Scope and Content
Includes:
Carlton School: Future Building Developments:
1) Sports Hall: This scheme had reached Sketch Plan stage in Jan 1969, and had received approval in principle from the Home Office. We were prevented from beginning the work because of the official clampdown on borrowing from the Bank. The intention at the time was to have a prefabricated conder type shell erected by Contractors, and the brickwork, woodwork, plumbing and electrical work done by the boys in their work departments.
2) Swimming Pool: The glass roof was dismantled as being dangerous several years ago. The walls have perished and and it is planned to rebuild the outside walls, and if possible to roof over again, so that the use of swimming facilities could be extended. It was considered in 1969 that the re-roofing of the swimming pool could be carried out in conjunction with the work on the Sports Hall.
3) Dismantling of Old Buildings: There are a number of old buildings which we are gradually pulling down. If the Sports Hall scheme goes ahead, we should have to dismantle all the old buildings on the central site.
4) Roads and Paths: We have delayed resurfacing and in some cases rebuilding all the roads on the west side of the school because of the uncertainty over possible new building schemes, as outlined in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3. If decisions can be made regarding these schemes, the necessary work under this heading ought to be delayed no longer. Resurfacing will also be required to the tarmac on the east side of the school, which has not been done since the opening in 1965.
5) New Projects: If the reorganisation of the school is carried out as planned with boys being admitted 13 years upwards, it is estimated the following additions will be required: a) New Dining Rooms attached to each house with increased washing up and storage facilities; b) Separate entrance for the Housemaster's flat in each of the three house units; c) Sewing Room for each house with storage; d) Probably two new classrooms - it may be worth exploring the feasibility of building these on top of the existing two classrooms; e) Alterations to unused accommodation in the Administration block, so that staff flats could be provided for the extra teachers and house staff; received 5 Jun 1973
Detailed specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for Complete External Decoration of Headmaster's House and Garages, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 High Elms and 2 Houses and Garages at Northey Farm; Aug 1973
Circular from M G Russell, Department of Health and Social Security, Alexander Fleming House, Elephant and Castle: "Controlled and Assisted Community Homes which were previously Approved Institutions. Diminution and Alteration of Premises: The purpose of this Circular is to describe the procedure to be followed in carrying out the requirements of Community Homes Regulations (1972), Regulation 17. The Regulation reads as follows: 'Where the premises comprising a controlled or assisted community home were formerly used for an approved school, approved probation hostel or approved probation home, the voluntary organisation providing the community home or the trustees in whom the property of the voluntary organisation is vested shall not, without the approval of the Secretary of State, do anything by way of diminution or alteration which materially affects the buildings or grounds or other facilities or amenities available for children in such home.' Applications for approval under this Regulation should be made in good time, in the first place gving brief details of the intention and an approximate estimate of the extent if any to which the alteration or diminution would reduce the current value of the premises etc., on the open market." 18 Sep 1973
"A cordial invitation to attend the Annual Open Day at the Carlton Community Home between 2.30pm and 5.30pm on Sat 22 Sep 1973 is extended to you by the Mangers of the Home. Visitors will be welcome to inspect the school buildings and the work done by the boys and discuss them with the Staff. A cup of tea and refreshments will be available"
Tenders for External Decorations to Carlton Residential Training School from Abbot of Harrow, 23-25 Northolt Road; H B Wilson, 3 Shirley Road, Rushden; Abid South Ltd, Birds Hill, Letchworth; Alan Ford, Lodge Buildings, Clophill; were unsuccessful; successful tender was for £670 [contractor not named]; 23 Sep 1973
Memo from County Health Inspector to County Architect: "Further to a verbal request from the Deputy Director of Social Services, the condition of the Carlton School swimming pool was examined on Thu 14 Jun 1973 and conditions were found to exist as follows:
Swimming Pool: a) The tiles from part of the base and sides of the pool were missing, cracked and broken and were obviously in need of replacement; b) The remains of the walls surrounding the pool had missing, fractured and loose cement rendering in parts, together with loose and crumbling brickwork; c) The floor surrounds to the pool were quite sound except for uneven paving in parts, the brickwork steps at the plant end were in need of replacement.
Treatment Plant: a) The Plant consists of a rapid fan filter (United Filters) of a fairly high capacity, a form of heating and combined aeration unit, a rudimentary form of automatic chlorination with sodium hypochlorite, and a primitive dosing plant for pH control, and the addition of materials for assisting the formation of floc in the filter; b) The filter itself appears to be quite sound, the heating unit will bear investigation as there appears to be several missing parts. The chemical treatment of the pool will need to be changed to fall into line with the policy of this County, to hand dose with a granular chlorine donor, with the subsequent removal of surplus chemicals from the site.
Recommendations: All broken tiles from the pool side to be removed and be rendered with a cement rendering to form a smooth and even surface; A cement screed of 2" depth to be laid on the untiled portion of the pool base to provide a smooth and even surface. All loose and crumbling brickwork of the walls to be made good and finished with an appropriate capping; Remove all loose cement rendering, and make good all walls to form a smooth and even surface to receive a suitable water resistant coating of light blue decorative material; Replace or renew where necessary the steps from the pool to the treatment plant." 20 Jun 1973
Memo from A T Lawes to A Giddings: "At a meeting of the Mangers of Carlton Community Home on 9 Aug, the Managers expressed disappointment that no action appeared to have been taken since their last meeting to render the swimming pool useable and it was resolved that the County Architect be asked to report to the next meeting of the Managers regarding the pool. Mr Barker has asked if you will prepare the necessary report of the work which needs to be done." 22 Aug 1973
Memo from County Architect to Director of Social Services: "You will remember that the condition of the existing swimming pool caused some concern when we took over the responsibility of maintenance of the building and the County Health Inspector reported in Jun of this year recommending that a considerable amount of remedial work would be necessary before he could agree to the use of the pool. My Maintenance Surveyors have carried out a full inspection and have reported to me in the following terms: The cost of carrying out the necessary work to put the pool into reasonable condition and to install new filtration plant would be not less than £2,500. It is probable that in the near future a sports hall and ancillary facilities may be constructed on the site, when it may be necessary to discontinue the use of and perhaps to even reconstruct the swimming pool under that contract. When my Surveyors were on the site they met Alderman Russell and your Deputy, Mr Farmer, and discussed the possibility of providing a prefabricated swimming pool for use until such time as permanent proposals in connection with the Sports Hall could be formalised. The cost of providing a prefabricated pool, together with filtration plant etc., would be in the order of £3,500 - £4,000 but it would be possible to relocate the pool at another site if the Home were to have other provision made for swimming in the future. As far as I am aware, there is no provision in the current year's estimates for carrying out any work to the existing swimming pool. I do not think it will be necessary for my representative to attend the next meeting of the Managers as the report I would give to them is as set out above. I shall be pleased if you would ensure that the information given above is made available to the Managers." 4 Oct 1973
Letter from L W Price, Headmaster, to County Architect: "In my last Report to the School Managers, I drew attention to the deterioration in the state of the old buildings at the school. In particular, the winds have removed a number of slates. We have been threatening to pull these old buildings down for some time, if only because they are an eyesore. It seems to me that the time has come when we should do this. They have only been used for storing spare equipment, ladders, scaffolding, etc., and now no longer even weatherproof. (There is also an area where some buildings were pulled down several years ago and which we would like to concrete over). Perhaps you could inspect them and take the necessary steps." 11 Mar 1974
Eastern Electricity Bedford District: Inspection and Test of Electrical Installation at Dining Room Block, Farm Buildings, New Workshops (including 4 classrooms), Starey House Block; Sep 1973
Eastern Electricity Inspection Certificates for Northey Farm House, Farrer House Block, Higgins House Block, Admin Block, Admin Block (flat only), Farrer House, New Workshops, Gardens Department, House Nos. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 10, Farm Cottage; Oct 1973
Memo from County Architect to Director of Social Services: "Nothing has been included in the Maintenance Estimates 1974/75 for providing a new surface swimming pool and new filtration plant, estimated cost £4,000, or for a generator, estimated cost £6,000, as these are regarded as 'improvements'. Should your committee wish to proceed with these items a decision can be made at the appropriate time." 6 Nov 1973
Schedule of minor repair works at No. 1 High Elms (manuscript, undated)
Form BM1 from L W Price, Headmaster, regarding No. 1 High Elms: "This staff house is now empty. We have examined it inside but it is too much for us to decorate ourselves. We are in the process of tidying up two other empty houses, which do not require so much to be done." 31 Jan 1974
Letter from Headmaster to Afos Ltd, Manor Estate, Anlaby, Hull: "I am writing to you in regard to the Afos 50D0 Warm Air Unit which was installed in my house in 1965. The A.P. Oil Control Unit went wrong last winter, and I followed your advice and managed to get it reconditioned by a firm near Horley, Surrey - Curzon Technical Supplies Ltd. This meant being without any heat in the middle of winter. Now the same thing has happened again, and again I am without heat for some weeks. I realise that the machine is 9 years old, but one does not expect to buy central heating more than once. Surely you would not say to any prospective customer 'You must expect to buy a completely new Unit in about 8 or 9 years time'. If you did, you wouldn't sell many. Can you not supply a new burner control system, or adapt the old 50D0 Unit with modern parts?" 13 Feb 1974
Reply from G Hadfield, Service Manager: "We appreciate the point you make in your second paragraph and agree with you entirely. Our normal policy is to be in a position to supply spares for our units for approximately 15 years but in this particular case we were let down very badly, as were other manufacturers, by the Control Company of America who make the oil controls. Approximately six years ago they decided unilaterally to stop manufacture and to our amazement also decided not to supply spares etc., We have done everything possible to overcome this situation but we are now faced with the situation where we have no controls whatsoever and have to advise customers to use Curzon. The situation is unfortunately worse than this on ignitors, where there are no further supplies available. In an attempt to at least provide an alternative facility, we have developed an alternate burner model to replace the existing one. The approximate cost of this is £100 although some economy can be made if some of the existing parts such as the burner box can be re-used. If you should wish to take advantage of this, we would suggest that you contact us again at the end of the heating season and make arrangements for your existing burner to be returned when we can give you a quotation for the new type of controls and have the work done ready for the next heating season." 18 Feb 1974
Memo from County Architect to Director of Social Services: "You will be aware that the County Council at their meeting on 20 Jun accepted the recommendation from the Social Services Committee that a temporary classroom should be provided at Carlton Training School to accommodate eighteen children from Oxendon House. I have today sent plans to the County Planning Officer for consultations under the Town and Country Planning Acts and I now attach a set of plans [not here] showing the siting, elevations and layout and shall be pleased if you will forward these urgently to the School Managers for their observations." 23 Jul 1974
Memo from E Jones, Superintendent, Oxenden House, to Mr K Farmer, Deputy Director of Social Services: "We recently appointed Miss Melinda Cinnel as a resident housemother at Oxenden House and, as you know, the accommodation we have is very limited. I have a small single room which I was able to offer but this has no washbasin and consequently the young lady will have to share washing facilities with the boys. The room next door, used by another member of staff, has a washbasin in the corner and it would appear to be a relatively simple job to fit another on the other side of the wall. I have already sent a BM1 requesting this work to be carried out but I now discover that this is the wrong way to go about it. I am now making the request for this work to be carried out as soon as possible as Miss Cinnel takes up her duties here on Aug 10 1974. I am aware of the fact that this request should have been made at the time the annual estimates were being prepared but our present circumstances could not have been foreseen. This improvement to the accommodation will be of great help to us and will make the staff more comfortable and settled. Carlton School will also appreciate this extra facility after we leave." 31 Jul 1974
Memo from Deputy Director of Social Services to County Architect: "In view of the difficulties being experienced in recruiting staff I shall be glad if you will let me know whether money can be found in the current maintenance estimates for Oxenden to enable this work to be undertaken now." 16 Aug 1974
Detailed specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for External Painting of Oxenden House, Farrer House, Starey House and Kitchen Block; Jul 1974
Letter from County Treasurer to the Secretary, Department of Health and Social Security, Euston Tower, 286 Euston Road, London NW1: "Oxenden House Community Home, Leighton Buzzard, was recently destroyed by fire, and the children there have been transferred to one wing of another Community Home at Carlton, Bedfordshire. My Council has therefore to provide additional accommodation and has decided to purchase a temporary classroom which is to be situated at Carlton and used by the transferred children and new arrivals (the maximum number of children involved will be 15). It is intended that a new Home, to replace Oxenden House, will be built as soon as possible, but meanwhile the accommodation to which reference has been made is to be provided at an estimated cost of £3,120 for the classroom plus £500 for accommodation works and incidental expenses; I am therefore seeking your approval for this expenditure to be regarded as Key Sector as it is in respect of building works which is to be used for Social Services." 18 Jun 1974
Reply from Mrs J E Orford, DHSS, Alexander Fleming House, Elephant and Castle, London SE1: "Loan sanction for this expenditure will be available on receipt of the prescribed form C." 25 Jul 1974
Model Form C: Purchase and installation of temporary mobile type single classroom at Carlton Training School; Expenditure on building work: £3,176 (mobile unit), £280 (electric mains), £100 (builders work); total £3,556; Aug 1974
Further letter from Mrs Orford: "I am writing to inform you that final approval by the Secretary of State has been given to this project in the sum of £3,556 and that loan sanction for that capital expenditure is available in accordance with paragraphs 28 and 29 of the Department of the Environment's Circular 86/74. It is assumed that the contract for this project will be in accordance with the guidance in paragraphs 3 and 4 of the DoE's Circular 158/73. We shall be glad to be informed on completion of this work." 19 Sep 1974
Invoice from Elliotts of Peterborough Ltd, Glebe Court, for supply, delivery and erection on your site 1 No. three-bay Relocatable Classroom Unit for £3,176; 26 Nov 1974
Memo from County Architect to Mr D Clifton, Director of Social Services: "I have noted in the Report of the Managers' Meeting 13 Jun 1974 that one item refers to the Sports Hall and associated buildings and the general conditions these buildings are in. Work is now being put in hand to effectively repair the roofs and gutters over this particular area. However, before any further work is ordered on improving the rooms inside, are you able to tell me what the long-term requirements will be for these rooms in this particular building?" 2 Sep 1974
Tender from Betts & Brittin, 7 Lodge Road, Rushden, for Internal Decorations at Oxenden House, 3 Bedroom Flat, Carlton Community Centre, for £355, was successful; H Wilson, 3 Shirley Road, Rushden, and Patching & Lowe, 215 Goldington Road, Bedford, also submitted tenders; 1 Oct 1974
Form BM1: "All the oil gauges in the Boiler House are faulty since we have changed to thinner oil. Can these now be changed / repaired please?" 2 Dec 1974
Tenders invited for Resurfacing at Carlton Community Centre from L & P Paving Co Ltd, Cosy Nook, Thrapston; R E Crawley Ltd, Buckwell End, Wellingborough; Home Counties Surfacing Ltd, Meads Lane, Hertford; Amey Roadstone Co Ltd, Shirley Road, Rushden; 19 Feb 1975
Tender from R E Crawley Ltd, for £1,170, was successful; L & P Paving Co Ltd and Amey Roadstone Co Ltd also submitted tenders; 14 Mar 1975
Letter from County Architect to Hills-Frader & Co Ltd, 340 Streatham High Road, London SW16; Peter Marshall Fire Escapes Ltd, Netherfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury; The Borough Engineering Works Ltd, Boro-En-Works, Leagrave Road, Luton; "I enclose for your information a copy of the drawing No. 4004 [not here] showing a fire escape required at the residential block of Carlton Community Centre. I should be grateful if you would provide me with an estimate for the cost of supplying a fire escape to meet these requirements, together with a drawing of such fire escape and details of your current delivery period, after the placing of an order." 19 Feb 1975
Detailed specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for Resurfacing Drive Area around Main Kitchen Block; Feb 1975
Drawing 05: Plan, Section, Block Plan (1:500) and Locality Plan (1:2500) for Carlton Community Centre; scale 1" to 1'; Feb 1975
Drawing 04: Floor Plan, Elevations and Sections for Fire Escape to Residential Block 'A' 'B' 'C'; scale 1:50 and 1/4" to 1'; Feb 1975
Bedford District Council: Notice of Intention to Erect, Extend or Alter a Building: Description of Proposed Work: "Fire Escape Stairs (Steel) with opening through First Floor level; Private Flat at Carlton Community Centre"; 26 Feb 1975
Letter from County Architect to Gadsby & Brightman, 66 Broad Avenue, Bedford; B G Cox Ltd, Meadow Way, Letchworth; Chaunce & Stimson Ltd, 8 High View, Putnoe; F G Mathers, 25 Bower Street, Bedford; H F Bull & Sons Ltd, 1 Ivel Road, Sandy: "Will you please allow for profit on the Prime Cost sum for the Fire Stop Doors and the Prime Cost sum for Metal Spiral Fire Escape putting the figure under each sum in the price schedule to be added into the total and at the side of each item show the percentage of profit allowed." 12 Mar 1975
Memo from ?Ian Monaghan, Social Services: Mr Clarke, a new housemaster at Carlton, will be moving into the house once occupied by Mr & Mrs Roach. The practice has been that houses are redecorated for new members of staff (at least internally). Can the necessary arrangements be made please." 24 Mar 1975
Quotations invited for supply and delivery of 36 Fire Doors (4 different specifications) at Carlton Community Centre from Crosby & Co Ltd, Cramer House, West Street, Farnham; Walter Lawrence Joinery Ltd, The Joinery Works, Sawbudgewick [sic, should be Sawbridgeworth, Hertfordshire]; John Sudd & Sons Ltd, Maulden [Maldon, Essex]; 18 Mar 1975
Specification for Electrical Engineering Services at Carlton Training School; Mar 1975
Detailed Specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for Fire Precautions; Residential Blocks A (Oxenden House), B (Farrer House), C (Starey House); Dormitories Nos. 1, 2, 3 and 4; Two Bedrooms, Duty Room, Linen Room and Entrance Corridor to Flats; Ground Floor; Fire Stop Screens; Workshop Block; New Fire Escapes to Blocks A, B, & C; Kitchen Block; Administration Block; Mar 1975
Tenders received for Fire Precautions from Devereux & Smith Ltd, 79-93 High Street, Kemptson; H F Bull & Sons Ltd, 1 Ivel Road, Sandy; B G Cox Ltd, Meadow Way, Letchworth, were unsuccessful; Borough Engineering Works Ltd, Boro-En Works, Leagrave Road, Luton, were successful with their tender for £14,828.75; 27 Mar 1975
Letter to Borough Engineering Works Ltd from County Architect: "Thank you for your letter and quotation dated 21 Mar 1975. Regarding acceptance, this will be subject to obtaining an acceptable Builder's tender in the near future. However, to obtain Building Regulations approval, it is necessary to submit details of the staircase and foundation. Are you able to supply me with the necessary information at this time? Your early reply would be appreciated." 10 Apr 1975
Agenda for Meeting of the Managers of Carlton School, Thu 10 Apr 1975; Includes Minutes of previous meeting 13 Feb 1975, Headmaster's Report (mentions 39 boys on Roll, new admissions, those released on trial, absconsions, crimes etc.,), James Swanston from County Durham appointed Principal, J Clark appointed Housemaster for Farrer House, Rota Visitors for 1975/76; Feb-Apr 1975
Drawing 08: Fire Doors and Screens, First Floor, Blocks A, B, C; scale 1:50; Apr 1975
Drawing 07: Fire Doors and Screens, Ground Floor, Block B; scale 1:50; Apr 1975
Drawing 06: Fire Doors and Screens, Ground Floor, Blocks A & C; scale 1:50; Apr 1975
Detailed Specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for Internal Decorations at 12 High Elms; Apr 1975
Further copy of Drawing 04 and Drawing 05
Quotations invited for supply and delivery of 44 Fire Doors (7 different specifications) at Carlton Community Centre from Crosby & Co Ltd, Cramer House, West Street, Farnham; H L Bridgeman, The Retreat, Harrold; Dreadnought Shutter & Door Co, Chiswick Avenue, Mildenhall; 25 Apr 1975
Memo from County Planning Officer to County Architect: "With reference to the proposed Fire Escape, I have received the observations of the Bedford District Council who wish to see 'extensive tree planting of forest species to screen this exposed and prominent site'. No doubt you will give consideration to these observations when the development takes place." 1 May 1975
Drawing of Borough Engineering Works Ltd: 5'6" diameter iron spiral staircase; scale 1/2" and 1" to 1'; Apr 1975
Memo from R Corder, County Secretary, to Chief Planner, Bedford District Council: "I write to inform you that the Environmental Services Committee at its meeting on 25 Apr 1975 approved for the purposes of Regulation 4 of the Town and Country Planning General Regulations 1974 the following proposals: a) Fire Escapes at Carlton Community Centre; b) Changing accommodation for swimming pool at Eileen Wade School, Dean; c) Conversion of cycle shed to covered storage at Bedford College of Education; d) Provision of temporary classroom at Brickhill Middle School, Bedford; e) 200 place completion and 40 place Nursery Unit at Horatio Nelson Lower School, Bedford; f) Three temporary classrooms at Westfield School and Portway Centre, Bedford; I understand that details of these proposals have already been forwarded to you by the County Planning Officer and I should be obliged if you could now make the appropriate entries in the Register of Planning Applications maintained by your Authority." 5 May 1975
Plans passed by Bedford District Council for Fire Escape Stairs with opening through first floor, 13 May 1975
Form BM1: Oxenden House, Carlton School: Leaking Toilet No.1 and No.7 High Elms; Leaking taps in boys wash place; Fridge door fallen off, sealing ?stuck around door of fridge; 25 May 1975
Agenda for Meeting of the Managers of Carlton School, Thu 12 Jun 1975; Includes Minutes of previous meeting 10 Apr 1975, Headmaster's Report (mentions 30 boys on Roll, new admissions, those released on trial, absconsions, one boy taken to Addenbrookes Hospital with aspirin overdose), Mrs Clark (wife of Housemaster) appointed Housemother for Farrer House, mentions all the boys in Farrer House were taken to Wales 9-15 Apr; Jun 1975
Tender from C & S Decorators Ltd, 44 Arden Walk, Goldington, for Internal Redecoration at 12 High Elms, for £416, was successful; H Wilson, 3 Shirley Road, Rushden; R Jeakins, 8 Winifred Road, Bedford, also submitted tenders; 18 Jun 1975
Letter from County Architect to C & S Decorators: "Please do not proceed with this work at present. A decision whether this work will be proceeded with later will be made probably within three months. I am asking you whether you are prepared to hold your contracted price for this work until Sep 30 1975 by which time I hope a decision will have been made. I shall be pleased to receive your decision as soon as it is convenient." 2 Jul 1975
Schedule of Tenders received for Fire Precaution Work: Gadsby & Brightman, 66 Broad Avenue, Bedford, and Caunce & Stimson Ltd, 9 High View, Putnoe, did not submit a tender; Devereux & Smith, 79-93 High Street, Kempston, £16,470.70; B G Cox Ltd, Meadow Way, Letchworth, £16,402.41; H F Bull & Sons Ltd, 1 Ivel Road, Sandy, £17,264.10; F G Mathers, 25 Bower Street, Bedford, £14,828.75, which was accepted; 21 Mar 1975
Letter from County Architect to F G Mathers: "Will you please send your official order to Fine & Hunphrey Ltd, 100 Crescent Road, Luton, for the Electrical Engineering Services which is a Prime Cost item in the Contract as instructed in my variation Order." 11 Jun 1975
Letter from County Architect to Peter Marshall Fire Escapes Ltd, Netherfield Road, Ravensthorpe, Dewsbury: "I confirm that your quotation [for Fire Escapes] is the lowest received and would be accepted, subject to your calculations, drawings and foundation details complying with the Building Regulations." 27 Jun 1975
Memo from County Architect to County Treasurer: "I am proposing to completely redecorate the 3 Bedroomed House Masters flat at Farrer House as a matter of urgency for the new House Master, Mr Clark. However a member of my staff discovered on visiting the property that the previous tenant, Mr Pittendrigh, had apparently had a fire in the kitchen in the area of the electric cooker, possibly a chip pan or similar I would think. The damage caused will cost £180 to repair and consists of completely replastering one wall in the kitchen which was damaged by the heat and the replacement of heat damaged white glazed wall tiles which have bulged away from the wall. It will also involve the replacement of the cooker control panel which was badly scorched and extensive cleaning of wall surfaces in the kitchen, scullery, dining area, stairs and landing, and to a lesser extent some bedroom walls. The fire was not reported to the Head Teacher Mr Price or his Deputy Mr Talbot who until recently was not aware of the situation. It is important that the new tenant moves in as soon as possible so I am proposing to go ahead with getting the redecoration work done including all necessary repairs as soon as possible. I would like to know whether the cost of the fire damage could be recouped in some way. I would be grateful for an early answer." 8 Jul 1975
Letter on behalf of Chief Planner, Bedford District Council, to County Architect (attention of Mr Bodo): "I have had a look at the revised details of the fire escape staircase which you left with me last week. From calculations I have made from the details supplied it appears that the construction proposed will not comply with the part of Building Regulation H4 which refers to common stairways. I suggest that we discuss this point at your earliest opportunity." 14 Jul 1975
Letter from Peter Marshall Fire Escapes Ltd to Mr Hartley: "We confirm that the proposed stairs can be made to conform with Part H4 of the current building regulations by increasing the overall diameter of the stairs from 6' to 6'3". This can be done at no extra cost to yourselves. However, we feel that we should bring to your notice two further points where the proposed stairs contravene the Regulations: Part H3 (b) the rise of a step is not more than 7.5", we propose 7.57"; d) the stairway has not more than 16 risers in any flight, we propose 19; The only way to comply with both these items is to raise the ground level some 2', this is obviously impractical. We would be pleased to receive your comments." 24 Jul 1975
Letter from County Architect to Chief Planner: "I am returning the plans of the proposed fire escape stairs at Carlton Community Centre, together with a copy of a letter received from Peter Marshall Fire Escapes Ltd. I hope that it will now be possible for you to issue approval under the Building Regulations." 30 Jul 1975
Letter from County Architect to Peter Marshall Fire Escapes Ltd: "It is expected that clearance under Building Regulations can be obtained. In the meantime, I should be pleased if you would advise me if the extra cost of £37 is for the three staircases, or is the extra for each staircase. At the same time, could you please advise me of the delivery and erection period required after receipt of an order." 30 Jul 1975
Memo from County Architect to Director of Social Services: "I refer to your query regarding the high cost of electricity used at No. 1 and No. 7 High Elms. The houses are occupied by staff of Oxenden House. Each house is basically heated with open coal fires with a basic electric installation of lighting, immersion heater in the water cylinder and an electric cooker. No. 1, occupied by Mr E Jones: This account is very high for the period ending 26 May 1975 and is for £110.94. This high cost is exceptional because for the two previous quarters the accounts were estimated. If the total of these three quarters are averaged out, it gives an average charge per quarter of £58.50 including the fuel cost adjustment for approximately £17.50, the actual cost of unit consumption being approximately £41, which is still extremely high for a domestic premises. Because of the duties of Mr and Mrs Jones, they are not at home all day and as a consequence cooking would normally only take place during the evening at weekends. As they are out, heating is also not really required during the day and it is felt that to save the trouble of lighting the coal fire, electric fires are used for heating. Under normal circumstances, one would expect the cost of unit consumption to be in the region of £20 per quarter. The occupants complain of excessive damp in the houses and it is assumed that use is made of electric fires to combat this. The only conclusion one can make to account for these very high quarterly bills is that, for convenience, excessive use is made of the electric fires. No. 7, occupied by Mr T W Mead: This account is also high and even if the H.P. instalment of £8 is deducted, it shows an average quarterly cost over the last three periods of £65. The comments regarding No. 1 would also apply to this house. In view of these charges, it is recommended that the occupants should be contacted and asked to be more circumspect in their use of electricity." 17 Jul 1975
Letter from County Architect to Chief Fire Officer, Kempston: "This letter confirms a telephone conversation that took place 14 Jul 1975 between your Mr Hood and my Senior Building Surveyor when Mr Hood informed him that a letter was being sent to the Director of Social Services regarding changes required in works now being carried out. One of the requirements is that the new external exit door in the Building Workshop be placed in the window opening next to the classroom and not where shown on your plan." 17 Jul 1975
Letter from County Architect to F G Mathers, 25 Bower Street, Bedford, regarding contract for Fire Precaution Works: "Further to the meeting at County Hall on 28 Jul 1975 attended by your Mr J R Mathers, my Chief Building Surveyor and Senior Building Surveyor, when your letter dated 5 Jul 1975 [not here] was discussed. This letter confirms that you have withdrawn your claim for an increase in the day work rates and that you will write to me in due course stating the date to which you wish the completion date to be extended." 14 Aug 1975
Agenda for Meeting of the Managers of Carlton School, Thu 11 Sep 1975; Includes Minutes of previous meeting 24 Jul 1975, Headmaster's Report (mentions 21 boys on Roll, those released on home trial, absconsions, crimes etc.,; Sep 1975
Agenda for Meeting of the Managers of Carlton School, Thu 25 Jul 1974; Includes Minutes of previous meeting 13 Jun 1974(mentions "The Director of Social Services reported that the views of the Managers as to the accommodation of the Oxenden House boys and staff at Carlton being regarded as a short term arrangement only had been conveyed to the appropriate committee of the County Council. In view of the duty which the County Council have to the Courts and the need for accommodation of the type provided at Oxenden House to continue to be available, that committee considered that the boys from Oxenden House and such staff as may be necessary should continue to be accommodated at Carlton School until other accommodation was available, and that a temporary classroom (Terrapin hut) should be provided for them. The Committee had also decided to ask the Department of Health And Social Security to give priority to the rebuilding of Oxenden House in the Council's Capital Building Programme for 1975/76; Headmaster's Report (mentions 43 boys on Roll, admissions, absconsions, crimes etc., also "On 5 Jul Mr Clifton and Mr Monaghan visited the school for a full Staff Meeting to discuss the future development of the school. This was a productive meeting which is to be followed by smaller working parties meeting to plan particular aspects of the school's organisation."; Jul 1974
Letter from National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations mentions inter alia: "The National Council of Voluntary Child Care Organisations came into being in Jan 1943 as 'The Associated Council of Children's Homes.' when the Heads of four large Child Care Organisations: The Waifs and Strays Society (now The Church of England Children's Society); Dr Barnardo's Homes; The National Children's Home and Orphanage (now the National Children's Home); The Catholic Child Welfare Council (now the Social Welfare Commission); approved the following objects of the Council: 'The Associated Council of Children's Homes is to act through the principal Executives of the Associated Societies, in an advisory capacity a) for the furtherance and protection and common interests of children in residential Homes; b) for joint representation on national child welfare interests as and when concerned. It should be fully understood that each Associated Society is an independent and free Society within the Associated Council, no interference with each other's complete liberty in all matters is contemplated or will be tolerated.' Later in 1943 these organisations were joined by the Jewish Board of Guardians (now represented by the Norwood Homes for Jewish Children), The Shaftesbury Homes & 'Arethusa' Training Ship and the Children's Aid Society, and the Council accepted as 'affiliated' Homes any residential organisation. It offered advisory help on child welfare matters referred by affiliated societies. There was no formal constitution, although from time to time it was suggested that a constitution should be adopted, as the Associated Council wished 'to preserve its informal basis for the frank and friendly consideration of common interests without the formalities of an officially constituted Committee ..." undated
With copy of Constitution Adopted 17 Apr 1970
Report of Central Government (?Social Services), Annex to Managers Jun Report; "Admission Register: 41 boys registered and present. The low level of abscondings recently is good to see; Fire Book: Practices have been held regularly. It is understood that a report has been submitted by the Fire Authorities to the County Council; a copy should be sent to the Managers and the Headmaster; Sports Hall and associated buildings: The future of this eyesore has been discussed many times. The long term plan should not divert attention from the short term needs, i.e. maintenance. The rooms are sadly in need of attention; I found weightlifting going on in a room where the floor was extremely wet from a leaking roof; Water Supply: The horticultural unit and the gardens are suffering from a severe lack of water; this could be overcome by reinstating the water supply from the river. The pumping engine and supply line need overhauling and some replacement; these have not been in use for several years; Oxenden House: Relationships appear to be excellent but there is one matter concerning the telephone which could cause friction. A direct line to the House requires priority attention. At present the School staff keep telephone watch and frequently have to turn out in the evening to contact the Oxenden staff. Application has been made for a direct line but nothing has materialised so far; Staff: On the basis of the present staff establishment there is a shortage of a third in charge, two housemasters and one teacher/instructor. The new proposed establishment would increase these figures. The building instructor's appointment which was left unfilled when the last incumbent left, has been considered from time to time. It should be reviewed. Apart from any other advantages it would be possible for more self help work to be undertaken around the School to everyone's benefit." undated