News Entry

News from the Vestry - February 2008

Date Posted: Monday 03 March 2008

The Vestry held its latest meeting on 27 February. 
The principal item of business was a presentation on the condition of the church building by John Sanders of Simpson & Brown, the church architects.

The building is in fair condition overall, considering its complexity and the multiple building periods through which it was constructed.  However, there are many places where urgent works are required in order to prevent accelerated deterioration.  The most urgent works include repairs to the bellcote over the chancel arch and leadwork on the roof, particulary the chancel, memorial chapel, and Calvary stairs.

On the advice of the architect, the Vestry agreed to submit an application for funding from Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund for the first phase of essential work.  Phase 1 is estimated at £325,000 (net of recoverable VAT), of which grant funding of 60% has been applied for.  The remainder of the cost will be met from reserves, special fund-raising and applications to other funding bodies.

Further information on this project may be obtained from the .

Amongst other items of business were:

• opportunity is being taken to carry extensive work to deal with various plumbing issues in Lauder House
• Edinburgh Council had recently carried out a food hygiene and health and safety inspection; the result was generally satisfactory, with just a couple of items for attention
• a meeting had been held to introduce group leaders to the functionality and content management system of the church website; groups who are willing may now directly enter their own news and events
• plans are moving forward for a dramatic presentation to be given in church during the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
• quarterly accounts to 31 December were presented (details in the March newsletter available from the newsletter archive)
• the finance committee is considering arrangements for the investment of the Vestry’s reserves, taking into account ethical considerations as well as security and return
• the Vestry agreed to make a donation to Old Sailors Ark Ltd as a contribution towards the costs of transferring the Ark to a limited company and releasing the Rector from his position as Judicial Factor for the Ark
• the Vestry’s insurance claim in respect of malicious damage in October 2006 has been finally settled

Further information is available from the .  The next meeting of the Vestry is on 16 April.

Category: General, Vestry & Committees, Vestry

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