An initial survey.
You may remember I thought we that should take advice as to the structural integrity and historical validity of the building before spending money and making any big effort.
David Armitage from the AONB put me in touch with Prof George Demidowicz.
He was a listed building officer, retired, and is researching the Kings Thirds on the commons, The Shire Ditch and the hidden field boundaries.
We had a great afternoon tracing the remains of the Shire Ditch at Hollybush, the boundary at Wintercoombe and some of the field boundaries.
We also took a quick survey of the Hollybush Church Room.
Although the building has not been used for some time George was impressed by its state and condition.
Indeed the building is very well preserved and unspoiled, almost in ‘as-built’ condition.
Although there is evidence of some damage it is modest and limited.
A roof leak can be traced to a blocked valley gutter. Some of the ground levels has encroached over the foundations.
The main anxiety was the condition of the metal cladding. This proved to be in excellent condition, the metal has been well galvanized and we could not find any evidence of rust beyond the expected minor surface rust on the inside of the seams.
Even the porch on the north side is in good condition although it looks rough.
Several cuts and alterations had been made in the outside skin, but these could be easily repaired and improved.
The wood cladding inside the building is in excellent condition. Particularly the floor and the walls.
The ceiling had unfortunately been painted with an unsuitable paint, the varnish was rejecting it, with some unsightly peeling and flaking.
Most of the wood is pitch pine. A strong rot-proof wood. There is no smell of rot or damp.
The windows are the characteristic shape and style for this type of building. Again they were constructed from high-quality wood and although six had unsightly evidence of rot on the cills. They could easily be repaired, the cills replaced and restored to the original condition.
We discussed the buildings anticipated use. As it would be used intermittently, the insulation would not be cost-effective or necessary. It has already survived many winters.
A great asset to the building is its foundations. These are in excellent condition and all the air bricks seem clear and provide good underfloor ventilation.
There is no sign of movement or stress in the building.
The structure is supported on a metal framework, a series of metal trusses that use an innovative system of wrought iron tie bars, these give lateral strength and prevent the building spreading. Again these are in excellent condition.
In conclusion, the building is in very good condition and modest repairs will bring it back to use.
This Church Room has withstood may winter and freezing conditions without significant damage, there seems no reason why it should not continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Any improvement should focus on repair and restoration. This should be modest and that would allow the main efforts/ money to be put into adding facilities and decoration.
A very positive outcome. Justifying any work and expense we incur.
David Armitage from the AONB put me in touch with Prof George Demidowicz.
He was a listed building officer, retired, and is researching the Kings Thirds on the commons, The Shire Ditch and the hidden field boundaries.
We had a great afternoon tracing the remains of the Shire Ditch at Hollybush, the boundary at Wintercoombe and some of the field boundaries.
We also took a quick survey of the Hollybush Church Room.
Although the building has not been used for some time George was impressed by its state and condition.
Indeed the building is very well preserved and unspoiled, almost in ‘as-built’ condition.
Although there is evidence of some damage it is modest and limited.
A roof leak can be traced to a blocked valley gutter. Some of the ground levels has encroached over the foundations.
The main anxiety was the condition of the metal cladding. This proved to be in excellent condition, the metal has been well galvanized and we could not find any evidence of rust beyond the expected minor surface rust on the inside of the seams.
Even the porch on the north side is in good condition although it looks rough.
Several cuts and alterations had been made in the outside skin, but these could be easily repaired and improved.
The wood cladding inside the building is in excellent condition. Particularly the floor and the walls.
The ceiling had unfortunately been painted with an unsuitable paint, the varnish was rejecting it, with some unsightly peeling and flaking.
Most of the wood is pitch pine. A strong rot-proof wood. There is no smell of rot or damp.
The windows are the characteristic shape and style for this type of building. Again they were constructed from high-quality wood and although six had unsightly evidence of rot on the cills. They could easily be repaired, the cills replaced and restored to the original condition.
We discussed the buildings anticipated use. As it would be used intermittently, the insulation would not be cost-effective or necessary. It has already survived many winters.
A great asset to the building is its foundations. These are in excellent condition and all the air bricks seem clear and provide good underfloor ventilation.
There is no sign of movement or stress in the building.
The structure is supported on a metal framework, a series of metal trusses that use an innovative system of wrought iron tie bars, these give lateral strength and prevent the building spreading. Again these are in excellent condition.
In conclusion, the building is in very good condition and modest repairs will bring it back to use.
This Church Room has withstood may winter and freezing conditions without significant damage, there seems no reason why it should not continue to do so for the foreseeable future.
Any improvement should focus on repair and restoration. This should be modest and that would allow the main efforts/ money to be put into adding facilities and decoration.
A very positive outcome. Justifying any work and expense we incur.
