Parochial Church Council Notes

Meeting on January 7th 2009

Parochial Church Council Meeting:

The Vicar presented a letter he had received from the Executors of the late John Dore. Before he died, John wrote a letter for Revd Paul Wilson, Revd Mary Gregory and members of the PCC, thanking everyone for the kindness shown to him, particularly when he was ill.
He had very much enjoyed going to church and appreciated the cards and visits from friends when he was no longer able to leave home. John had enclosed a cheque to be spent by the PCC in a way decided by the members, and wished everyone longevity and happiness, coupled with good health.

Finance: The Treasurer distributed copies of his Financial Report for the year ending December 2008. As predicted, the figures show a deficit and suggest that the PCC will be unable to pay the Parish Share in full this year. The PCC approved the report for submission to the Independent Examiner. Mike Day’s report will be published in the booklet prepared for the APCM to be held on 22nd April.
The PCC was pleased to hear that Mike has agreed to continue as Treasurer, as certain elements of his workload can be allocated to the Parish Administration Team.

Fabric: The PCC received the report of the last meeting of the Fabric Committee. Completed jobs included the Church Tower Light Repair and the Heating System Service. The Vicar and the Diocesan Architect have been in discussion about work needed as identified in the Quinquennial Inspection. Surveys of the exterior of the building, of tower masonry and of drainage will cost in the region of £7000. It was agreed that the Hatfield Church Building Trust will be approached to pay for the surveys and to assist with the costs of an annual rolling programme of work.

The Haydon Trust is in the process of being dissolved. The meeting considered whether it would be necessary for the PCC to impose restrictions on the use of the property owned by the HT (the Barn) and studied a draft copy of the Declaration of Trust.

Social Committee: Feedback from the New Year’s Eve Party, held at the Vicarage, suggested that a good time had been enjoyed by all.

Any Other Business: Church Armour, held at the Royal Armouries, will form part of an exhibition entitled “Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill” at the Tower of London. Permission was given to extend the period of loan at the exhibition by a further two months.
(Perhaps, if you are in London over the next few months, you might be tempted to visit the Tower to see our armour?)

Hatfield Brass Band, in appreciation of being allowed to use the Church for practice, has offered to give another concert to be held on Monday 27th April – proceeds will be shared equally between the Band and Church.

The Secretary reminded anyone involved in running groups for the Church that their reports will be required at the next meeting, so that the APCM Annual Report can be prepared. The completed Report must be endorsed by the PCC at the meeting in March.

Terry Raper updated members with the progress made by the Barn Regeneration Group.

Next Meeting will be on Wednesday 4 February 2009