Two items were in discussion:
1. The location of a new ramp to allow disabled and safer access for all to the main entrance from a busy road with poor visibility
The discussions regarding the new ramp were very interesting. The original design by the church warden was to create a new opening in the historic church walling and move the gate posts to mark the new entrance, backfilling the gap with stones from the site. It was suggested that it would be easier and cheaper to leave the historic gateway and Victorian iron gate as they are and create a new opening further along the wall and up the hill. Perhaps the new opening would not need a gate. This would keep the costs down and is a more pleasing design from an aesthetic as well as conservation perspectives.
A major consideration was obviously the graves that were near to or likely to be disturbed. Minimal intervention is of course always desirable and a watching brief by a archaeologist necessary.
The levels and the gradient of the ramp need to be addressed by Paul and the committee to confirm the new opening at the preferred distance can provide a gentle enough ramp.
It was agreed the line of the historic wall needed to be kept but a rumble strip and perhaps a crossing for pedestrians across the road would alleviate the issue of poor visibility.
It was suggested the Undertakers be contacted as they may have useful comments in relation to the proximity of the crossing to the road junction and the use of the new entrance by pall bearers.
2. The location new WC facilities
It had been previously agreed that there was no appropriate place for the WC facilities inside the church, therefore a small extension has been agreed in principle.
Having walked around the church together it was agreed that the South elevation offered the most promising locations for an extension as it was not the main elevation visible on entry into the village.
Moving the war memorial was discounted as a good option.
Punching a wall between two windows on the south elevation was discussed. Having looked from the inside the doorway to the extension would not be located centrally between the windows and would require lifting the bottom of the window.
The other option would be to locate the WC in the vestry and move the vestry to the other side. The organ is place there however and there is only a very small cupboard to the south of the chancel. So this option is not considered feasible.
Paul to present design of the proposed WC extension and the ramp with consideration of appropriate use of materials for roofing and railings. John Gilbert suggested flat roof with slate or asphalt for the extension and railing rather than glass edging for the ramp.
