TETBURY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
MINUTES OF MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 18 MARCH 2010
AT 7.30PM IN ST MARY’S C OF E SCHOOL
The Meeting began with prayer
Present: Rev John Wright (Chair), Jane Jones (Minutes), Sue Thomas, Ian Thomas, John Sharp, Peter Hodgson, Richard Glanville, Janet Edwards, Alan Bailey, Diana Challis, Keith Essam.
1. Apologies: Graham Kean, Nikki Ind
Absent: Kevin Painter
2. Minutes of the meeting of 14 January 2010 – were approved and signed
by Rev J Wright
3. Matters arising:
Extension to St Saviours: Rev John Wright has met with Dr Tony Walsh, Stephen Hirst (Mayor) and Kevin Painter – the difficulty is that the council have two roles, one as Trustee of the Recreation Ground Playing Field and the other as Custodian of the land in question and so cannot buy the land for themselves for a on-recreation purpose. The only way around this seems to be that should an application for housing be submitted and land be made available by the developers for recreation purposes then the land wanted for burial ground could then be released. There are some possible applications and Mr Hirst will lead with this.
Garden of Remembrance: A detailed drawing of the proposed garden of remembrance has been produced and a faculty now needs to be completed. A resolution to move the cross and fix in new position, plant box hedging with gate at a maximum spend of £1500-2000 needs to be passed. Proposed – Sue Thomas seconded – Mike Van-Sloots, all in favour with no abstentions – resolution passed.
Gallery balcony: Peter Hodgson has looked at the balcony and carried out a risk assessment, there is significant risk but is acceptable. Rev John Wright is meeting with a representative from the insurance Company over the coming week for a review.
Cross for Primary School: Nothing further to report
Church Windows: Nothing to report – Alan Bailey to do faculty
Use of Church by St Michael’s No firm details received to date.
Benefice Merger: Details sent to Patrons for their comments. Diocese expects it to be through by the summer holidays if all agree.
War memorial: Town Council have agreed to match the PCC contribution of up to £100. Information now received on the two names and now ready to proceed.
4. Correspondence: None from PCC Secretary
Rev Wright received letter from Gideons, who are having a “Bible Blitz” in September, asking if the PCC would like them to visit and talk as they had done previously (about five years ago). It was agreed that the September monthly collection would be for Gideons and an invitation for them to do a talk at the 9.30am service on that day sent.
5. Treasurers Report: Having already been circulated taken an read. The draft accounts were produced at the meeting. The draft accounts were not approved as there were some amendments to be made. It was agreed by the PCC that all members would study the draft accounts and send any comments to the PCC secretary. After any amendments are made the standing committee to approve.
6. Education and Children’s work discussion: Rev Wright attended a Deanery Synod meeting with Liz Harrison. The speaker was from PSALMS (Painswick and Stroud Area Local Ministries) who carry out youth work in this area including in Nailsworth. Rev Wright is meeting with representatives PSALMS on 24 March 2010 at Minchinhampton re putting in a bid for some time from a Youth Worker in Tetbury. The Eileen Davis fund is still available for education.
Alan Bailey had received a letter from Andrew Braddock, Diocesan Missioner, about a Youth Evangelism Fund, whereby children and young people can apply for grants, but they must be for personal expenditure not for groups. A Youth Worker from PSALMS might be able to help find suitabld recipients. Letter given to Peter Hodgson to investigate.
There was a discussion about children in church. Although there are some children bell ringing there are no longer very many children attending worship. The number of acolytes has dwindled now to only 4 and children in Little Fishes is around 3 (except when two are acolytes). It was also recognised that education covered adults as well as children.
At the end of the discussion it was decided that an Education Committee needed to be re-established and Peter Hodgson volunteered to lead. Other members of the PCC volunteered to be on the committee, Jane Jones, Alison Hesketh and Janet Edwards. Otehrs not on the PCC might also be approached.
7. APCM
Approval of Annual Report: An amended version is to be circulated and comments to PCC Secretary. As final report not available to approve, this will also be approved by the standing committee after any amendments made. PCC agreed.
Electoral Roll changes: Applications were not available for approval by the PCC. The standing committee will approve when available. PCC agreed.
8. Vicar’s Items
School Governor Appointment: Jane Jones wishes to resign as Foundation Governor. Christopher Hallpike has agreed to be elected as a replacement. PCC all agreed to this appointment.
Tetbury in Bloom: Last year the PCC donated £200 to the Tetbury in Bloom. As the committee did such a fantastic job last year Rev Wright requested that we again donate – PCC all agreed to a donation of £250.
Monthly Charities
April Day Centre Alison Hesketh
May Christian Aid Alison Hesketh
June Tetbury Shop Mobility Scheme Rev John Wright
July Mission to Seafarers Janet Edwards
Aug Headway – Gloucester Diana Challis
Sept Gideons Alan Bailey
Oct Mercy Ships Sue Thomas
Nov British Legion RBL
Dec Children’s Society
Confirmation: Rev Wright would like to put bid for Confirmation early March of 2011. 6th March, just before Lent, was agreed as the best date.
St Georges Day Gala: A St Georges Day Gala is being held with the proceeds being shared jointly between St Mary’s Church and Tetbury Hospital. The PCC agreed to waive the church fees for holding this concert.
9. Reports from Committees:
Stewardship – report already circulated – nothing further to add
Pastoral Committee – report already circulated – welcome tea party – postponed. Emmaus Groups to be held in May based at Christ Church.
Social Committee – have met this week and are continually planning events, Passover Supper being the next with Woolsack stall. Frances Collinson is holding a coffee morning on 19th April 10-12 in memory of Peter Zweck who was a hard working member of the Social Committee.
No other reports received.
10. Churchwarden’s items: Alan Bailey received notification from Bishop John Went that a Fresh Expressions Vision Day is being held at St Andrew’s Churchdown on 22nd May 2010 – Anglican and Methodist. £10 for the day which includes lunch, the PCC agreed that the church will cover the cost should anyone be interested.
11. Any Other Business:
Little Fishers cupboard. Rev Wright has already agreed that the coach house can be used for storage. Peter Hodgson and John Sharp to co-ordinator removal of items for storage. The entrance from the tower will be opened for storage/filing cabinet to be placed for Sue Thomas. The door from the ambulatory will be used for Fishes.
NEXT MEETING APCM THURSDAY 22ND APRIL 210 FOLLOWED BY SHORT PCC MEETING 7.30 MUSIC ROOM – ST MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL