Scope and Content
Includes:
Tender for Sanding Floors for £65..3s..9d was successful (contractor not named); James Perkins & Sons Ltd, 50 Tavistock Street, Bedford, also submitted a tender; 2 Jun 1965
Specification for Complete Internal Decoration; "The work includes the complete internal decoration of the rear classroom block comprising five classrooms, Entrance Hall, cloaks and passage, and the canteen dining hall"; Jun 1965
Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "As you may know, Mrs Blundell, the present Headmistress at Cardington CP School, will become the Head Teacher at Elstow School as from Sep 1965, and will take over the tenancy of the school house when this has been vacated by the present Headmaster, Mr Smith. Mrs Blundell has recently visited the school house and has made the following requests regarding the interior of the premises: 1) Provision of an airing cupboard. Could the hot water cylinder, which is at present in the kitchen, be moved into the large cupboard in the small back bedroom, thus forming an airing cupboard?; 2) The walls of the bathroom are rough brickwork. Is it possible to plaster the top half and tile the bottom half of these walls?; 3) Could a new fireplace be fitted in the dining room?; 4) Is it possible for the fireplaces in the two main bedrooms to be built in, and electric wall fires fitted?; I should be grateful if you could let me have your observations on the above requests." 7 Jul 1965
Memo from Mr B Whittaker to County Architect [2 copies]: "I have inspected the house bearing in mind the requests of Mrs Blundell, the future Head Teacher, in the memo from the Director of Education. The house has been generally well cared for by Mr Smith the retiring Head, but not much money has been spent on the house for many years. Regarding the items mentioned in the memo: 1) At present the hot water cylinder is situated in a small cupboard in the kitchen adjacent to the domestic boiler. The cold water cistern is in a large cupboard in the bedroom immediately above the kitchen. To move the hot water cylinder into the cupboard in the bedroom would form a very adequate airing cupboard and seem a good idea. The estimated cost of the work would be in the region of £35; 2) The bathroom is a single storey lean-to next to the kitchen, the walls are pointed brickwork. The cost of plastering the walls will be approximately £25 plus cost of redecoration £15. Mrs Blundell agreed that perhaps wall tiling was not necessary; 3) The fireplace in the dining room is a very old cast iron grate. The cost of installing a tiled fireplace would be in the region of £35; 4) The fireplaces in the two main bedrooms are of an old cast iron register. To build up the openings and fit electric wall fires will cost in the region of £30; In addition the following items require attention: A 30 amp control unit is required for the electric cooker in the kitchen and several additional electric points are required in the rooms. Estimated cost £25; Some decoration is required throughout the house but Mrs Blundell asked if we would redecorate the staircase and small back bedroom, she would redecorate the remaining room once she was in occupation. Estimated cost of redecorating staircase and small back bedroom £50; Summary: Cost of moving hot water cylinder £35; Plastering of bathroom and decoration £40; New fireplace in dining room £35; Build up two bedroom fireplaces and fit wall fires £30; Electrical improvements £25; Redecoration £50; total £215." 15 Jul 1965
Specification for Improvements and Redecoration to School House; Jul 1965
Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "I see that we have not yet provided toilets for the staff of this School and I shall be very glad if you were able to arrange for three in place of those at present intended for infants. I understand that this will still leave adequate accommodation for the children. If I am misinformed on this point, perhaps you would have a word with me." 7 Dec 1965
Report of meeting between Miss M L J Dobbyn, Mr B Whittaker (Architect's Department) and Mr M Neale at the school: "As a result of this meeting and previous discussions between Miss Dobbyn and Mr Whittaker, it was agreed that one new adult toilet would be provided for the practical block. This would be ready for the use of students attending classes there from 4 Jan 1966. Mr Whittaker was asked to ensure that the middle room of the practical block (the only one to be used in Jan) would be adequately heated. In view of the fact that the whole practical block will be required immediately after Easter 1966, discussions took place concerning furniture and equipment, the decoration of the rooms, the siting of power points and other minor structural work. Mr Whittaker agreed to prepare a set of proposals for the whole block in the light of these discussions. Mr Whittaker was asked to let Miss Dobbyn know comparative prices of furniture and equipment for the Cookery Room, with particular reference to Hygena and Wrighton. Mr Whittaker agreed to have two duplicate keys made for all doors in the practical block including the new toilet." 14 Dec 1965
Specification for the Tar-paving to the front entrance to the school; Mar 1966;
With Drawing "Resurfacing Forecourt"; scale 1/8" to 1'; Feb 1966
Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "I understand that the floor area of the school is 11,971 sq ft and I should be grateful if you would please let me know whether this figure includes the floor area of the Elstow Craft Centre. It would be helpful if, at the same time, you would let me know the floor area of the Centre." 29 Dec 1966
Letter from Eastern Electricity, Bedford District, Prebend Street, to County Architect: "I confirm that the test and inspection of the electical installation at the school has been completed and I attach hereto my official report. I also confirm that temporary repairs have been carried out and the cost of this inspection will be included in this invoice." 18 Jan 1967
Test and Report on Electrical Installation at Centre and Front Buildings, Elstow School: Comments and Recommendations: "The rubber insulation of VRI cables has perished, is hard and brittle and generally in very poor condition; The continuity of the grip conduits is 100 ohms plus; A number of lighting points are cross polarity; Three socket outlets in Front building are not earthed and the one two pin sockets should be changed to three pin and earthed; The Middle building is fed by a twin 7/044 TRS in conduit underground; The installations generally are in poor condition; In view of the foregoing it is my opinion that the installations have served their useful lives and consideration be given to rewire both buildings." 18 Jan 1967
Drawing: General Layout of School; taken from OS Sheet; scale 40' to 1"; May 1951
Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "Mr Henderson has visited this school once again and has indicated a further approximate site for the proposed Learner Pool. If you have no objections to this siting, I should be grateful if you would let me have a further three copies of the site plan showing the pool in this position." 21 Mar 1967
Memo from County Architect to Director of Education: "I have today been informed by the Headmistress that the filtration plant is leaking and that furthermore the plant at this school has been in use for demonstration purposes and is in full use. In view of the fact that this pool is a new one and has not yet been examined and accepted on behalf of the Authority by members of my staff, all in accordance with the procedure agreed between our two Departments, I would be obliged if you would ensure that this situation does not occur again." 20 Jul 1967
Specification of Work to be Done and Materials to be Provided for Part Internal Decoration of the Canteen: kitchen, two store rooms, wash room and toilet, entrance porch and passage; also Boiler Room; Jun 1967
Tenders invited for Part Internal Decoration of School Canteen from: J L Greenwood, 28 Pratt Road, Rushden; D B Spring, 81 Knights Avenue, Clapham; R W Woolerson, 1 Margetts Road, Kempston; H F Gibson & Sons Ltd, 13 The Green, Clophill; James Perkins & Son Ltd, 50 Tavistock Street, Bedford; 29 Jun 1967
James Perkins & Son Ltd were successful (amount not stated); 12 Jul 1967
Letter from County Architect to Eastern Gas Board, Dallow Road, Luton: "I have recently had to report a serious smell of gas at the Elstow Craft Centre at the school and as a consequence your people have been on site and carried out certain repairs. I regret however that the persons responsible for the running of the Craft Centre still report a strong smell of gas in certain sections of the building and I should be obliged if you will arrange to return to site to rectify this situation." 15 Nov 1967
Memo from Director of Education to County Architect: "In future I am to be responsible for ordering the fuel for Elstow Craft Centre. I understand that 16 tons of Sunbrite double per annum has been used for the outside boiler which heats the water and radiators. I have been told by the Caretaker (who has been a stoker all his life) that what we need is Gas Coke No. 2; also that 3 tons of phurnacite should be ordered for the two courtier stoves. I am wondering if that will also be suitable for the Aga cooker. I should appreciate your advice on this matter before re-ordering." 15 Mar 1968
Reply: "Either Sunbrite or gas coke can be used for the main boiler, but it has been council policy to use Sunbrite wherever possible. To get the best efficiency out of the Aga cooker, anthracite fuel should be used." 20 Mar 1968
Tender from R E Crawley Ltd, Buckwell End, Wellingborough, for Resurfacing Playground, for £508..11s..8d, was successful; L & P Paving Co Ltd, Bridge Street, Thrapston; J W Smith & Son (Asphalt Surfacings) Ltd, Wymington; Constable Hart & Co Ltd, Lion House, Red Lion Street, Richmond, Surrey; Davis, Watson & Elliott Ltd, P O Box 10, Deadbrook Lane, North Lane, Aldershot; also submitted tenders; 16 Jul 1968
Form BM2: "I should be grateful if your Heating Engineer could visit my school to consider how the central heating might be improved. This runs on solid fuel, and perhaps a pump would improve matters? Each winter it is only with enormous attention to this problem that it is possible for my caretaker to maintain a reasonable temperature in the classroom." 26 Mar 1969
Specification for the Complete External Painting of Elstow CP School: "The work includes complete external painting of the school, school house, Craft Centre, Canteen Kitchen, Swimming Pool including all outbuildings, fencing and gates." May 1969
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "Further to your memo of 19 Sep 1969 [not here], regarding the lighting and heating in the school. The installations in these premises are no worse than most similar schools of this age and I have not included any monies for improvement during 1970/71, although I will bear these premises in mind when I compile the revenue estimates for 1971/72." 30 Sep 1969
Letter from Mrs M E Blundell, Headmistress, to Chief Education Officer: "Following your letter of 19 Sep [not here] which led me to expect that someone from the County Architect's Department might investigate the matter, it was extremely disheartening to receive your subsequent letter of 7 Oct [not here]. In the interim. no-one from the Department took the trouble to visit me to ascertain the position. I have been inside many schools in the County and am well aware that some of these have similar difficulties, but I am confident that there is no other school in Bedfordshire whose lighting is so pathetic. If a minimum efficient lighting standard exists under which school children might be expected to work, I suggest that we are well below it. In Jan 1967 the Electricity Board was called in to investigate and repair following an explosion which occurred (robbing us of many hours of light, and necessitating their working late into the night to rectify matters). To my certain knowledge they carried out a survey of the premises and submitted a report to the effect that the wiring here had finished its useful life. Surely this is a potentially dangerous position? Is it not the practice of the Architect's Department to take action on such reports? For 2 1/2 years I have waited patiently and uncomplainingly, confident that rewiring would be arranged at any moment, and at the same time an improvement made in the lighting position. Suddenly I became aware that I would wait forever unless I submitted a written request. It did not seem too much to hope that my letter of Sep might be in sufficient time to ensure inclusion in next year's estimates. With regard to the heating problem it seemed common sense to suggest that if the lighting were to be altered from its present archaic state, it would be more economical to fit suspended ceilings at the same time, and thus cope with this problem. I have here an unusually steep pitch to the ceilings and the heat loss is very great. EVERY WINTER, of course, we experience 'particular difficulties'. Little infants often cry with cold in the mornings although the position improves as the day proceeds, and I allow all children to sit in their coats for the first part of the morning. Yes, I should certainly like the County Architect to provide supplementary heating, as suggested in your final sentence; two convector heaters per room, together with the necessary points, might alleviate matters a little. As for the lighting, I submit that we should be asked to wait no longer for improvement; and for action following the Electricity Board's recommendations." 17 Oct 1969
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I should be grateful if this matter could be further investigated and if you consider it necessary, provision made in the 1970/71 estimates for the heating and lighting at the school to be improved. I shall be pleased if you will let me know your decision in due course so that the Headmistress may be kept informed of the position." 31 Oct 1969
Memo from H P Payne to Mr G Atkins, B Whittaker: "Although the installation is no worse than others in the County, it is in a badly deteriorated condition. I detail below the estimated costs for including in the 1970/71 Revenue Estimates: Renewal of Lighting, Electrical Services, £2,000; Suspended ceilings (front block only), £450; total £2,450." 17 Nov 1969
Drawing: Elstow CP School; Proposed New Entrance; shows line of 11kv cable and LV cable (mains); no scale; Jan 1970
Letter from Headmistress to Chief Education Officer: "Since it is now FOUR MONTHS since my request for urgent re-consideration of the heating and lighting problem, cannot someone from the Architect's Department be persuaded to let you know their decision? Mr Payne of the Electrical Department called here on 13 Nov to prepare his costing on our needs. We walked around together and I was given to understand quite clearly that this matter would be included in 1970 - in fact we discussed the Easter Holiday 1970 as more suitable, in the circumstances, than waiting till the summer. The Area Building Surveyor then estimated for the suspended ceilings. Two days later, Mr Todd of the Heating Department called to discuss the installation of oil-fired central heating; but to save money, and feeling that lowered ceilings would meet my heat problem, I rejected that offer. These costings were made in Nov, in more than adequate time for the December Estimates Meeting, and one wonders why they went to such trouble if they had no intention of including them? I am drawn, however, to the reluctant conclusion that this is the case. I should now draw your attention to the fact that since the Electricity Board reported in Jan 1967 that the wiring here had finished its useful life, we have had on a number of occasions blown fuses, the latest being on 4 Nov, 5 Nov and 11 Nov 1969. Wady's electricians came to mend the first two, and when I waylaid him to ask what the trouble was, he informed me that all the wires in the mains were frayed, a number of fuses were burnt, and a number of connections in the mains box were incorrectly placed. On 11 Nov Mr Wady himself came, and to deal with the situation I understand he used a stronger fuse wire. He also said that by using 150 watt lights in the classroom (what strength!) I was overloading for the intended system; he advised me to switch off wherever possible. Mr Payne did not inspect the fuse box in Nov - presumably Wadys' report was sufficient. However, when I referred to this matter at my Manager's Meeting in Dec they found the position very disturbing. Further comment was deferred when I assured them that the matter was in hand, but I am now less confident that this is so. Having read in the local press how readily a fire started in the new County Hotel, I became increasingly concerned for the safety and well-being of children in my care. I should like written assurance from a responsible official of the Electrical Department that such fears are groundless; but I would still emphasise that it is not fair to wait through another winter for improved lighting conditions. Ours are disgraceful and I am tired of stalling complaints from Staff and Parents. The sum involved for the work required is under £2,500, a pittance in the large sums allocated for Primaries, and surely some reserve fund exists so that my needs can be met." 5 Feb 1970
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "Neither I nor anyone else can guarantee that even the newest installation will not prove defective. It is impossible to give such a guarantee. The Elstow School installation is in a poor state, this is not denied, it is, however, no worse than several others and there is a high priority for remedial work. If savings are made in 1970/71 in respect of the proposed revenue work, then a start will be made on Elstow, if not it will be dealt with in 1971/72. In the meantime the lamp should be reduced to 100 watt as previously recommended and electrical loading should be kept to a minimum." 5 Mar 1970
Notes from Headmistress sent to Councillor Webb:
1) & 2): mainly letter of 5 Feb 1970, plus "Our lighting conditions are dreadful. We have totally inadequate points to plug in modern apparatus such as tape recorder, record player, TV etc., One room has a 13 amp plug, one has no plugs at all. The hall has a 5 amp plug and two classrooms have 2 amp plugs. The staff are reduced to changing the plugs constantly and it is not good enough - often they take the line of least resistance and cut out the use of apparatus".
3) Parking facilities for Craft Centre: On 29 Jan I wrote to the Chief Education Officer saying that "I had seen Surveyors with instruments on the North side of my school property and I gathered that a new access road was contemplated across the allotments. Since the existing entrance is highly unsatisfactory this proposal could be of great benefit. However, it would appear that there will be some encroachment on my girls playground. It is true that the girls could play in the boys playground, but access to the girls' and infant boys' lavatories (affecting 60 infants and 30 junior girls) is only made by crossing the girls playground. Similarly to reach the swimming pool and changing accommodation, everyone in the school (approx 130 children) needs to cross the girls playground. All these three buildings, pool, changing accommodation and lavatories, are in different directions and it is imperative that adequate provision is made for the children's safety." In reply I was assured that as soon as a scheme is prepared, and before any firm decisions are made, the Chief Education Officer would arrange for me and my Managers to be consulted to ensure that school amenities are not adversely affected by any proposed changes on the site, and the safety of children attending the school is adequately safeguarded. Under these circumstances I am perfectly happy.
Reply from Chief Education Officer: "I am having a word with the County Architect about the first item; he may wish to get in touch with you direct but I think you would be unwise to assume that sums of money of the order of £2,500 are readily available for any part of the educational budget. The scheme relating to the car park at Elstow Craft Centre is still in its early stages; I regret to say that it has been long delayed for reasons outside our control." 20 Mar 1970
Letter from County Architect to Headmistress: "I know that it gives no consolation to you, but your school is one of many where the electrical installation is reaching the end of its useful life and where the standards of lighting and facilities for electrical equipment are substantially below modern practice. For the past ten years I have been pursuing a policy of renewing electrical installations in our older schools under maintenance and when this is done the standards are being improved and raised up to the equivalent of modern schools. Unfortunately during the financial difficulties of the last two years it was this sort of thing which had to be held over and there is now therefore a large backlog to be carried out. The work in your school has now reached a stage where it will be included in the current year's work if sufficient monies are seen to be available when we review the situation at the half way mark, but if not it will certainly be included as a first priority in the following year. Since the estimates were prepared we have been informed by our fuel suppliers that our supply of coke will be drastically reduced next year and as an emergency I am now having to convert a large number of solid fuel heating systems to oil firing, and monies for this will have to be found if possible out of the current year's estimates. We shall, of course, be converting those premises which were already on our list for consideration and this includes your school." 7 Apr 1970
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I forward herewith a copy of a resolution passed by the Managers of Elstow CP School at their meeting on 23 Mar 1970: 'That the Authority be informed the Managers are most concerned about the state of the electrical wiring at the school and the need for improved lighting. They regard this matter as one of urgency and request that the Authority ensure that the work is carried out during the financial year 1970/71.' I should be very glad if you would look into this matter and let me know if you are able to do anything during the present financial year." 15 Apr 1970
Letter from Headmistress to Chief Education Officer: "My Parents' Association contacted the Eastern Electricity Board regarding the supply of a suitable heater [for the swimming pool] and its installation; and the figure quoted by them is almost £350. In a conversation with the County Organiser for P.E. I had been led to hope that the figure would be something like £200, so this much larger sum was an unpleasant shock. However, my school is to be converted to oil-fired central heating next month, and in the circumstances, would it be in order for me to approach the Contractors to quote for installing our heater? I feel this would save our Parents' Association a considerable sum of money; and whilst the firm is here to do one job of work, it would surely be comparatively simple for them to run the piping from the old heater to our pump-house and return it." 14 Apr 1970
Letter from Patricia Bell, County Archivist, to County Architect: "In your letter of 11 Sep last you were good enough to say that your department would include in its estimates a figure to cover the regular cutting of the grass on Elstow Green, and I take it that the first cutting will take place fairly soon. You also said that you would include an additional £30 to buy a small motorised mower so that the caretaker can cut the grass immediately round the building [?Moot Hall] itself, which can't be dealt with by a large mower. Would you perhaps be able to check that this is in hand? The grass is getting very long, and will be very untidy unless soon dealt with." 6 May 1970
Letter from Headmistress to Clerk of the County Council: "I should be grateful if you could provide a new fire grate for the lounge of School House, Elstow. The existing one when I moved here had never been bolted home and is therefore constantly in need of re-cementing; also the fireback is now extremely badly cracked. Would it be possible for you to arrange to have the Ideal Boiler in the kitchen removed? When I moved in five years ago I found it to be unusable as it was very old and badly broken. I therefore had to install an immersion heater at my own expense. As I expect to be in the School House for a further fifteen years the Boiler is merely taking up space in what is already a very small kitchen. In any case in its broken condition it would be of no use to any subsequent tenant. A bedroom window fastening has been broken for a considerable period and I should be glad if this could now be attended to. The back gate may be warped as it will not remain closed, and even if the bolt is used this often slides out of place." 8 Sep 1970
Form BM2: "Hall Floor: On 23 Jan 1970 Mr Whittaker (then my Area Building Surveyor) instructed verbally a representative of Devereux & Smith to mend the hall floor which had risen unevenly in a number of places, making it dangerous for P.E. lessons; and this was done the following weekend. At the same time he discussed the necessity of resanding the hall floor during the summer holidays as the steps taken, referred to above, were only a temporary measure. This resanding has never taken place. The floor is beginning to rise again and I should like the matter therefore to be considered; Gratings: A number of gratings in the school walls have fallen out, or are now unsafe. Again, Mr Whittaker had given verbal instruction for them to be attended to. Since presumably these were not followed by a written order the work was not carried out and now needs immediate attention." 2 Sep 1970
Specification of work to be done and materials to be provided for Renewal of Floor Finishes: "The flooring is to be renewed in the large hall and 1 No. Primary classroom"; Oct 1970
Tender for Renewal of Floor Finishes for £553..15s was successful [contractor not named]; R M Townsend & Son, St John's Works, Bedford; Neofloors Ltd, 98 Midland Road, Bedford; also submitted tenders; 3 Dec 1970
Tender from John Corby & Son (Bedford) Ltd, 27 Tavistock Street, for Conversion from Solid Fuel to Gas Firing [School Canteen], for £612, was successful; J W Housden Ltd, 1 Margetts Road, Bedford; Pak-Heat Ltd, Kingsway House, Kingsway, Bedford; also submitted tenders; 16 Mar 1971
Tender for Renewal of Electrical Installation and Provision of Suspended Ceiling to Front Block, for £2,732.90, was successful [contractor not named, presumably J J Burtenshaw as below]; M & D Electrical Ltd, 41 Manor Road, Rushden; J A Wady Ltd, 1a Balsall Street, Bedford; R Clark Ltd, 4 Bedford Road, Barton-le-Clay; J Wesley (Electrical Contractor) Ltd, 21 Grays Lane, Hitchin; also submitted tenders; 15 Apr 1971
Letter from County Architect to C I P Tentest Ltd, Fiboard House, Oakleigh Gardens, London W20: "Thank you for your quotation amounting to £425 for the supply/delivery/fixing complete of Suspended Ceiling required at Elstow CP School. I am passing this to the General Contractors J J Burtenshaw Partners Ltd of 61b Runfold Avenue, Luton, for their acceptance, and you should receive their official order within the course of the next few days." 15 Apr 1971
Further letter: "Thank you for your letter dated 7 May 1971 [not here] and the sample ceiling boards. I have considered the alternative to 1/2" wood fibre insulation board, but think the specified board suitable for the conditions involved." 13 May 1971
Form BM2: "Please look into possibility of fixing wall heaters in larder and corridor [School Canteen] before next winter to combat condensation"; 14 May 1971
Reply from County Architect to Chief Education Officer: "My Assistant has visited the premises and I would inform you that it is not practicable to install heating in the larder where food, butter and other items are stored. The premises are already heated by a solid fuel boiler and it would appear that this situation is caused mainly by the ventilations and air bricks being blocked with paper, etc., to stop draught. I would suggest therefore that these obstructions be removed which should stop any further condensation." 28 May 1971
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The tenant of 53 Pilgrim Way, Elstow, has complained that trees are overhanging his garden from the school field. I should be grateful if you would kindly arrange for the offending trees to be cut back as soon as possible." 7 May 1971
Letter from Mrs M E Blundell, Headmistress, to Chief Education Officer: "The condition of the wall paper on the smallest bedroom in the School House deteriorated rapidly owing to dampness caused by excessive condensation. (One part of the dining room is similarly affected, where it is an outside wall). I need to redecorate at least the bedroom, but feel it would be useless if the paper will be affected again on the first rainy day. I should much appreciate it if you could arrange for an inspection to help me in this matter." 24 May 1971
Drawing: Elstow CP School and Craft Centre; New Access Road Lighting; scale 1/16" to 1'; 1/2" to 1' (car park fence detail); 1:2500 (location plan); Feb 1970 with revisions up to Jan 1971
Electrical Specification for Access Lighting and Minor Improvements at Elstow Craft Centre [2 copies]: "a) The supply, erection and wiring for external lighting columns in car park and access road; b) Supply and installation of toilet incinerator in Craft Block." undated
Letter from County Architect to Eastern Electricity Board, Prebend Street, Bedford: "An investigation of the fuel account at Moot Hall shows that the present tariff is your Block A3 with an MPR of 15 kVA. As the use of this building has changed since the present tariff was negotiated, and the hours of opening now extend to evenings and weekends, it is requested that you change the tariff to your Block Weekend Rate C3. A declaration form is enclosed [not here], duly signed and completed, would you please change the tariff as soon as possible." 2 Aug 1971
Letter from Eastern Electricity to Elstow CP School: "As you will know, Parliament has decided that Greenwich Mean Time and Summer Time are to be adopted again in the UK for general use. GMT will be introduced this year on 31 Oct and for 1972 Summer Time will come into effect on 19 Mar. As provided for in the Tariffs, we shall be adjusting the settings of our timeswitches. For consumers, such as yourself, charged according to the Block Week-end Rate, the timeswitches control the metering and, in certain cases, control the switching on and off of appliances. At present the lower unit price applies from 7pm to 7am British Standard Time on any day and between the hours of 7am and 7pm BST on any Sat and Sun all the year round. After adjustment of our timeswitches the lower unit price will be available from 7pm to 7am GMT on any day and between the hours of 7am and 7pm GMT on any Sat and Sun. These times will be one hour later during Summer Time each year as well as during the remaining period of BST. The adjustment of our timeswitch at your premises will be made when the next quarterly meter reading is taken. This can be expected during the next few days. If you have timeswitches of your own operating particular circuits or appliances, I suggest you consider resetting them also." received 23 Sep 1971
Letter from Headmistress to Chief Education Officer: "When my school was converted, last year, to oil-fired central heating, your heating engineer asked if the tank could be placed in the garden of School House, rather than in the playground. With reluctance I agreed, under the impression that it would be small and neat, and with the assurance that it would not detract from the appearance of my very attractive garden. The tank proved to be vast (capacity 3,000 gallons) and had to be installed by use of a crane. Half of my rockery had to be dug up and I also had to lose half of a fine Victoria plum tree. There is a strong smell from the oil in hot weather, and during the year the exterior of the tank has corroded very badly, so that it is an eyesore. I thought that brick walling had to be placed round it, to comply with regulations, but this appears not to be the case. Your Playing Fields Organiser has seen the position, and thinks that if he completed the removal of the rockery and supplied and planted roses, this would improve matters somewhat, but he would need trellis work in front of the tank for the roses to grow on. In view of the inconvenience which I have suffered and the eyesore which I daily contemplate, I should be grateful if you would allow your Architect's Department to arrange for the provision and erection of trellis work, in conjunction with Mr Cornell." 20 Aug 1971
Note ?to/from Mr Banks: "The Headmistress was quite aware of the position of this tank from the time it was first envisaged, rather than take up valuable playground space of which there is little, a corner of the School House's large garden was taken up, and the tank sited alongside the garage and as unobtrusive as possible. The tank is some distance from the house, and the Area Building Surveyor has been asked to include in his annual estimate for a brick wall only. Roses, flowers and rockeries are not part of our estimate." undated
Letter from Eastern Electricity, Prebend Street, Bedford, to County Council: "I acknowledge receipt of your invoice which I am querying for the following reasons: You will agree that the submission of this invoice is somewhat belated in that it refers to work carried out nearly twelve months ago. However the work referred to involved the laying of a ductway across a new entrance being constructed to the school. Across this entrance Eastern Electricity have underground plant which would require protection or a facility to be able to carry out repairs quickly in the event that the plant in any way became faulty. Across access ways it is often more simple and thus cheaper to provide a spare duct way adjacent to the affected plant rather than excavate around it and establish split ducts. As Eastern Electricity have rights as undertakers defined in the PUSW Act 1950 to protect their equipment at no charge to themselves, I cannot agree to payment of the above invoice. Would you please advise me further before I return the invoice." 13 Oct 1971
Memo from Miss C A Child, County Adviser for Home Economics, to K W Banks, Heating Engineer: "I wonder if you can give me some indication of the improvements you will be able to effect in the heating of the Craft Centre. I do of course realise that you cannot do these things overnight, but now the very cold weather is upon us we are getting so many complaints from irate students (more particularly in the Dress Making room) and we would like to be able to pass on some encouraging comments from yourself and hope for the future." 10 Nov 1971
Memo from Chief Fire Officer to County Education Officer: "On a recent routine visit to the school, it was found that the double doors to the outside at the end of the corridor at the north west corner were obstructed with a 'Wendy' house and other toys and chairs, as the area was being used as a play area. The doors are fastened at top and bottom by tower bolts. A further visit was made by my Fire Prevention Officer, who had a discussion with the Headmistress, who explained that School Inspectors had suggested making better use of available space, which she had done. However, the double doors referred to above are the nearest way out from the classroom at the north west corner with some 40 children, although it is necessary to come out into the same corridor which leads to the main entrance. If an exit door could be provided direct to the outside from the above classroom, fastened only with a lever type latch, it would provide a better escape route, and the doors at the end of the corridor could then be permanently closed or bricked up, and the area utilised fully. However, for the present it is necessary that access is maintained to these doors and the bolts kept easily operable." 18 Nov 1971
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I should be grateful if you would kindly let me have a note as to whether it will be possible to have this work carried out during the forthcoming financial year." 23 Nov 1971
Memo from H P Payne, Heating and Electrical Section, to Senior Building Surveyor: "Report on electrical installation for occasional stage plays licence carried out on 8 Dec 1971: a) General lighting installations - satisfactory; b) Exit signs - temporary signs in use and satisfactory; c) Emergency lighting - none installed; d) Fixed stage lighting installation - none installed; This report has been given on the equipment as positioned and viewed on the day of inspection and does not allow for any additions or alterations which may be made." 13 Dec 1971
Memo from County Architect to Clerk of the County Council: "With reference to your memo dated 3 Dec 1971 [not here] regarding an application of a stage play licence, the electrical installation and sanitary accommodation is satisfactory." 15 Dec 1971
Letter from Headmistress to Mr Burnett: "I understand that you visited me this afternoon in reponse to my telephoned request for advice on my swimming pool, but that you were unable to wait the two or three minutes whilst I dismissed the children, owing to an appointment in Ampthill. I should particularly have liked to have discussed the state of my pool with you personally to see what steps I could take to improve its cleanliness and efficiency. I should be glad if you could make a point of seeing me next term. I can always free myself even if you come at what might appear an inconvenient time." 21 Dec 1971
Further letter: "I have a new Caretaker, Mr Ingerson, who is also acting as Pool Operator. He attended the course at Redborn School on Mon evening 24 Apr, but is still far from clear as to what must be done in the pump room, what chemicals he is supposed to order, and how to read the chlorine values and the pH value in order to fill in the fortnightly returns correctly. Mr Ingerson informs me that you said you would be quite prepared to come and give on the spot advice where necessary and I think he would very much appreciate it if you could do this. We seem to have made a good appointment and I think he is going to carry out his duties very well once he knows what he is doing. We intend to start swimming on Mon May 8 so if you can spare the time to come before then, would you ring my Secretary and give us an approximate time so that I can make sure that the caretaker is here." 26 Apr 1972
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "I wrote to you on 11 Feb 1972 [not here] about the boundary fence between the school field and the houses of Pilgrims Way, Elstow. The local County Councillor has again contacted me as he is still receiving complaints about the condition of this fence. I understand that the wire mesh which used to situated on top of the wooden fence has either rotted away or been removed. I should be grateful if you would look into this matter and arrange for the fencing to be returned to its former state." 5 Jun 1972
Form BM2 regarding Clock on front of School Building, given by former scholars when Mr Wadsworth was Head, to commemorate the end of the war, 1945: "This clock works by electricity and the wires came down into the classroom occupied by Class 2, so that the caretaker could make necessary adjustments after electric cuts, etc., In Summer 1971 when the school was rewired and suspended ceilings were put into the front block, the clock wires were cut. What new method was devised for joining them in to the circuit, I do not know, but it was no longer possible to adjust from the classroom. For some time the clock didn't work at all; when we pointed this out, your department arranged for an electrician to deal with the matter. He had to cut a panel in the ceiling at the chamfered end under the window in order to get to the wires. (Incidentally, despite suspended ceilings, it is still very high - far too high for my caretaker to gain access). the clock then worked perfectly until summertime began, when the man had to return to adjust it. Since summertime ended we have been an hour wrong, and now a further complication has arisen, because there was a full day's electricity cut in Elstow on 3 Jan while repair work was carried out. The clock appears to restart after cuts, but of course it is never right. This clock was recently the subject of an article in the Educational Bulletin; it is a village landmark and I have many enquiries from different people in the village asking when it will work properly again, and I agree that it is pointless to have a clock which doesn't work. Would you please, therefore, make arrangements for a workman to adjust it, but since this will, ultimately, develop into a costly business, can arrangements be made for an electrician so to deal with the wires that we can revert to a situation where my caretaker can adjust it himself, as necessary. I shall appreciate your comments on this." 5 Jan 1973
Memo from Chief Education Officer to County Architect: "The Managers of the school requested the replacement of the toilets and washing facilities in the Minor Building Programme for 1973/74. Unfortunately it was not possible to include this in the list of projects to be undertaken but the Managers are still most concerned about the facilities. In order that this project may be given consideration for the 1974/75 Minor Building Programme, I should be grateful if you could let me have a report on the condition of the toilets and any recommendations you wish to make." 8 Feb 1973
Reply: "I have had an inspection made of the toilet accommodation for the school. I find the provision more than adequate insofar as number of W.C.s and/or urinals are concerned, and the building and the condition in which it is kept in each case for boys and girls, is very good. However, these blocks are situated some distance away from the school building and under modern standards this would not be acceptable. Before making any recommendations, I would like to know what you envisage for the future of this school." 13 Mar 1973
Reply: "This school, as a pre-1903 building, qualifies for improvement or replacement within the Department of Education and Science programme. It is probable that, in the long term, the school will be re-modelled to become a Lower School for about 160 pupils. However, I cannot give a reliable estimate when this might be included in a programme but it will certainly not be for another six years at least." 20 Mar 1973
Reply: "It would be possible to integrate these toilets into the school buildings, which, in my opinion, would be the right thing to do if the school buildings are to be re-modelled in the future and not vacated. However, in order to integrate them into the school buildings, it would be necessary to prepare an outline development scheme so that the toilets would be sited in such a way as to become no embarrassment in the future. The only alternative I can see to this would be to build them in isolation to modern standards, which I am sure you would agree would not be desirable. I should be pleased to have your observations" 12 Apr 1973
Report of Chief Fire Officer: "A routine inspection has recently been carried out at Elstow Abbey School, Mowbray Road, Bedford, and the following observations and recommendations are made: Means Of Escape: 1) The smoke stop doors on the upper floors are not effectively self-closing and require attention; 2) The lockers outside the woodwork room should be secured to the wall; Housekeeping: 3) All combustible materials should be removed from the electricity cupboard; 4) The boxes of paper towels stored beneath the secondary staircase should be removed from the staircase enclosure." 17 Apr 1973
Report of Chief Fire Officer: "A routine inspection has recently been carried out at Elstow CP School, and the following observations and recommendations are made: Means of Escape: 1) The panic bolts on the doors leading from the Dining Room are jamming and require attention. In addition, these doors must be indicated 'FIRE EXIT' in letters 4" high, printed in green on a white background and 'PUSH BAR TO OPEN' in letters 3" high, sited immediately above the operating bar; Housekeeping: 2) All combustible materials must be cleared from the boiler room; 3) Combustible storage must be kept well away from the cookers in the staff room; Gas Heaters: 4) I once again reiterate the recommendation made in my report dated 6 Jul 1972 [not here], that the main gas control taps for the two gas heaters should be resited at a height at least 5'6" from the floor." 17 Apr 1973
Form BM2 regarding School House: "1) Back Door - lock broken URGENT; 2) Outside Larder - section of guttering broken in recent storms; 3) Roof - tiles missing and causing damp patches in two bedrooms; 4) Garage - in very poor state of repair; 5) Drain from Bath - blocked." 11 Sep 1974
Accompanying letter from Headmistress: "You may wish to have the following further information regarding the roof, garage and bath: Roof - Missing Tiles: In Oct 1973 I reported that water was coming into two bedrooms and spoiling the wallpaper where these two rooms met - probably due to missing roof tiles. Mr Besch, then the Area Building Surveyor, eventually had this inspected in Dec 1973, and ordered the tiles to be replaced. As the bedroom walls were discoloured, he arranged for the decorator then working (under an Authority's order) in my dining room, to patch the walls with some matching paper I was able to provide. Obviously a poor job was made of mending this roof, as the stained patches in the bedroom have now reappeared and are considerably extended. Each time there is rain, these two walls have dark black spreading patches, which are an eyesore. Under my tenancy agreement, I do my own decorations, but one of these bedrooms was redecorated two years ago, and one three years ago, and frankly I cannot afford to foot another bill for this, nor do I wish to look at horrible stained walls. In view of the highly increased rent I now pay, I should be glad to know that the Authority will: a) see that the roof is PROPERLY mended, quickly; b) meet me halfway on re-papering these two rooms; Garage: Also in Sep 1973 I reported that the garage was falling to bits at the side, as well as leaking in various places. Your Area Building Surveyor sent a man to inspect, many months ago now; he said it was in such a poor state that it really needed replacing and he would report to this effect to the Architects' Department. Since then I have heard nothing; as I pay rent and rates to cover the garage I think some attention should have been given to this long ago; Bath: I have done all I can to clear this drain, but obviously the trouble is deeper down than I am able to reach. The bath takes 30 minutes to empty, which is inconvenient to say the least; Since this house is now 100 years old it is hardly surprising that some things are beginning to need attention. I do what I can and keep the property in excellent condition, but I should like to know that these matters will receive speedy attention." 11 Sep 1974
Detailed Specification of work to be done and materials to be supplied and used for Resurfacing Floor of Large Classroom No. 1 including the part used as a Staff Area; Jan 1975
Tender from Neofloors Ltd, 98 Midland Road, Bedford, for the above for £393.35, was successful; Serino Flooring, 9 Court Lane, Stevington, also submitted a tender; 5 Mar 1975
Form BM2: "Extension of existing shelves and erection of new ones in cupboard at the Craft Centre, as recommended by Mr D Braybrook of Haynes."; 20 Mar 1974 [pen note: No action - this is an improvement]
Accompanying memo from Mrs M Imber, Secretary, Elstow Craft Centre, to Mr Bescht, County Architect's Department: "After your visit to the Craft Centre when we discussed the fitting of shelves and trays in a cupboard in the Craft Room I was off sick and only today have been able to see Mr Braybrook from Haynes as you advised. I explained to Mr Braybrook we needed more storage space and it seems to extend the present shelves on one side of the cupboard and fit the new ones as you suggested is the best solution. We will then buy plastic trays from the Equipment allowance for the Centre and stand these on the wooden shelves - it is not feasible to have the complete units fitted. I am therefore attaching the order for the part of the work you said you would authorise, and as the storage space is for the use of Advisory teachers in the schools I have asked Miss Child to sign the request form." 20 Mar 1974 [pen note: No action taken - shortage of funds in 1974/75, and staff not pressing for this]
Memo from Chief Education Officer to Mr A Burnett, County Architect's Department: "As a result of a visit to the school by Mr Muse, my P.E. Adviser, I have been informed that the heating unit for the swiming pool is not working. I should be grateful if you would kindly make arrangements for the unit to be in operation for the swimming season." 9 Apr 1975
Form BM2 [Elstow Lower School]: "Half a concrete window sill broke during afternoon break. This was in the infants' playground and, had an infant been underneath, I think it would have killed a child. The rest of the sill has a big crack in it and looks as though it will break shortly. We have cordoned the area off. I think this does not merely require a builder to be sent to mend it, but inspection by a qualified member of the Architect's Department. In old schools such as this, the fabric is obviously beginning to deteriorate. I do my best to keep a good eye on all three blocks externally and internallly but as a teaching Head I cannot always be looking around and in any case this type of deterioration is more obvious to qualified building maintenance officers. I would imagine too, that the roof requires checking yet again as a tile fell off the other day, narrowly missing my caretaker as he passed."; 4 Jun 1975
Letter from Headmistress to Architect's Department regarding School House; "Bedroom: I refer to my letter of 11 Sep 1974 to the Architect's Department which reported the missing roof tiles; and that, as a result, two walls and part of the ceiling in each of the bedrooms were very badly stained. The roof was then properly mended, but my Area Building Surveyor suggested that we should wait a short while to see that no further damp patches appeared. As this is now nearly nine months ago, I should be glad to know that the second part of my request, namely that I receive help towards the cost of decorating these rooms, is met. It is an eyesore at present, and I am ashamed when guests comt to stay, so please could arrangements be made for a decorator to deal with the matter this month; Garage: I understand from the Building Surveyor that this was to be replaced. During last Monday's hailstorm half the garage roof blew off. Please let me know when the replacement garage, which was promised, is to be supplied; Cloakroom floor: I refer, further, to my letter of 20 Mar 1975 to the Chief Education Officer. Can I please have the cloakroom floor attended to, as requested then. It really is in a very poor state, and I consider that as I do all I can to keep the property in excellent order, I should expect in return a reasonably good standard to be maintained." 4 Jun 1975
Letter from Headmistress to County Architect: "We had no heating throughout the 1974 swimming season despite repeated requests to the Authority to arrange for it to function efficiently; I have made similar requests at intervals during the winter. Eventually at the start of this season it was seen to, and reported to be operating properly. That state of affairs lasted precisely two days, and in fact matters are now worse since, although we could have had swimming in an unheated pool, we cannot have it in a pool where the filtration plant is not working. If gas heating is useless, and in my experience over the past few years it has proved so, I feel that it should be removed and the connection made to our oil firing, as I originally requested, and this should be met by the Authority. It seems that electric heating would be preferable to a gas system which never works. I feel very strongly indeed on this matter. We were pressed by the Authority, years ago, to have a pool. My parents worked very hard to raise money to provide their share, first of the pool, then of the heating. They now complain that they feel the position is most unsatisfactory and I would like to be able to assure them that immediate action is to be taken to make the pool operable." 4 Jun 1975
Form BM2 regarding the above: "Pool completely unusable. Heating system is all burnt out and filtration plant is not working." 4 Jun 1975
Reply from County Architect; "Delays in the lower priority works are regretted and I can only remind you of the tremendous volume of work with which my Building Surveyors have to deal. I can say however, that the items referred to in your letter are receiving attention. My Surveyor tries to visit each school at least once during each term and he will shortly be inspecting your school again. Perhaps this would be a good opportunity for you to discuss with him any problems which you have." 10 Jun 1975
Reports from Engineer Surveyor, National Vulcan Engineering Insurance Group Ltd, on No. 1 and No. 2 Sectional Heating Boilers and No. 4 Supply Boiler & Storage Cylinder (Canteen); date of inspections 21 Aug 1975
Report from Area Building Surveyor (3); "Regarding recent correspondence with Messrs 'Smith of Derby' on the matter of repairs to the turret clock at Elstow; I have spoken to the Headmistress and the Chief Building Surveyor and the feeling is that this clock is a much used public facility and has community value. Smiths are one of the few big clock specialists in the country and the quotation of £190, for what amounts to completely renewing the 'works', seems reasonable in view of the written ten year guarantee. A sum providing for classroom sinks has been allowed for in the current year's Revenue Estimates and we are likely to make a saving on this of approximately £100 when these are installed this winter. I have asked the Headmistress whether or not she would be prepared to raise half the cost with the help of local organisations. She has agreed by telephone to approach the Parish Council. Meanwhile, a letter accepting Smith's quotation has been sent, within the three months period, to stop possible inflation. Failing assistance in meeting the cost of this work, the balance will be charged to the Schools Day to Day account, which might leave us 'short' in case of emergency." Oct 1975
Letter from Headmistress to County Architect; "With reference to the sum quoted by you, £190, to restore this clock to working order, and your request that I should see if it would be possible for half the cost of this to be met in some way by the village, I approached the Chairman of the local Parish Council. The matter was then put on their agenda and discussed at their recent meeting. I gather that their mood was sympathetic, but they require full and relevant details. Would you, therefore, supply these to Mr Cole, Clerk of the Elstow Parish Council, 153a Cotton End Road, Wilstead. This will then be discussed at their next Meeting which is on 26 Jan; I would however suggest that the details should be provided as soon as possible." 15 Oct 1975
Letter from Mr B A Cole to County Architect: "My Council has decided to assist towards the cost of repairs to the clock at Elstow Lower School; accordingly, I enclose a cheque for £90 as this Council's contribution." 2 Feb 1976
Reply: "I shall be reporting receipt of this contribution to the next meeting of my Council's Sites and Buildings Sub-Committee and I am sure they will be most appreciative of your Council's help." 5 Feb 1976
Estimate from Roofing Nationwide Ltd, Meteor Close, Airport Industrial Estate, Fifers Lane, Norwich: "We thank you for your enquiry for Roof Waterproofing of the Canteen and Kitchen and following the inspection by our Mr M S Langley have pleasure in giving below our estimate" [mentions Pitched Big-Six Corrugated Asbestos Sheeted Roof Areas]; Building 1 - Area 165 sq yds; 55 ft run x 18" girth; Building 2 - Area 132 sq yds; 44 ft run x 18" girth; All for sum £558; [excluding VAT @ 8%]; includes five year guarantee against defective materials or workmanship; 13 Nov 1975
Specification and Quotation from MacWilliam Surface Coatings Ltd, 67 Hills Road, Cambridge: Roof Waterproofing, Kitchen and Dining Room; "Clean off moss, lichen and dirt from roof using light pressure water jet. Make good gap at coping with sand/cement mix. Prime asbestos roof to be treated with Duradec primer and allow to cure. To primed surface lay first coat Duradec waterproofing system and bed in fibreglass fabric where necessary to reinforce and allow to cure. Lay finishing coat Duradec overall, pigmented to customer's colour choice." for £600.05 excluding VAT @ 8%; 18 Nov 1975
Specification and Quotation from MacWilliam Surface Coatings Ltd: Kitchen and Storeroom Floor Sealing; "Clean floor to be treated removing all grease and dirt with degreasing compound and high pressure steam jet. Fill large cracks in floor surface with sand/cement mix and lay priming coat Dycol pigmented to customer's choice and allow to cure. Lay finishing coat Dycol overall." for £272.38 excluding VAT @ 8%; 18 Nov 1975
Specification and Quotation from MacWilliam Surface Coatings Ltd: Roof Waterproofing, Kitchen and Dining Room; "Clean off moss, lichen and dirt from roof surface to be treated, using high pressure water jet. Make good gaps at coping with sand/cement mix. Prime area to be treated with Tex 9 primer/sealer and allow to cure. Lay overall to primed roof area one heavy coat Tex 9 Roofcoat, finished in aluminium, reinforced where necessary with fibreglass fabric laid into Tex 9." for £574.63 excluding VAT @ 8%; 18 Nov 1975
Specification and Quotation from MacWilliam Surface Coatings Ltd: Kitchen and Dining Room Roof Waterproofing; "Clean off moss, lichen and dirt from roof to be treated, using high pressure water jet. Make good gaps at coping with sand/cement mix. Lay one coat Nuflex primer overall and allow to cure. Lay heavy coat Nuflex waterproofing system with aluminium reflective finish overall, reinforce where necessary with fibreglass fabric dressed into Nuflex." for £850.75 excluding VAT @ 8%; 18 Nov 1975
Letter from 'Smith of Derby', Queen Street, Derby; "Following the installation of the Elstow Lower School clock, we now have pleasure in submitting the terms of our Annual Maintenance Service for your consideration: To make one visit each year to inspect, clean, adjust and oil all normally accessible parts of the clock and to provide and fit replacement synchronous-electric time motors on a free loan basis should we consider it necessary to remove the time motors to our works for repair; also after notification of a breakdown or stoppage to attend as soon as possible to correct the fault; but to exclude faults caused by misuse, neglect, failure of power supply or other circumstances beyond our control and the provision and fitting of new parts other than those mentioned above, would cost £15 per annum, payable in arrears and excluding VAT, currently at 8%. We already maintain a great many clocks throughout the British Isles and hope we may soon be favoured with your instructions to add this installation to our list." 1 Dec 1975
Form BM2: "The School Caretaker informs me that our roof at Elstow Craft Centre was attended to on Friday of last week, but since then more tiles have fallen. Just reporting it in case I should." from M Imber, Secretary; 5 Jan 1976
Memo from County Architect to Chief Education Officer regarding Fire Service Inspections on Existing Buildings; "I refer to Mr Lawes' telephone conversation with Mr Inskip on 30 Dec 1975 and forward herewith [not here] reports which I have received direct from the Chief Fire Officer in respect of the under-mentioned schools: Elstow CP School, Milton Ernest VP School, Cranfield VP School. A further report on Riseley VP School which I have received today is also enclosed [not here]. I understand you have also received these reports from the Chief Fire Officer and will be following your usual practice of writing to me on the items which you wish me to look at. I think this is much the best arrangement, oterwise there is likely to be duplication and, indeed, some of the items on the CFO reports are of a domestic nature for you to take up direct with the School Heads. I would prefer not to receive reports in respect of existing buildings direct from the CFO and I have therefore asked him to send these to Client Departments without sending copies to me and I will rely on these Departments to request any help they may require from my Department." 6 Jan 1976
Form BM2: "This is the third occasion this term alone that our bell has failed to ring in the Junior block - where the bell push is - although on two of these occasions it has continued to sound in the Infant block. The last man sent to repair it said he intended to report that the system was obsolete, most peculiar, and needed replacement. The Fire Officer, who visited on the same day, recommended that a buzzer system should be installed instead, to avoid confusion with the Fire Alarm." 16 Dec 1975
Letter from County Architect to Concrete Repairs Ltd, Cathite House, 748 Fulham Road, London, and Gunoc Ltd, 65 Stafford Road, Wallington, Surrey, regarding Structural Repairs to Canteen: "You are invited to supply a quotation for repairs to the structural concrete on the Horsa Kitchen and Dining Room building at Elstow Lower School; to all visible defects to external surfaces of concrete frame: Prepare all surfaces to be treated by Bush Hammering, remove all loose and defective concrete; exposed steel - remove all rust back to bright metal by mechanical scarifying, apply 2 no. coats of zinc rich epoxide resin primer within one hour of preparation; Remove all loose and defective concrete, back to sound exposed aggregates. Make good concrete surfaces back to original profiles, using Polymer Mortar, comprising of 1 no. coat of Tac-kote primer, 1 no. bond coat, followed by a trowel applied Polymer Mortar." 6 Feb 1976
Report of Chief Fire Officer regarding means of escape from front block of old building; "The double front entrance doors found bolted and one leaf difficult to open; These doors are not in general use but are considered necessary for means of escape purposes. Therefore it is recommended that these doors be maintained in working order. Whilst the classrooms in this block are being used, these doors are to be unbolted, or preferably a panic bolt fastening be fitted; Storage of furniture in main corridor to front exit doors; The storage to be removed from this corridor to allow a free passage to the exit doors." 23 Dec 1975
Letter from Mrs M E Locke of 'Smith Of Derby' Clocks; "We thank you for your order dated 12 Feb 1976 instructing us to place the Elstow Lower School Clock under the care of our Annual Maintenance Service in the amount of £15 per annum. This will be put into operation henceforward and in addition to the normal yearly visit we shall be at your service if notified of any fault or breakdown at any time." 17 Feb 1976
Letter from County Architect to Mr B A Cole, Clerk to Elstow Parish Council; "I now write to confirm that I reported your Council's contribution of £90 towards the cost of repairs to the clock at Elstow Lower School and the Sub-Committee asked that their thanks be formally conveyed to the Parish Council. I understand however that the Clock is unfortunately still not functioning accurately and I have accordingly asked a specialist clock repairer to carry out adjustments to the time mechanism." 10 Mar 1976
[Attached to rear of front cover]; Memo from Clerk of the County Council to County Architect and Director of Education; "I now have photoprints of the licence available and attach a copy for your future reference." 18 Jul 1957
Copy Licence granting Elstow CP School use of the room in Bunyan Meeting premises in Elstow from 8.45 am to 4 pm on schooldays from 17 Dec 1956 for £75 per annum; School to pay heating, lighting and rates, cost of installation of electric meters, and 15/- per week towards caretaking; 30 Apr 1957