MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, LINSLADE, HELD ON TUESDAY,

22nd FEBRUARY 2005, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

Present:

                                    Jo Thomson                  Keith Saunders

                                    Simon Soper                Wyn Jones

                                    Miranda Soper             Vicki Faiers

                                    Janet Miller                   Catherine Dyer

                                    John Deighton               Russell Stannard

                                    Rebecca Pickering        Carol Oakman

                                    Frances Morrow          Maureen Gadsby

                                    Alison Cudby               Nick Moore

                                    Carolyn Birch               David Darvill

                                    Jim Pickering

 

Apologies:                    Mike Finney                 Anna Barratt

                                    Melvyn Gardner           Valerie Stewart

                                               

 

Keith chaired the meeting. 

 

The minutes of the meeting of 25th January were approved, proposed by Carol and seconded by Fran.

The minutes of the meeting of 6th February were approved with the amendment to Tony White’s name that should read Alan White, proposed by John and seconded by Nick.

 

Matters arising:

 

51/04   Summer Fair – June 11th – Keith outlined progress so far. Volunteers will be needed to run stalls and attractions. A jumble sale will need to be held that Carol said she would organise as long as there is plenty of help with clearing up. Proposed date is 23rd April, Janet will confirm if hall is available.

 

52/04   Hall update – There is still a problem in locating the title deeds. In order to prove ownership we need to apply to the Charity Commission to issue a statutary declaration for the replacement of the title deeds. John Rees is prepared to do this for us but it will be chargeable work. Keith asked the PCC to approve John Rees taking action on our behalf. Proposed by Simon, seconded by Jo, all in favour. A point was made that this issue highlights the lack of documents held centrally. We need to ensure that copies of all documents are held in the parish office.

 

54/04   Decoration of the Church in Advent – Catherine has spoken to the leaders of children and youth groups and they will probably take responsibility for the crib at the beginning of Advent and build up the tableau gradually through Advent. They may also be prepared to do the Easter garden.

 

56/04   Children and Holy Communion – No date has yet been arranged for Jenny Hyson to come and talk to us about this. It will probably be on a Tuesday evening, later in the year.

53/04   Team ministry – Catherine wanted to point out that she has had further consultation about the parish share and the figures quoted at the last meeting were misleading. In fact, there will be very little difference in the parish share.

 

New items for this meeting:

 

60/04  Sound system. – Dave explained there had been a survey of our present system and we have received a quotation for a system that is appropriate for our needs. The quote is £6,100 inc VAT. This quote does not include a control desk – as the system is self-regulating it was felt that it was not needed. However, a control desk may be needed for concerts. There was a discussion about the present system that is about 10 years old and should have been appropriate for much longer. The question of where the funds would come from was raised. It is likely that the Biley Fund could be used. More details will be presented at the next meeting.

 

 

61/04   Finance update – Jo is preparing the accounts for the auditor. A request was made for a breakdown of profits for individual events that Jo will provide when she has the relevant figures. An additional meeting to approve the accounts will be held on 10th April at 11.30 am.

 

62/04  Standing Committee report

 

a)      Interhealth  - It was generally felt among the parishes that this was the responsibility of the diocese, the employer, and they should fund this worthwhile initiative. It should be an entitlement for all and not be left to individual parishes to decide whether or not they could support it.

b)      Team ministry – It has been suggested that we take our time on this issue. There is a lot to consider and the standing committee recommend to the PCC that the subject be left to Spring 2006, except for participation in joint events as already planned.

c)      Churchyard regulations – The regulations displayed at St. Mary’s need updating and the buildings committee will attend to this. There is also a need for a leaflet covering rules relating to internments that can be given to funeral directors for them to pass to the families of the bereaved.

d)      Heating in hall – one of the heaters is broken and would cost £1000 to repair. It was agreed to manage with the remaining heaters. Several notices have been put in the hall explaining the situation.

 

 

 

 

63/04   Any other business:

        

a)      Renewal of the suspension of the Linslade Living - Catherine explained this was needed in order to allow for pastoral reorganisation. The present agreement expires in June and the intention is to renew it for a further 5 years. General agreement that it is not sensible to change so keep things as they are.

b)       The faculty has arrived for the refurbishment of the Lady Chapel. The scheme has been approved but clear glass must be installed where agreed. The doors will be hinged on the other side and will also be glassed. We shall have to agree a colour for the replacement chairs. Some samples were viewed after the meeting.

c)      “Small pilgrim places” – This is a directory of small, little used chapels and churches to make the public aware of them and to encourage their use. There is a developing network round the country and it was suggested that St.Mary’s be included. The intention is for St. Mary’s to be open on a Thursday afternoon. A rota will be needed and John and Sheila are prepared to start this. It was suggested that the initiative could be included on our web site, in the parish magazine and in local papers.

 

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The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.06 pm