Foundations

Grand Designs used to be a favourite programme of mine to watch.  I appreciated the narrative that would be crafted over many months as homes were built or restored.  And it was amazing to watch the various elements of the building being put in place - including the foundations.  There was often lots of digging down into the mud followed by the pouring of thousands of tonnes of concrete.

Foundations, as we all know, are incredibly important for our buildings.  And when they go wrong, all kinds of problems emerge.

Yesterday, Ian Murray, the Presbytery's Buildings Officer, took Mike Leys (Property and Finance Convener) and me on a tour of some of the building projects across NENI.  Whilst we obviously couldn't go everywhere in a day, it was really helpful to get an insight into some of the issues that our congregations are wrestling with - from securing empty buildings, to handling ruins, from water ingress to collapsing walls.  Gutters, drains and lime mortar.  It was a good reminder of how one thing can lead to another, and how stretched we are when it comes to the upkeep of our buildings.

We also had an opportunity to hear about some of the exciting work that is being planned - from secondary glazing to remodelling sanctuaries.  We appreciated individuals setting time aside to welcome us (provide hospitality) and talk to us about what they are working on.  And it was great to get to see inside churches that we'd not been to before.

We have a very valuable resource in Ian, who is working alongside many congregations to help them with their buildings.  And by keeping up to date with him, we, as a Presbytery, can make that we have an eye to the bigger picture when making decisions.

If you are facing a building issue or what advice on making improvements, please do remember to get in touch with Ian (imurray@churchofscotland.org.uk).  He is part of how we as a Presbytery support congregations to participate in mission.

Rev Stella