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

26^th JUNE 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                               Maureen Gadsby        

                                    Simon Soper                            Carol Oakman

                                    Bruce Benedickter                    David Throssell
Janet Miller                  

Apologies:       

Jo Thomson                              Russell Stannard

Vicki Faiers     

Keith chaired the meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 22^nd May 2007 were approved. Proposed by Valerie, seconded by John. All agreed.

Matters arising:

1/07     Move to St Alban’s diocese – After the last PCC meeting, a message was received from the Bishop of Buckingham about the transfer and the appointment of a new priest. He says that he will be asking the Bishop of Bedford to be at the leading edge of the new appointment. The message was distributed to all PCC members. (copy in file). It was noted that the Bishop of Buckingham is preaching at St Barnabas on Sunday 8^th July at the morning service.      

3/07     Dates for 2007/8 – These additional dates were noted:

 Harvest – 16^th September (Outreach will be holding harvest supper on 15^th)

Variety show –Outreach: 3^rd November

Autumn fair: Saturday 24^th November

Summer Fair 2008:  Saturday 14^th June

4/07     Mobile phone antennae – Following the letters sent to local residents by QS4, 12 residents had responded – 2 in favour and 10 objections. T mobile is concerned about the bell frame and alternative plans are being considered. There is no further news from QS4.

8/07     Hall project – The roof is nearly finished and the scaffolding should be removed in the next 2/3 weeks. Problems with the end windows were being addressed. Vandals have been on the roof and extra security cameras have been suggested. Someone has sponsored the new dovecote.

11/07   b) Church clock – This has been restarted but is still not keeping time.

New items for this meeting:

12/07   To approve Parish Profile

            Keith explained the few alterations made to the profile since the circulated version. The “mission statement” was removed as it was felt this was evident throughout the document.

            Marian proposed and Bruce seconded that the Profile should be accepted by PCC, subject to any alterations suggested by the Bishop. All agreed.

            Nick and Keith are meeting with the Archdeacon of Dunstable in July, prior to a meeting with the Bishop of Bedford on 10^th September. It is likely that members of the PCC will be invited to attend that meeting.

13/07   Reports from Deanery Synod

            Wyn had submitted a report of the meeting on 7^th June, together with reports from the Oxford Diocesan Synod and the Diocesan Pastoral committee. These were circulated (copies in file) The main message seemed to be the advantage of working together, amalgamating funds where appropriate and organising one contract to cover several churches to save money, for example in servicing fire extinguishers.

14/07   Standing committee report

a)      A list of members who are to lead Parish prayers each month was circulated.

b)      The Baptism rota for 2007/2008 was circulated with notes about carrying out the duty.

c)      John Vickers, choir secretary, had written to PCC secretary about chairs in the vestry. Several chairs are now in the vestry and it was suggested that once choir members are robed they could sit quietly in the Lady Chapel until the service is about to commence. Secretary will write to John.                                                             Action: Secretary

d)      Jo Thomson has written to the Deanery Treasurer about the Parish share.

15/07   Any other business

            a) The following was received this week.

            Pastoral Measure 1983: Scheme 18i

            Proposals for the transfer of the benefice and parish of Linslade from the Diocese of Oxford to the diocese of St Albans.

This is the first stage in the formal consultation procedure with the interested parties under the Pastoral Measure. Copies of the draft proposals were circulated and members were given time to read it before comments and questions were taken.

PCC were very positive in their reactions to the proposals but there were a few queries.

8.2    What happens after the term of seven years?

10.2 d – The parsonage house of the benefice of Linslade is in Waterloo Road, Linslade, not Vicarage Road.

Does the scheme allow for a reduction in the number of vicars in the future?

What will be the status of our Associate priest?

Will our Lay Readers be transferred to St Alban’s?

The hall and car park are presently the property of the churchwardens and the incumbent. We assume that this position will remain as currently following the transfer. The vicarage garden is similarly the property of the incumbent and the churchwardens and is let to the Diocese of Oxford for a peppercorn rent. Again we assume that this situation will continue.

The Parish of Linslade has two churches: St Barnabas, Linslade and St Mary’s, Old Linslade.

The secretary will record these views and send to the Diocese of St Albans.

b) Marlene spoke about the vandalism at the empty vicarage and asked if there were any plans to let the property. This will be considered but the minimum let is usually 6 months so we need to ensure it will be ready for a new incumbent.

.

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.15 pm.