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

25th SEPTEMBER 2007, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

 

Present:                        Marian Dye                               John Deighton

                                    Keith Saunders             Carolyn Birch

                                    Nick Moore                             Marlene Richardson

                                    Miranda Soper                         Valerie Stewart

                                    Wyn Jones                               Jo Thomson

                                    Simon Soper                            Carol Oakman

                                    Bruce Benedickter                    David Throssell

Janet Miller                               Russell Stannard

Pat Faulkner

 

Apologies:                                          

Vicki Faiers                              Maureen Gadsby         

           

 

Keith chaired the meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 26th June 2007 were approved. Proposed by Marian, seconded by John. All agreed.

The minutes of the extra meeting of 10th September were approved with the amendment “Paul Hughes, Archdeacon of Bedford”, not Dunstable. Proposed by Carol, seconded by Marlene. All agreed.

 

                                                                                   

Matters arising:

 

 

4/07     Mobile phone antennae – QS4 will not be preceding with this – the mobile phone company have withdrawn their interest because the proposed works would not enable the equipment to be serviced safely.

 

 

New items for this meeting:

 

 

17/07   Vacancy – update.

 

            Copies of the advertisement were distributed. Jo, John and Dave Darvill will be available to help on Friday, 9th November (interview day). Carol and others said they would be available to help at lunchtime. Russell and Pat, as Lay readers, will be there to meet the candidates. Wyn suggested that a list be made of places that may be visited, with a map. Everything would appear to be going to plan.

                                            

           

 

18/07   Security of premises

 

            Members were aware of problems experienced with security of the hall and link. The windows are now boarded up. The lead stolen from the link and porch will be replaced with lead with metal grill cover to increase security. Jo has been negotiating with the insurance company to get the cost of the grill included as an extra one-off payment. Security lights have been installed but are not always working. Security cameras were suggested but would cost several hundred pounds. Standing committee will consider this.

                                                                                

           

19/07   Church office

 

            Broadband has been installed in the office, together with a new computer and printer. These are all working satisfactorily.

                    

20/07   Hall bookings

 

            Dave Darvill  will be taking over the hall bookings with effect from 26th October. Thanks were extended to him for taking on the task and also to Janet and Peter for the many years they have handled the bookings.

 

21/07   Hall up-date

 

            Unfortunately, there has been an upheaval at the factory resulting in the delay in receiving the windows. They are expected to be fitted by the end of October. It is proposed to write to all existing users of the hall and offer them a month’s free use as a token for the inconvenience experienced. We are waiting for a quotation to install the heating system in the hall. Keith is hoping for a grant that will cover most of this work. Miranda reported an incident with the cylinders in the gas heaters while the Sunday school children were in attendance. Everyone needs to be extra vigilant with these heaters.

            A further lottery application has been sent but an answer is not expected until December at the earliest.

 

22/07   St Mary’s – quinquenial review

 

            Nick explained about the review. The review showed that there are items of stonework that need attention (including some done before) and some evidence of beetle infestation. The easy work has been done and the rest should be covered by the quote from Avalon. They will monitor the “beetles”

 

            John proposed and Nick seconded that “PCC proceed with the repair of the stonework as recommended in the Quinquenial report at a total cost of £13,359.40, inclusive. All agreed.

           

 

           

23/07   Churches Together

 

            The report had been circulated prior to the meeting. Marian highlighted some of the points. Keith said he was not in charge of the music group, Valerie was, but felt there was not enough time for the music group to participate in the proposed activity. Marian was thanked for the report and Miranda was asked to put the dates of various advent events in the Cross and Crown.

 

24/07   Christmas Fair – 24th November

 

            Unfortunately, this is the same date as All Saints Fair.

            Marlene said that there is a group of people who have held meetings to plan and organise the day. They meet again soon and will discuss the impact on St Barnabas of the 2 fairs being on the same day.

            Nick has been attending meetings with members of the Ouzel Valley team ministry communications sub group. All Saints has a full time paid assistant in their office, part of which is devoted to team issues. Heath and Reach have a part-time paid assistant.

            Wyn said there is a rota system in place within the team, including St Barnabas and it is working well.

 

25/07   Standing committee report

 

            There was no further business that had not already been discussed.

 

26/07   Any other business

 

            John Vickers had written to all members of the PCC urging them to support the parish magazine by submitting articles on a regular basis. David was unsure of its worth and asked if it was needed. There is a place for it and Wyn regularly takes copies with her on her visits. It was suggested there be a “commissioning team” who commission articles for John, as editor, to use. This seemed a good idea and would not undermine him in the same way as an editorial team might.

 

            Marlene remarked that the congregation seemed to be growing and she thought that we should recognise the work done by Wyn. We agree with this. Wyn pointed out that it is a team effort and this is why it is succeeding.

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 8.55 pm.