Gay & Son - Monumental Masons

Established 1919

Shutterton Estate

Exeter Road

Dawlish

EX7 0NH

Telephone: 01626 862170

June 2004

Mr Algar

Winsor Road

Babbacombe

Torquay

Dear Mr Algar,

ALGAR Memorial, Torquay Cemetery. Inspection Report

The memorial comprises a shaped underbase, upperbase, central rest and shaped open book, all worked in black polished granite. From records, and consistent with fixing methods, the book is located with a small dowel to the inclined rest, which is, in turn, dowelled and cemented to the upperbase and underbase.

Inspection shows separation of the book from the rest. In our opinion, considerable force was used, in conjunction with an oscillating motion to break the cemented joint. Impact, with a soft or protected implement cannot be ruled out. On examination  of the joint faces, it was clear to see that the joint had recently been parted, as there was no discolouring of the cemented faces, indicating ingress of penetration of moisture., which often exhibits signs of algae growth. Evidence of oscillation is confirmed by the failure of the locating dowel, which looks to have sheared as a result of reaching its yield point.

Whilst this firm upholds the need for good health and safety practices, we are of strong opinion that the method for testing this memorial was flawed, and that the most vulnerable joint was tested to destruction by an inadequately and inexperienced operator. Furthermore, the parted book was left resting against the memorial base in an unsafe way, unsecured and creating a safety hazard that, prior to testing, was not present.

Cost for repair to this memorial, including inspection, report, removal, dowelling in workshop and onsite and refixing on site, will amount to £382.65

If we can be of any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Michael Mercieca.

Yours Sincerely

Michael P Mercieca.