Parochial Church Council Notes

Meeting on February 3rd 2010

Parochial Church Council Meeting:
Wednesday 3 February 2010

Organ Restoration: Alan Goulding and Geoffrey Coffin from Principal Pipe Organs (PPO) of York, have taken away some reeds to be refurbished. After a number of years of concerted effort, the amount needed to restore our 100-year old instrument has (almost) been reached. Congratulations were extended to all involved in this magnificent achievement. The organ will remain in use for some weeks and a smaller organ has been offered to us until the work is completed.

Efficient and effective Organisers are proving hard to find and the PCC has not yet received any offers to replace Vera Liddle, who for many years has managed the team running the Autumn Fayre.
(We are in danger of losing this event! Can you take up the mantle? Will some of your friends help? You do not need to be a member of the PCC, just willing to help raise much-needed funds for the Church. If interested / willing, please contact myself or the Vicar)
Karen Wilson, because of work commitments, has also had to resign from arranging Coffee Mornings in aid of Church Funds. Her efforts were commended, not the least of which has been that of raising almost £10,000 for the Organ Fund, by baking cakes and scones to sell in church after services. (Well done, Karen!)
Members also learnt that the income from magazines (advertising and sales) last year was almost £1200, but production cost much more. A price rise for next year needs to be considered.

Nine young people and five adults enjoyed the Diocesan Rainbow Day held at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre. Activities included an African Drumming Workshop, indoor hockey, football, board games, kite-making, clay modelling etc. The youngsters were commended for their behaviour, arriving home tired but happy. Jonathan Newton and his team were thanked for organising the event for our young people.

Vicar’s Matters: Both our C of E schools have undergone Ofsted Inspections recently.
The Chairman of the Travis Governors, Ralph Silvester, was delighted to report that the school had been designated “outstanding”, with results well above the national average. Congratulations are extended to the Head, staff, parents and children at the school.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Manor School, whose report was less complimentary, in spite of efforts made by all concerned. Robust measures will be put into action to redress the situation – they need our support at this difficult time.

Mission and Worship: Two applications to embark on the Lay Reader’s Course were accepted with the offer of financial support. Linda Newton and Gill Salter will train together over the next 2 years, and our best wishes are extended to them both.

Finance: Giving is slightly up on the same stage last year, and successful fundraising events have made it possible to slightly increase the monthly amount paid to the Diocese. Members considered the Budget Figures for 2010, projecting a slight deficit at the end of the year.
Figures for the Barn were included, now that it is owned by the PCC. The completion of the sale of the last house in Vicarage Close will generate a “clawback” sum for the PCC, and documents have been sent to the solicitors to apply for the money due.

Fabric: It is hoped that work will begin soon on the churchyard drainage and footpath repair. Tenders have been sought and the Fabric Committee await the Architect’s recommendations. A wheelchair survey has been carried out in church to test the efficiency of the hearing loop system. Plans are in motion to deep clean the recently laid stone floor in the church – it is likely that sealant must be applied every 3 years.

Barn Regeneration Group: A professional Funding Advisor, who spent his childhood in Hatfield, will be employed to help with funders and review our applications for funding for the New Barn. The group will continue to hold Coffee Mornings and will invite suggestions about schemes and other ideas to raise money. A Mission Statement and Business Plan will be produced.

The APCM Report needs to be ratified by the PCC before printing for the meeting on 28 April. Leaders of groups were reminded to send their annual reports, as soon as possible please, to the PCC Secretary.

Next PCC Meeting will be on Wednesday 3 March 2010
Jill McGarvie, PCC Secretary