Care of churches :

Parish Support Department, click here for website

And advice on Photovoltaic Solar Panels and the Feed-in Tariffs

New regulations concerning insurance for churches :

click here

Lead Theft advice :

For latest advice, September 2011,

English Heritage have issued new guidance on replacing lead which can be found at:
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/publications/theft-metal-church-buildings/
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/about/news/guidance-theft-metal-churches/

(June 2011) click here
Older information, click here & here

Following a lead theft, please find attached a possible 'Victim Statement' which explains the impact of the theft.

Chancel Repair Liability :

click here for notes

Click here for some advice from Ecclesiastical about prevention of burst pipes

and here for arson and malicious damage

Energywize - Chris Rathore :

Information from an energy advisor, offering his services to churches free of charge. Attached is the outline of his services and he would welcome a call from you. 
Chris Rathore
Energy Account Manager Energywize UK Ltd
Tel 07780567510 365 Valley Road, Sherwood, Nottingham NG5 1HP, Tel/Fax 0115 8453696

Recycling Information :

Please see message below from Ian Greaves, Diocesan Surveyor

FREEZING CONDITIONS - HOW TO REDUCE THE RISK OF BURST PIPES IN YOUR PARSONAGE HOUSE

Following the recent prolonged cold weather a small number of parsonage houses have been affected by burst pipes.  The subsequent escape of water has resulted in serious damage to one property and a very expensive repair bill (fortunately the repairs are covered by the Board of Finance Insurance policy).  In order to minimise the possibility of damage to your house and personal possessions it would be a good idea if you could all remember to implement the following precautions, particularly as temperatures are forecast to fall significantly during the approach to the Christmas holiday period.

1. Run the heating system 24 hours a day at a minimum temperature of 12o C to protect vulnerable pipework.
2. Wedge open the loft access door to allow warm air to circulate in the roof space. Unfortunately one of the problems of providing better insulation in the roof space is that the loft does not benefit from heat escaping through the ceiling and therefore the pipes and water tanks can freeze.
3. If you go away over the Christmas holiday ask someone to visit the house on a daily basis to check that no pipes have frozen or burst.
4. Ensure that you know where the main incoming stop tap is situated and that you can operate it in the event of a burst pipe.

I realise that these measures may result in slightly higher heating costs over the Christmas period but compared to the disruption and misery of a burst pipe and loss or damage to personal belongings I think they are worth implementing.  You need to bear in mind that whilst the Board of Finance insures your parsonage house it does not insure your contents, personal possessions or carpets, etc , and any damage caused to these items would need to be made good at your own insurers expense.

If you are unfortunate enough to suffer a burst pipe during the holiday period, please carry out the following action:

1. Turn off the water supply at the main incoming stop tap.
2. Call out a plumber to attend to the burst (see Parsonages Board Handbook on the Diocesan Website for a list of emergency plumbers or use a local plumber).
3. Mop up as much standing water as possible.
4. Call an electrician to check the electricity supply, particularly if the power has tripped at the consumer unit.
5. If ceilings are in danger of collapse, call out a builder to remove the damaged ceiling and make it safe.
6. Please advise me by email at the earliest opportunity of any damage igreaves@southwell.anglican.org

Many thanks and have a Happy Christmas and peaceful New Year

Ian Greaves
Diocesan Surveyor