St Andrew’s Church, Middleton

NORTH YORKSHIRE

St. Andrews Church Final Evaluation | GP – 15 - 01405 | 2018

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 1

Contents Page

Page No 2 Project Partners 3 Introduction – Evaluation Process 5 Introduction to the Project 7 Development 10 Delivery Stage Part A 16 Delivery Stage Part B 24 Open Day 30 Next Steps 30 Summary 31 Legacy Outcome Evidence 32 Lessons learned 33 Conclusion 35 36

References Credits

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Project Partners

Parochial Church Council of St. Andrews, Middleton, Middleton,

Pickering YO18 8PB – Project Manager: Mr. Frank Bailey

Principal Designer/Architect: Andrew Boyce of Ferrey and

Mennim, Innovation Way, York YO10 5DG

Eurosafe UK: Construction Safety Consultants, CDM Consultants

and Asbestos Surveyors’ Eurosafe House, Centurion Park, Tribune

Way, York YO30 4RY

Principal Contractor: Burrows Davies Limited, The Stoneyard,

Haxby Moor Road, Strensall, York YO32 5WH

Electrical Contractor: Plowman Electrical LLP, 42 Mill Lane, York

YO32 2PY

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INTRODUCTION

Heritage Lottery Fund Project GP15-01405

THE EVALUATION PROCESS

SCOPE

1. To provide an independent assessment of what St. Andrew’s

Church, Middleton (GP-15 – 01405) has achieved (its outputs), what

the benefits have been for heritage and for people and what lasting

impact the project will have made (its legacy) for heritage and

people.

2. Celebrate successes and pay tribute to the hard work of

volunteers, project leaders, partners and the St. Andrew’s team.

3. Consider what has worked particularly well and what may

not have worked so well and identify the lessons that may be drawn

for the future.

FINAL EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

This report was designed to provide an independent assessment of

what the project has delivered (outputs), what the benefits

(outcomes) have been for heritage and people and what lasting

impact it plans to make and has already achieved(legacy).

BACKGROUND

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) require that projects in receipt of

funding should conduct a final evaluation towards the end of the

scheme and submit a satisfactory report (embodying the results of

the final evaluation) before it can sign off the scheme and release the

final 10% of grant money. The report must be an objective evaluation

of what has been achieved.

The report should also be a testimony to the work of all those

involved, to celebrate the successes and consider what differences it

has made to the local area. It should also consider what may not have

worked so well and the lessons that may be drawn for the future. It

is a document for St. Andrew’s Church and it’s PCC as a whole, for

its partners, for participants, volunteers and the wider public.

Beyond the building reparation and replacement phase directly

linked to the upgrading of the church a need to engage with the

wider community to maximize the improved historical resource was

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identified. The PCC created a subcommittee -The Greater Awareness

Committee who were charged with this responsibility including the

raising of funds to meet shortfalls or the cost of additional sub

projects within the overall longer-term scheme.

The Greater Awareness Committee recognized that there was a need

to:

• Look beyond the outputs (as measures of activity) to

outcomes (longer term benefits to heritage and in particular those

that would endure beyond the end of the HLF funding (legacy), with

particular attention on community engagement and the historical

and religious activity focusing on the Viking Crosses.

• Work with partnerships and project partners as a

participative process which enhances delivery rather than it being an

external assessment of achievement

• Use a wide variety of evidence including qualitative as well as

quantitative evidence indicators.

The HLF guidance on evaluation makes a distinction between

outputs (as measures of project activity supported by the grant) and

outcomes (their longer-term benefits to heritage and for people).

Legacy comprises those outcomes that endure beyond the HLF grant

and includes any planned longer-term benefits.

EVALUATION METHODOLOGY

• Quantitative data is based primarily on information supplied

by the St. Andrew’s Team, including the Greater Awareness

Committee and focusses on outcomes and legacy that were collated

in liaison with all parties including partnership members, project

leads and participants who are able to provide invaluable advice,

information and assistance.

• Desk Research utilized supporting documentation,

monitoring spreadsheets, minutes of meetings, interim reports and

background information, including photographic evidence.

• Key Information Interviews – either on site or by telephone

of experts, volunteers, project participants

• Site Visits

• An Evaluation and Legacy Workshop

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THE PROJECT: St Andrew’s, Middleton: Renewing Main Lead Roof,

stonework to North Aisle and Essential Repairs: GP – 15 - 01405

INTRODUCTION TO THE PROJECT

St Andrew’s Church, Middleton, Near Pickering, North

Yorkshire

The Anglican church of St. Andrew’s, Middleton in the diocese of

York is an active church providing pastoral, charity and community

support. It also provides services for weddings, baptisms and

funerals. The church is shared with local Methodists who lead their

own monthly service. The church and its extensive churchyard are

used by villagers in Middleton and the adjacent villages of Aislaby

and Wrelton.

The grade one listed building houses a number of significantly

important heritage items including Viking stone carved crosses and

a pulpit used by John Wesley, the English cleric and theologian.

There is a Sunday school which meets away from the church and a

bell ringing group who practice and provide a service to the church.

This activity takes place within a building that was in a state of

disrepair and substantial water damage which was having a severe

and detrimental effect on the fabric of the building. The overriding

imperative by the PCC and the community was to ensure that the

church remained open and provide opportunities that would

facilitate the continued use of the building and its historical content,

as well as providing a resource, which was dry and warm, and be fit

for purpose.

During a period of an extended interregnum the Parochial Church

Council (PCC) managed an opportunity to deliver a project to ensure

that:

• the Grade 1 listed building was saved

• the building was returned to a state sufficient that it was

returned to purpose, using traditional crafts and artisan

trades

• the historic inheritance was displayed and made accessible to

all relevant individuals, groups, authorities and partners

• the building was enhanced by providing kitchen and toilet

facilities both for the community and for visitors

• educational and leisure opportunities become accessible

through a greater awareness program

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• support resources are designed, delivered and distributed

both in paper and electronic formats (a dedicated web site)

to promote and develop the project.

THE PROJECT OUTLINE

St Andrew’s Church is a Grade 1 listed building – the earliest part

being Norman, over 1,000 years old with substantiated evidence that

the site was used by the Vikings. A collection of carved Viking stones

and crosses were discovered and are displayed. The church has a

forty-foot Norman Tower, which display fine stone features

including a Saxon Cross.

Over many years the external and internal condition of all aspects of

the building have significantly deteriorated mainly due to damage

caused by wind and water, which in turn was compromising many

aspects of historic stone and glass work, timbers and plasterwork.

A project to rectify these issues needed to be determined and

approved and funding sought to enable a positive outcome.

The first part of the project is described as the development stage.

The second part of the project is described as the delivery stage,

Part A and B

Delivery Stage – Part A – was determined following the

investigative stage and was shaped by the architectural and

professional contributions and framed within the funding

possibilities and focusses on all aspects of the building work.

Delivery Stage – Part B – chronicles and evaluates the delivery of

the agreements and contracts determined and agreed within Part A,

a section of which evaluates the outputs, outcomes and legacy

aspects of the project.

The report will sub divide in to the three stages:

1. Development

A description of the investigative work, a summary of the findings

and how the scope of the project developed

2. Delivery Stage Part A – Construction

An account of all aspects of construction, internal and external from

start to completion

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3. Delivery Stage Part B – Outputs, Outcomes, Legacy

A description of the achieved and planned outcomes, outputs and

legacy targets

1. DEVELOPMENT A number of professional organizations were involved in

the development stage commissioned to assess the

current state of building and its environs.

Architects: Ferrey and Mennim, York

Building Contractor: Burrows Davies Ltd, York

STONEWORK: The condition of the stonework to the

whole church, but with special attention being given to

the North Aisle and an analysis of the stone was

undertaken by Master Mason Matthias Garn and the

Project Manager Frank Bailey, under the guidance of the

project architect Andrew Boyce and a representative

from English Heritage.

Samples of the stone were taken and a method of using

new stone facings which would be affixed to medieval

weathered stone needed to be devised. The importance

of retaining and preserving the original material was a

priority. However, it was clear that a minimum number

of stone window tracings would need to be replaced.

Analysis of the stone samples determined that the stone

was a local limestone and although not available locally

quarries in nearby Whitby or in Cornwall were located.

PHOTOGRAPHIC RECORD: Historic Buildings

Archaeologist, Colin Briden, using a mobile hoist

provided internal and external photographic records and

in particular of the lead roof and its construction. The old

medieval roof is now recorded for posterity and its

pattern and the structure of its features such as the

hollow lead rolls are able to be re-created in the

replacement roof.

CDM REPORT AND SUPPORT: Eurosafe UK (CDM

Services) Ltd carried out and compiled the report

outlining the essential elements of health and safety and

welfare on site during the complex investigations.

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ECOLOGY REPORT: The discovery of bats in the church

roof necessitated a report from MAB Environment and

Ecology Ltd who informed the team that the Common

Pipistrelle were utilizing the roof space, but only in the

summer months. This information enabled the designers

and contractors to determine the scope and timing of the

necessary work. These interventions came as a two-part

survey report, the first ‘Bat Scoping’ and second ‘Bat

Emergence’ compiled by Giles Manners led to a

successful project outcome being managed effectively.

STAINED AND OTHER GLASS: A survey and report

undertaken by Barley Studio’s (Design and mastery in

Stained Glass) examined whether there had been a

deterioration in the stone caused by the effect of the

ingress of water from the leaded windows as well as the

metal windows and the internal plaster work. A

comprehensive survey on the condition of all the glass

was undertaken and a report compiled. The findings were

incorporated in to the program of work for action in the

delivery phase. Two specific stained-glass windows were

highlighted of being of heritage and historic interest.

ASBESTOS: Following an extensive survey it was

concluded that asbestos was not present within the

church or any working areas. Particular attention was

paid to the old underground heating ducting which

would have previously been coated in asbestos lagging.

The Church therefore received a Nil report.

DRAINAGE, GUTTERS AND FALL PIPE AND

RAINWATER OUTLETS: In conjunction with the

architect an experienced builder and the Project Manager

inspected all aspects of these issues which led to the

compilation of a report and the compilation of a repair

and replacement schedule for all the fall pipes and

gutters. It is recognized that this will be an ongoing

maintenance issue to be addressed.

STRUCTURAL SURVEY OF THE ROOF -INTERNAL

AND EXTERNAL: Using mobile scaffolding the roof and

its structures were examined. Externally lead was

removed from the main roof to ascertain the extent of the

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water damage and the void between the timbers

supporting the lead and the internal timbers that can be

seen from inside the church. Decisions were made on

how to seal up any voids and at the same time explore

and deliver a solution as to the location of the bat access

both during and after the construction work.

ADDITIONAL REPORTS: A number of inspections and

examinations to the tower external walls, stone work and

other less critical aspects of the building were

undertaken. The composite of these reports was used to

compile a Planned Maintenance Survey Report and

critically were used in designing and estimating the costs

of the project. A successful bid for the funding was made

which facilitated the move from Development in to the

Delivery Stage-Part A.

It is worth noting that when contractor tenders were

received they exceeded the estimates and critical

negotiations between HLF, Historic England, the

Architect and the Project Manager had to determine a

way of re-scoping the project in such a way that it did not

detract from its original core objectives. The outcome

was that the PCC would make additional funding

available from their own resources. This caused a further

delay when the successful contractor had committed to

other work.

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DELIVERY STAGE – PART A: The delivery of the construction work was challenging.

This section of the report is mainly pictorial, showing key

aspects of the work that has been completed, resulting in

a dry and secure building with additional facilities. The

skill and determination of the Project Manager to ‘make

progress’ cannot be under-estimated.

In summary the completed work:

• New lead covering to the Main Roof and Tower

• Repairs to other roofs

• Lead repairs to North Aisle of Roof

• Stonework – repairs and replacement

• Repairs and limited replacement of rainwater

goods

• Configuration and repairs to underground

drainage

• Installation of WC with access for all

• Installation of a built-in kitchenette

Scaffolding is erected so that work can begin

Preparing roof timbers, locating bat entrance and new

leaded roof

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Showing lead work using traditional craft method

Showing ground works in preparation for new floor,

external stone repair and timber replacement.

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On site preparation of replacement window stone work

Window reconstruction with newly carved stone affixed

to medieval original

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Showing a before and after of the window and door on

the North Aisle (Insert shows door from inside the

church)

Showing stained glass windows throughout

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Showing external and internal works including drainage

and floor preparation

The toilet – construction to completion

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The Kitchenette

Roof prior to repair Roof repaired

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DELIVERY STAGE – PART B With the overriding imperative being the completion of

the work that would result in the building being wind and

waterproofed, and providing the basic facilities of a toilet

and kitchen, focus returned to the delivery of the project

outcomes; the difference the project will make for

heritage and the difference it will make for people and

the wider community.

Much of the delivery would only be possible once the

building work was completed as much depended upon

the facilities being available and the building being safe

and weatherproof. Nonetheless the Greater Awareness

Committee concurrently planned a series of initiatives

that would use the time constructively to prepare for the

attainment of the longer-term goals.

An OPEN DAY was planned for the earliest date available

following the completion of the work on site. Delays in

completion meant that the date had to be pushed back to

August 25th 2018. This was the first opportunity for the

building to be made accessible to the public.

In preparation for the OPEN DAY a number of resources

were required and were delivered on time to facilitate the

day and its associated activities:

GUIDEBOOK - a new guide

book was commissioned.

Building on the previous

guides published in 1939 and

2000 the new 40-page full

colour book described the

physical and architectural

features of the Church and

presents a picture of the

Church and its place within

the community. It also gives

readers the opportunity to

engage with the current

developments with plans and

schedules relating to the longer-term aspirations for the

church.

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PRESENTATIONS were designed and developed and

used to inform and educate. These presentations

stimulated interest and indicated the level of support and

interest that might be activated at a later date.

A publicity leaflet was designed and posted throughout

the local villages and was sent with a personal letter to

professional colleagues, friends and others inviting them

to attend the Open day.

A Viking Trail around the church was devised

based around a Viking character named ‘Sweyn’.

Focused on children the challenge would be to

follow a route around the

church and identify a number

of key points of interest, the

font; the crosses, the

misericord, the altar etc. At

each point there would a wooden carving of Sweyn which

had been donated by local wood carvers and an

information board.

The booklet, accompanied by a visual in the form of an MP4

file, is available on a touch screen computer as are two

additional presentations showing historic pictures of the

church and its activities in previous times and one which

pictorially displayed all stages of the construction work

and outcomes detailed in the project.

A photographic record of the work undertaken in Phase 1

of the renovation and repairs to St. Andrew’s Church, Middleton

A fourth presentation was created and used in the initial

stages of the project to inform the residents of the villages

about the scope and significance of the work being

undertaken and how they might engage with different

aspects of the work. The Project manager used this

presentation at events in the Village Hall and on one

occasion when the Archbishop of York, John Sentamu

visited the site.

St. Andrew’s Church Middleton

Preparing for

internal

examinations

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The Archbishop of York, John Sentamu at a presentation in the

Middleton and Aislaby Village Hall

The presentations informed and encouraged visitors and

the local residents as to how they might engage with the

project. These presentations were cited by some people

as the reason they had attended the Open Day.

In preparing for the Open Day

the importance and display of

the Viking Crosses was a key

factor in attracting visitors. The

crosses and other items, were

moved to the North Aisle, with

the help of the builders, so that

the public would have

unhindered access. Display

boards were produced with

information about the crosses

and additional ones for Health

and Safety. The exhibiting of the crosses was recognized

as being an interim measure as plans for their long-term

display remains under discussion. However, the changes

made a significant difference.

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Showing a sample of the Viking Crosses in the North Aisle

Viking artefacts were

borrowed from the Jorvik

Museum. Local wood

carvers donated a number

of model Viking

Longboats all of which

were displayed around

the church. Linked activities on the day included offering

visitors the opportunity to make a floral display with a

Viking theme. Books and films were made available as a

resource to anyone who wished to undertake further

research.

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DEDICATED WEB SITE: www.standrewsmiddletonchurch.weebly.com

Home Page

History

Project

Development

Viking Crosses

Viking Trail

Evaluation

Contact

Resource Links

The dedicated web site was designed and built to enable

users to find and use all the materials used in the delivery

and evaluation process, giving access to photographs and

information about the church, the Viking Crosses, the

newly designed Viking Trail and to engage with the plans

for the development of the improved community

resource.

The pages or sections of the web site have been designed

to encourage visitors to explore different interests. The

web page will also link to the Digital Grave Locator which

carries local history information as well as full and

detailed information about each grave in the grave yard.

Together these two resources provide an invaluable

resource for the local community, for educational

establishments and voluntary organisations.

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The website is one of the main engagement tools and has

been enormously successful at helping the project to

reach a wide and varied audience.

DIGITAL GRAVE LOCATOR AND LOCAL

HISTORY RESOURCE:

The church has been gifted a computer based digital

grave locator and local history resource. Designed in

Excel software the project has provided the church and

visitors with an IT/e solution to locating where ancestors

are buried.

The acquisition of a touch

screen computer by the PCC

has enabled an individual to

access the name of their

ancestors, then access an on-

screen image of the

associated monumental

inscription, a photograph of

the grave stone and the

precise location of the grave within the grave yard. The

project also provides local history information in both

short and long formats about the occupants of the graves,

how they link to other graves where relatives lay. There

is now an individual photograph of over 520 headstones

and separately of each associated legible monumental

inscription in the grave yard dating back to 1628.

The resource also contains links

to the 1841-1911 Census Records

for Middleton, Aislaby, Wrelton

and Cropton; Burial, Marriage

and Baptism Records from 1672

to the present day with a search

facility; photographs and documents, including legal

papers.

The computer carries three MP4 presentations and a film

about the Viking Invasion all of which can be viewed by

the public at the touch of a screen.

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INCLOSURE DOCUMENTS 1766 Written on thirty-nine vellum (calf skin parchment)

skins, 3 feet wide x 2ft 6” and weighing in at nearly 20lbs,

the recent re-discovery records the awards allotment

(allocation) of land in Middleton, Aislaby, Wrelton,

Cropton and Cawthorne in 1766. The document found

during a spring clean of the vestry in August 2014 is now

deposited, on permanent loan, with the North Yorkshire

County Council Records Office in Northallerton. In

return they agreed to assist the project by providing life

size photographic facsimiles for display in the Church.

The documents were mentioned in the 1939 Church

Guide.

The first page lists the contents of the 39-page document

The Greater Awareness Committee agreed that a

traditional visual display for people to view upon

entering the church, with photographs and information

about the project should be made available.

The program of events included a bell ringing session; a

demonstration of how to playing the organ and recitals

of organ music throughout the day as well as two

scheduled tours of the church and the graveyard.

Booklet for Trail and Promotional Leaflet

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LINKS TO THE JORVIK VIKING CENTRE

-YORK

The Jorvik Viking Centre, York and its parent body York

Archeological Trust have been involved in discussions

about possible future collaborations. The PCC gave

permission for the Middleton

Cross to be copied and the work

was undertaken by the stone

masons at York Minster. The

cross is now displayed in the

Jorvik Centre, Coppergate, York.

The already referred to

unforeseen delays in delivery

meant that any co-operative

ventures with the Jorvik Viking

Centre will be embraced within

plans for future development,

which may include training of

guides and support volunteers

and involvement with the wider

Viking heritage trail which is

being planned.

(The Middleton Cross was loaned

to the British Museum for their Viking Exhibition in

2014).

As already stated from the inception of the project links

between St Andrews Church, Middleton and the Jorvik

Heritage Centre have been positive with tentative

discussions about ideas for Viking themed activities,

which, overtime might develop into Viking re-enactment

events. The Committee recognize the potential in these

events but also understand the time and resource

implications. With the possibility of the Open Day

becoming an annual event the idea of a Viking theme for

2019 has been tabled.

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OPEN DAY 25TH AUGUST 2018

Flower arranging, the digital grave locator and art work

Refreshments and discussions

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The Guided Tour

Over two hundred visitors of all ages came to the Open

Day, to participate in the activities and share in the

experience, gather information and learn about the

project.

Tea, Organ Recital and Bell Ringing

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Many signed the Visitors Book and it tells the story of the

day.

‘Amazing church, a history and

a legacy to be proud of.

Thanks.’

Been passed(sic) so many

times but no idea of the

history. Lovely’

‘Thank you for a wonderful

welcome on your special open

day.’

‘What a gem of a church, adore

the A/S crosses. Knaresborough

‘Fantastic work on the history

of the church.’ Marlboro, Wiltshire

‘A repeat visit to see the Saxon

stonework and crosses.’ Corbridge, Northumberland

‘An outstanding opportunity

to enjoy a journey through

history and the lovely church’. Cromer, Norfolk

‘How pleasing to see such a

well-kept church and a village

taking pride in their rich

heritage’

‘Love the history hidden

within’.

‘What a wonderful display and greetings from St.

Leonard’s.

These and more examples can be seen in the Visitor’s

Book located in the Church.

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The work of and the contributions of members of the

Greater Awareness Committee and a group of volunteers

over a period of time is to be celebrated and recognized.

Following the OPEN DAY, which was extremely

successful the Greater Awareness Committee restated

that a long and challenging journey still lies ahead.

The repair and restorative work funded through this

project will enable educational visits to take place with

historical, archeological and religious perspectives.

Further opportunities to explore the historical and

archeological importance of the stones has now become

much more of a reality because of the newly formed links

with The University of York. These links also extend

those opportunities to work with other local churches.

The involvement of local schools, community groups,

and voluntary organisations together with an embryonic

mutual support structure between the Middleton and

Aislaby Village Hall Committee and the recently formed

Middleton, Newton and Sinnington Parochial Church

Council bodes well. A focus on education activity is now

a priority with some ideas about how to involve local

schools in historical, archeological and technological

projects.

A group of local artists visited the Church and completed

sketches and impressions will be converted in to full

works and are expected to be shown at an Art Exhibition

in the Church in 2019. One artist donated a water-colour

to use as the front page of the web site.

Picture kindly donated by Penny Wicks-Local Artist

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Press Coverage and Interest Initial contact with the press was limited and met with

little enthusiasm, however once the project began to

impact on the community and the Open Day was

announced interest increased.

Wednesday, 5th September 2018 – Gazette and Herald

Coverage of and interest in the Open Day from the

Malton based ‘Gazette and Herald’ and the York based

‘Post’ resulted in newspaper articles with photographs

being published pre and post the Open Day event. An

approach from an independent film crew has yet to come

to fruition but the Committee is keen for the interest to

be promoted and developed. This demonstrates the

amount of interest in the importance of the crosses and

the church to a number of audiences.

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Partnership with York University Prior to the Open Day plans had been made to discuss

with York University the identity, importance and date of

several stones and artefacts. The visit took place after the

Open Day and its success perhaps influenced the

outcomes of the meeting in a more positive light.

It was agreed with two Senior Staff of the University that

a way of working together should be addressed to

maximize a collaboration that would be of benefit to both

parties.

It was agreed that:

1. the embryonic Ryedale Heritage Trail might want to think

about how stones associated with other local churches might

be embraced in its promotion. A PhD student might be

seconded.

2. A series of Mini-lectures on topics associated with the stones

and the history of the church might be organized

3. In September 2019 there will be a technical workshop which

considers all aspects of displaying stone artefacts, including

crosses. An invitation to attend will be extended to St

Andrews.

4. A lecturer and students will visit the Church to identify

stones and artefacts and on completion deliver a public

workshop of their findings. The outcome will enable the

Church to better decide which, if any, of the additional stones

are worthy of display and which might be stored.

5. Consideration will be given to a MA Buildings Dissertation

which takes the Victorian Restoration of a church as its

subject focus.

The University colleagues in this initiative are:

Dr Kate Giles, Director of Studies, MA Archaeology of Buildings,

The University of York

and

Jane Hawkes PhD, Professor of History of Art,

University of York

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THE NEXT STEPS The completion of the Heritage Lottery Grant GP—15-

01405 supported by local donations provided St.

Andrew’s Church, Middleton with a much-needed

incentive to move towards completing further projects

which include the installation of an appropriate efficient

and cost-effective heating system, reparation to high

level plasterwork damage, and a comprehensive Heritage

Plan facilitating the display of all their historic features

and artefacts, and some further reparative work to the

tower that was identified in the Development Phase.

The Greater Awareness Committee was created to take

forward these new projects as they were not able to be

funded within the negotiated scope of GP-15-01405

because there were insufficient funds due to higher than

projected estimates.

SUMMARY

• The project GP-15-10405 is now completed

• The building is now waterproofed and secure

• The Church has a new improved Guide Book

• There are four MP4 Presentations about the

project and the history of the Church available

• Local artists, schools and community groups are

involved in the project

• There is a comprehensive digital photographic

record of all aspects of the project

• New display resources have been made available

• The Greater Awareness Committee was formed to

manage the future developments and projects

that will sustain and underpin the legacy

• The local team have enhanced their knowledge of

the fiscal and administrative aspects of such a

large project

• A new partnership with the University of York is

a positive and potentially long-term benefit

• The numbers of people who engaged with the

project on the Open Day signifies the potential

for further and wider engagement

• Local crafts people are continuing to support the

project

• The development of the Digital Grave Locator

brings with it a potential for greater involvement

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 31

with Local History Groups, families and

individuals

• Plans for establishing an Annual Open Day event

is being considered

• The newly formed partnership with the

Middleton and Aislaby Village Hall Committee

offers more opportunities for liaison and support.

• Work with schools at primary and secondary

levels are being discussed and visits to the Church

are now possible because of the new facilities

provided.

• New school-based projects based around local

history, the Viking Crosses and how technology

can be used to enrich the experience are being

developed.

• The new dedicated web site is active and

promotes the project and its plans for the future:

www.standrewsmiddletonchurch.weebly.com

Legacy outcome Evidence

The beauty and character of St Andrew’s Church,

Middleton has been rescued, repaired and restored so

that it may be celebrated and opportunities for its

re-discovery have been enhanced.

It is too early to determine the effect it will have on the

numbers of visitors/ users but the signs and indications

this far are good. The planned Viking Cross Heritage

Centre will undoubtedly add to visitor numbers as will

the planned the growth in education/research-based

activity.

Volunteers of many different interests and ages are now

engaged in new activities and express an intention to

continue. Some local people are now upskilled and

developing an interest in heritage crafts, fostering

creativity and providing lifelong skills. There is also the

potential for the existing skills of the elderly to be

harnessed and used effectively.

There is raised awareness and an increased

understanding of and potential for local history and

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 32

heritage activity, creating links with a network of local

and district wide genealogy focused groups.

There is also a major link to the Middleton and Aislaby

Village Hall (MAVH) who are beginning plans for a local

history themed three-day event in 2020 and initial

discussions about areas of co-operation and support are

underway. For many there is an extricable link between

the Church and its local history. It is also an opportunity

to engage with many individuals and families to develop

interests and activities that will contribute to the

combatting of isolation and loneliness in rural areas.

Lessons learned

• Extensive consultation and partner engagement during the

development phase secured an understanding of the complex

technical requirements for Delivery Stage 1 between the

professionals and the Project Manager representing the

Parochial Church Council.

• A wider ownership of this initial process may have provided

opportunities for others to engage.

• Governance of the project based on line management of the

team through the Project Manager responsible to the PCC

worked well. A key feature has been a clear de facto

demarcation between procedural accountability through

PCC and strategic guidance via the Project Manager.

• The monitoring and evaluation process, including the early

appointment of an external independent evaluator would

have made a difference in shaping the final report. With

hindsight, the early development of a monitoring and

evaluation framework, ‘owned’ by the Partnership as a whole,

would have facilitated a more structured process of reporting

and end-of-project evaluation.

• Consideration of legacy started early, well before the mid-

point of delivery, but all outcomes were dependent on the

success of the Delivery Stage 1 as access to the building was

extremely limited up to and until the 25th August 2018. The

project team were realistic about what could and could not

be achieved, and about the potential once the construction

work was completed.

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 33

CONCLUSION

The Project: St. Andrew’s Church, Middleton was a well-

conceived scheme, based on a sound understanding of the local

historical and cultural heritage. It embodied aims appropriate to

the needs and potential of the environment, its residents and

visitors, and the local economy. It led to a working partnership

between a small church based voluntary group, driven by a

Project Manager and a series of external professional providers

with a clear shared vision.

It is worthy of note that without the determination and

professionalism of the Project Manager, who was able to provide

guidance and professional advice to the PCC progress might have

been less smooth.

The Parochial Church Council (PCC) as lead body provided good

financial control. A small team working within a robust

administrative structure provided effective day to day

management. Early glitches, including a sustained interregnum

period and the appointment of a new Vicar did not unduly delay

any aspect of the project.

The project effectively secured community participation and

‘buy-in’, resulting in a good number of monetary donations and

contributions of time and skills.

The project continues to have considerable strengths, not least a

strong assessment and knowledge of the local heritage and its

ongoing potential.

With any project, there are areas for learning, and elements that

might have been done differently.

• The project website was launched in August 2018,

towards the end of the project and would have benefitted

with an earlier launch, together with other social media

platforms.

• Stronger links might have been made with neighboring

churches and organizations, specifically when

considering Delivery Stage B of the delivery.

• More attention might have been paid to the longer-term

sustainability of the project. This could have been

through links with local organizations with access to

local funding, and through the development of a business

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 34

plan that built on the opportunities generated while the

project was active.

These observations are made recognizing the limited resources

of both time and finances. Overall the ambitious plan funded

through HLF - GP – 15 - 01405 has been delivered successfully and

that its intended impacts to:

• Increase skills

• Increase knowledge and understanding of the heritage

• Deliver enjoyment, inspiration and creativity

• Change attitudes through building connections with

local history within communities

were achieved.

The challenge for the PCC and its Greater Awareness Committee

from this point forward is to deliver those aspects of the project

that have been identified and developed as a result of the

completion of this funded phase. Each part of that future plan is

in itself a major undertaking that will require skillful and focused

delivery by a dedicated but small voluntary group who will need

to undertake a careful assessment of priorities, costings, fund

raising and delivery planning. The significance of the completion

of the additional identified work to the PCC, the Greater

Awareness Committee and the wider community is understood

in all its complexities. There is an inter dependency between the

two strands of work -that which is completed and that which

remains to be done. The experience, learning and understanding

of project management of the core team has been considerably

enhanced through involvement in this challenge and it will

underpin and inform their future deliberations.

The project is a huge success and has within it the potential to

become a major addition to the planned heritage trail as well as

becoming a significant local community resource and Viking

Heritage Centre.

Stuart J Plant November 19th 2018

Consultant

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REFERENCES

• Townend, Matthew: ‘Viking Age Yorkshire’ Blackthorn

• G Ronald Murphy S.J: ‘Tree of Salvation- Yggdrasil and the

Cross in the North’- Oxford University Press 2013 ISBN 978-

0-19-994861-1

• J Richmond Brown: ‘St Andrews Church Guide Book’ 2000

• ‘St Andrews Church Guide’ 1939 Pamphlet

• ‘The Viking Crosses at Middleton’ Pamphlet

GP-15-01405 -PAGE 36

CREDITS

Thank you to the many people who gave their time and

expertise in the delivery of this project

Volunteers

Pam Leng Bathsheba Hartrey

Helen Strickson Alice Thompson

Helen Gaskell Helen Halkyard Susan Harlow

Jane Wilkinson Betty Harrison Karen Hustler

Lee Starkey Young Bailey

Joyce Harrison Daphne Evans

Jenny Richmond-Brown

Church Yard Maintenance

Francis Barber Luke Cousins

Wood Carving

John Harrison and members of the Wrelton

Wood Carving Group

Wild Flower Meadow

Mike Sellars Robert Evans Daphne Evans

Parochial Church Council

Rev. Stephen Gamble Rev. Rob Barker Rev. Ailsa Beech Rev Anne Wright

Frank Bailey Russell Strickson Gordon Halkyard Helen Halkyard

Pam Russell Paul Hampson

Margaret Brough Joyce Harrison

Betty Harrison (Sec) Tom Hustler

Jane Wilkinson Jannine Lee

Project Management Team

Frank Bailey (Project Manager)

Pam Russell Ailsa Beech

Greater Awareness Committee

Russell Strickson Gordon Halkyard Helen Halkyard

Frank Bailey Pam Russell

Rev Ailsa Beech Rev Anne Wright

Donations

HLF

Garfield Western Jill Franklin Trust

Spensound Garage Ltd (Middleton Garage)

Middleton PCC Methodist Church

York Dioceses (Repair Grant

and Loan) &

Parishioners

Also, to: Margarette Brough

Tom and Karen Hustler Middleton Village Hall

Trustees and Committee Malcolm Stuart Richard Bailey

Keith Bailey Peter Dines Mary Brown John Brown Hazel Dale

(Organist)

Organisations

Russell’s (Malton) Jorvik Viking Heritage