Draft Minutes of the PCC meeting

3^rd December 2007

David welcomed everyone to the meeting and Katherine led the prayers.

Present

David Herbert, Eric Plenderleath, Alex Henderson, Jane Holmes, Harry Wilson, Margaret Marr, Peter Ladd, Jane Parker, Ron Fuller, Richard Tuckwell, Katherine Doyle.

Apologies

Mary Burgess, Michael Burgess, Yvonne Albon, Susie Connolly, Judith Brown.

Resignations were received from

Janet Smart, Secretary ? Jane Holmes was elected as her replacement.

Ken Huxley, Duddon representative, - Duddon Focus group to seek a replacement.

The PCC expressed their thanks to both for their service.

Minutes of meeting held on 17 September 2007

The minutes were accepted with two exceptions:

14. should read ? There was a discussion regarding the age children should be presented for confirmation.  The meeting agreed it should revert to 12 years.

19. should read ? On 10^th September 2007 the incumbent and Parochial Church Council of St Andrew?s Tarvin jointly resolved that they had accepted and had become legally bound under a Relevant Licence to the variation to the National Aerials Agreement as set out in clauses 4.1 and 4.2 of the deed made between The Archbishops? Council, QS4 Limited and QS4 Group Limited on 29^th May 2007.

Matters Arising

4.  It was agreed to accept Harry?s generous offer to purchase a candle stand.

Jane Parker and Mary Evans have completed a risk assessment for the Christingles.  Stands will be provided for Christingles and the choir will not robe if they are distributing candles.

19.  Floodlighting ? the timings will remain the same.

Focus Group Reports

• Pastoral  -  paper report received ? main items:

Iddenshall Hall;  Holiday at Home 2008.

• Mission & Ministry Development  - Ron reported ? main items:

Growing Churches;  Music in Ministry workshop day;  Parish Retreat;  First Aid Training.

• Worship  - had not met.
• Buildings ? paper report received ? main items:

Parish Room Boiler;

South Aisle Ceiling repaint ? after discussion it was agreed that insulation to comply with Heritage requirements would not be cost effective.  Alex to obtain a quotation for repainting;

South Path ? on-site discussion/decision to remove concrete and re-use existing stone approved;

Disabled Access to Parish Room ? grant application cannot be made to Chester City Council until April 2008; 

Accidents ? all should be recorded and any brought to attention of Churchwardens (Alex to investigate cleaning of ?slippery? paths);

Creepers on Parish Room window ? Eric to contact Trustees; 

Spring Clean ? PCC to set a date at February meeting.

• Finance ? paper report received ? main items:

1)   Treasurers Report

Parish Share ? a request had been received from Chester Diocese for David to increase his work with them to 1½ days per week.  As David was agreeable and the Parish has Richard and Margaret for support the request was approved.  There will be a 25% rebate on the Parish Share, about £11,000.  However it is temporary for 2/3 years.

Envelopes for donations at weddings etc. ? discussion but no resolution. Further examples to be obtained and printing / wording discussed.

2)   Friends of St Andrew

The Teas had made £509 in 2007.  Harry and his team were thanked for this successful venture.  Harry gave notice that he could not continue as organiser in 2008.

3)      The Parish room account was reduced as a gas bill, the first for six years, had finally been agreed for £444.

5)  Grants ? when figures are put to proposals and applications made it was suggested that the protection of the stained glass could have the highest priority.

9)   Christmas Market  -  despite the weather this was a very successful event.  Our stall supported by L?Arche, Traidcraft and SPCK made £40 profit.  It was agreed to return this to the Market Organisers looking forward to 2008 as it was such a good investment in our community.

Extra item ? accidental damage to the organ had been reported.  Insurance will cover the repair, approx £1,000, which will take two days.  Work to be instigated as a matter of urgency.

• Ecumenical   -  paper report received ? main items:

Living Hope ? next meeting 17.03.08 Reconciliation in Ireland

Passion Play 2008 ? Ron reported that, with faith, it is going ahead. It will take place on Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter Sunday. £600 of £1,400 needed has been raised.  More volunteers needed.

• Health & Safety  -  -  paper report received ? main item:

First Aid Training ? Ron reported that a course had been organised for 14 February 2008, 9am to 4pm for 12 people.  ( 5 Ministry, 2 Z Team, 1 Bethlehem Babes, 1 Churchwarden, 1 Godly Play, 2 St Peters)

 PCC Meetings

Papers had been received from Janet and a suggested Agenda template from David.

It was agreed:

• to implement the standard template agenda which includes Members Business item and one major agenda item; 
• that the Standing Committee will meet two weeks prior to PCC meetings and agree the agenda;
• Focus Groups, renamed Development Groups, should submit written reports to the Secretary by the Standing Committee date;
• the meetings to be disciplined and keep to time.

St Peter?s Space Project

Papers were received from Ron and Peter with details of four budget estimates ranging from £188K - £141K and an update of the amount of donations, pledges, promises and tax rebate totalling £79K.

It is anticipated that the Faculty will be granted by Feb/Mar 2008 and once we have that approval the architect will be instructed to obtain firm quotations on the work.  Decisions can then be made on the way forward.

Deanery Synod

The 4 October meeting was a Eucharist at Plemstall, and the November meeting had been cancelled.

Clergy Report

David reported

• The reorganisation of the area under the tower aiming to develop it as a ?foyer?, a place of welcome and warmth.  It had been used for worship on Advent Sunday.  Harry is to obtain estimates on the redesign ? display, storage, table space and seating in consideration.
• Lent 2008 ? use of DOXA material, theme of hospitality at Sunday evening services; weekday morning meetings for non-churchgoers to develop faith.
• He is now the Chair of Governors at St Peter?s Primary School, Duddon.
• The proposed changes in marriage arrangements, (paper received and details in December Grapevine), which are likely to become law in early summer 2008.
• Please remember Katherine Doyle and Stephen Hildreth in our prayers who are offering themselves for ordination and going through the process of discernment.

Richard reported

• Singing Workshop with Sue Perks from the Gloucester Diocese on Saturday 26 January 08, 10am to 4pm, lunch included.  The aim is to develop all-ages congregational singing.
• Youth Group for 9 - 14 year olds, (school Y5 ? Y9), meeting fortnightly in the Parish Rooms at 12.15, after the morning service. Richard, Liz Threadgold and six youngsters have high hopes of this new venture.

A.O.B.

There are now two vacancies on the PCC.  Duddon Focus group will look to co-opt someone a.s.a.p. but the other could wait until the 2008 AGM.

Date of next meetings

            PCC ? Tuesday 4^th February 2008 at 7.30pm

            Standing Committee ? *Wednesday 16^th January 2008 at 10.00am  

*Deadline for written reports and agenda items.