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Desktop investigation with regards to the Town Clock and St John’s Tower.
HARTLAND DIGITAL ARCHIVE: Desktop investigation: with regards to the Town Clock and St John’s Tower, Hartland, Devon. Stephen Hobbs 6/24/2011
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Question: Does the Town Clock belong to the Parish Council and who is liable for its maintenance? Introduction. The public clock housed within the tower of St john's is reputed to be one of the oldest working civic clocks in England. It is recorded as being in situ within the Town Hall from the early 17thC and apart from minor repairs has worked continuously since. Some sources would suggest that a new clock was purchased to replace the original, but these are not substantiated and the source is not necessarily reliable. It is od some importance that the clock and its tower are retained for the parish on heritage grounds and a form of ongoing responsibility established. It is well recorded and documented that Hartland contained a Borough from the period c.1290 to c.1890. This body was responsible for the administration of the Borough and its lands which resided in an area of approximately 120 acres surrounding the town. It had little or no power outside that area, this resided mainly in the bodies such as Overseers of the Poor, The Vestry etc and these were often in turn embedded within the church. |
What is less well known or acknowledged is that the Borough of Harton was a private entity belonging to the Lord of the Manor; it was never a community body as such. Originally it belonged to its founder the Dynhams and this persisted until 1501 [Town accounts show the annual payment to the manorial Lord, an acknowledgement of his ownership]. On the death of Lord Dynham the rights to the title passed unto his four sisters, each having a quarter share, this can again be seen within documents as each were paid their dues by and from the borough. As this inheritance passed through the generations it became diluted to the point that the four parts almost became extinct.
This raises the question of who is Lord of the Manor of Hartland – In effect this is claimed by the Stucley family, and certainly Sir Dennis exercised that right a number of times. [The other local Lords of the manors are: Briony Duncan for Welcombe, Waddon-Martyn for Meddon and Milford; Sir Hugh Stucley for Southole and Stoke.] The most recent exercising of this claim was the ownership of Meddon Green, whereby Waddon-Martyn was acknowledged and a further claim when the commons registration act came into being, where-by Waddon-Martyn laid claim to Bursdon Moor stating that it was part of the manor of Milford. This was defended by Sir Dennis who claimed a Prescriptive Right to the Manor & Hundred of Hartland. However although it can be shown that from the document trail he quoted he has right to Southole and Stoke, he was not necessarily correct when he claimed the title for Hartland. He stated that from time immemorial that the Manor had belonged to the Abbey at Hartland which is incorrect, the Abbey locally only owned the Manor of Stoke and this was removed from them at the Dissolution and sold off separately, later being purchased by Paul Orchard [of the Abbey] from his cousins the Docton family (now the Wadden-Martyns). I would consider that during the tenure of Paul Orchard he was able to assume more than he was due and therefore in absentia he could claim and manage all aspects of Hartland as if Lord – this then leads to Sir Dennis claiming a prescriptive right, although this may be contestable by descendants of the four heirs of Lord Dynham. [Sir Dennis also claimed to be able to show that all four portions of the Dynham inheritance to the Lordship of the Manor had been purchased]
This may seem superfluous to the original question but it does have an effect as Sir Dennis has exercised his rights in property transactions within the ‘old borough’ a number of times i.e. in connection with the land of the British Legion, The W.I. hall etc. His predecessors similarly did so. Paul Orchard in the 18thC first rented an area of Springfield, then leased it for 3000 years from the Borough. He demolished some of the buildings to create the carriage drive, and then the properties were much later sold as freehold by the Stucley family. [This was disputed a number of times by the Harton Town Trust and solicitors always acknowledged that the Trust held ownership but was at a disadvantage financially to regain the property.] In Bucks time the Town Hall was taken from the Borough, this arising as Rev Chanter was the local rector and also Portreeve (chairman of the Borough) plus he was closely related to the Bucks by marriage. It was therefore a family matter that he was able to demolish the Town Hall and build his Chapel of Ease. What is often more interesting is what is not claimed.
In the 1890s the Parish Council Act came to Hartland and our first council meeting was held on 4th December 1894 at which an election for membership was arranged. In the run up to the creation of the Parish Council the right to be a Borough was removed from Hartland by Queen Victoria. This effectively left Hartland with an ancient body which owned rights and property but no further part to play. To address this, the Charity Commission established a scheme for the old borough to become a charity and the Harton Town Trust was established. In essence the administration of Hartland as a parish including the borough was now undertaken by the new Parish Council, whilst all the property and non administrative aspects of the old borough passed to the Harton Town Trust. A board of enquiry was held at Hartland on at least two occasions to establish what exactly the old borough owned and was responsible for – this then lead to the final draft of the charity schedule for the Harton Town Trust, dated 12th August 1890.
Although this schedule can be read as being specific its operation on the ground was more relaxed. I am of the opinion that this period was one of each body trying to understand their respective responsibilities and hence a degree of overlap, which in time became the method by which the bodies operated. Remember in very general terms we are dealing with a period where no property documents for the old borough existed, certainly in regard to the utilities. So we have a declaration that The Town Trust has a responsibility for managing all the freehold property of the borough via rentals and leases, that their income when surplus to requirements should be applied to such as maintaining the town pumps, wells and town clock; the maintenance of The Market Square, Chapel Street, New Inn Street, Well Lane and Colwill’s Street. In maintaining a public library and reading room. What is also clear is that the administration of the old borough had been in decline, rents went uncollected and tenants had assumed ownership. The Charity Commissioners declined to concern themselves too deeply with this aspect, thus property which belongs to the Town Trust was not acknowledged although known.
Within the approved schedule is listed the properties and assets which were acknowledged, this comprised land, houses, shops rights to tolls, equipment for the operation of the fairs and markets, documents and the town pumps, wells and town clock. Thereby clearly stating the clock belongs to the Harton Town Trust. Over time this original schedule has been amended, the 1968 version is more concerned with the administrative operation of the trust than its property and shows a much declined portfolio and excludes mention of the clock. The latest scheme was put in place whilst I was chairman and this rests with the secretary (Mrs Seligmann). Interestingly with the establishment of the Parish Council and Harton Town Trust as legal entities the Lord of the Manor ceased to have any property rights within the borough except by direct ownership of individual properties not by assumed rights as Lord.
If we then turn to the minutes of the old borough and the Harton Town Trust, we can see how they managed their responsibilities. Account books exist complete from 1614 to date. The borough maintained all aspects of the borough, collecting rents, tolls, dues etc. throughout and spent on maintaining the borough from roads, pavements to property, wells, the clock and town hall. They were paying to paint and repair the town hall right up until 1834. There is a gap in the accounts from 1837-1846, this is Rev Chanters’ period, no doubt the administration continued but was not entered into the book. From 1846 the borough continue to undertake all its responsibilities including the clock but, with only one exception, when there is a sum of £1-9-0d entered in regard to St John’s windows, there is no further mention of the Hall, nor is there any mention of its sale or transfer. The account book passes silently straight through the transition into The Harton Town Trust, if one was not aware of the change it would easily be assumed it had not occurred. Therefore it seems perfectly reasonable to assert that with Rev Chanters building of the Chapel of Ease the church assumed all costs for its maintenance, including the tower and its accoutrements. The Charity Commission inquiry established that the Harton Town Trust had a free right of access to maintain its clock within the Chapel of Ease tower [it did state that there is dispute in as far as the Town Trust felt it owned the tower, but this was apparently dismissed as it does not appear as an item].
The Town Trust continued to maintain such as The Square, Springfield, Well Lane, Colwill Street, New Inn Street, Chapel Street and the Quay right through until the mid 20thC. Arrangements were made, due to costs of maintenance, that both Springfield and The Square [not the remainder of the streets] would be put in order and tarmacked where upon the RDC/County would assume responsibility for the on-going maintenance but ownership did not and has not appeared to pass to them, hence the Town Trust continued to collect ground rents, way-leaves, bus concessions, fair payments right up until the 21st C. They could still collect such monies if they desired and still hold the right to such as a fair or market. The main street through Hartland although referred to was not continually maintained by the borough, although it was cleaned by them. This road formed part of the Toll Road from Twinaways, Bideford to Hartland Quay established by Paul Orchard in the 18thC. The Hartland Toll Gate was co-locative with the grass area on the junction with Ford Hill/Fore Street, the last occupant of the Toll House was Les Kirby, the house being demolished to make way for the junction improvement. On the demise of the Toll Road System the main road fell into a quasi situation whereby the overseers of the highways maintained it until the County Highways accepted it as their responsibility (all numbered roads became their responsibility initially).
The Harton Town Trust at their inception found themselves in the unfortunate position of having responsibilities but no great income stream to service all the aspects of the position. Over time they sold off a number of properties, but this only alleviated the cost of maintenance as the money received from the sale immediately by law had to be transferred to the Charity Commission to be invested. The Harton Town Trust then only receiving the interest on the investment. This situation did not change until recently when the Charity Commission gave up this right and charities were allowed to own and manage their own monies within limits. Due to this continual lack of money the Trust tried to distance itself from many of its responsibilities, this is reflected within their accounts and minutes although in part this is also due to a lack of understanding by the Trustees of their history and/or responsibilities.
The Harton Town Trust accounts are sparse in periods, often only reflecting the income from their rentals and investments and not presenting a balance for monies expended. This therefore restricts our ability to fully understand how they spent their monies and on what. If we had this information in more detail we could also see more of the responsibilities they acknowledged. We also have an extended period when the Trust was chaired by Rev Gregory, his personality was one were he assumed many things and responsibilities. This is still recalled by many within the context of the origins of the Church Hall; indeed he was forced to write a pamphlet to address what was perceived as a fraud. In this context as a Trustee and also responsible for St John’s he would be ideally placed to ‘assume’ changes, one of which is the Town Clock. In 1911 a letter from Rev Luff indicates that the church had been approached in regard of the clock and they responded by saying they could accept it but would have limited facilities to ensure it continued in a good state and suggested a suitable scheme was prepared We also then have a small amount of correspondence from the Charity Commission establishing the method by which the care and maintenance of the clock is transferred away from the Town Trust into a new charity scheme to be called ‘St John’s Clock’. This scheme appears to have been established and had the Vicar and Chapel Wardens as Trustees. The church then maintained the whole of the St John’s building. However a note in the Harton Town Trust minutes of 1963 states that the Trustees had noted the clock had stopped working and that Rev Jones should be reminded of the circumstances by which the church cared for the clock [this silently indicates that the Trust accepted they had an interest in the clock, but the church cared for and maintained it – but also that the Trust may take some form of action ?recovery? if the church failed to comply]. In 1967 a revision to the existing scheme was established again called the St John’s Clock (no 245420), which is under the auspices of the Parish Council. This new charity is established on the governing document of a scheme dated 18th June 1912 and the ‘new’ charity then takes on the responsibility of the maintenance and repair of the clock at St John’s Tower. Interestingly both the Town Trust and Parish Council records are totally silent on this action. The Parish Council are minuting the Alms House charity and its eventual purchase (£106) and demolition by the R.D.C. But the Town Trust has no mention at all of any concern re the clock. In 1976 the Town Trust paid for the weather vane to be refurbished by Henry Conibear, this was as a result of a request from the St John’s Music & Arts Association for assistance.
We can therefore say with some confidence that from a period starting c1912 the Harton Town Trust allowed Rev. Luff and the Chapel Wardens to assume the maintenance of the clock, within the legal framework of the Charity Commission scheme. That the Town Trust made no further contribution to the clock and that it was effectively removed from the Charity Schedule by the amendment of 1912 & 1968. Apart from the one instance, the Town Trust have not made a financial contribution of any sort for this period up to modern times.
Parish Council:
Notes taken from the minute books from 1966 to 2000 (exc 1980-90 as absent from this archive)
There is no mention within the minutes of the setting up or responsibilities of the Parish Council in regard to the Town Clock Charity. Which seems at odds with the first minuted entry when one considers the date?
1971 October: A letter is read from the Hartland Parochial Church Council asking if the Parish Council could assist with the cost of repairs. The Council will write to the Charity Commissioners to ask ‘who are the owners of the clock’. In the following meeting due to no response the Council again write with a similar letter to the Chapel wardens.
In 27th January 1972 meeting letters are received and read from the Charity Commission stating that the clock is the property of the Harton Town Trust, but that in 1912 it was handed over to the Parochial Church Council to be maintained by them. In view of this the Council proposed to offer to the Parochial Council that they will meet one third the cost of maintaining the clock.
1972 November 30th a letter received from [Mr & Mrs J. Jeffery ? John & Peggy?] saying that the Chapel of Ease is of no further use to the church and is to be disposed of. They suggest it could be adapted for amenity use. By 1973/4 the St John’s Music & Arts Centre was in existence and being given a grant of £50 by the Council. It was also decided to write to the group and ask if they were now responsible for the clock.
1974 31st October a proposal was placed before the Council by Mr R. Hollis that the Council be responsible for the Town Clock’s maintenance this was agreed. [There does not appear to have been a response from the St John’s Association re the letter previously, so one could assume they said they were not responsible] The Council then commissioned a report on the condition of the clock by Smith & Sons.
1975 31st July It was reported to the Council that a ?Voluntary Committee? Were doing repairs to the ‘Tower’ and fixing the bell. Proposed that they carry on and finish – agreed. Also an invitation sent to the St John’s committee asking then to meet the Council to discuss the clock & tower. At the meeting it was reported back that the Council chairman had suggested to the St John’s committee that the Council take over the stairs leading up to the clock and the floor, also the part that supported the bell. Another proposal was that the Council write to the Charity Commissioners asking if they can inform on which parts if any belong to the clock. [This would seem to indicate that the council were of the opinion that the internal parts and access plus the bell and support frame were an integral part of the clock] – There never appears to be an answer received from any party in regard to this issue.
NOTE: so far although offering money to help maintain the clock there appears to be no approved payments to cover any aspect of the clock by the Council.
1976 29th July The parish council write to St John’s association to seek permission to replace the existing bench seats with new as Jubilee Seats.
1976 30th September The Council ask Henry Conibear to give an estimate for fixing the bell. There never appears any approval of the estimate or the work but a minute note is written that on’ 8th September 1977 the Town Clock is striking again’ and in the following month an account for £70-20p is approved for payment to Henry Conibear re clock.
1979 27th September reported that the clock needed attention and Mr Prouse & Mr Pillman would inspect with Mr Westlake. [this could indicate the Norman Westlake had been winding the clock unpaid for some time] Mr Westlake is to be offered £10 p.a.
(Last entry in book 1981 dated I do not have access to minutes 1981-1990?)
1990 minutes show council paying for winding clock.
April 1990 PC paid for painting clock face
1992 – 28th May St John’s Clock, the striker bell was broken and it was considered this should be repaired by experts. It was also considered that the frame and timber of the bell tower was unsafe. A meeting to be arranged between members of PC, St Johns committee, also Mr C Jones and Mr Furse will attend it required. At the next PC meeting this was carried over. Further carried over at next meeting.
1992 – 16th September St John’s clock and bell. The matter had been discussed with the St John’s Trustees and it was put to the PC that they would be responsible for the clock and the bell and the St John’s Trustees for the tower. All in favour.
From this point the parish council continue to maintain the clock and bell but not the tower. In 1999 as part of an inspection of the clock David Jones and Peter Furse are asked to give quotes on the clock and the bell housing. The minutes do not say if Mr Furse undertook any work but Mr Jones was paid for repairs to the clock. In 2000 P. Furse is approached in regard to repairs to the floor and roof
From 2000 to 2010 there are various instances of the parish council gaining advice and paying for items of maintenance on the tower [See Rhind and Sturkey correspondence] but this does not enlighten on any further developments but continues the muddled understanding of responsibility.
St John’s Music and Arts Association.
Having had the opportunity to now read the documentation of the Association some things become clear. The Association was formed c.1972/3 and their documents commence from that period in a somewhat haphazard way. However there is a fairly complete set of annual accounts and set of meeting minutes although only a few AGM minutes.
Unfortunately the Association no longer has possession of the original lease and plan upon which they took possession. However in some respects this does not matter as the present lease is the one now in force which is dated 21st February 1997 (draft 18 pages – solicitor appears to hold final signed lease).
Within this 1997 lease the usual terms are set in regard to owner/tenant/trustees/conditions etc. Section one states that the owners demise unto the trustees all that building known as St John’s Chapel of Ease shown red on attached plan [plan missing] for a term of twenty one years to end 2018 at a rent of £1p.a.
Section two defines the terms and conditions, in particular 2.3 states they [the trustees] to put and keep the demised premises both internally and externally and all fixtures and fittings in good and substantial repair…. To carry out all essential work to prevent further deterioration to the demised premises pending the carrying out and completion of the Trustees Works. 2.5 states They [Trustees] at their own expense will refurbish the demised premises in accordance with a specification and drawings previously approved in writing by the [owners]……. Provided that the Trustees shall (?not?) have raised sufficient funds with which to undertake the Trustee Works.
There are no documents in the Association archive to show what is fully meant by Trustee Works but as a later condition gives a date of 2002 by which the owners can rescind the lease if the works are not complete and that as the Association are still tenants in 2003 then we could assume that the Trustee Works were completed. [pers. comm. by F. Poole that the Trustee Works involved repair/replacement of two windows and possibly some roof work, there is evidence in their invoices to support this]
Looking through the documentation it is clearly evident that the Association on a number of occasions have paid for external works to the building including the entrance at the tower portion. There is no evidence at all to show that they have paid for any repairs to the clock. They do not possess their Charity Commission Schedule which may enlighten on responsibilities.
As we know the church agreed to let, at a peppercorn rent, the Chapel of Ease to the St John’s Music & Arts Association on a full repairing lease. It therefore follows that details within that lease are pertinent in the question raised. As it is a full repairing lease for the whole building then they in turn are responsible for the whole building including the tower and this is acknowledged in work they subsequently undertook. There are numerous minute entries and accounts to show the Association paying for exterior works including the tower and its associated structures.
There are references within the Association documentation to the fact that on setting up the Association there were member stakeholders from a variety of local organisations who sat on committee and were expected to contribute financially and via volunteering in regard to running the building. This seems to have drifted away, but if it is within their constitution and agreed to by other organisations there may be a form of recall for assistance. Of course many of these organisations run on a shoestring so may be equally hard pressed to help financially.
Summary:
Within the many organisations in Hartland there has always been cross financing of items due mainly to the relatively small number of people who are prepared to belong to the various committees. This therefore leads to duplication and possibly blurring of responsibilities.
The one difficulty in this relates to the line of responsibility for the clock. It is clear that on its inception the Harton Town Trust accepted an on-going responsibility from the Borough. This ceases in 1912, the church took on responsibility hence the reference above to a governing scheme dated 18th June 1912 [see attached]. That the church continued at least up until 1967 to cover the entire costs of the St John’s Chapel and that of the Clock. It seems a revised Charity scheme was then set up in 1967 naming the Parish Council as the sole Trustees when it does not appear they discussed at council this responsibility. This seems to be confirmed when four years later they are writing to the Charity Commissioners asking guidance. Again odd that the Charity Commissioners respond by stating that the Clock belongs to the Harton Town Trust but its maintenance doesn’t?
However in some respects the ownership and maintenance of the clock is academic in as far as the Parish Council by completing the Charity Commission returns are acknowledging their responsibility for the clock and are paying for its repair and inspections. Therefore we could take this aspect out of the question and concentrate on the fabric of the Tower.
It would be my suggestion from the above and from information drawn from a variety of documents that:
1. In effect the Clock is governed by the 1912 and 1967 Charity Commission schemes and is the responsibility of the Parish Council as Trustees.
2. The Harton Town Trust, possibly in Luff & Gregory’s tenure as vicar and curate, allowed the church to assume a maintenance roll for the clock c.1912 [drawing together control of all aspects of St Johns]. The Trust being desperately short of funds was actively trying to distance themselves from some of their commitments.
3. The 1912 referred to Scheme confirms the clock maintenance is separated from the Harton Town Trust and becomes an independent charity under the control of the Vicar and Chapel Trustees.
4. That reading of the lease agreement for the St Johns Music & Arts Association clearly shows that they are ultimately responsible for maintenance of the buildings fabric, including the tower.
5. If in the original 1973/4 lease there is further detail which reveals an exclusion for the tower and clock then its expense would still rests with the church, however superficially this does not seem the case as the Association accounts show them paying costs [see report by Mr Croudace attached].
6. There would appear an agreement by which the Parish Council agreed to fund one third the cost of the maintenance of the clock [although the charity scheme states they are solely responsible for the clock], possibly the other two thirds at the time being with the Town Trust and the church. That this was possibly extended at one time to include the access stairs and clock house floor and then later the clock bell. However details in the Council minutes are sparse in confirming if these terms ever came into being. The only evidence really is payments to Henry Conibear for repairing the bell in 1977, payments to Norman Westlake for winding the clock and some ancillary payments for a variety of small repairs to the clock/bell/housing apparatus.
7. It is rather odd that the 1967 registration of the St John’s Clock charity, which names the Parish Council as Trustees, is never acknowledged within the council documentation/minutes. Indeed that minutes would almost indicate that they had no knowledge of this event. So who did apply for the registration change - the church maybe? [Clerk needs to look out the scheme document to see if it enlightens]
8. From the 1990s The parish council(PC) again become involved in trying to clear the information on ownership. After a meeting with the St John’s trustees 16th September 1992, it is minuted that …” St John’s clock and bell: The matter had been discussed with the St John’s Trustees and it was put to the PC that they would be responsible for the clock and the bell and the St John’s Trustees for the tower. All in favour.
9. Again the council appearing to have no knowledge of the St John’s Clock Charity, unless this can be read as a summary of responsibilities.
10. From this point the council did not pay for any repairs to the tower until 2000 when P Furse was asked to quote on some aspects, which I understand were undertaken.
11. This leaves a question of Heritage value to Hartland and the finances of the organisations involved. It would be doubtful if the St John’s Music and Arts Association, even with their recent legacy, have the finances to meet any obligation and they are excluded from applying for grants due to the peppercorn rent. The church has finances and could be morally called upon to assist, especially if the Association was forced to release their tenure as the full responsibility would then fall back to the pre lease situation; similarly the Parish Council has access to funds for heritage projects. The Harton Town Trust also has funds and could be called upon to assist as it is within their remit.
12. The only real prospect to protect the building is if the church would agree a sale at reasonable terms to the Association or a new similar body who could then have access to funding. If the present leasees are pressed to fund repairs they will undoubtedly be forced to give up their tenancy. Therefore it may fall to the Parish Council, as it has in the past, to be the lead organisation in reaching terms by which the hall is protected and in a position to play a greater part in community life by extending its facilities in modern terms. It would be a sad day if the St John’s building was lost to the community, but it does offer endless possibilities if placed on a secure footing.
NOTE: The materials available to me do not go past 2000, it will be necessary for the parish Council to read their minutes to assess if there has been any change in the situation in the intervening period. If only further payments have been made for general repairs and no legal formal contract has been put in place re ownership then the above situation stands.
Conclusion:
1. If the Parish Council now are accepting that by completing the Charity Commission returns re the St John’s Clock charity then there is no further action needed – the repairs and maintenance is their responsibility and this seems to be the accepted case.
2. The documentation held by the St John’s Music and Arts Association is very clear in that the responsibility for the fabric of the entire building rests with them. This is a responsibility that they have always struggled with financially and this would continue to be the case. If pressed they may find it necessary to give up the lease whereby the building would by default pass back to the church.
3. The only real solution is if the church gave up the ownership to the Association or a similar body whereby external funding could be sought. This cannot in most instances occur when a property is held on a peppercorn rental, only when held as a freehold or possibly a 99 years lease.
4. It may come down to how much St John’s is valued as a part of the Heritage of Hartland.
References:
Notes taken from Parish Council Minutes:
Notes abstracted from the Parish Council Minutes from 1966 to 1981 in regard to mention of the Town Clock and Tower.
28th October 1971 - page 171
A letter rec'd from secretary to PCC asking if the PC could assist in the cost of repairs to the 'Church Clock'. Prop Mr L Middle, Sec Mrs M. O'Donnell that the PC write to the Charity Commissioners to ask who was the owners.
25th November 1971 - page 174
After a long discussion it was prop by Mr F Colwill, sec by Mr L Middle that we write to the Charity Commissioners again, also it was prop by Mr A higgins, sec by Mr H Conibear that we also write to the Chapel Warden to find out if they had got any information about the clock.
27th January 1972 - page 177
Letters read from the Charity Commissioners and the Chapel Wardens arising from these we found out that the clock belongs to Harton town trust and it was handed over to the PCC in 1912 for the maintenance of the same. Prop Mr H Conibear, sec Mrs E Jeffery that the letters be sent to the PCC and Town Trust stating that the PC was in agreement to pay one third of the cost if the clock needed much repair.
30th November 1972 - page 203
A letter rec'd from Mr & Mrs J Jeffery stating that the Chapel of Ease is of no further use to the church, and is to be disposed of, to loose it would be disastrous, so could it be used for amenities of Hartland? the PC are in favour of their suggestions and a letter of thanks was sent.
29th Aug 1974 - Page 254
St John's Music & Arts Centre - Prop by Mrs M O'Donnell, Sec by Mr F. Pengilly that the PC give them a grant. Prop Mr T Pillman, Sec Mr R, Hollis that the PC give a grant of £50, all agreed. Also to write and ask them if they were responsible for the repairs of the clock.
No minuted reply to above question.
31st October 1974 - page 260
Prop by Mr R Hollis Sec by Mr H Conibear that the PC be responsible for the maintenance of the clock. Agreed.
19th September 1974 - page 266
A letter received from Smith & Sons stating that they would inspect the clock and submit a report free of charge. Prop Mr T Pillman, Sec Mr A Higgins that a letter be sent to them on this matter. Agreed
31st July 1975 - page 282
It was reported that the voluntary Committee were doing repairs to the tower and fixing the bell. Prop Mrs M O'Donnell that they carry on and finish it. Agreed
Prop by Mr H Conibear, Sec by Mr A Higgins that a letter be sent to the St johns committee asking them to meet the Chairman and Vice-Chairman to discuss the clock and tower.
28th August 1975 - page 284
the chairman reported about the meeting with the St johns committee, they suggest that if the PC took over the stairs leading up to the clock and the floor also. The tower part that supports the bell. Another proposal was that the clerk write to the Charity Commission to know if they can inform us to what part if any belongs to the clock.
25th September 1975 - page 286
It was agreed that the chairman attend St Johns committee and give a report from the Charity Commissioners and report back to t next PC meeting. [No details of what was rec'd from Charity Commissioners]
29th July 1976 - page 310
Moved by Sir Dennis, sec by Mr H Conibear that we write to St Johns committee asking if the seats in the Square could be renewed [by PC] and that they be named Jubilee Seats.
29th July 1976 - page 313
A.O.B. Repairs to the bell in the Square to be left until next meeting.
26th August 1976 - page 315
Town Clock - this to be left to next meeting.
30th September 1976 - page 317
Prop Mr R Hollis, sec Mr G Heywood that Mr Conibear give an estimate for fixing the bell to the town clock by the next meeting.
29th October 1977 - page 346
Town Clock, it was agreed that a minute be recorded of the date when the bell was rehung and the clock started striking again, this was on the 8th September 1977. Mr Conibears account of £70 was paid in November 1977.
22nd February 1979 - page 382
it was agreed to write to Mr N. Westlake to ask if he would be willing to keep the clock wound up as it has been stopped for some time. Prop Mr T Pillman, Sec Mrs M O'Donnell that PC pay £10p.a. remuneration, agreed.
25th November 1979 - page 404
A.O.B. The town clock needs attention. Prop Mr L Goaman, Sec Mr W. Pillman inspect the clock with Mr Westlake.
25th October 1979 - page 405
Prop Mr F Prouse, that we ask Mr Westlake to repair the clock. Agreed.
28th February 1980 - page 417
A.O.B. Prop that Mr Westlakes remuneration be paid. Agreed [£10]
NOTE Minute Book for 1981-1990 yet to be read.
Minute Book 1990 to 1995:
26th April 1990 – page 11
Noted face of clock needed repainting – to ask Mr Stowell if he would carry out this work.
31st May 1990 – page 16
Mr Stowell replies he is unable to paint clock face. Mr Hobbs offers to undertake work. Letter and document rec’d from Community Council of Devon re St John’s Clock, document dated 1905 and passed to Hartland Society. Mr Hobbs unsuccessful in finding anyone to undertake the work so Mr Stowell re-approached (1991)
25th July 1991 – page 68
Questionnaire rec’d from Charity Commission re census of charities. Question re St Johns clock to be completed and returned.
28th May 1992 – page 101
St john’s Clock, the striker bell was broken and it was considered this should be repaired by experts. It was also considered that the frame and timber of the bell tower was unsafe. A meeting to be arranged between member of PC, St Johns committee, Mr C Jones and Mr Furse will attend it required. At the next PC meeting this was carried over. Further carried over at next meeting.
27th August 1992
A meeting had been arranged with the St John’s Trustees for 12th September to discuss the clock and bell tower.
16th September 1992 – page 117
St John’s clock and bell. The matter had been discussed with the St John’s Trustees and it was put to the PC that they would be responsible for the clock and the bell and the St John’s Trustees for the tower. All in favour.
29th October 1992 – page 122
Mr Arthur Fidler account of £32-25 for carrying out inspection of bell. This would be reimbursed if further work is carried out.. Estimate for work on the bell £473 plus vat, £40 reduction if assistance given in lowering and then rehanging the bell. £150 removal of bell and delivery to Mr Fidler. £300 for removal of bell, delivery & collection rehung. PC to accept the £40 reduction and assist in removal and rehanging. All agreed.
30th December 1992 – page 128
The work on the bell is now complete. Colin Jones to repair the mechanism in the New Year. Mr Fidler paid £520 but disputed to sum of £467-35 which was paid.
29th July 1993 – page 151
Mr Westlake to approached re the faulty striking mechanism of the clock.
28th October 1993 – page 165
That the clock striking mechanism was now working
27th July 1995 – page 245
Pc suggested to St John’s Trustees that as part of Millennium celebrations the building could benefit from grants from such as the Lottery etc…..
Minute Book 1995 to 2000
29th February 1996 – page 24
The previous suggestion was again raised.
25th April 1996 – page33
A meeting with the St john’s Trustees had been held and it was proposed to proceed with an application for funding. TDC architect to advise and Church to be informed. TDC are preparing a feasibility study (page 38) [This matter then passed to the Millennium Committee]
27th March 1997 – page 87
Insurance on clock should be taken. This to be added to existing insurance of the church and the PC to reimburse them.
18th December 1997 – page 120
St John’s Mr Gale brought members up to date on the situation re Millennium grants. The church to be approached with regard to a possible sale. Support give.
30th April 1998 – page 136
AGM told that St John’s Trustees do not have the money to buy the building. But no action can be taken until church decides if it would sell.
28th May 1998 – page 1998
Due to decision by church not to sell Mr Gale has withdrawn his support.. The church and Trustees now have other plans for the building.
24th September 1998 – page 161
Zurich Insurance request cost for replacement of bell and clock and bell tower. Weather Vane to be added to policy.
7th November 1998 – page 167
Mr G Morgan to take pictures of clock and send to specialist to ascertain the value of the clock. He recommended regular maintenance and repairs to leaking roof. Proposed that David R jones of Helston be requested to make a completely free inspection, report and quote.
28th January 1999 – page 175
Report from David Jones re clock and from P Furse on work required to tower. Proposed further quotes be obtained from both parties.
25th February 1999 –page 181
Proposed the estimate of £590 be accepted for repairs to clock. Agreed.
25th March 1999 – page 185
David Jones give value of clock at £3000 for insurance.
29th April 1999 – page 191
David jones costs for amending clock weights to extend winding period £280. Proposed this is included in next years inspection and service. This was later amended to this year due to monies rec’d from filming in the Square.
24th June 1999 – page 199
Clock now installed and working. £870 paid following month to David Jones.
23rd March 2000 – page 233
Mr P Furse contacted re repairs to clock floor. Annual inspection of clock due in April
Minutes and document archive of the St John’s Music and Arts Association. From inception to date.
Inquiry by the Charity Commissioners held at Hartland (Prust papers) into the responsibilities of the Harton Town Trust. They took statements from a number of elderly residents on their recollections of the ownership of the clock and the tower. Without exception they all stated that in their memories the Church now maintained the tower, and each produced instances of being paid by the church for work undertaken. They also quoted that the tower contained a gallery and organ loft which was open into the church with only a space boarded off for the clock. In turn the witnesses also stated that the Borough (Town Trust) owned the clock and had free access through the porch to wind and repair it. The Commissioners stated in their report that the Town Trust now had no responsibility for maintaining the tower but had a right of access. That the Town Trust should maintain the clock as part of their schedule. The Trustees had offered to sell the clock to the church when questioned by the commissioners, but this does not seem to have happened as the Town Trust continued to maintain the clock in succeeding years. [It is interesting to note that the witnesses said that the tower originally part of the Town Hall protruded further into the Square than now.]
Chope - I have been asked to put on record my recollections of the original internal arrangements of the Chapel of Ease, for there are many new-comers and young people in the parish who do not remember when the changes were made. In the first place I must remind my readers that the chapel was built as long ago as 1839, which was before my time. It was built on the site and with the materials of the Old Town Hall and Market House at a cost of £400, which was collected by subscription. The weekly market had long been discontinued and the Town Hall, which was supported by pillars over the Market House and was approached by stone steps from the Square, was used only as a school. The clergyman at the time, the Rev. William Chanter, was Portreeve of the Town of' Harton as well as Perpetual Curate of the Parish of Hartland, and was thus, no doubt, better able than a stranger would have been to obtain the consent of the burgesses to the conversion, but their consent was apparently only obtained on the curious condition that the old town clock should be fixed in the new building and should remain the property of the Town. The cupola and bell, strange to say, appear to belong to the, Chapel, for the latter has the inscription: G.S. • 1837 • DEO ET ECCLESIE It was, I am told, given to the Chapel by Mr. George H. Sellick of Eddistone. As a result of the recent enquiry by an Assistant Charity Commissioner, the clock itself is to be handed over to the Chapel.
References:
Hartland Digital Archive – HA-HPC-040 to 047 inc: HA-PPC-PF-053 to 059 inc. : Prust Papers. Hartland Chronicles 1900 to 1920 ; R.P. Chope papers.
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