Ablution Facility and Security
BRINGING THE BUILDINGS INTO THE 21ST CENTURY
The Reservoir on the Right in this photo
Electrification of School , Erection of Ablution Facilities and Installing a Security System
In 2018 we concentrated on repairs to the old school which we use as a gathering place for fellowship and after Service teas. This old building received some TLC with cracks and damp attended to. The wooden floor in the foyer was rotten and cement had to be laid to secure the walls. We wired the building for electricity for the very first time, using a generator as an energy source. Also, the need for toilets to service both the Church and School was considered essential and no longer a " nice to have " . When we hosted Mark van Niekerk in October 2018 the strain on the usage of the 1 toilet in the Vestry by 84 people was very evident. The placement of the housing of two toilets and attendant wash basin was identified as the old reservoir. This lies neatly between the Church and School and with its conversion from reservoir to ablutions there were no hassles and associated costs on altering either of the two Heritage Buildings . This conversion cost was R20000. This included a 2000 Litre tank to supply the water . These projects were completed in April 2019.
Two toilet units as well as toilet furnishings were donated for which we were very grateful. Also, we received a substantial donation of all the lighting for the Old School. We placed the installation of the water tank on hold as we did not have sufficient funds.
Sadly this ablution facility was completely vandalized and is now no longer usable.
Then both the Church and School were vandalized in February 2019. Both buildings were forcibly entered and items were stolen and furnishings damaged.
The door space is cut
The untrimmed roof is on
Lights in the old Classroom
The 1905 Old Clumber School after Renovation
Progress, the toilet roof is trimmed
Lighting for the very first time in the School vestibule
Installing a Light in the School Entrance
HEARTBREAKING BURGLARY
Vandalization and Break-in at the Church and School
Damage and loss to the Church and School in February 2019 is estimated at over R20000. The Church door was booted and forced open. All the electrical wiring we had installed in 2017 was stolen. A beautiful , intact antique lamp in the Porch was smashed and stolen.
Both security doors, as well as a wooden door were forcibly opened to gain access to our strong room where the generator was stolen along with all the electrical extension leads. The old cutlery , an electrical speaker, a wheel barrow and a Yale lock were amongst the items that were stolen.
Vandalization of the Church
All doors in the School were forced
All newly installed wiring was stripped
Upgrading of Facilities and Repair and Replacement of Damaged and Stolen Articles Recommences!
The Clumber Church Committee put all the projects we had in the pipeline on hold after the heartbreaking burglary in February 2019. The burglary claim was finalized in June and so we recommenced our projects. The first to be completed was the new ablution facility with toilet "furniture" like towel rail, mirror etc. We also purchased a water tank and piping which connected up to the wash basin and toilet cisterns. This unit is now complete with doors hung and a total repaint both inside and out.
All this work was for nought as the facility has now been totally vandalized.
In the old School we secured all the windows to deter break-in's and in the Church we have secured both of the Porch Doors with removable bars enabling both doors to be opened dependant on weather conditions.
The Vestry has also been the subject of renewal, with a beautiful wooden rail installed on which photos of our past Ministers proudly stand.
The Clumber Church's new Toilet Facility - previously an old Reservoir
Putting the Finishing Touches to the New Toilet Facility
New Water Tank Supplying Water for the New Toilet Facility
The Picture Shelf Erected in the Vestry
The Picture Shelf in the Vestry
Another break in at the Old School !
Front Security Door forced with Crowbar
Regretfully we have to report another incident of vandalization and theft; the old School was broken into at the end of August 2019. Whilst the items stolen are of minimal value ( 2 gas cylinders, 120 drinking glasses and a pump thermos) the vandalization was extreme. Crowbars were used to gain entry to the front door as well as the strong room. To achieve this two security doors as well as two standard doors, both with their sets of locks had to be breached.
We have no alternative now but to install a security system which will cost in excess of R 25000 and this will take precedence over all work which needed to be done after the burglary in February 2019.
Really sad and unfortunate that, due to crime, we have to invest in security measures rather than completing the upgrading to our facilities.
Sadly in 2025 we had further break- ins in both School and Church. Steel doors now guard both building entrances and, whilst not looking attractive, they , with the alarm system , should act as further deterrents. Unfortunately further costs were incurred installing and manufacturing the doors ; money which could have been allocated for maintenance.
Strong room Security Door removed from Frame
Damage to Door Architraves
All the Locks were Cut Open
