OXFORD DIOCESAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE FOR THE CARE OF CHURCHES

MINUTES of the meeting of the Committee held in the McKenna Room at Christ Church, at 10am on 13th March 2017

PRESENT: Revd J West (Acting Chair) Revd D Witchell, Ven C Allsopp, Revd A Doig, Mr D Clarke, Prof J Missenden, Mr J Munby, Mrs H Ensor, Archdeacon of Buckingham, Archdeacon of , Canon A Daffern, Archdeacon of Dorchester, Archdeacon of Oxford, Mr B Martin

DAC Staff: Mrs L Kitch, Ms C Fenn, Mrs S Hammond, Mrs H Robertson

APOLOGIES:

Mr C Baker (Chairman), Prof B Kemp, Mr R Evans, Mrs J Christie, Ms G O’Farrell, Mr D Mason, Mr H Gibbon, Revd V Plumb, Mrs G Argyll

1. Minutes of the meeting held on 13th February 2017 were approved

2. Declarations of interest

Christine Allsopp – Lambourn Adrian Daffern - Woodstock Julian Munby – Trinity College Allan Doig – Hempton Jeff West - Hempton

4. Returning Casework

2016-001743 Leckhampstead: St Berkshire II* 1859 James (627425) Teulon

Works permitted by faculty: Internal reordering and roof repairs

The Committee resolved that a delegation would visit the parish on site to discuss the proposals. Suggested date Thursday 30th March 10.30am. The following details are awaited:

Specification of Works, drainage routes, roofing drawings, Structural Engineer’s details and Specification, lighting specification, heating specification, details of the proposed chairs, cleaning specification and electrical specification. BIOS, the LPA, Vic Soc, CBC and HE to be consulted. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2016 will apply.

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2016-004712 Lyford: St Mary Dorchester II* C13th and later (variation (627513) offline)

Works permitted by faculty: Repairs to the roof, weatherboarding installation of new soakaways Variation requested: Extension of the weatherboarding across corner posts of the bell tower, rerouting of soakaways and alteration to lead detailing. The Committee heard that the SCBO and Bryan Martin had concerns over the proposed extension to the weatherboarding and delegated this matter to them to come to an appropriate course of remedial action for which a variation could be requested. Historic England and the LPA to be consulted.

2016-002443 Hinton Waldrist: St Dorchester II* C13th and later (variation Margaret (627508) offline)

Works permitted by faculty: Repairs to medieval church including: renewal of stone slate roof covering to main body of the building; associated carpentry repairs; replacement of fibreboard ceilings with lime plaster; external masonry repairs (in accordance with the proposals of Andrew Townsend)

Variation requested: Replacement of stone finial base and electrical rewiring

The Committee resolved to support the variation request but the final specification is to be submitted to DAC officers, and agreed by the DAC electrical advisor, prior to the variation request being made. The light fittings are to be detailed to the DAC in a future faculty application.

2016-002881 Woodstock: St Mary Dorchester II* C12th and later (variation is Magdalene (627292) offline)

Works permitted by faculty: Re-ordering of the church to include new underfloor heating system, raised floor throughout the nave, new electrics and lighting, new nave seating and associated works.

To vary the existing faculty permission to enable a reduced scheme. It is now proposed to leave the existing floor in place and alter the heating system proposed. The introduction of a ramp at the main entrance, and alteration of the design of the stairs leading to the tower room.

The Committee resolved to support the principle of the variation and delegated to DAC officers and the DAC heating advisor to consider details of the proposal.

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2016-003680 Kingston Lisle: St Dorchester II* 12th C and later John the Baptist (627559)

Works:

The installation of a new organ using second hand pipes from Clewer St Andrew

The Committee resolved to support the re-issue of the Notification of Advice for exactly the same works by an alternative contractor.

2016-006090 Cuddesdon: All Dorchester I 12thC and 1851 Saints (627106) Street

Works: Restoration of the bells and frame and re-opening of historic access route for the bells through bell and clock chamber floors and high level north door.

The Committee resolved to support the proposals for faculty application and agreed that a supportive Notification of Advice be issued with the proviso that the Specification of Works be submitted to and agreed by DAC officers prior to works commencing. Historic England, SPAB, and the CBC to be consulted.

Offline Marston: St Nicholas Oxford I C13 and later

Works permitted by faculty: Creation of memorial garden Variation: To introduce entrance arch.

The Committee expressed practical concerns about the structure of the proposed arch, how it will be jointed and how it will weather, however were aesthetically happy with the proposal and agreed to support the variation. Should the PCC wish to amend the proposal to a simple wrought iron or stainless steel arch they would also be content to support the variation. The LPA to be consulted.

3 offline Wargrave: St Mary Berkshire II* C13 and 1914

Works permitted by faculty:

A faculty was issued in 2015 for the renewal of the AV system following support from the DAC with the following provisos: 1) That the fixed monitor for the choir is omitted from the scheme and that a free-standing one is trialled instead 2) That details for the control desk are submitted to the DAC for agreement in due course. 3) That the guidelines (copy on page 3 of this notification) on electrical installations are followed.

Variation request: The parish now wish to clamp a 32 inch monitor to the column for the choir (as expressly omitted above) add an additional camera and extend the sound desk slightly.

The Committee resolved to support the principle of a monitor of this size in this location however concern was expressed as to how the proposed strap for fixing would be altered to accommodate the moulding of the column length, and even if this should be possible that the weight of the monitor would force the bottom edge of the supporting strap into the stonework, causing permanent damage. The Committee therefore resolved to recommend the principle of the variation and delegated the detailed fixing method to officers to resolve and find an appropriate solution.

2016-005539 Lambourn: St Berkshire I Norman Michael & All Angels (627424)

Works: Reordering of the nave – introduction of new nave altar, two new lecterns and new choir stalls. Removal of front block of pews and replacement with chairs. Disposal of nave altar and existing lectern.

The Committee previously declined to comment on the design of the proposed new altar, lecterns, choir stalls and selected chairs as the principle of the removal of the block of pews had not been agreed to. Further information on the significance of the pews, and the use pattern of the building has now been provided and the Committee resolved to support the principle of the removal of the pews. However, it was considered by the Committee that the designs of the proposed altar, lectern and choir stalls was not of a high enough standard for a church of this significance and the Committee therefore suggested that a specialist furniture producer be commissioned, Bates and Lambourne have recently produced high quality designs for Headington Quarry Holy Trinity, and Woodstock St Mary Magdalen for a reasonable fee.

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The proposed nave chairs are of a light timber colour, whilst the rest of the nave is of dark timber. The PCC must also consider hat to comply with fire safety regulations it will be necessary for the chairs to be linked together for all normal services, and therefore to allow continuity flexibility a chair with a front connection should be selected.

The Committee also noted that the revised Statement of Significance contained very little information on the significance of the existing altar and lectern. This should be improved and information given on why these items are not proposed to be retained.

The proposed and existing plans still do not appear to show the choir stalls and chairs to scale (as the choir stalls are depicted in the same manner as the chairs). These plan drawings should be revised to accurately indicate the space taken up by the proposed choir stalls in the north aisle, and how a member of the congregation might access the WC or kitchenette through the north aisle following their introduction.

The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. Historic England, the CBC and Vic Soc are to be consulted. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies.

2016-003427 Earley: St Nicholas Berkshire unlisted (627449)

Works: Reconfiguration of existing church buildings and hall, construction of link between church and hall; redecoration, new glazing and new lighting; alterations to carpark and landscaping

The Committee resolved to recommend the revised scheme for faculty application. The LPA and 20th Century Society to be consulted.

2016-004867 Beaconsfield: St Buckingham II Nave and aisles of Michael & All Angels 1914-16 by G H (627568) Fellowes Prynne in Decorated style

Works: Replacement of chapel chairs with 130 upholstered Alpha chairs and 130 un - upholstered stacking overflow chairs

The Committee considered that the proposed upholstered chairs were not appropriate due to the aesthetic impact of the upholstery upon the church interior, their weight and restricted stacking abilities. Should an upholstered chair be proposed the Committee would not be content to recommend the scheme due to the limited lifespan of the upholstery which will quickly fade and tear and is more difficult to clean. The Committee requested that an alternative, more appropriate chair be suggested, perhaps with a detachable cushion if felt necessary. It is often the case that the well designed un- upholstered chairs are more comfortable than the upholstered chairs available on the 5

market. The Committee noted that no information of the chair with arm rests had been provided. It was felt that the light timber colour of the proposed chairs may not work within the predominantly dark timber interior of the church.

The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building.

6. Site Visits

A) To note

Eynsham St Leonard – installation of chairs.

Chinnor St Andrew – rationalisation of children’s area and storage.

Bletchley St Mary – rationalisation of churchyard and memorials outside of churchyard regulations.

Steventon St Michael and All Angels – Stone sample viewed on site by DAC officers.

Newport Pagnell St Peter and St Paul – extensive reordering proposals – just offering faculty process advice at this stage.

B) To discuss

2016-006696 Loughton: All Saints Buckingham II* C13-15, restored (627715) 1857 and 1886

Works: New glass screen between tower and nave

The Committee ratified the site visit report tabled at the meeting and invited revised proposals by the PCC in line with this advice. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. Historic England are to be consulted.

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2017-007100 Harwell: St Matthew Dorchester I C13 and later (627535)

Works: Replacement of pews with stackable chairs, laying of carpet and installation of electric heating system.

The Committee considered at length the proposals to carpet the floor of the church and resolved that infilling the granwood tiled areas beneath the pews with limecrete, enabling a level surface to carpet whilst not affecting any memorials within the floor, would be an appropriate course of action to allow the church to grow in its activities whilst funds are limited. The Committee strongly expressed that this is not the ideal solution and that the church should be mindful that appropriate restoration of the floor finish should be planned for when funds are available. The Committee resolved to issue a Not Object NOA should be issued for the removal of the pews, floor works, and installation of chairs when a Specification of Work by the church architect had been provided to, and agreed by, DAC officers. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society, Historic England and the CBC are to be consulted.

The Committee resolved that the heating proposals were not yet adequately detailed to be considered. This element of the works is to be separated into another faculty application which will be considered by the Committee when further quotations and Specifications for the system are available, including radiator locations, fixing details and unit type and wiring routes, together with information on expected running costs.

C) Upcoming visits to attend

2016-005853 Oxford: St Margaret Oxford II 1883 Drinkwater (627221)

Works: Extension to the west end of the church and extensive internal re-ordering. Replacement heating system, lighting scheme, relocation of the font, disposal of the Lady Chapel altar and disposal of the organ located within the north aisle.

The Committee heard that LK visited site on 14th Feb 2017 to discuss faculty process. Parish have been advised to put together a feasibility study to demonstrate the options previously considered and the pros and cons of each of these and to develop a Statement of Need and to consider employing a professional heritage consultant to produce a Statement of Significance. A delegation visit has been arranged to take place on 10th April at 3pm for which these documents will be available.

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7. New Cases

A) Advise discuss

2016-006778 Brimpton: St Peter Berkshire II 1869 - 72 by John (627347) Johnson in a Neo- Gothic style

Works: Installation of accessible toilet and servery

The Committee resolved to support the proposals for faculty application, subject to archaeological provisos affecting burials. Drainage routes and details of the proposed folding chairs are to be provided to DAC officers prior to a Notification of Advice being issued. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society are to be consulted.

2017-007886 Marlow: All Saints Buckingham II* 1832 to 1835 in (627813) Perp style to the designs of C F Inwood

Works: Improvements to WC / facilities within the Narthex

The Committee resolved to send a delegation to discuss the proposals on site. Details of the new location for the commandment boards and monument and detailed construction specification should be submitted to the DAC. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society and Historic England are to be consulted.

2016-006906 North Stoke: St Mary Dorchester I C13, C14, C15 the Virgin (627184) porch, early C18 top to tower.

Works: The sale of two bibles.

The Committee felt strongly that sufficient justification for sale had not been provided by the PCC and that there should be a presumption for the bibles, which are significant items of local history, to ideally remain within the church or at least the diocese, perhaps within Dorchester Abbey. It was suggested that there is a possibility that one of the bibles may have an Oxford binding, and further investigation should be carried out to establish this. A secure display cabinet would enable the books to be on display within the church, alternatively they could be secured within the safe away from a damp environment. Should the PCC wish to continue with an application to sell the bibles a full photographic record should be produced and submitted to the DAC. The CBC to be consulted. It was

8 noted that a faculty permission should have been in place to remove the bibles from the church when they were moved to the auctioneers, and a retrospective faculty application should be made to regularise this.

2017-007660 Hempton: St John Dorchester II 1850 Wilson the Evangelist (627143)

Works: Removal of all 12 pews and replacement with 30 Treske St Wilfred rush seated chairs, plus 6 with arms; relocation of font to south west corner; installation of new wall mounted electric heaters

The Committee supported the principle of the scheme however requested that additional details were supplied prior to a Notification of Advice being issued. The Archdeacon of Buckingham raised concerns over the surface temperature of the storage heater units, given the proposed user groups of the building. Further clarification should also be provided regarding the four pews to be retained, to ensure that the best examples of the pews are kept. The Specification of Works and an existing and proposed plan by the church architect should be submitted indicating the proposed location of the font. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction Rules 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society to be consulted.

2016-006511 Chesterton: St Mary Dorchester II* Medieval restored (627037) 1866 Penrose

Works: Kitchenette and DDA compliant WC facilities in tower vestry and creation of mezzanine vestry/meeting room.

The Committee resolved to send a delegation to visit the church to discuss the proposals on site – this to include the DAC Organs Advisor. Information on drainage routes, and a lighting specification are awaited and should be submitted prior to a Notification of Advice being issued. Archaeological provisos will apply. Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society, SPAB and HE to be consulted

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Offline Trinity College Chapel Oxford

Works: Installation of Oxford Preservation Trust Award plaque on outside wall of chapel

The Committee expressed concern that the fixing of the plaque would cause permanent damage to the stonework of the front elevation. It was suggested that the plaque be located within the passage at the west end of the building. On this basis the Committee resolved to support the proposals for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

B) Advise support recommendation

2017-007089 Stewkley: St Buckingham I 12th C and later Michael & All Angels (627745)

Works: The replacement of the loose gravel path from the south churchyard gate to the south porch with resin bound gravel. To be carried out in accordance with the quotation by Revive Garden Works dated 16th September 2016.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

2017-007290 Upton: St Mary the Dorchester II* Probably C12; Virgin (627541) restored 1885

Works: Proposed improvements to the burial ground adjacent the original churchyard

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

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2016-006745 Oxford: St Aldate Oxford II* late Saxon origins (627213) and archaeology and fabric from the C12 and later, including rebuildings of 1832- 43 and in the 1860s and 1870s Works: Replace boilers and mount new pipework to exterior wall

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

2016-006874 Dorney: St James Buckingham I C12 and later the Less (627655)

Works:

Introduction of a memorial plaque within the church to Rod Dollimore.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

2016-003004 Bampton Aston: St Dorchester II 1839, by Thomas James (627234) Greenshields; sanctuary added 1862 by J. Clarke; further alterations of 1885-9 by H. Drinkwater. Works: Erection of a flagpole at the front of the church.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

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2017-007634 Kidmore End: St Dorchester II 1852 Billing John the Baptist (627173)

Works: The introduction of two British Legion standards to the church

The Committee resolved to support the principle of the scheme and delegated consideration of the proposals to DAC officers to issue a Notification of Advice when photos of the proposed locations of the standards had been submitted, and agreed by the SCBO.

2016-005822 Whitchurch Hill: St Dorchester Unlisted John the Baptist (627188)

Works: Installation of new door lock and window guard.

The Committee resolved to support the principle of the scheme and delegated consideration of the proposals to DAC officers and Bryan Martin, as the details of the items to be installed are still awaited.

2016-006074 : St Dorchester II* C13 and later, 1842 Peter & St Paul Plowman (627287)

Works: Interim faculty permission has been sought to enable investigatory works to establish the structure of the floor within the tower base.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

2016-006865 Denham: St Mary Buckingham I Norman and later the Virgin (627581)

Works: Erection of shed in churchyard

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

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2016-006882 Basildon: St Stephen Berkshire unlisted (627363)

Works: Permanently secure existing winchable lighting circle

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

2017-007297 Sunninghill: St Berkshire II 1808 Michael & All Angels (627336)

Works: The introduction of three phase electricity supply to be introduced up until point ‘B’ on the plan, and a subsequent faculty application will be made to bring the supply the rest of the way across the churchyard and into the church.

The Committee heard that an interim faculty permission has been granted for these works. The Committee resolved to recommend the works for faculty application to regularise the interim faculty.

2017-007360 Wickham: St Swithin Berkshire II* C10th and 1849 (627438)

Works: Installation of electronic organ

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application subject to the installation being carried out under the supervision of the Diocesan Organ Adviser.

2017-007252 Bracknell: Holy Berkshire Unlisted Trinity (627325)

Works: Phrase 2 roof works including amendment of eaves and reroofing works.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

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2017-007701 Stewkley: St Buckingham I 12th C and later Michael & All Angels (627745)

Works: To relocate the two western most pews from the north aisle of the church to the west end of the south aisle (under the gallery, arranged one in front of another) to enable wheel chair users to attend services. The pews to be relocated with the raised edging in place, and remedial works to the floor to be carried out if necessary.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application with the proviso that the proposals for any necessary remedial works to the floor are to be submitted to, and agreed by, DAC officers.

offline Beaconsfield: St Buckingham II 1914 Fellows Prynne Michael and All Angels

Works: Installation of CCTV and security system following break in and vandalism.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application, the NOA to be issued upon receipt of appropriate fixing locations.

2017-008025 Harpsden: St Dorchester II C12 and 1848 Ferrey Margaret

Works: Replacement of the existing boiler with two new boilers and the associated installation of 2 new flues.

The Committee resolved to recommend the proposals for faculty application. The LPA to be consulted.

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Offline Berinsfield St Mary Dorchester unlisted and St Berins

Works permitted by faculty: Replacement of modern partition doors with like for like unit

The Committee resolved to recommend the proposal for faculty application, for the NOA to be issued upon receipt of confirmation of where in the church the doors are located.

2017-007841 Wood Green: Holy Dorchester II 1849 Ferrey Trinity (627269)

Works: Relighting scheme (Light Perceptions Ltd)

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application subject to wiring provisos and electrical work guidelines.

offline Oxford St Giles Oxford I C12 and later

Works: Retrospective permission is sought for archaeological investigations which were carried out in accordance with the report by Keevill Heritage Ltd April 2014.

The Committee heard that these works have been carried out. The Committee resolved not to object to a retrospective faculty application.

2017-007214 : St Peter Oxford II Early C14 W tower. (627230) Remainder rebuilt 1860 to designs by Charles Buckeridge. Vestry 1835 Works: Installation of artificial grass.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application with the proviso that a 100mm border of pea shingle is left between the artificial grass and church building. The LPA to be consulted.

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2017-007795 Broughton: St Closed Lawrence (627713) Unattached Churches

Works: Installation of noticeboard in churchyard

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application subject to usual archaeological provisos. The LPA to be consulted.

LATE ITEMS

2016-004625 South Hinksey: St Oxford II* Early/mid C13: late Lawrence (627209) C15 tower: chancel rebuilt in late C18

Works: Upgrading of existing paths at the Church

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application subject to archaeological condition with burials and consultation. Local planning authority to be consulted. Parish should take up the matter of the legal status of the footpath link with the Registry.

2016-005590 Nuffield: Holy Trinity Dorchester II* C12, C14 north aisle (627177) and alterations, and chancel restored c.1845 by Benjamin Ferrey Works: Removal of church pipe organ and installation of facilities in the north aisle of the church. Removal of all the pews.

The Committee heard that the introduction of community use into this building is critical to ensure its immediate future. A delegation site visit is being organised – date may be 22nd March at approx. 4pm.

Rule 9.9 of the Faculty Jurisdiction 2015 applies. The proposals are likely to affect the character of the historic building. The Victorian Society, SPAB and HE to be consulted.

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offline Amersham: St Mary Buckingham I C13, enlarged C14 (627177) with C15 south porch and tower

Works: Restoration and releathering of the organ bellows in accordance with the quotation by Tarquin Wiggins Ltd dated 7th December 2015.

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

2016-006490 Milton-under- Dorchester II 1853-4 G E Street Wychwood: St Simon & St Jude (627085) Works: Remove fixed wooden kneeler boards from all pews

The Committee resolved to recommend the scheme for faculty application.

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