Building Work on Thomas Field Hall to Start

Detail from Thomas Field Hall - West Elevation and South Elevation/Section

At long last, after weeks of delay and frustration, the latest caused by the spread of the coronavirus infection, our builders have given us notice that they intend to start the building works on Monday, 8th June. Obviously they cannot guarantee that there will not be delays either within their workforce or externally with suppliers and subcontractors, and if these happen then we will deal with them as best we can. However, they have done their best to confirm orders and set up deliveries and have worked up a programme.

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Work on Thomas Field Hall Postponed

Detail from Thomas Field Hall - West Elevation and South Elevation/Section

You will not be surprised to read that the building work for the Thomas Field Hall is a casualty of the Covid 19 crisis.  The Diocese is only allowing essential works to continue, so we have to wait until sanctions are lifted and work is permitted to start.  We hope that the fine weather will continue for several weeks to come so that we will be able to take advantage of it.

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Ground Broken for Thomas Field Hall

Photo of ground breaking for the Thomas Field Hall

On Monday morning, 2 March 2020, ground was broken in Little Gaddesden churchyard at the start of works to build the Thomas Field Hall.

The vicar, the Revd John Russell, made the first cut in the soil. He is seen here accompanied by two of the building contractors, the site archaeologist, and churchwarden Barbara Sheard, who originated the design of the new hall. They are gathered round the headstone of Thomas Field, after whom the hall is to be named.

The Vestry@50 Appeal to build the Thomas Field Hall has now raised enough to be able to construct the shell of the hall, but we now need to raise money for the fit out and to upgrade the church heating.  Do please donate if you can. Full bank details and gift aid information are given on our donation leaflet downloadable here:

There’s more project and financial information available on the Vestry@50 – The Thomas Field Hall page.

Header image: Michael Carver, churchwarden

Work to Start on Thomas Field Hall

Detail from Thomas Field Hall - West Elevation and South Elevation/Section
Thomas Field Hall - Computer image of ambulatory door
Thomas Field Hall and Ambulatory – Computer image courtesy of Tempietto Architects

We are very pleased to report that great progress is now being made on the Thomas Field Hall (the Vestry@50 Project).  After careful consideration we selected Clarks Construction Ltd in Markyate to be the  main builder for the project and signed a contract at the beginning of January, with a start date of the 23rd March 2020 and completion seven months later.  Work will actually start on the 2nd March with the site being excavated for the archaeological survey, allowing sufficient time for this to be done before the main contract starts.  Clarks are familiar with this scale and type of work and we hope to run a successful programme to finish on time and within budget. 

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