St James The Great

​Old Milverton, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire

​If you can bump into it, it leaks, is blocked, is too cold, or too hot, doesn't work, is uncomfortable, needs inspecting or servicing, or painting or replacing, or repairing or cutting down or mowing or rebuilding or burning then the chances are the Fabric Committee is the place to start.

In essence, the committee is responsible to the PCC for the general maintenance, improvement and upkeep of the church buildings, contents and churchyard. The committee (Sarah, Chris, Michael, Geoff, Chris, John and Gus) meet quarterly to plan and discuss what needs to be done. The committee, with an overwhelmingly practical approach to the various challenges in looking after an old building and grounds, then takes the proposed schedule of work to the next PCC meeting for agreement and, most importantly, financial approval. 

It is interesting and varied work, most enjoyable and rewarding. By way of example, over the last five years we have undertaken extensive upgrades to the heating system,  installed additional wall heaters; introduced LED lighting throughout the church, upgraded the electrical system distribution boards, installed emergency and outside lighting. We have also completed two phases of a long-term three phase project to replace the deteriorated structural stonework in the church tower, repaired and resurfaced the path through the old churchyard, repaired the lych gate, churchyard fence and kissing gates, caught six moles,  planted a goat willow and cut dead branches from the churchyard trees. While all the time keeping the grass cut and churchyard tidy.

For the annual parochial church meeting we provide a full written report on our year's work, together with the formally updated church records. These cover the land, buildings and all the items belonging to the church, the detailed log book recording all the alterations, additions and repairs carried out in relation to the church, its land and its contents (an interesting record) and our health and safety policy and compliance.

In looking after the church and churchyard the diocese require us to have a five-yearly survey involving a thorough examination of all aspects of the building fabric and land ("the quinquennial inspection report (QIR)").  Our next Quinquennial Inspection is due this year, 2022, and as with the last QIRs it will be undertaken by our long-term Church Architects who have specialist knowledge of old church buildings. Defects identified by our inspecting architect are recorded in a standardised report along with recommendations for prioritising any necessary repairs over the next five years; a copy of the report goes to the Diocese. Almost all work other than routine maintenance requires pre-approval from the Diocese in the form of a Faculty, not unlike applying for building permission. Construction, alterations, refurbishments and removal of the fabric and assets of the church may not be undertaken without a Faculty and obtaining the necessary faculties also falls within the responsibilities of the Fabric Committee. 

We are fortunate in having a long serving and increasingly knowledgeable Fabric Committee but occasionally a vacancy does arise so if anyone feels they would like to spend the odd ten years or so on Fabric then please do make your wishes known to one of the committee.

Gus Marshall 

Chair ​Fabric Committee

The Fabric Committee