing any meeting concerning the dampness you refer to. If you will arrange for your Biggleswade representative to telephone this office for an appointment, I will arrange for Mr Clark to meet him to look into the matter." 16 Feb 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "Kindly note attached copy of a letter [not here] from Mr Dawson, Headmaster, requesting the supply of pin boarding and a fixed blackboard. I shall be grateful if you will look into this matter and let me have an estimate of the cost." 13 Feb 1970 Reply: "My Area Building Surveyor has visited the school and discussed with the Headmaster his requirements for pin boarding. To meet these requirements would cost £25. This is in addition to my earlier report of costs to provide pin boarding in another part of the school, dated 20 Jan 1970, and estimated at £10. The total cost, therefore, to meet all current needs is £35. Would you please inform me if funds are to be provided from the Primary Schools Contingency Fund 1970/71." 23 Mar 1970 Letter from M E Dawson, School House, to Clerk of the County Council: "I can now inform you that the power points and porch light have been installed, for which I am very grateful. Concerning the part central heating from the existing boiler, however, I feel the County Architect's comments are quite ridiculous. I have seen many identical boilers from which two radiators have been run off and in fact Mr Hollinshead is at present investigating the possibility that the domestic boiler does does not work because it has insufficient work to do, and that installing some radiators would cure the problem." 25 Apr 1970 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "I attach a copy of a letter received from the tenant of the School House who claims that Mr Hollinshead has expressed an opinion concerning the heating of the premises diametrically opposed to that contained in your memo of 9 Apr 1970 [not here] (reference TW - which I understand from Mr Wall to be an incorrect reference). Perhaps you would clear up the confusion." 29 Apr 1970 Reply: "I would state that Mr Dawson the tenant appears to create confusion. My Area Surveyor Mr Hollinshead went to see him and discussed with him the inability of the heating boiler to maintain continuous combustion. During this visit Mr Dawson asked him if the boiler was capable to provide additional heating from radiators. Mr Dawson did not disclose the fact that he was aware of the contents of the report from the Heating Engineer, which was presumably with the intention of extracting a completely different opinion to that which he had already been given, and I consider this action truly unethical. Mr Dawson was told by Mr Hollinshead that the connection of radiators to the system would depend entirely upon the rated capacity of the boiler and enquiries would be made about the particular type and size of boiler fitted. Mr Dawson was not given any specific answer to invalidate that given in the memo dated 9 Apr 1970 [not here]." 11 May 1970 Report of K J Monks, Consultant Surveyor, Old Warden, to Mr S J Molloy, Estate Office: "Following your instructions I took moisture readings in the walls of the School House to determine whether there is sufficient evidence to justify damp-proofing measures. I have marked on the enclosed sketch plan [not here] notes of my findings which reveal 'rising damp' in considerable lengths of walling at ground floor level. The effect upon internal decorations is not apparent everywhere and, indeed, the moisture readings are not uniformly high indicating that Damp Proof Course breakdown is sporadic. The existing DPC in the front wall of the house is slate and the remainder of the walls - pitch and it is not surprising to find in a building 70 years old, evidence of breakdown. I examined the building for evidence of the need for building corrections which so often contribute to dampness, but except for the under-listed defects, the fabric is well maintained. East elevation - blocked RWP gully; West elevation - defective gutter joint (back addition); North elevation - DPC bridged, defective gully rendering; South elevation - DPC bridged by front entrance step. In my opinion DPC breakdown is likely to extend progressively and at this stage consideration should be given to a form of damp-proofing. I recommend the transfusion of a chemical DPC by one of the under-listed Specialists: Richardson & Starling Ltd, 7a Angel Pavement, Royston; Peter Cox Preservation Co Ltd, 15-16 Addington Square, Camberwell, London SE5; Norman Rudd, 20 Station Road, Berkhamsted; If this course is adopted I would be pleased to examine the specification and estimates. I examined the damp areas in the bathroom walls on the first floor and have concluded that the dampness is caused by condensation. It was interesting to find that on the day of my first visit humidity was high in the atmosphere and the moisture reading in the North East corner, where mould growth is in evidence, was particularly high, but on my second visit when the wind was in the North, the wall was practically dry. I could find no building defects to account for the dampness. The close proximity of the cold surfaces of the W.C. suite in this corner would encourage condensation; the use of polycel paste for wallpapering may also contribute. There is no doubt that lining the wall with polystyrene, which has a very low water vapour transmission ratio, would reduce condensation to an acceptable level; I do not think it is neccesary to go beyond the area of mould growth in the NE corner." 4 Apr 1970 Letter from S Molloy to Clerk of the County Council: "Your new tenant, Mr Dawson, has complained of the damp in the School House, and after meeting Mr Hollinshead of the Surveyor's Department, I obtained a report [above]. I have discussed this with Mr Whitbread's Clerk of Works, and we feel that this matter can be adequately dealt with by removing the skirting boards around the affected areas, hacking don and reinstating the plaster with damp inhibitor, as from experience with similar houses on the Estate this has proved successful, provided, and this is important, there is adequate heating during the Winter months. When I visited the house, heating was virtually non-existent, but apart from the bathroom there was relatively little sign of damp; in the bathroom the walls were ringing wet, but entirely due to condensation. In view of the very low rent I would advise Mr Whitbread to undertake our normal work as outlined above, but if you feel estimates should be obtained from the three firms mentioned in the Report, then we would have to look to your Council for a substantial contribution or, alternatively, a higher rent. Perhaps you would let me have your views on the matter." 1 May 1970 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "I shall be grateful for your comments upon both letters, and in particular whether you are prepared to make some contribution to proper damp-proofing of the property, or whether you would be satisfied with the simple measures suggested." 5 May 1970 Reply: "I feel that the Council should make no contribution to remedying the defect which is quite clearly the landlord's responsibility. It would in my opinion be right that the landlord deals with the problem of damp in such a manner that this cures the problem in the ordinary way of any other landlord." 18 May 1967 [sic, 1970] Letter from M E Dawson, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "Thank you for your letter dated 20 Apr [not here] regarding the lack of toilet facilities at this school. Your letter does nothing to alleviate my concern at the sorry state of affairs which exists here. Although I am glad money has been made available for underpinning the building, I do not think this will do anything other than make the building safe to use. What is urgently needed is new toilet accommodation for children and staff, and this is in fact what was asked for by the School Managers in Nov 1967, and was considered by the Committee in the same month, as I mentioned in my letter of 17 Apr 1970 [not here]. Underpinning the existing building will in my opinion do little to raise the standard of toilet accommodation for children and, of course, does nothing to solve the problem of staff toilets which, incidentally, your letter does not mention. In order that you are aware of the situation at this school, please note the following facts: Staff: 1) There are no W.C.s for teaching staff of either sex; 2) There are no pegs for staff coats and nowhere whatsoever for them to keep their belongings; 3) There is no mirror anywhere in the school; 4) We have no sanitary bin or disposable bags for staff or children; The above mentioned total lack of facilities bad though it is, becomes acutely embarrassing when parents or other visitors are present in school. Children: 1) To get to the toilets at all, children have a minimum distance of 25 yards to walk in the open, in all weathers; 2) The channel in the boys' toilet is more often than not blocked and the cistern permanently running. Because of this, boys of necessity stand with water over their shoes whilst they urinate; 3) Floors in the boys' and girls' toilets are so cracked and uneven that the disinfectant water with which they are washed down daily hardly ever dries. Girls frequently paddle through water to reach their sinks; 4) The boys overflow pipe is overflowing into the playground for hours at a time so that an area of playground outside the toilets is permanently wet, and dangerously icy during very cold weather; 5) All the plumbing is in constant need of attention. Hardly a week goes by without having to call in the plumbers to deal with a fault; I sincerely hope that this letter will result in something being done in the very near future to improve and preferably replace the totally inadequate facilities we at present endure." 27 Apr 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I refer to the recent conversation between Mr Giddings and Mrs Lane and attach a copy of a letter received from the Headmaster regarding the Toilet Block. I understand you have sufficient money included in the current year's estimates to underpin the building and I am wondering whether at the same time it would be possible to do anything to the floors or to reserve two W.C.s for staff use. I shall be pleased to hear from you on this point. I shall be grateful if you will let me have estimates for items 2 and 3 regarding staff facilities. No doubt you will make arrangements for all the necessary maintenance work to be carried out." 5 May 1970 Reply: "I am considering the execution of the work necessary to ensure the stability of these old buildings. In doing this it will be necessary to take out [and] probably rearrange the sanitary accommodation in the boys toilet area. This will bring about the improvement pressed for by the Headmaster in the boys area but will do nothing to improve the conditions in the girls toilet area. Is it your wish that consideration be given to the whole of the toilet accommodation at this school, or is it your wish that I confine myself to the area of the building needing structural repair. Your guidance on the future of this toilet accommodation would help considerably in any work that we may carry out at this school." 30 Jun 1970 Reply: "I shall be pleased if you will carry out as much work as you possibly can under a maintenance contract. I note you will probably have to take out and rearrange the fittings in the boys area and I am wondering if it would be possible to make some special provision here for staff. Perhaps you would look into this matter for me." 6 Jul 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "Mr D Marshall, the Swimming Pool Operator at the school, has claimed payment for one hour worked each Sun in addition to the normal nine hours per week. I should be grateful if you would kindly let me know whether, in your opinion, it is necessary for work to be carried out at this particular pool on Sundays." 15 Jul 1970 Letter from M E Dawson to Clerk of the County Council: "I refer to your letter of 14 May 1970 [not here] in which you mention reconsidering the question of my hot water boiler for at least part central heating. I have heard nothing from you since then, yet the fact remains that the boiler is still quite useless despite modifications to the flue and the installation of a new thermostat and other parts. The boiler still refuses to maintain combustion and just goes out several times per day. Everybody to whom I have spoken is of the opinion that the boiler has insufficient work to do and that this [is] probably the reason for it going out. I would be grateful therefore if the rating of the boiler could be ascertained with a view to installing the necessary fittings to make it effective." 13 Jul 1970 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "You will note that he states that the question of the capacity of the boiler has not been investigated. I shall be grateful if you would do so and let me know your conclusions." 15 Jul 1970 Reply: "Replies to these matters have been given in earlier correspondence. A report covering the installation of full central heating was turned down by the County Council and Whitbread Estates (your memo 10 Dec 1969). The present tenant refused an offer of the installation of off-peak electric heating (your memo 3 Feb 1970). Your memo 25 Mar 1970 contained a request from the tenant for part central heating from the existing boiler. My reply 9 Apr 1970 indicated that the boiler was a domestic hot water boiler only, and as installed, would not provide central heating. My reply did not indicate that to enable the boiler to serve radiators, it would necessitate a change over from the purely domestic hot water system to an indirect hot water system. If this conversion was carried out, the present boiler capacity would give only limited benefit and would be affected every time hot water was drawn for domestic purposes. In order to avoid the constant complaints which would inevitably follow and the expense in investigating same, a competely new system designed to meet the requirements demanded is the only solution. With regard to the assertion that the boiler will not maintain combustion, the tenant was advised on 19 May 1970 by Mr Andrews the Regional Technical Officer of the Coal Utilisation Council that he would experience this problem if the correct fuel was not used. The statement that the fire extinguishes because the boiler is heating insufficient water is unfounded. If Mr Dawson would act on the advice given and burn the recommended fuels, I am assured that he would be able to maintain correct combustion rates." 11 Sep 1970 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The Managers of the school have requested the provision of safety fencing around the swimming pool. I shall be grateful if you will investigate the need for this fencing and let me have your recommendation as soon as possible. I have also informed Mr Henderson of this request and perhaps Mr Hartley would liaise with him in this matter." 11 Sep 1970 Drawing: Southill C P School as Existing: another copy as before but with additional gate/fence detail Reply: "An inspection was made of the pool and its surrounds, and it was found that there exists a danger at the present time to small children in that access is open to the school premises and could be obtained to the pool without nececssarily being seen. My recommendation is that a lockable gate between the front fencing and the corner of the school shown on the enclosed plan would give the necessary protection, providing that the low portion of front fence, together with a single gate and double gate be replaced with a higher fence and gate to match the existing along the frontage from points A to B marked on the plan. The new double gates will be padlocked. I will obtain prices for this work and advise you of the cost before giving any instructions." 4 Dec 1970 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "My Area Building Surveyor has visited the school and discussed with the Headmaster the points you raised in your memo dated 5.10.70 [not here]. To remove the existing central hat and coat rail and provide a small sink with services and a draining board including drainage connection and making good to decorations is estimated to cost £135. Funds are not available in the current Maintenance provision and should you require the work to be done you may wish to allocate funds from the Primary Schools Contingency Fund and inform me of your intention in this matter." 11 Dec 1970 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "With regard to your enquiries concerning toilet accommodation at the school, I would state that repairs to the boys' toilet accommodation were completed during the summer holiday period. With respect to staff toilet accommodation being provided in the building at present housing the children's toilets, this would be difficult without creating a further problem of housing the P.E. equipment now stored in the available area. Accommodation could be provided adjoining the existing staff room and extending this building. The property is owned by the Whitbread Estate and their approval would be required before any work could be undertaken. Should this approval be given the provisional estimated cost for this work is £600. Funds are not available in the current year's programme and are not included in the forthcoming year's programme, 1971/72. Should you be able to allocate the money and wish me to proceed would you please inform me as soon as possible." 19 Feb 1971 Reply: "I note your comments regarding provding staff toilet accommodation in the building at present housing the children's toilets. I think perhaps the difficulty of displacing the P.E. equipment could be overcome by providing a wooden hut for this purpose. I should be pleased if you would let me have an estimate as soon as possible for the cost of providing staff toilet accommodation in this building. You will appreciate that I have no funds at all from which I can possibly take £600 for capital work during 1971/72." 25 Feb 1971 Reply: "The question of finding alternative space for the provision of staff toilet accommodation is continuing, prices are being obtained for the portable type of toilet accommodation and when sufficient information is at hand I will write further and put up a definite proposition." 16 Apr 1971 Further memo: "The enclosed leaflet and drawings [not here] illustrate portable self contained toilet units which provide a solution to your problems with the following advantages: 1) They are considerably cheaper than constructing a permanent building; 2) Their installation would cause the minimum disruption during term time and would not have to be delayed until the holiday period (approximately a month from approval they could be supplied and in service); 3) They are recoverable items when and if required; 4) They can be installed as external units this year as illustrated and finances allow next year to connect them to the staff room as internal units affording complete privacy; Attached is the literature sheet [not here] outlining the possible costing which as you will see gives a saving of approximately £180 over a permanent building." 30 Apr 1971 Reply: "This seems an excellent idea. Unfortunately I cannot see that money can be allocated towards this project from my resources until at the earliest the Minor Building Programme 1972/73. I should be interested to know whether it would be possible for any part of this work to be financed from revenue." 10 May 1971 Tender from Glendale Landscape Co, 20a Blundell Road, Luton, for Renewal of Fencing and Fencing of Swimming Pool was received too late to be considered; 24 Mar 1970 [sic, 1971] Letter from County Architect to H F Gibson, 13 The Green, Clophill: "In view of the fact that insufficient tenders were received to comply with the Council's standing orders it is unfortunately necessary for me to re-invite tenders." 19 Apr 1971 Tender from Penfold Industries [no details] for Renewal of Fencing and Fencing of Swimming Pool for £266.50 was successful; H F Gibson & Son Ltd also submitted a tender; 18/19 May 1971 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "I am pleased to be able to inform you that an Order has now been placed for the fencing to be carried out. It is expected that the work will be started within the near future and should be no more than a week from commencement to completion." 18 May 1971 Letter from Mrs B Cole, 3 High Street, Broom, Secretary to P.T.A. Committee, to County Architect: "I have been asked by the Committee to write to you requesting permission to have two extra couplings fixed to the school swimming pool. On a few occasions last year, the school did not have any gas to heat the pool, as there was a delay in delivery of the gas cylinders. At the moment, four gas cylinders can be connected to the pool. The P.T.A. Committee feel that if we could have six cylinders, and there is a delay in delivering gas, there will still be sufficient gas to keep the pool heated." 29 Apr 1971 Reply: "Providing that these couplings are of the right type, properly installed and fully approved by the gas manfacturer, I have no objection to the couplings being fitted." 11 May 1971 Letter from Bedfordshire Water Board, Cambridge Road, Harrrowden, to County Treasurer: "The Board's Inspector reports that your premises at The Primary School, Southill Road, Cardington, are used for the following purpose, namely: School with Auto Flush installed, and that an unmetered supply of water is provided at these premises from the Board's mains. Premises used for such a purpose are required by the Board, under Section 49 of the 3rd Schedule of the Water Act 1945, to take a supply of water through a meter. If, therefore, you wish to retain the supply to these premises, and the premises will continue to be used for the purpose stated above, will you kindly complete the enclosed Application and Agreement and return to me as soon as possible. No charge will be made for the installation of the meter and the work will be carried out with the minimum of inconvenience to you. A copy of the scale of charges currently in force is enclosed for your information. Code 11 (Measured Supplies) will apply in your case [22 1/2p per 1000 gallons, subject to a minimum of EITHER £1.25 per quarter for each separately metered supply OR the charge that would be made under Codes 1, 2, 3 or 5 for the supply of water to the premises, whichever is the greater, provided always that by special agreement such minimum charge shall not exceed £11.25 per quarter for each connection." 7 May 1971 Letter from M E Dawson, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "I have this morning received a letter from Mr N A Boyce of Airco Structures Ltd, Leicester, a firm manufacturing inflatable covers for swimming pools. In his letter Mr Boyce offers to install a structure over my swimming pool for a trial period of one month, during which period he would hope that other Heads interested in the structure would be able to visit the pool here. At the end of the trial period, Mr Boyce would offer me the structure at favourable terms should I wish to keep it, otherwise he will have it taken away. Naturally I am very interested in this idea and am perfectly willing to have my pool used for a trial period and would welcome any interested persons employed by the County. I understand that Mr Boyce has already spoken to Mr Burnett (Architect's Department) and that the firm's literature is somewhere in County Hall. I too have spoken to Mr Burnett, and later to Mr Henderson, who is willing to allow the one month trial. In order that my children can quickly benefit from the pool cover, I have arranged for Mr Boyce to visit me at 10.30am next Tue, Jun 8, when he will inspect the swimming pool site to see if the installation of a cover is a practical proposition. If he assures me that it is, I will give him the go-ahead for a month's trial unless by that time I have received instructions from you not to do so." 2 Jun 1971 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect and Medical Officer of Health: "Before giving a decision on this matter I shall be pleased to receive your comments on the proposal and regret that I have no literature available with further details." 3 Jun 1971 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I have received a note concerning the condition of the boundary fence surrounding the playing field at the school. Mr Capon, who owns the adjoining field states that the children are breaking down the fence whilst retrieving balls etc., and he is afraid that the cattle which apparently graze in this field will stray through. I shall be grateful if you will kindly arrange for the necessary maintenance to be carried out on this fence as soon as possible." 16 Jun 1971 Reply: "I have investigated the problem and consider that the cause arises from the following reasons: The section of fence concerned is directly behind one of the goals to the football pitch and is 6' chain link. It is unreasonable to expect that balls will not be frequently kicked over and retrieved accordingly; there being no other method of access to the adjoining property. Repairs can be made but the same problem will recur. I would suggest the simplest and probable answer would be to insert a swing gate on a basic turnstile pattern in the fence if agreeable to Mr Capon. This type of gate does not require to be shut to be effective and therefore eliminates any opening and closing procedure for security. Perhaps you will communicate with Mr Capon and let me have his observations in due course." 2 Jul 1971 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to Clerk of the County Council, regarding Southill School Playground Lease dated 25 Jun 1951: "I understand that our tenant of the adjoining field, Mr N Capon of Gracious Farm, has complained through Mr Dilleigh several times about the state of the chain link fence around this field. He has valuable cattle next door, and the fence is inadequate and the cattle have been on the playground before now. Under Clause 2(v) you undertake to maintain the chain link fence on the Northern and Eastern boundaries with the proviso that if the Landlord or his Agent consider the chain link fence inadequate, then the Council would carry out such improvements as may be required. I understand that part of the trouble is that some of the school children and others climb the fence periodically to retrieve footballs, etc., so possibly it would make them stock-proof if you were to erect and maintain an additional fence outside the chain link one. I would be very grateful if you would contact Mr Capon and agree some suitable fence with him." 6 Jul 1971 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council. "I would be obliged if you would inform the Estate Agent of the following action taken by my Area Building Surveyor to resolve this problem. As the basic cause of Mr Capon's livestock being able to gain access to the field appears to be the action of the young people in the village damaging the fence in trying to retrieve footballs, it would seem that the fence in its present form if properly maintained is quite adequate if the ball problem is solved. My Area Building Surveyor has discussed this problem with Mr Capon and it was agreed that the insertion of a kissing gate behind the goal would be a practical solution. This would eliminate the necessity or justification to climb over or under the fence. Mr Capon expressed the opinion that this could encourage trespassers but seemed agreeable to the suggestion that anyone wishing to enter his property for any other reason than returning footballs could in any case do so without difficulty. It is hoped to provide a fence of a more substantial nature next year and this in conjunction with the proposed gate which we would put in as soon as we receive the Agent's agreement, will I am sure be satisfactory to both parties. Maintenance has been carried out to the fence subsequent to Mr Capon's cattle gaining access to the field." 16 Jul 1971 Letter from Mr Molloy to Clerk of the County Council: "I quite agree that a kissing gate should eliminate young people climbing the fence to retrieve footballs. Thank you also for the work you have already done on the fence since I wrote to you last." 22 Jul 1971 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I write to let you know that I have received a reply from Mr Capon stating that 'if a swing gate is erected will you please confirm that you will be responsible for any injury and damage to people trespassing on my field'. I cannot see the Clerk confirming this responsibility and I should therefore be pleased to receive your alternative suggestion to this problem." [pen note: No alternatives! No responsibility can be taken therefore no gate can be installed]; 27 Jul 1971 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "When last this matter was discussed we indicated that the fence needed to be secured including the gate to prevent the cattle from the adjoining field tenanted by Mr Capon from entering onto the playing area. There is no evidence of the fence being broken down by persons retrieving objects or footballs from the field since we last repaired it and thus the gate being opened will serve no great purpose at this particular time." 12 Apr 1972 Reply: "I should be grateful if you would kindly take steps for this gate to be put into use and for the key of the lock to be given into the possession of the Headmaster." 27 Apr 1972 Letter from D Jenkins, Swimclean, 31 Hitchin Lane, Clifton, to Headmaster: "Having a swimming pool on your premises must be a source of satisfaction to yourself, your staff and your children. However, as you well know, pools need constant care to maintain clean and healthy water conditions. This can become a burden to the school caretaker (if you are lucky enough to employ a man capable and willing to undertake this extra and exacting chore) or another duty to add to the already long list allotted to the teaching profession. We offer a service which wil remove this burden from you once and for all; no more worries about opening up the pool, chlorine control, winterization etc., You can have regular weekly, fortnightly or monthly visits throughout the season to keep your pool, pool water, surroundings and equipment in tip top condition. If you ask us to winterize the pool and open it up again in the spring, we will also keep a check on the pool throughout the winter to ensure that everything is satisfactory. There is an increasing public awareness of the dangers of water-transmitted diseases and public health inspectors are becoming more concerned than ever before. Let us, therefore, become your school pool operators in the new school year. We assure you of a reliable service and our personal interest at all times. We are always on hand with any advice you may require." 9 Sep 1971 [Forwarded to Mr Keeling, Public Health Department, County Hall, 17 Sep 1971] Memo from Area Building Surveyor E Hollinshead to Chief Building Surveyor: "Tell-tales were fixed at various points to the school buildings. ?2 years ago following some general settling of the buildings, further movement was not apparent for some time. However, examination over the past 5 months has shown that settlement is continuing generally over the site. Movement is slight to the main school building but settlement to the internal partition wall and urinal channel of the toilet block shows at North end a drop of 1/8" - 3/16" has occurred. Mr Brown, Structural Engineer, requested to be informed of any movement which became evident and I consider that he may wish to make a visit and form his own opinion of the circumstances. This toilet block has been considered for replacement and now that estimates are being prepared and the future of the school within the new education policy has been assured, could the matter of replacing the present structure be given sympathetic study." undated [1971] Drawing: Proposed Additional Fencing; scale [main drawing] 1/8" to 1'; fence detail 1/2" to 1'; Feb 1971 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The County Health Inspector has drawn my attention to the following regarding Pupils' Toilet Accommodation: Boys: 'The thermoplastic floor laid here is lifting throughout and in my opinion cannot be made good. I would suggest complete removal of all tiles and adhesives and an examination of the concrete surface beneath to see if this will provide a readily cleansable surface, or alternatively require further treatment; Boys & Girls: The taps to the wash handbasins and ball valves of the W.C. cisterns require rewashering in several instances; Drainage: The School yard is flooding at present due to the malfunctioning of the drainage system, which presumably drains to a soakaway. This is most urgent and requires immediate attention'. I shall be grateful if you will kindly investigate both these statements and arrange for the necessary maintenance to be carried out as soon as possible. I shall be grateful also, if you would kindly investigate the possible installation of further drinking fountains and ket me have a note of the estimated cost involved." 19 Jan 1972 Memo from Mr Keeling, County Health Inspector, extracted above and also: "There are seven teaching and ancillary staff employed at this school, without any convenient toilet, washing or cloakroom facilities, which is contrary to Regulation 11 of "The Standards for School Premises Regulations 1959". The Headmaster drew my attention to the proposal of installing a 'Portaloo' portable building for the use of the staff. I consider this suggestion to be neither suitable nor adequate for this particular situation. I would strongly advise the construction of a more permanent building as a more satisfactory solution. The existing arrangement of staff sharing the toilet accommodation provided for the sole use of the kitchen staff is undesirable from a food hygiene point of view and would not be acceptable in a commercial undertaking. There is also a lack of suitable receptacles for the disposal of sanitary towels in the existing staff accommodation and the girls' toilet accommodation, which should be rectified forthwith. Drinking facilities: There is no convenient point where the children may obtain a drink of water easily in this school. The withdrawal of school milk may emphasise this point at a later date in other schools, but meanwhile the provision of this facility is necessary; Overcrowding: The office attached to the school and used primarily by the Headmaster and the Clerical Assistant, measures approximately 8' x 8' x 9', giving a volume of 576 cubic ft. The Office, Shops and Railway Premises Act 1963, Section 5(2) demands that a person working in an office shall have a minimum of 400 cubic ft per person, therefore this office is only capable of accommodating one person if this Authority is to comply with the aforementioned legislation. I would therefore suggest that ways and means of providing additional office accommodation be examined." 13 Jan 1972 Penfold Fencing renewed the fencing and L Chambers & Son tarmacked the surround to fence posts; May 1971 - Feb 1972 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to Bedfordshire County Council: "Your sub-tenant, Mr Dawson, has complained about dampness in the front bedroom of the School House. This has been inspected, and we can find no fault in the construction of the house. We believe this dampness would disappear if the room was heated. When this was pointed out to Mr Dawson, he maintained he was not going to install central heating, but we are convinced that unless the rooms are heated to some degree, not necessarily by central heating, but by some other means, these black spots will continue to appear on the walls." 18 Feb 1972 Letter from Maurice E Dawson to Chief Education Officer: "I have been informed by Mr S Molloy of the Whitbread Estate Office that he has written to you concerning a complaint that I made regarding dampness in one of the bedrooms of the School House. It is quite true that I did complain. The rest of Mr Molloy's letter is to say the least, misleading. The damp patches were looked at by the Estate Clerk of Works. The outside walls were not looked at at all. Immediately he saw the dampness the Clerk of Works commented that he had recently had the same trouble with some of the Whitbread 'red' houses and that the 'red' houses were notoriously porous resulting in interior dampness. He further commented that a spray existed which could be used to good effect on the exterior walls once the weather had dried up considerably. The Clerk of Works did then suggest that Central Heating would help a lot to cure the dampness and I certainly replied that I did not intend to install it, for the simple reason that I cannot afford it. Throughout the Winter, the following heating has been in use: 1) A kitchen boiler which never goes out; 2) A coal fire which is alight for 12 hours per day; 3) Two Dimplex radiators also for 12 hours per day; It is therefore nonsense to suggest that dampness is due to lack of heating in the house. I shall naturally expect therefore that the house is treated as was explained to me, as soon as weather conditions permit. If it is not, I shall bring the matter to the attention of the Public Health Department as in my opinion damp bedrooms in any house constitute a serious health hazard." 25 Feb 1972 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "I attach two copies of a Report of Charter Preservation Co, who are specialists in problems of water and moisture penetration in buildings. As you can see from the Report, it suggests that a good deal of the dampness is due to water penetration from the external face of the structure, and therefore would suggest that a copy of this Report is sent to Mr Molloy of the Southill Estate with our compliments leaving him to take any action which he may think necessary, on the basis of the Report." 28 Mar 1972 Report of The Charter Preservation Co, 21 Wood End Road, Kempston, to Area Building Surveyor: "Further to your instructions we have now completed our survey at the School House to ascertain the degree of dampness. Moisture meter readings were taken in all areas of the First Floor and Ground Floor, and moisture levels were found to average between 12% - 28% on internal surfaces. An examination of the external surfaces revealed that the original damp proof course is intact although some small sections of the mortar capping have eroded away. The brickwork is somewhat porous, but the mortar rendering is extremely permeable, and has permitted rainwater penetration at all levels, the fine sand content being high. This structure will require initially the attention of a Builder to grout the mortar infill and to carry out subsequent repointing to a substantial degree. Following upon this, we would recommend the application of a silicone proofer in two coats, using a spirit based chemical, to all external surfaces. This treatment wil be assisted by as much subsequent ventilation as the occupant will permit, and the oncoming drier season will provide an advantage in this respect. Our charge for dealing with the above chemical treatment will be a total of £69.90." 20 Mar 1972 Letter from Clerk of the County Council to Mr S Molloy, Estate Office: "As you know, the tenant of the School House, Mr Dawson, has complained about fumes coming from the boiler. There is a possibility that this may be the result of a faulty flue, so that I am writing to you to ask permission for the County Architect to carry out the necessary investigation. This may require some works to the structure, and your permission is therefore required as landlord. Subject to your granting permission, the question of responsibility for any repairs that may be shown to be required will have to be discussed. All that is required at this stage is the permission to investigate the cause of the trouble. I shall be grateful if you will reply as soon as possible, as Mr Dawson is understandably anxious for the matter to be resolved." 18 Apr 1972 Letter from M E Dawson: "Ever since moving in to the School House in Feb 1970, I have been troubled by leaking fumes from the domestic boiler sited in the kitchen. On several occasions Council workmen have been sent to effect repairs but no efforts have been successful. I was told by Mr Todd (County Architect's Department) in a telephone conversation this morning that in his opinion the insertion of a stainless steel flue liner would effect a permanent cure and and that he was willing to authorise this work provided he had the permission of the house owners, Southill Estate, to effect the necessary structural modifications which would be needed to complete the job. I am writing therefore to request that the Clerk's Department seek permission from Southill Estate for the work to be done, and that the matter be treated with the utmost urgency as my family and I are being subjected to a constant health risk by the leaking fumes." 18 Apr 1972 Reply from Mr Molloy: "I was not aware that Mr Dawson was complaining about fumes from the boiler, although I am well aware that he has never been satisfied with this house. Of course you may investigate, but I do not expect you to undertake any structural works without consulting me first. My recollection is that it was the Council who installed the boiler, and if I am right, naturally would expect them to put matters in order. I do not anticipate any objection to structural work, but do expect to be to told about it before it is commenced." 19 Apr 1972 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to Mr Todd, Architect's Department: "I shall be grateful if you will carry out such works as necessary to investigate the cause of the fumes as soon as possible. The question of responsibility for any works to be done must be considered when the cause is known. I shall also be grateful for your comments upon Mr Molloy's statement that the boiler was put in by the County Council." 20 Apr 1972 Note from Mr Coleman, Area Surveyor, to William Todd, Heating Engineer: "This boiler was installed by us in the time of previous tenancy but no complaints were received by [from] him regarding the boiler. There is quite a bit of correspondence on file which indicates that there is a possible [ ] of getting a bigger boiler installed so that central heating can be run off it. If you think that there is a justification for a flue liner then we will arrange to this and inform Mr Molloy. I don't feel however that you will have a satisfied customer afterwards anyway." undated Further letter from Maurice E Dawson to Clerk of the County Council: "As nobody has set foot in the School House since the correspondence of Apr 1972 to carry out any investigatory work, am I to assume that Mr Molloy failed to give permission, failed to reply altogether, or that your department is simply not interested in trying to ascertain the cause of and effect a cure for this particularly obnoxious form of health hazard? The fumes have continued to leak on and off ever since. I do not propose to wait another 10 months before any action is taken. I would appreciate your comments on the current situation at your very earliest convenience." 20 Feb 1973 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "I would refer to the recent and past correspondence relative to the complaints made by the tenant of the School House, Mr Dawson, regarding the fumes which he states emanate from his boiler. A year ago following the receipt of a similar letter by yourselves from the tenant, this matter was investigated by a member of my Heating staff and one of my Area Building Surveyors and they both reported that in their opinion there was no real defect that they could ascertain with regard to either the boiler or the chimney. My Department did in fact arrange for a local contractor to service the boiler and sweep the chimney and this contractor stated that in his opinion both boiler and chimney functioned satisfactorily. I am, therefore, somewhat at a loss as to what to recommend in this case. It is interesting to note that all the people concerned including the Estates Officer to the Whitbread Estate have stated at some time or other that the tenant has never been satisfied with the house and my own staff have formed the opinion that no matter what is done until such a time as full central heating is installed, this tenant will still continue to complain." 1 Mar 1973 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect: "The Trustees of the Whitbread Estate have no objection to the provision of a new staff toilet at the school on the understanding that no compensation will be payable for these works at the end of the tenancy." 23 May 1972 Estimate of building costs for the above comes to approximately £760 plus £180 for incidentals, total £940; 25 Apr 1972 Drawing: Staff Toilet; Floor Plan, Elevations, Section; scale 1:50; with location plan; Apr 1972 Memo from County Architect to County Planner: "The Education Committee at their Meeting on 16 Jun 1972 approved the Staff Toilet project and gave themselves deemed planning approval with effect from the date of completion of planning consultations and I shall be pleased therefore if you will now notify Biggleswade Rural District Council that in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Town and Country Planning (General Regulations) [Act] 1969, the date of the deemed planning permission was 4 Jul 1972." 12 Jul 1972 Tender from M E Endersby, 21 Chapel Lane, Willington, for £830, was successful; Gadsby & Brightman, 66 Broad Avenue, Bedford, also submitted a tender; 1 Aug 1972; Order states "Build Staff Toilet complete with sanitary fittings and electrical fittings all in accordance with my Drawing and Specification and your quotation"; Works to commence 7 Aug and completed by 18 Sep; 31 Jul 1972 Memo from Clerk of the County Council to Chief Education Officer: "I do not know by what right the public are admitted to the School playing field, but perhaps you could clear this point up. If it is by licence only, then the licence can be revoked or amended to exclude dogs. If, however, the right is an absolute one, I fail to see how dogs can be excluded. In that event I would suggest that the third notice in the list is the most appropriate, and should read 'This is a School Playing Field. Please do not Allow your Dog to Foul the Grass'." 17 May 1972 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "Following an inspection of the Deeds for the School I have to report that the School playing field is solely for the use by the School and the youth of the village for recreational purposes; the public have no right for exercising dogs and the field must be left open for its agreed use. It is therefore virtually impossible to prevent unauthorised use by persons insistent upon doing so, although the Headmaster does have the power to turn them off the field." 9 Jun 1972 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to Bedfordshire County Council: "I refer to the Lease dated 25 Jun 1951 for part of OS No. 313 in the Parish of Southill. I see this Lease came to an end on 25 Jun 1972 and write to suggest that you continue to hold this over on the same terms until 30 Sep 1973, when the Lease for Southill School terminates. Perhaps you would be good enough to let me know if you agree to this. I must now refer to a meeting of the Southill Parish Council held last Mon, when there was a strong complaint regarding youths and girls who are causing damage and depositing litter. I realise this is outside school hours, but you are responsible, under Clause 4, to erect, maintain and keep chain link fences on the Northern and Eastern boundaries. The one on the Eastern boundary is very rotten in places as well as damaged. I understand the damage is largely due to these youths climbing over, and it is suggested that you might consider firstly, repairing it and secondly, erecting barbed wire along the whole length and not just the short bit you have repaired." 4 Oct 1972 Reply from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "I note the comments in Mr Molloy's letter regarding the defective fences and work will be put in hand to rectify this matter. The problem of access to this ground by persons other than school children within school hours is something of a major problem. I am not too keen on the idea of introducing barbed wire into the fencing system in view of the proximity to public access routes. However, I am aware of the County Council's obligations under the lease and I will review the whole question of security of the field in order to restrict the damage and the depositing of litter." 26 Oct 1972 Reply from S Molloy to Clerk of the County Council: "I agree with the County Council about barbed wire adjacent to a public road, but it does seem to have worked on the East side of the playing ground. You will no doubt have heard by now the complaints made by the school master, Mr Dawson, and his wife, to the Parish Council about the litter and damage caused by youths in the evenings to this field. Mr Wallinger of the Education Department knows a good bit about this if you need further information." 1 Nov 1972 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The Headmaster has reported that the old fashioned 'lead-light' windows in the thatched classroom allow inadequate ventilation during warm weather and create a cold room during winter when they fall open. I should be grateful for your comments and recommendation on this matter." 11 Dec 1972 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "You will know that the last Education Committee agreed to my negotiating for the renewal of the lease from Whitbread Estate of Cardington Schoolhouse and premises. The Estate has however now suggested that we also negotiate at the same time for the renewal of the lease which expires in Sep 1973 for Southill School, cottage and playground, but before agreeing to this I shall be pleased if you will confirm that there is a future use for these premises for a minimum period of 7 years." 12 Dec 1972 Reply: "Southill School is eligible for replacement as a pre 1903 building but there is very little chance of replacement buildings being available before 1980 and I agree therefore that the lease be renewed for a further period of 7 years from Sep 1973." 18 Dec 1972 Letter from County Architect to S Molloy, Estate Office: "I am in receipt of your letters of 24 Jan and 5 Mar 1973 [not here] and apologise for the delay in dealing with the renewal of the leases for Cardington Schoolhouse and premises and Southill School Cottage and Playground. This has been due to staffing difficulties in my Estates Section, but I hope the situation will be relieved shortly when I shall be in a position to deal with this matter." undated [1973] Reply: "I refer to your letter of 12 Dec 1972 and the subsequent undated letter I received from you in Mar of this year, regarding the renewal of the lease for Cardington and Southill C P Schools. I have discussed this matter with Mr Whitbread and he has agreed a suggestion of mine, and I think it would be simpler if I could come and discuss it with you. Would you please let me know when you are free." 23 May 1973 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "It has been reported that there are broken air bricks at the school and that the wooden fencing needs creosoting. I shall be grateful if you will arrange for these matters to receive attention." 17 Apr 1973 Letter from M E Dawson, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "The childrens' toilet accommodation at this school continues to be a disgrace. Plumbing faults occur frequently, the floors are permanently wet, the buildings are literally falling down, and they smell unpleasantly despite being swilled out daily with a disinfectant solution. The whole toilet block is most unsavoury and it has come to my notice that some children refuse to use the toilets as they are so unpleasant and sub-standard compared with the ones the children are used to at home. Two years ago, when the school was redecorated, the toilet block escaped the attention of the decorators, and the floor covering which was promised years ago has never materialised. I cannot stress too strongly the need for major expenditure in bringing this accommodation up to the minimum acceptable standard, and I request that this matter be treated as top priority." 7 May 1973 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "I have had an inspection carried out of the toilet accommodation at the school and it is certainly true that work needs to be carried out to bring the unit up to an acceptable standard. You will remember that there has been talk for some time of an improvement scheme being carried out to the toilets, but, as nothing has found its way into a programme, I propose to have improvement work carried out during the summer holidays as a matter of routine maintenance." 22 May 1973 Copies of leases and agreements with Whitbread Estate from Aug 1946 - Sep 1966 (extension to 1973); with Agreement for lease of School Cottage 10 Sep 1963 Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "The Headmaster informed me that the front boundary fence was damaged by a car belonging to a parent of one of the children attending school. This parent was kind enough to inform the Headmaster of the damage done and offered to pay for the reinstatement. The name and address of this parent is Mrs Johnson, 818d Eisenhower Place, RAF Chicksands. The cost of replacing this fencing would be not more than £10. Perhaps you would be kind enough to inform me of the action you require taking in due course." 9 Jun 1973 Letter from Clerk of the County Council to Mrs Johnson: "The County Architect tells me that the cost of replacing the fencing is not likely to be more than £10 and in these circumstances I suggest that I should ask the Architect to give instructions for the work to be carried out, and let you have a sight of the final account in due course." 11 Jun 1973 Frederick Saunders repaired the damage for £3.30; 2 Nov 1973 Letter from County Architect to S Molloy, Estate Office: "Further to your meeting with my Assistant, Mr G E Smith, on 11 Jun, I set out below the provisionally agreed terms upon which I am prepared to recommend the Council to continue in occupation of Southill School Cottage and Premises: 1) Rent: The annual rent to be £734 exclusive of all outgoings; 2) Tenure: The new lease to be for a period of 7 years commencing from 29 Sep 1973; 3) Notice of Termination: The Council and lessor to be able to terminate the lease at any time on giving a minimum notice of 6 months; In view of the above amendments and in view of the fact that the Council now has exclusive occupation of these premises including Sundays and other days when not normally required for educational purposes, I intend to have the lease re-written and a draft sent to you for your ratification. In addition I will recommend that the Council pays your reasonable legal costs incurred in the matter. With regard to the field which is being used and maintained by the Council I feel that it would be better to keep this agreement separate in view of the fact that the Council does not have exclusive occupation. I shall submit this matter for formal consideration to the relevant Committee as soon as possible and let you know their decision in due course." 13 Jun 1973 Reply: " I have now had an opportunity of talking to Mr Whitbread about this and with him saw Mr Shallard [Chief Education Officer] on 26 Jul. As a result of that meeting, I am to agree items 1, 2 and 3 in your letter, subject of course, to approval of the new draft lease when re-written. It must be understood that in the event of it being decided to convert Southill School to an Aided one, that this can be undertaken, even though the proposed new lease is in force." 1 Aug 1973 Details as above to be reported to the Education Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee with recommendation that the terms be accepted. 13 Aug 1973 Drawing: Staff Toilet; Floor Plan, Elevations, Section; scale 1:50; with location plan; Apr 1972 [Another copy] Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I have received a request from the Headmaster for a notice to be erected on the school field with the following wording: 'This Field is solely for the use of Children of Southill School and for the use of the Village of Southill out of school hours. It will be locked daIly at dusk'. I shall be grateful if you will kindly let me have a note of the estimated cost involved in this provision in due course." 6 Sep 1973 Further memo: "I refer to your memo of 1 Oct [not here] and should be grateful if you would kindly arrange for the notice board to be erected as soon as possible. The cost, estimated at £23, should be charged to the Primary Schools Contingency Fund." 5 Nov 1973 Memo from Clerk of the County Council: "Will you please note that Mr M E Dawson will vacate the School House on 20 Oct 1973. I should be glad if the County Treasurer would arrange to deduct rent and rates up to and including that date. Would the County Architect please arrange for an inspection to be carried out and for me to have the total estimated cost of redecorations." 25 Sep 1973 Further memo: "Mr M E Dawson has notified me that he has now vacated the School House." 29 Oct 1973 [rent to be deducted up to and including 18 Oct] Reply from County Architect: "The estimated cost of redecoration would be £480." 8 Jan 1974 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I refer to our previous correspondence concerning the School Playing Field and now write to inform you that it has been suggested that the small gate to this field be replaced by a stile. I shall be grateful if you will kindly investigate this suggestion and let me have a note of the estimated cost involved in this alternative provision as soon as possible." 4 Oct 1973 Reply: "I have looked into the proposal of providing a stile to replace the gate in the playing fields and estimate that this provision will cost £40." 8 Jan 1974 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I refer to the Acting Headmaster's letter addressed to you and dated 19 Oct [not here] concerning various items which 'require attention', and should be pleased to receive your observations, together with a note of the costs involved in carrying out the Headmaster's requirements in due course. As far as the area to the rear of the kitchen block is concerned, my Playing Fields Superintendent has been asked to tackle the weeds." 5 Nov 1973 Reply: "I estimate the cost of each item as follows: 1) To provide enclosed area within the covered portion of the toilet block by the erection of doors, £150; 2) Provide stormproof covering over the rear classroom porch, £40; 3) Provide paved area round sand pit to contain the sand which at present causes problems with adjacent playground gullies, £130; 4) Meter Cupboard - to provide a cupboard to enclose the meter and switchgear, £40; The request for a door closer to the staff room door, and attention to the 'mud strip' by the swimming pool are legitimate items of maintenance and my Area Building Surveyor will attend to these. The Headmaster has also requested a draining board to the sink in the back classroom. As this is a 'Butler' sink, to provide a draining board or working top would be an unhygienic arrangement and it is policy to replace this type of installation with a sink unit having a stainless steel top. The cost of this without hot water supply would be £75." 8 Jan 1974 Reply: "I refer to your memo concerning the provision of the undermentioned items at the school: 1) Stormproof covering over the rear classroom porch; 2) Cupboard to enclose meters and switchgear; 3) Sink units in the back classroom; I shall be grateful if you will arrange for this work to be carried out, the total cost, which I understand will be in the region of £155, to be charged to the 1974/75 Primary Schools Contingency Fund." 2 May 1974 Further memo: "The Managers of the school have reported that the asphalt path around to the back of the school is in a poor condition and needs treating with weedkiller and resurfaced. They have also asked that the electric heater in the dining room be cleaned." 14 Nov 1973 Reply: "My Area Building Surveyor will look into the matter [asphalt path] and carry out any necessary work of maintenance." 8 Jan 1974 Further memo: "The Managers of the school have requested that the open shed, used for storing equipment, ladders, etc., be fitted with doors." 14 Nov 1973 Estimate from L Chambers & Son, 61 Rowan Crescent, Biggleswade, regarding Erection of Temporary Classroom: "1) Remove existing surface water chamber and drain and filling in, excavating for new drain and soakaway, lay drain and form new soakaway and make good in playground; 2) Excavate and forming new paving to classroom for the sum of £191"; Also Dunton CVP School: "Remove gate and fence to allow room for entrance of classroom, refix new gatepost and erect fence and gate, for the sum of £30.85" 15 Feb 1974 Letter from County Architect to S Molloy, Estate Office: "Further to previous correspondence concerning the renewal of the leases of Cardington School House Premises and Southill School Cottage and Premises, I am able to confirm that the terms provisionally agreed between us were approved at the Education Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee on 15 Feb, with one minor alteration that the Council or lessor to be able to terminate the lease on giving at least 6 months notice. This matter has now been passed to the Clerk of the County Council for preparation of the new leases." 19 Feb 1974 Memo from A T Lawes to A G Giddings: "The terms for the renewal of the lease of these two schools were approved 15 Feb, subject to the provisions in the Counter Inflation Act." [undated] Memo from County Architect to Clerk of The County Council: "The following terms were approved 15 Feb for the renewal of the leases of Southill and Cardington Schools: Southill School: Annual rent to be £734 exclusive of all outgoings; A new lease to be for a period of 7 years commencing from 29 Sep 1973; The Council or lessor to be able to terminate the lease on giving a minimum of 6 months notice; The County Council to pay the lessors reasonable legal costs incurred; Cardington School: The annual rent to be £342 exclusive of all outgoings; Other terms as above apply in this case; The Agent acting in both cases is Mr S Molloy FLAS, Estate Office, Southill Park, Biggleswade. I should be pleased if you would prepare the new leases in the above cases." 14 Mar 1974 Memo from County Architect to County Planner: "Further to the visit on 11 Mar of Mr Baker and Mr Giddings to inspect the Farmhouse at Gracious Farm. The repairs necessary to preserve the structure are as follows: 1) Generally overhaul roof slopes, gutters, replace missing tiles, replace weathering to hips where defective or missing. Clean out valley gutters on completion; 2) Generally clean out the ease gutters, rainwater pipes and gulleys, replace missing or broken gutter and downpipes, remake leaking joints; 3) Open up round the base of building, inspect the timber sole plate and bottoms of timber studs, take remedial action to prevent settlement due to loss of substance from decaying timbers; 4) Make good the Stucco finish to match existing where decayed or remove for inspection and repair; 5) Inspect and carry out remedial and preventive action to combat insect and fungoid attack; The building was 'restored' in 1802 and incorporated a rehash of the interior, original work has been repaired, covered over or taken out, and therefore has lost a good deal of its appeal. In a discussion with Mr Molloy, the Estate Surveyor, it was clear that in any new occupation the house would not have the benefit of any garden space and very limited paved area at the rear. The method of proposed letting with a very nominal annual rent and the tenant undertaking to put and keep in repair, to satisfy the requirements of the County Planning Officer, seems to limit severely the possibility of a successful letting. Any suggestion that the County Council become the freeholder with restrictive covenant limiting the use to which the building can be put should be given very careful consideration." 20 Mar 1974 Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "I am pleased to inform you that the electricity suppllies are adequate for the new equipment [School Canteen]. The installation costs will be in the region of £60. No doubt you will inform me when the equipment is on site together with the cost allocation and I will arrange for the installation and connection of these items." 13 May 1974 Letter from Mr N N Capon, Gracious Farm, to Education Department: "I wish again to draw your attention to the bad state of your fence around the Playing Field at Southill. I reported this to your people nearly three months ago and the Headmaster also reported this to you several weeks ago, to give you plenty of notice before the cattle and horses were turned out into the field. There is a large hole in the bottom which the children have pulled up to get into my field and this hole is about big enough for the cattle to get through. The children are also climbing over the top which is being trodden down and will soon be at ground level. I have valuable horses and cattle in the field and I take no responsibility for injuries and damage to growing crops if they should get out. After all this time no attempt has been made to get this work done and I shall be most grateful if you will give this your urgent attention before serious damage is done." 9 May 1974 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I shall be grateful if you will let me know what is being arranged as a result of my memo dated 13 May 1974 so that I can inform Mr Capon who has telephoned again about the inadequate fence. He says that his Hereford cattle are valuable and they can get through gaps made by children. Did the proposed meeting between Mr Molloy, Mr Capon and Mr Coleman take place and if so, was any decision reached?" 17 Jul 1974 Reply: "Mr Molloy, the agent for the Southill Estate has not so far been in contact with Mr Coleman, my Area Building Surveyor, to arrange a meeting with Mr Capon as was proposed. In consequence Mr Coleman has instructed a fencing contractor to replace the section of dilapidated fence from the side gate to the corner post near the swings where the cattle appear to force an access on to the field. There is at the present time difficulty in obtaining fencing material, the position being aggravated by annual holiday. It is estimated that by the end of Aug the new fence should have been installed." 30 Jul 1974 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to Clerk of the County Council: "You will recall that under your Agreement dated 25 Jun 1951, you are responsible for maintaining the fencing around this playing ground. Mr Whitbread's tenant, Mr Capon, has once more complained about the state of the fence on the Eastern boundary. Would you be good enough please to look at this and carry out the necessary repairs as soon as possible, in accordance with Clause 2(5) of the Lease. I refer to your letter of 20 Jul 1971, written by Mr Henman, and subsequent correspondence, but I do not believe the work referred to therein has been completed." 1 Aug 1974 Memo from County Architect to County Secretary: "My Area Building Surveyor telephoned Mr Molloy the Estate Agent in May in order that Mr Capon could be approached with regard to agreeing some method of providing access from the playing field to the pasture land for retrieving footballs etc., that were kicked over the fence. Mr Molloy thought that if the interested parties were called together in his office, a method of re-fencing could be agreed that would be most economical to the Ratepayer. As my Area Building Surveyor had received no further call from Mr Molloy and in retrospect from the contents of the letter it would appear no action arranging this meeting had been given any more consideration, the fence was repaired." 2 Sep 1974 Letter from Mr Capon to S Molloy: "I wish to inform you that the Council have renewed the fence on the North side of the Southill Playing Field which had collapsed, but they did not do anything to the fence on the East side, where some of the uprights have rotted off at ground level. Also the wire is rotten and holes are accumulating in it. I am afraid this fence will not be stock-proof next grazing season. I shall be pleased to meet the Council on the site by appointment." 17 Sep 1974 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to County Secretary: "I understand from Mr Capon that the County Architect has taken no action whatever on the complaints set out in Mr Capon's letter of 17 Sep. Mr Capon said in his letter he was afraid the fence would not be stock-proof next grazing season, which is not far away. I understand that already the new plastic covered fencing on the North side has been pushed up, and constitutes a danger to grazing stock. I should be grateful of an acknowledgement of this letter and a promise of action." 10 Feb 1975 Memo from County Architect to County Secretary: "Mr Capon and my Area Building Surveyor met on site some time after 18 Sep and agreed that as money was being allowed in the 1975/76 Revenue Estimates for replacing the dilapidated fencing as per the terms of lease (and would in fact incorporate a barbed wire section on the farm side of the fence, to maintain a safe area to prevent cattle damaging the fence), the situation would bear the interim period between the meeting until such time in Mar when this work could be put in hand, knowing that the estimates for the following year had been approved. We are now proceeding with obtaining tenders for this work to be carried out and will put the work in hand as soon as possible. It would appear from the letter from Southill Park Estate Office dated 10 Feb 1975 that Mr Capon had not informed Mr Molloy of the further developments subsequent to this discussion. My Area Building Surveyor also informs me that the new fencing has again been pushed up at the bottom by people gaining access to the farmland in order to retrieve balls etc., It is intended to incorporate in the barbed wire fence on the farmland side a lower strand which would be a hazard only to persons on the playing field side attempting to gain access underneath the fence." 5 Mar 1975 Reply: "I am more than a little concerned at your suggestion that you intend to incorporate in the barbed wire fence on the farmland side a lower strand which in your words 'would be a hazard only to persons on the playing field side attempting to gain access underneath the fence'. My concern is that such a proposal might be held to constitute a deliberate hazard to children from the school playing field who might be attempting to retrieve their balls and if a child were to be seriously torn on the barbed wire the fact that he would be trespassing would not absolve the local education authority from being blamed (certainly by parents and the media) for having erected the barbed wire hazard in the first place. Perhaps you would like to give further consideration to this aspect of your proposal." 18 Mar 1975 Letter from S Molloy, Estate Office, to County Secretary: "I do not know about Mr Capon, but I have had no communication from the County Architect. I would be grateful if you would press him on this point. I would also refer to my letter of 14 Feb regarding Southill and Cardington Schools which, like my letter of 30 Jan on the same subject, has so far not been acknowledged, let alone dealt with." 27 Feb 1975 Tender from T P Roche, Piccotts End, Hemel Hempstead, for Erect Stock-proof Fence to Playing Field, for £646.09, was successful; Tradfix, 93 Risborough Road, Bedford, also submitted a tender; 4 Apr 1975 Letter from W A Boutall, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "I am pleased to report that item 3, the provision of a sink unit, has been carried out. A cold water supply was already in existence, but no provision has yet been made for hot water. At present the caretaker has to carry a bucket from another building when hot water is required for cleaning purposes. Could a small Sadia type water heater be installed above the sink unit please?" 7 Jun 1974 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "With this memo I am sending you copies of letters I have received from Heads of the following schools [only Southill here (above)]: Sandye Place School, Sandy - Damage to gates; Everton School, Sandy - Playground fencing; Denbigh Road CPI School, Luton - Toilets; Milton Ernest VCP School - Gate to swimming pool; Southill CP School - Water heater; Biggleswade Teacher Centre - Heating, Frozen cistern, Lighting fittings; Beechwood CP Infants School, Luton - Playground drainage; William Austins School, Luton - Boundary fencing; Hadrian CP School, Dunstable - Burglar alarm; Beech Hill High School, Luton - Adventure playground; St Margaret of Scotland School, Luton - Letter from the Reverend B Hindle (Managers); Silver Jubilee School, Bedford - Vandalism, 77 broken windows; I shall be grateful if you will attend to these matters as necessary and inform me of your recommendations regarding St Margaret's School and Hadrian's School as soon as conveniently possible." 11 Jun 1974 Memo from County Valuer & Estates Officer to County Architect: "Mr Turner, the caretaker to Southill Junior School, today informed me that the garden fence around his house has not yet been erected. I should be pleased if you would look into this matter and advise Mr Turner of the present position." 21 Jun 1974 Letter from W A Boutall, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "After my regular routine inspection of these premises at the beginning of the month I submitted a BM2 which referred to drainpipes and guttering etc., Prompt attention to these items would have incurred very little expense. No action was taken, however, with the result that, after yesterday's rain, we had water cascading from the roof and seeping into the staff room and stock cupboard. Consequently walls and stock have been damaged; normal work has been disrupted; considerable effort has been wasted, and great inconvenience has been caused. As a temporary measure I have tried to stem the flow by means of plastic funnels and piping - an emergency exercise which took place on top of a ladder in heavy rain, causing considerable damage to my suit and no little discomfort. I hope you will understand my frustration, as I feel that I followed the correct procedure in notifying your Department. I have since spoken to Mr Coleman on the telephone about this and other matters which are long outstanding." 28 Jun 1974 Reply from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "I have investigated the points outlined by him and would make these points: The BM2 referred to was submitted to my office at the time that the Area Building Surveyor had gone for his annual holiday and because of the workload on this department and due to other members of the staff being away from work sick, it was impossible for other members of the department to take over this surveyor's work while he was away. In consequence, this had to wait until he came back and his work was put in hand. You will appreciate that to quote the Headmaster's term if these matters were put in hand promptly, it would require a labour force of quite a large number available at all times, which in this day and age we find rather difficult to achieve." 26 Jul 1974 Letter from Headmaster to County Architect: "At a recent meeting of the School Managers I reported on the condition of the Swimming Pool. They recommend that I write to you pointing out the rapidly deteriorating state of the capping which surrounds the pool. Notification of this item was first made during last Autumn Term, and although contractors have been out to price the job, and Order No. A817 was sent on 23 Apr 1974, no action has yet been taken. Could you please arrange for the work to be done before the condition of the surround deteriorates to such an extent as to become a major problem." 17 Jul 1974 Reply: "My Area Surveyor informs me that as you state an order was placed on the contractor on 23 Apr 1974 for this work to be put in hand. You will appreciate that there is an enormous workload on the Department at the present time which has been aggravated by the changeover of Local Government in the past months and the availability of labour to carry out various jobs. I understand that the contractor concerned has a great deal of work to do on swimming pools for this Authority and will get this job put in hand as soon as he is able." 29 Jul 1974 Report to School Managers from W A Boutall, Headmaster, mentions there were 101 children on School Roll, 13 new entrants and 4 transfers from other schools; "Only very minor items have been attended to since the Jun Report. A temporary job has been done on the insecure false ceiling in the main building. This item will eventually involve a major upheaval because scaffolding will need to be erected. Items included in a request to County Hall for minor improvements included: 1) Sanding of wooden floors (rough and very uneven in places); 2) Treatment of walls and redecoration; 3) Better window ventilation in Class 3; 4) Glass panel door in Class 3; 5) Wall heaters - for use during cold snaps when full boiler heating is not operating; The swimming pool was in use throughout the holiday under the supervision of P.T.A. members; The Fancy Dress Parade, Sponsored Swim, Sports Day and Open Evening were all very successful events attended by large numbers of parents; A Mixed Ensemble from the County Music Staff provided a concert for all except the very youngest children; In common with many other establishments we are suffering delays in the delivery of stock and this inevitably causes some inconvenience." 20 Sep 1974 Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The Headmaster has requested that some form of guard or porch be provided to the staff room door. This opens directly onto the playground and is a danger to passing children. I shall be grateful if steps could be taken to eliminate this hazard." 4 Dec 1974 Letter from W A Boutall, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "I made a request for some safeguard to be provided by the Staff Room door which opens dangerously onto the playground, and your letter stated that you had contacted the County Architect regarding this matter. May I now call attention to the fact that the wooden steps to the mobile classroom become very slippery when wet, and constitute a very real hazard to the young children who use them. Can some action be taken to eliminate these dangers please?" 29 Jan 1975 Letter from W A Boutall, Headmaster, to Chief Education Officer: "I recently received an account from the Eastern Electricity Board for the 13 week period ended 27 Jan 1975. The total due according to this account was £446.69 which was so obviously incorrect that I telephoned the EEB on 17 Feb asking them to check up. It seems that our meters have been connected incorrectly and I am advised to hold the account pending further investigations by Mr Alley. On the question of fuel economy and the 'save it' campaign, my staff are making all reasonable economies. In discussing the question a point arose concerning fluorescent tubes. It was suggested that more fuel may be expended in switching off and on than by leaving them on. Someone had heard that it is the heating of the tube which consumes the power. Have you any comments to make on this?" 26 Feb 1975

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SOUTHILL, Southill County Primary School, Southill state schools, Cardington School, Southill Gracious Farm