Old High          Jim Monro

The main expenditure in 2007 was the repair to the heating pipes in the Church. This had the knock-on effect of the removal of the asbestos insulation to the heating pipes, as well as the asbestos sheeted ceiling. There were problems just getting started with the street works and Health and Safety, who seemed to have taken an abnormal interest in such a minor project. Anyway the original concern of the possible magnitude of the job was not realised as the area of replaced pipe was local to the boiler house. The works have been completed and the system is back operating satisfactorily.

A second large expense was the protection to the vestry stained glass on the outside. The previous wiring was no longer proving a deterrent and on the advice of Inverness Glass a more robust material was fitted.

The electrical works were generally of a minor nature and was part of the care and maintenance of the buildings but for interest these were: All hall heaters checked and repaired as necessary; Light replaced in west corridor;

Additional light circuit was installed to the counting house and a circuit breaker replaced.

The remaining works were varied and some are part of care and maintenance and some minor new items: Repair to ceiling in ladies toilet in hall, caused by water damage; Blistered plaster in west corridor repaired and painted; Repair to flashing of flue at roof when Church was heated by coal boiler; New “Church Notices” boards and hall sign; Conductor’s platform.

Finally the cost of the support structure in the hall for our “artist in residence”, Geoff Broadway, was met by the congregation. This was limited to labour only as the joiner was able to take the materials back in to stock.

Finally the “volunteers” without whom, we would not experience the smooth running of the Church. Once again, my thanks are due to Jim Maclean, who has provided his expert assistance on electrical matters, the setting of clocks and the sound system. There are many “able bodied” men of the congregation, who continue to assist in the removal and replacing of the heavy furniture of the Church for concerts, plays and other activities and to them all my grateful thanks.

St Stephen’s- Frank McCubbin

Only minor works were carried out to the Church and Halls during the 2007.