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

22nd JANUARY 2008, AT 8.00PM IN THE CHOIR VESTRY

 

 

 

Present:                        John Deighton                Jo Thomson

                                    Maureen Gadsby          Carolyn Birch

                                    Nick Moore                             Wyn Jones

                                    Miranda Soper                         Janet Miller                                                                  Simon Soper                           Marlene Richardson    

                                    Bruce Benedickter                    Vicki Faiers

Russell Stannard                        Dave Darvill

Pat Faulkner                              David Throssell

 

Apologies:                                          

Carol Oakman                          Ian Woodward

 

 

 

Nick chaired the meeting. The minutes of the meeting of 27th November 2007 were approved. Proposed by Maureen, seconded by Russell. All agreed.

                                                                                   

Matters arising:

 

 

21/07   The windows are now installed although there is some cosmetic work to be done on the inside. The west aspect is magnificent and the view from inside the hall is unbelievable. Everyone is pleased with the results in spite of the long wait!

            Jo is still waiting for confirmation of the quotes for the heating but thinks the work should be able to begin at the end of January. It should take about two weeks.

            Some concerns were expressed about the glass doors into the Link, as some people don’t see them! Jo will consult with the architect as to a remedy.

 

28/07   An extra-ordinary Parish meeting was held in the Church on 2nd December 2007, to appoint a churchwarden to serve from then until the next APCM in April 2008. Dave Darvill, proposed by Vernon Smith and seconded by Tony Birch, was the only nomination and was duly appointed. Thanks were expressed to Dave for offering his help.

 

31/07   Treasurer’s report – Jo did not pay any further amounts for the parish share for 2007. The unrestricted funds now stand at about £10,500. The hall fund has just over £28,000 that will cover the balance for the windows and the heating.

            Asked about the amount raised by the Christmas giving appeal, Jo said that it was about £600.

            John asked about the sponsorship of the Lady Chapel chairs. JO has now found a supplier who will do minimum orders. She has spoken to the sponsors about their required wordings and this should be actioned soon.

 

36/07   Bucks Clergy Charity – The contribution was sent and an acknowledgement received.

 

39/07   a) Parish website – Mike Finney has agreed to act as the web master for us. Paul Stewart has given him the relevant information for him to proceed.

                                               

 

New items for this meeting:

 

 

40/07   Approval of Statutory fees

 

            The proposed fees for funerals and weddings were distributed before Christmas, ready for working with the Team ministry. It was noted that there would be some variable amounts depending on circumstances.

            John proposed and Janet seconded that the fees be accepted. All agreed.      

 

41/07   Dates for fundraising

 

            Jo read out the events booked so far:

                     1st March:         Linsdale Singers

                     18th April:         Antique valuation

                     26th April:         Wine Tasting

                     ?    May:           Bric-a-brac sale

                     7th June:            Linsdale Singers

                     14th June:          Summer Fair

                     13th July:           Open gardens

                     5/7 December:  Christmas Tree Festival

            The date for the Christmas fair is still to be decided.

 

            John asked to record that St Mary’s Strawberry teas, with entertainment, will take place on Sunday 8th and 15th June.

                                                                                            

42/07   Transfer to St Albans

 

            We have notification of the approval of the scheme to transfer the benefice of Linslade in to the diocese of St Albans and to be part of the Ouzel Valley Team Ministry. Copies of the signed scheme were distributed to members. The transfer should take place on 1st February 2008. There are some issues to be sorted out but there was general delight among the PCC members. We can now move forward with faculty applications that have had to wait while we were “between” diocese.

 

                                

43/07   Standing Committee report

 

a)      Hall cleaning – Jo, Dave and Wyn are to meet with Mark next week to discuss the cleaning arrangements.

b)      Nick gave a detailed analysis of the work involved in replacing the gas pipes with the correct diameter and the costs incurred. It is difficult to apportion blame because of the complex sequence of events so no request for reimbursements will be made. An electrician is investigating why the boiler is tripping at irregular intervals.

c)      Security – There had been an attempt to take lead from the roof over the north porch. Dave was told of a leak and when he and John investigated it, they found the lead was rolled up ready to remove. They managed to replace it and solved the leak in the porch! Thanks were recorded to Dave and John for turning out on Boxing Day to do this job. Dave is currently looking at remedial measures to discourage people from climbing on the roof. A budget of £100 should cover his idea and this was agreed.

 

 

44/07   Any other business

 

a)      John Vickers is appealing again for articles for the Parish magazine. He would like regular short contributions so that he does not have to worry each month about the lack of copy.

b)      Organ at St Mary’s – The present organ is not functioning adequately when there are concerts and services held at St Mary’s. Dave proposed that we purchase a built to order portable electronic keyboard that can be used at St Mary’s and other venues as necessary. He asked for authority to place an order for this at an approximate cost of £1300. John seconded the proposal and all agreed.

 

 

 

The meeting concluded with The Grace at 9.00 pm.