MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL, ST. BARNABAS CHURCH, LINSLADE, HELD ON TUESDAY,
27th MARCH 2007, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY
Present: Marian Dye John Deighton
Keith Saunders Carolyn Birch
Nick Moore Russell Stannard
Miranda Soper Frances Morrow
Wyn Jones Maureen Gadsby
Carol Oakman Jo Thomson
Marlene Richardson Vicki Faiers
David Throssell
Apologies:
Janet Miller Simon Soper
Valerie Stewart
Keith chaired the meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 27th February 2007 were approved. Proposed by Fran, seconded by Jo. All agreed.
As Derek May was present to discuss youth work, this item was taken first.
72/06 Youth Leaders report
Derek explained that there had been a small group meeting to discuss the future of “Barnacles”. There used to be 20/25 young people, who regularly attended Sunday Barnacles, but the numbers have gradually declined and now there are only 6 all of whom come from families who attend church. The issue is how to increase the numbers involved and how to make contact with those who are not church families. The Friday Barnacles have about 30 young people who come voluntarily. This is the club that needs more volunteers to make it viable and to cover the health and safety requirements. Two important issues are trained first-aiders and CRB clearance for helpers. The club was due to reopen after Easter and these issues need attention.
Derek asked the PCC for support and advice. How will the work with young people continue? Where should the focus be? The leaders have looked at other ways of working, especially “Not Sunday, not School” that could lead to some input from club members in Sunday worship. The PCC must “own” the scheme and take some responsibility for developing it. There should be a focus on the Friday night club, with regular links with Sunday services. It was suggested that there be a list of PCC members who help at the Friday club.
Keith thanked Derek for giving his time to explain the issues to the PCC. There was a feeling of support from the members present and Standing Committee will consider the points made. In the meantime, it was agreed that the Friday club should re-start as soon as possible with its current leadership and that new leaders should start as soon as their CRB clearances had been processed.
Action: Standing Committee
Derek then left the meeting.
Matters arising:
62/06 Co-ordination of events during the vacancy – Wyn said it would be helpful if groups could call meetings on a regular evening. This would help all who have to attend different meetings and it would help Miranda in the office.
63/06 Organists contract – This has been agreed and signed.
65/06 Hall project – Stage 2b has now started and is expected to take 11 weeks to complete. The roof tiles will all need replacing but the old ones can be sold. There was a recent photo session when SBDC presented the official plaque, which is hanging in the hall at the moment. The suggestion is for it to be set in the stonework in the link. Keith is now working on a further lottery application.
68/06 b) Bibles – Jo has decided to purchase the copies from the shop in Great Missenden where they have been extra helpful in obtaining copies for her to chose from.
69/06 b) Flower arrangement from Linslade Parish – It was agreed to provide 50% of the total costs.
Proposed by Keith, seconded by Marlene. All agreed.
c) Stonework at St Mary’s – The architect is to return to redo the quinquennial inspection. There is no more news about the stonework.
New items for this meeting:
70/06 Revised conditions of hire for hall and church
Keith reported that there is a revised document (dated February 2007) that should now be used.
71/06 Dates for 2007
The date for the summer fair was confirmed as 9th June. Carol has contacted the local council to hire the recreation ground. There is a suggestion that the event may be a “car boot sale” but the logistics of this have still to be investigated.
“Back to Church Sunday”, that takes place in September, was discussed. The timeline (copy in file) had been distributed to members to see what was involved. It was felt to be worthwhile and Keith would initiate our participation.
Action: Keith
73/06 To approve the annual accounts
Jo presented the accounts that had been independently examined by Katrina Boyce. Jo commented that it was not the best picture that we’ve seen and we would have to tackle the issue of our low reserves, especially as the size of the congregation is going down. A suggestion was made to put standing order forms with the parish magazine and also to have giving envelopes in the pews.
Keith proposed and Carol seconded the proposal that the accounts be accepted. All agreed.
Thanks were extended to Jo, Katrina and all those who handle money for the Parish.
74/06 To approve the PCC report
Keith explained that the report was written by the secretary on behalf of the PCC and was a record of meetings through the year.
Nick proposed and Maureen seconded the proposal that the report be accepted.
Thanks were extended to Carolyn for the work involved.
75/06 Parish Profile
Wyn, Keith and Nick are meeting with Andrew Gear next Monday to start the process of getting a new priest. As part of the process of compiling the Parish Profile, Keith distributed a paper entitled “Finding a new Priest for St Barnabas” (copy on file). The papers would be distributed on Sunday at 8.00 and at 10.00 for the congregation to put their views. The questions to be put to the congregation are: What qualities do you want to see in our new priest? What are the best things about living in Leighton-Linslade? What are the best things about our church? What are the main challenges facing the parish? Selected quotations with photos of parishioners will appear in the “Parish Profile”. All agreed that it was a good idea
Action: Keith
76/06 Fair-trade Stall
Jo reminded PCC that they had endorsed £100 of goods for the fair trade stall but the non-edible stock had far exceeded this amount for various reasons. She has reserved a stall, under the name of Parish of Linslade, at the town’s May Fair to sell some of this stock. She would welcome some help on the day.
The stall is now open in the hall on the first and third Sundays of the month. The new cupboard has facilitated this regular use.
77/06 Pew at back of church
The referendum, about the removal of the pew, was fairly conclusive. The majority want it removed. It will be put back until the faculty is received.
Nick proposed that we apply for a faculty for the pew to be removed permanently. Keith seconded this and all agreed.
78/06 Mobile phone antennae
A letter (copy on file) had been distributed by QS4 (the company acting as intermediaries between the church and the mobile phone companies) which the company proposed to send to all those living within a 100 metre radius about the proposed telecommunications equipment at St Barnabas Church. Keith has spoken to the bell-ringers about any health and safety issues and the acoustic properties in the bell tower. He also has other information, particularly relating to Health and Safety in the bell chamber, and to the acoustic properties of bell chambers in which mobile phone equipment is stored. This information is freely available to anybody who wishes to read it. The PCC were happy for the consultation to go ahead as proposed by QS4 with some minor amendments to the letter.
79/06 Any other business
a) Wyn reported that a new member of the congregation is a “reader” who will write to the Bishop requesting permission to officiate at St Barnabas.
b) John Vickers, editor of the Parish magazine, is appealing, again, for articles for the magazine. PCC had said they would provide regular articles but this has not happened. John also asked that articles be submitted before the deadline.
Action: Everyone
The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.25 pm.