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

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

 

 

 

Present:                       

                                    Russell Stannard           Wyn Jones

                                    Marian Dye                Frances Morrow

                                    Jo Thomson                  Catherine Dyer         

                                    John Deighton               Maureen Gadsby

                                    Nick Moore                 Carolyn Birch  

                                    Vicki Faiers                 

                                   

Apologies:                   

Mike Finney                  Keith Saunders

                                    Alison Cudby               Miranda Soper

Carol Oakman              Janet Miller

Valerie Stewart              Simon Soper

 

Catherine chaired the meeting

 

The minutes of the meeting of 28th February were approved. Proposed by Marian and seconded by Fran. All agreed.

 

 

Matters arising:

 

34/05   Faithworks conference – Andrew is coming on Thursday 30th March to plan the format of Sunday 21st May.

 

50/05   Communion before Confirmation – Two reports were distributed (copies in file). Vicki outlined the progress so far and explained how they had used the “We welcome you” document to aid their discussions. They now need to define a policy. It was recommended that PCC endorse the work that the group has done so far and support them as they work towards writing a draft policy.

            Proposed by Vicki, seconded by John. All agreed.

 

51/05   Hall update – The work on the link is progressing well and the window has been removed. The architects have certificated the first stage of the building. An offer of a grant for £50,000 has been received but to be used for the roof only and it must be used within 1 year. There is still some £120,000 needed for phase 2a, so more funds will be needed if we are not to lose this grant. The PCC records their thanks and gratitude to Keith for all his magnificent efforts with this project.

 

53/05   Homelessness – Wyn reported about the meeting when the local churches met together to discuss progress in this matter. A representative from Dacorum attended the meeting to explain how their scheme was run. They started small, going round each church hall, giving supper, a bed overnight and breakfast. The next meeting about this is at the Town Council offices when the Churches group will propose that our Town council adopt a scheme similar to the one used in Dacorum. There are many things to be considered and the issues will be taken to Outreach for them to make a recommendation to the PCC, if it is appropriate.

 

New items for this meeting:

 

58/05   To agree expenditure of up to £20,000 to repair stonework at St. Mary’s including replacement of capping stones around the porch, and a contingency of £2,500, to be paid from the Biley St. Mary’s fund.

 

            This had been agreed in principle at an earlier meeting but no funding had been discussed. A breakdown of the costs was shared with the PCC.(copy on file) It was proposed by Nick and seconded by Russell that we agree this expenditure. All agreed.

 

            A quotation of £3,800 was received for the work to the kerbstones at St Mary’s. The faculty has already been received. The quotation was for lifting all grave edgings and disposing of in skip; levelling and resetting of headstones(where required); levelling of ground(graves surrounds) and lawns. The work is to be carried out in May. The money would come from the main churchyard account. John proposed that we accept the quotation, seconded by Jo, all in agreement.

                    

           

59/05   To accept a donation for the Hall fund

 

            The secretary had received a letter from the Lodge Almoner of the Lodge of St Barnabas, offering a token donation of £100 in support of the Church Hall Development project. It required the formal acceptance of the offer by the PCC.  Maureen proposed and Wyn seconded that we accept the offer. All agreed.

           

           

60/05   To agree a response to the new Deanery plan

 

            Catherine explained some of the implications of the plans. Keith had composed a letter in response to the proposals and copies were circulated. Everyone agreed that it was a very good letter and summed up what had previously been discussed. It was agreed that Keith should sign the letter but that it should state that it is on behalf of the PCC with their approval. Proposed by Jo and seconded by John. Agreed by all.

 

61/05   Standing Committee report

 

a)      The charges for the use of the church are agreed at £50 per session (£150 per day for 3 sessions) John asked how much revenue would be raised by these charges but it is too early to know.

b)      The buildings committee will look at the cupboards in the choir vestry and make recommendations for their replacement.

c)      The gas pipes have been removed.

d)      The new sound system is to be installed on 5-7 April, in time for the Easter services

                    

 

62/05   Any other business

 

            Stewardship – A lot of slips have been returned in response to the Time and Talents chart. Most of these are amendments to the list and to date there have been no more volunteers for any of the areas needed. Only 4 people increased their giving after the article in the Parish magazine and overall the income remains the same.

 

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.15 pm.