Minutes of the Meeting of Friends of St Botolph’s (FOSB)

The Malt House, Stonely

18thMarch 2015, 7.30pm

Present: Dr John Rawlinson (JY), MrsHelenTinkler (HT), Mr Jon Young (JY), Mrs Liz Smith (LS), Scott Allen (SA), Mrs Christine Hayes (CH) and James Hayes (JH).

Apologies: Mr Ray Hazeldene (RH).

Reporting:

CH spoke to Andy about 1940’s Weekend; he says it is now too late to book the re-enactors. CH suggested either a scaled-down version of the event or delaying it for next year.

CH also reported back on ferrying people from other villages to the Stow beer-fest using Andy’s vehicle; he declined. She also reported that the Stow beer-fest would not clash with Tilfest.

St George’s Day:

JR suggested having the church set-up in a similar way to Games Night (moving the pews around). It will be a meal with entertainment; he also outlined what will go on in the event, including recitations, monologues and songs. JR highlighted the fun nature of the entertainment. All agreed to the general shape of the event.

Food was also considered; options included: beef casserole, stew and dumplings and baked potatoes. HT emphasised that the food should be simple; JR agreed. Desserts were also considered. It was agreed that people ought to bring their own drinks. CH suggested asking Kelly again for cutlery and other provisions (including goblet wine glasses). JR suggested getting glasses from Waitrose. It was pointed out, however, that Kelly could not supply tablecloths and napkins. Table decorations were also considered.

A time of 7.00pm was agreed upon by all.

The question of heaters was also raised; all thought it was better to be safe than sorry.

CH said she would supply napkins; a red and white colour scheme was agreed upon by all.

JR asked the committee whether they knew who from Stow would be interested in entertaining; certain people were put forward as possibilities. A St. George’s Quick Quiz was also considered as a possible entertainment. A programme of events will be compiled later by JR.

JR asked the committee whether they thought that £12.50 was a good ticket price. All thought that it was would cover the cost of food.

JR raised the question of promotion and advertisement. CH said she would create and print off the flyers and tickets. HT suggested putting a flyer in the Post Office or Buttercups in Kimbolton; all agreed (locations in Spaldwick were also considered). CH mentioned that we were unfortunately too late for Parish Magazine deadline.

JR asked about what was to be done with the remainder of the money for the event. The possibility of putting it into an account was discussed.

All agreed that there should be a raffle; CH suggested asking people to donate prizes, to which all agreed.

Beer-fest:

All agreed that this needed further consideration.

Churchyard Tidy-up:

The committee discussed when this event was being held.

JR wondered whether it was possible to combine a tidy-up event with something in the afternoon. If so, this would be on the 20thJune. JR asked what happened in the previous tidy-up event and was informed that;people brought along garden equipment and tided around the base of the church and the grave areas. Martin Whitlock supplied a trailer to remove all the debris.Pork rolls, coleslaw and then cake were supplied together with cider and soft drinks. It was noted that Barry now keeps the churchyard in a tidy state but some work still could be done. The need to tie it to ‘St Botolph’s Tide’ was emphasised by the committee.

CH said she was happy to provide pork rolls and other provisions as before. The weather factor was also considered.

Plant & Cake Sale:

HT asked where it could take place; CH said it previously took place on the green. For Strawberries and Cream, CH suggested using the church. SA pointed out that if there was nothing on the green, then people might think that it was not on.

JR suggested that we should perhaps leave future events in the year to be considered at a later date.

A discussion was had regarding the very purpose of these events; it was emphasised that they were not primarily fundraisers. The events help to draw the village’s attention to the current state of affairs at the church.

A question about pew moving was also raised, which also involved a discussion about current congregation numbers/church capacity.

CH suggested asking Martin about possibly using his port-a-loo: CH to report back. Revd. Stephen Bowring’s campervan was also suggested as a possible toilet facility for events.

JR suggested asking Andy to fly the St. George’s flag on St. George’s Day: CH to report back.

Constitution:

JY reported that no progress has been made so far with regards to constitution. JY and RH to report back in the future.The committee agreed that there are encouraging signs so far for the group.

Other events:

The committee’s attention was briefly brought back to the idea of the pop-up restaurant. This included the possibility of providing a donation bucket at the event.

CH suggested a Christmas dinner/lunch for the elderly villagers at the church. The group thought that this was a nice idea, whilst acknowledging certain difficulties.

JR asked whether there were any other events for later on in the year. Jane Croft’s Macmillan Walk was raised. JR suggested asking the Crofts to put on a mosaic exhibition at the church (as well as mosaic artists), including a possible mosaic workshop: JR to report back.

JR asked CH to create a flyer for all three upcoming events: CH agreed to do this.

Other matters:

All agreed that CH can put the current profits into the Stow Longa Social Committee account. It was also agreed to shelf the beer-fest and the 1940’s Weekend for the time being.

DONM:

27th May, Wednesday 7.30pm at St Botolph’s Church.

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Signed