Minutes of a meeting of the parochial church council, St. Barnabas’ church, Linslade, held in the choir vestry at 8.00 p.m. on TUESDAY 17^TH FEBRUARY 2001

Present:	Mrs. V. Stewart	Mr. N. Peerman
	Prof. R. Stannard	Mr. D. Darvill
	Mr. K. Saunders	Mrs. J. Miller
	Mr. C. Griffin	Mr. N. Moore

Apologies:	Mrs. A. Forest	Mr. G. Gill
	Mrs. W. Jones	Mr. S. Soper

The meeting opened with prayers

Minutes of the meeting of 24^th January

Matters arising from the minutes:

36/00	Organ. A report on the condition of the organ and necessary repairs is to be produced by Mr. Barry Williams (Diocesan Organ Adviser) after his visit of 24^th March.
38/00	Parish Hall. Replacement windows had been fitted and a new fan heater had been provided for the kitchen. New teaspoons had been installed. Mr. Peerman asked that action be taken about the water pressure in the kitchen.
46/00	St. Mary’s Church and Churchyard. The floors had been sanded and sealed in the church. One of the damaged trees had been felled and the other three trees inspected. One of these was in poor condition and the tree surgeon had recommended felling it. Mr. Saunders proposed and Mrs. Miller seconded a motion to take this action. It was agreed that the Churchwardens should talk to the tree surgeons about replacing the felled trees although it was noted that the churchyard was very full and there was little room for new trees.
47/00	Wiring and Lighting. A quote for approximately £4000 +VAT had been received for the rewiring. However, this quote did not seem to match the specification used by the provider of the original quotation. Further clarification was still needed in respect of the wattage of the bulbs in the new fitments and the provision of dimmer switches.

New items:

54/00	Finance Mr. Griffin explained that the accounts were prepared on an accruals basis. He explained that some items have been categorised slightly differently than in previous years. It appeared from the accounts that a loss of approx. £1000 had been incurred overall, but a large proportion of the totals in the accounts was in the restricted funds. The running loss on the year was explained by repairs done to the Parish Hall and repairs to St. Mary’s tower of over £10000. There were positive signs, particularly the £5000 rise in covenanted giving. Mr. Saunders proposed and Mrs. Stewart seconded a motion that the accounts for the year be approved. Motion passed nem. con.
55/00	PCC Annual Report Mr. Saunders briefly summarised the report to be presented to the APCM. He particularly felt that the PCC ought to include in this document its formal thanks to the Churchwardens for all their work during the Interregnum. The fact that the Hall Committee had been disbanded was formally noted. Mrs. Stewart proposed and Mrs. Miller seconded a motion to accept the report. Motion passed nem. con.
56/00	Churchwardens’ Report Mr. Darvill read out the report to be presented to the APCM, mentioning in particular the Churchwardens’ thanks to Mrs. Jones for all her hard work, care and support for the Parish during the Interregnum. Mr. Saunders proposed and Mrs. Stewart seconded a motion to accept the report. Motion passed nem. con.
57/00	PCC membership It was noted that there was space on the Council for 9 members to be elected at the APCM: 5 members for 3 years and 4 members for 2 years. With Mrs. Jones’ licensing, there would be two vacancies on the Deanery Synod.
58/00	Summer Fayre Mr. Darvill reported that all was going according to plan except for the lack of the children’s train which was booked elsewhere. Mr. Darvill was investigating getting an outside caterer but had so far been unsuccessful. A stallholders’ meeting was planned for April 22^nd. Mr. Darvill proposed and Mrs. Stewart seconded a motion that Mr. Nick Moore be appointed as the promoter of the Grand Draw. Motion passed nem. con.
59/00	Gift Day it was agreed to postpone this until after the arrival of Rev. Dyer.
60/00	Bishop’s Visitation The visitation was scheduled for May 25^th at 8 p.m. Mrs. Stewart volunteered to lead the refreshments team.
61/00	Licensing of Rev. Catherine Dyer This was scheduled for 29^th June at 7.30 p.m. (to be confirmed). Invitations would need to be prepared; the All Saints’ Choir would be coming to support us. It was agreed to post a list of food required for the party for all members of the congregation to volunteer a contribution.
62/00	Deanery Synod report The Deanery Synod had heard a report from the diocesan Synod and another one on a meeting of the Deanery Treasurers. Matthew Kruczek, who was leaving, the Deanery Evangelising Enabler had given a presentation on how his work could be continued after his departure.
63/00	Churches Together Details of the Lent groups were available and would be posted in the Cross and Crown.
64/00	A.o.B. The central heating pump was broken but it should be mended in the next two days. Mr. Saunders proposed and Mr. Moore seconded a motion to spend approximately £500 on this work. A grant was to be sought from the town council to help pay for new louvers in the tower. A letter of thanks from Canon Ron Wilson was received A letter on a variety of subjects (including data protection for all church officers, enabling ethnic minority church members to be more fully involved in the church) had been received from the Diocese

The meeting closed with prayers at 9.55 p.m.