Parochial Church Council Notes

Meeting on November 4th 2009

Vicar’s Matters: The meeting discussed the current arrangements for the administration of the Sacrament. In the light of Diocesan advice, it was agreed that these should continue until further notice.

Children's Ministry: The Diocesan Rainbow Day for young members of the Church will take place on 16th January 2010.

Mrs Adamson advised members of the plight of women clergy endeavouring to become Bishops and of the resistance experienced from some male colleagues, in spite of the General Synod Agreement of 2006.

Finance: Collections overall are again down on the same stage last year. PCC Funds are showing an expected shortfall at the end of the year and payment in full, of the Parish Share, will prove difficult. The Treasurer has sent in the annual Gift Aid claim.
The Organ Restoration Fund has almost reached the amount required to cover the estimate received from Principal Pipe Organs of York. Work is to begin in January 2010. Congratulations are due to all those who have faithfully supported the many events held under the guidance of Vernon Hoyle, the Fund Co-ordinator. Efforts will continue until the job is completed.

Fabric: The prototype of the Wedding Carpet Trolley, designed and constructed by Barrie Lister and Clive Boyall, is now in church and will make the laying and removal of the carpet so much easier.
It was confirmed that, when the new path is laid on the south side of the church, the roots of the Bird Cherry trees will be removed. The PCC is waiting for permission (in the form of a Faculty )
to undertake this work .

Barn Regeneration plans are continuing. The BR Group is working on a Business Plan and applying for small grants. The Architect is working on the suggestions received after the presentation of an initial plan so that an application can be made for planning permission.

Charitable Giving suggestions are requested for the next meeting. Every year, the PCC awards grants of £100 to twelve organisations, both local and national, decided by a vote of members. Appeals are regularly considered and a decision made at the December meeting.
In addition, specific charities benefit from services and collections held over the year, thanks to the generosity of churchgoers and pupils at Travis and Manor Schools.

Social Committee: Tickets for the Over-70s Lunch on 9th December have been issued and requests have gone out for volunteers to help. 22 people have taken the Basic Hygiene Certificate and await results.
Arrangements are well in hand for the Autumn Fayre, an annual event which boosts PCC funds considerably, thanks to the magnificent efforts of the organising group, under the guidance of Vera Liddle.
(Watch out for details of other activities in the magazine and the newsletter!)

Any Other Business: A new Union Flag is to be purchased, as the existing one is now badly frayed.
A review of the first year of operation of the Parish Administration Team has been conducted.
The voluntary efforts of the team have been much appreciated, and the services offered will be more widely advertised. It was agreed that the Parish Office will continue to be open on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings from 9 - 11am.

Next PCC Meeting will be on Wednesday 2 December Jill McGarvie, PCC Secretary