Parochial Church Council Notes

Meeting on May 6th 2009

Being the first meeting after the Annual Parochial Church Meeting, Revd Wilson congratulated the members re-elected to the Council and welcomed the new member, David Fiennes-Gregory to his first meeting.

Matters Arising: Members heard of the very successful Hatfield Band Concert, given in Church on April 27th , and the most enjoyable trip to Bakewell on 2nd May.

Election of Officers: With one exception, all Officers were re-elected, unopposed. Our Electoral Roll Officer, Paul Rosbottom, had indicated his intention to stand down and Joyce Barker was elected to take up that position. The best wishes of members were expressed for Paul’s continuing treatment, as well as thanks for the work he has done for the PCC over the years he has served, in various roles.

Review of Committees: The compilation of both committees and working parties was confirmed.
(Complete lists of Officers and Committees are posted on the Notice Board in the Church Porch)

Vicar’s Matters: “Balance”, the Diocese-recommended Child Protection Policy adopted by the PCC has been upgraded. Our Named Person, Mrs Vera Liddle, will now be referred to as the “Safeguarding Officer”.
Training will be offered by the Diocese for Churchwardens and Pastoral Workers.

Feedback about Services: Very positive comments have been received from both children and adults for the Good Friday Workshop and Easter Services and for the St George’s Day Service, enhanced by the presence of Cubs and Scouts.

Finance: The Diocesan Board of Finance has written to all PCCs inviting discussion and comments on how they plan to address increasing financial challenges. Our PCC is in deficit and will be unable to pay the Parish Share in full, but will strive to pay as much as possible of the required amount. Next year’s Parish Share will be even higher!

The Diocesan Pastoral Committee has considered a proposal to re-draw the parish boundary between Hatfield and Thorne to redress the situation that has seen the residential area beyond the railway bridge into Thorne included in the parish of Hatfield. Subject to the agreement of interested parties, the Bishop will sign a Pastoral Order to transfer that area to the parish of Thorne.

Fabric: Members had received the Minutes of the last Fabric Committee meeting and copies of e-mails sent between the Vicar, members of the Standing Committee and also from the Architects, in the hope that decisions could be made to order the progress of identified projects. A proposal was carried to go ahead with the major churchyard drainage project, Church Tower repairs and the re-laying of the footpath between the South Door and Manor Road. The Church Walk surface drainage problem needs to be resolved and letters inviting contributions to the cost of reparation have been sent to residents and the Bay Horse Public House. Recommendations regarding the re-laying of the footpath from the South Door to the kissing gate, requiring the removal of the two cherry trees, whose roots are causing extensive damage to both the footpath and to neighbouring property, proved to be a very contentious issue. The meeting decided to accept the Fabric Committee’s recommendation to seek advice from a tree surgeon. Members were informed of damage to gravestones and memorials effected by vandals, and of the need to apply for a Faculty to make them safe.

Social Committee: Plans are going ahead for future events. (Watch out for details!)

Next PCC Meeting will be on Wednesday 3 June.
Jill McGarvie, PCC Secretary