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

28th FEBRUARY 2006, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

 

Present:

                                    Keith Saunders Alison Cudby

                                    Russell Stannard           Wyn Jones

                                    Miranda Soper             Marian Dye               

                                    Jo Thomson                  Catherine Dyer         

                                    John Deighton               Simon Soper

                                    Nick Moore                 Carolyn Birch  

                                    Carol Oakman              Janet Miller

                                    Vicki Faiers                  Valerie Stewart

                                    Frances Morrow          Maureen Gadsby

           

Apologies:                   

Mike Finney                

                                   

 

Nick chaired the meeting

 

The minutes of the meeting of 24th January were approved. Proposed by John and seconded by Jo. All agreed.

 

 

Matters arising:

 

34/05   Faithworks conference – tapes of presentations. Catherine explained that this has been discussed at Standing Committee. It was suggested that one or two of the tapes would be purchased and see if they could be a valuable resource. Andrew Gear has agreed to lead an away day on a topic, either marks of a healthy church or the angel of the church exercise. This will be on Sunday 21st May and Andrew will work with a small group prior to this to arrange the format of the day.

 

43/05   Deanery plan. There had been a meeting of the Deanery Synod on Monday evening when the plan was discussed. There were two opposing views – one was to form 2 team ministries, one in the north and one in the south of the diocese, the other was for a loose association of beneficies, again in the north and the south. No consensus of opinion was established. The question was raised about having to accept the reduction of a stipendary priest. A fuller report of the meeting will be available later.

 

45/05   Repair to stonework at St. Mary’s – Although the faculty has been received and the agreement that the Biley fund should pay for the work, there has not yet been a figure stated for the cost of the work. Keith will check the costs, as PCC members should agree this.

 

New items for this meeting:

 

49/05   Report from Worship Committee

 

            The minutes of the meeting held on 19th January had been distributed to all members (copy in file). Maureen proposed and Carol seconded that we should accept the report. All agreed.  

           

50/05   Report from Communion before Confirmation group

 

            The group has met several times. There has been a meeting for parents and children where a video was shown, followed by discussion. The children showed great interest and are keen to proceed with the idea. A fuller report will be circulated. It was hoped to show the video to PCC members but technology failed!     

           

51/05   Hall update

 

            Keith reported that the contract with Grantscape has been signed, which gives us access to £52,000, and the payment schedule has been agreed. We have to pay the builders and reclaim from Grantscape. The contract with the builders is being signed on March 1st. Keith stressed that no one should go beyond the barriers, as we are not covered by insurance if we do and the PCC will be liable if there were an incident. A message will be put into Cross and Crown to this effect. Keith will ensure the necessary notices are in place.

            A hall meeting was held last week to plan Stage 2. It will cost about £330,000 for the complete rebuilding of the hall and cottage so it will probably be done in 2 phases. They will start with the cottage, kitchen and bar area (stage 2A) and move onto the roof etc (stage 2B). Stage 2A will cost about £120,000 plus VAT. The Biffaward application is for £45,000 towards the kitchen, so with an estimated surplus of £50,000 from stage 1, it is feasible for this stage to start in October. Quotes are needed for the kitchen furnishings before the Biffaward can be completed. Other grant applications are in the pipeline. John asked about facilities for the office etc when stage 2 starts and Keith replied that there are many things to be considered.

            The PCC formally approved the strategy as explained by Keith.

 

 

52/05   To approve the plans for the refurbishment of the toilet/kitchen area   

 

Jo explained the quote of just under £8,000 for refurbishing this area of the church. There are regulations regarding toilets and refreshment areas that have to be met. The work would involve removing the large wardrobe to create a kitchen area. The money would come from the Biley St Barnabas fund.

Proposed by Jo, seconded by Carol, one objection. Rest in favour.

There are also a number of redundant items that need to be removed from the St Barnabas Terrier. Namely 4 tall wooden candleholders, a Sanctuary carpet, a large wooden wardrobe, 1 small and 2 medium sized prayer desks and 1 large Priests chair. Also 1 large Prayer desk at St Mary’s that appears on St Mary’s Terrier. These items are no longer used and the space is needed for other things.

Keith proposed and Maureen seconded the proposal to dispose of these items. All agreed.

 

53/05   Report of Town council’s meeting on Homelessness

 

            Wyn, accompanied by Heather and Dave, had gone to a meeting called by the Town Council about homelessness. There were about 30 people representing various groups in the community. At present there is nowhere for homeless people in Leighton Buzzard but the authorities do not consider it to be a serious problem in this area. There is to be a further meeting in March for suggestions from churches and the Town council about the possible need in the town.

           

 

54/05   To approve charges for use of the church

 

            Different rates of charges are being considered for the use of the church for rehearsals and similar purposes. There was discussion about who is associated with the church and the message it gives to users if these are too high. This matter was deferred to gather more information about rates used in other establishments. It was noted that Jo needs to know who is using the church in order to be able to invoice them.

 

55/05    Standing Committee report

 

a)      The faculty has been received from Oxford to replace the sound system. The new system should be in place before Easter.

b)      The faculty to remove the redundant gas pipes has also been received and the work is in process.

c)      Dave has modified the Votive candle stand. This will now take tea lights, which are more satisfactory and safer. The radiator near the Votive candle could be boxed in to make the area more attractive.

d)      The application about the kerbstones at St Mary’s has still not been approved.

 

56/05    Report on Servant Leadership course

 

            Catherine spoke about the course and referred to an article she had written in the Parish magazine about collaborative leadership, and especially leadership teams. A focus group has been formed consisting of Wyn, Keith, Elaine, and David Throstle who will support Catherine’s learning and provide feedback. Catherine emphasised that a team is not the same as a group – each member of a team is an essential part of it for mutual trust and support. She wants to build a sense of fellowship in the parish and the various tasks to be undertaken will be discussed with the focus group.    

 

 

57/05   Any other business

 

a)      Summer Fair. – Nick has been looking into the licence situation to see what is most appropriate for us. It is not straightforward. There is a premises licence that covers all entertainments but takes longer to acquire, although there probably would not be a charge. There is also a TEN – temporary event notice – which costs £26 and is valid for 96 hours. You cannot have cash prizes with a TEN licence but you can with a premises one. It would seem sensible to apply for a premises licence and apply for a TEN if it does not come through in time. This will mean that we could not risk cash prizes. Nick has been appointed the premises supervisor for the applications. The fair committee consists of Marian, Carol, Miranda, Nick and Sandra.

b)      Catherine distributed a Newsletter for Churches Together in Bedfordshire and a Church Action Guide for Fairtrade Fortnight. There is an item about Fair trade on the money programme on 10th March.

 

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.30 pm.

 

This was followed by a pleasant half hour with members sharing drinks provided by Catherine as it was Shrove Tuesday.