Present:

Mrs. V. Stewart

Mr. N. Peerman

Mr. S. Soper

Mr. D. Darvill

Mrs. W. Jones

Mrs. J. Miller

Mrs. M. Johnson

Prof. R. Stannard

Mr. C. Griffin

Mr. N. Moore

Mr. K. Saunders

Apologies:

Mrs. A. Cudby

14/00

St. Mary's Tower. Mr. Darvill reported that the contractors had discovered rot beneath the guttering, and the extra work involved would cost an additional £900, approximately. The total cost now would probably approximately £7255.

21/00

Organist. An assistant organist has not yet been found although there is a list of musicians willing to play on occasions. Mr. Griffin also said that a Mission Praise hymn had been chosen as a main hymn for services in October.

23/00

Safety Issues. Smoke alarms have not yet been purchased for the hall, and the First Aid course had been approved.

26/00

The bishop's secretary had been phoned but there was no news on the Bishop's short list, although it was reported that such a short list did exist. Mr. Griffin expected some news very shortly.

The Vicarage had not yet been let. The Curate's house had been put up for sale by the Diocese for £14995. The Parish’s share of the proceeds would be approximately 6-7% after deductions for costs.

27/00

The boilers had been inspected the previous week and various works would be necessary to burners in several locations. These would be repaired.

The outside wall repairs, covered by insurance, would be started soon. A report would be commissioned on the Church roof next to the tower where there was a water leak.

Young people had been swinging on the electrical conduit to the Church. The re-wiring was still an important priority, but the Churchwardens were waiting for advice from a Lighting Adviser. The adviser from St. Albans' diocese had been approached for help.

28/00

Mr. Griffin presented a summary of accounts (attached to file copy of these minutes dated 30^th June 2000). He reported that income for the first six months of the year was almost exactly half of what had been predicted in the start of year budget. As much money as possible was being transferred into the deposit account in order to maximise interest income. On the first half year, there was a surplus of income over expenditure of approximately £1000.

The point was made that there was no arrangement for claiming a rebate on the Parish share (approx. £40000 next year) despite the fact that we will be without a priest for at least a year. The Churchwardens were planning to raise this issue at the next finance meeting.

Mr. Griffin reported that there had been no noticeable decline in the amounts being given, although there had been a decline in giving through the plate which was compensated by increased use of envelope and other regular giving.

Mr. Saunders proposed and Mr. Soper seconded a motion that Barclays be requested to send statements to Mr. Griffin. Mr. Saunders would write a letter to make this request.

Mr. Griffin said that ideally we would wish to find a new Treasurer as soon as possible, although the best time to take over the accounts would be in January.

29/00

The licence had been received, and a suitable candidate for Father Christmas had been found. A jumble sale would be held on 28^th October (revised date).

Mrs. Stewart proposed and Mrs. Jones seconded a motion that Mr. Chris Hart be appointed raffle promoter. The motion was passed nem. con. The secretary was asked to write to Mr. Hart.

ACTION: MR. SAUNDERS

30/00

Plans were in hand for this event: Checks had been made with All Saints' to ensure that there were no clashes.

31/00

A letter had been received from the committee asking for representatives from the parish. Mrs. Stewart reported that the chair of the Committee was actually a representative from this parish, and thus it would not be necessary to find further representatives.

32/00

Mrs. Stewart reported that the group had prepared a leaflet with details about all the local churches for distribution to the new housing estates in the town.

A project was also described which was sending stories and readers into school assemblies in Bedford. The project had been well received, and it was being proposed to extend the idea to Leighton-Linslade.

One World Week on 31^st October: an event in the Library coffee lounge was being planned for the evening. There would be speakers and stalls.

Lent Groups for next year were already being planned.

33/00

30^th September had been planned for Gift Day, but the Linsdale Singers had booked the church for a concert on that day and this would clash with the Gift Day. The John Walker concert had been arranged for 15^th November and it was suggested that the Gift Day be cancelled this year to allow for better promotion for the concert. It was agreed that the Gift Day be postponed until next year when it could be used as an opportunity for the Parish to meet a new incumbent.

34/00

Mrs. Jones asked for help in this activity on Monday 25^th September.

35/00

Appointment of a working group: Mr. Griffin suggested that a group be formed to discuss the necessary changes to our services. Mr. Griffin suggested that the CD be obtained, and this was approved. About 7 people had been approached to form this group. The results of the group's discussions would come back to the PCC for approval.

36/00

1. Professor Stannard expressed thanks on behalf of the rest of the PCC to the Churchwardens and Mrs. Jones for all their work during the interregnum.
2. Mr. Darvill reminded the PCC that the Parish Office had a computer.
3. Mr. Darvill said that a gardener was to be found for the Vicarage garden as well as the garden in the Curate's house and that the cost of this would be paid by the Diocese.