PCC Draft Minutes - July 7th 2008

Parish of St Andrew’s, Tarvin with St Peter’s, Duddon

Draft Minutes of the PCC meeting
7th July 2008
St Andrew’s Parish Room

David welcomed everyone to the meeting, particularly the five new members;
Hilary Banner, Bill Turner, David Ferguson, Karyn Bright & Barbara Shilton,
and Stefan Collier, an Ordinand on a four-week placement in the Parish.
Before leading our prayers Margaret asked us to consider the organisation of the early church with Stefan reading from The Acts of the Apostles.

Present
David Herbert, Alex Henderson, Jane Holmes, Margaret Marr, Mary Burgess Peter Ladd, David Ferguson, Michael Burgess, Yvonne Albon, Richard Tuckwell, Hilary Banner, Bill Turner, Jane Parker, Barbara Shilton, Ron Fuller, Karyn Bright and Stefan Collier.

1. Apologies
Eric Plenderleath

2. PCC membership
Michael proposed the co-option of Richard Orfanelli as Assistant Treasurer, in preparation for Michael’s retirement in 2009. This was unanimously agreed.
Judith Brown’s resignation was accepted as she had moved away from the area.

3. Minutes of meetings held on 7th April and 28 April 2008
The minutes were accepted as true records.

4. Matters Arising
7th April
• Finance / Building – Michael reported that the Nicholas donation had paid for the painting of the S Aisle ceiling. There was some money remaining which would pay for a small plaque and the remainder going towards the Window Protection fund.

• United Utilities - As some of you may be aware, the Water Companies are ignoring churches charitable status and starting to charge Churches for the amount of area (i.e. roofs and car parks) that will collect rainwater and discharge it into the sewer network. This will effectively raise most churches water bills by hundreds if not thousands of pounds, which could be ruinous for some. There is an online government petition that you can register on, please sign up and pass this onto anyone else you think will sign! http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/ChurchWaterBills ....... petition deadline 6 Dec 08.

• St Andrew’s Foyer – it was agreed to leave any more work until next year.

28 April No matters arising

5. Electoral Roll
Two applications had been received from Mr John Edwards and Mrs Annie Kaira. Both were accepted.

6. Development Groups
David asked all, but particularly new members, to consider joining any of the groups.

• St Peter’s – met 23rd June Report received
Peter highlighted the Quinquennial work status and the Churchyard Fund overspend.
A ‘cheese & wine’ evening to be held on 5th Sept in aid of the Churchyard Fund.
Next meeting – 20th October

• Finance – had not met
Michael reported items of significant cost – S. Aisle Ceiling £5,600;
Boiler repair £700; new mower for Z team £300.
Parish Share has been reduced by 25% due to David’s Diocesan work.
Legacy received from Les Lewis estate –
£500 to St Peter’s and £500 to St Andrew’s.
Next meeting – tba

• Buildings – had not met
Alex reported that three quotes had been obtained for the N. Aisle Roof work and for the re- pointing as per the 2003 Quinquennial report. There was a great spread on both but the likely figure would be £10,000. A WREN grant would now be applied for and the result will be brought back to the PCC.
It was agreed that Alex would obtain ‘slippery path signs for the main and side paths expressing the need for “Caution – path may be slippery!”
Parish Rooms – a Cleaner has been found for one hour per week. Jane Parker to organise the details with Eric.
Next meeting – 4th August

• Health & Safety - met 14th April Report received
Yvonne reported that she was working on the risk assessments.
David said how good it was to have a group whose remit was the H&S of all our Parish buildings. We were also reminded that all accidents should be reported in the Accident books and any H&S issues such as trip hazards brought to the attention of a Churchwarden.
Next meeting – 22nd September

• Worship – met 29th April Report received
Richard reported the main areas of discussion:
Hymn planning and music;
Evening services – possible ‘Songs of Praise’ with focus on M.U., Youth, Cell Groups etc;
Sermon series – possibly at the evening service.
Next meeting – 16th September

• Pastoral – met 18th June Report received
Mary reported that the meeting was mainly concerned with the planning for ‘Holiday at Home’ – 5th – 7th August. Coffee Morning had raised £170.
Suggestions of people to invite and volunteers to help most welcome – let Mary know - 740716.
Next meeting – July, date to be confirmed

• Mission & Ministry – met 3rd June Report received
Ron reported on the main areas of discussion;
Bible reflection; Church growth; Holiday at Home.
There had also been a discussion regarding the crossover between the Mission & Ministry and the Worship group meetings. However it was concluded that there should be no change at present.
Next meeting – 3rd November

• Tarvin Ecumenical – met 21st April Report received
Living Hope – Hope for the Future with Gary Charnock & colleagues from Ashton Hayes. Hilary reported that there had been wide publicity in the village and a diverse group of about twenty had attended. A meeting is planned for September, ( possibly 11th ), to take the ideas forward, working with Ashton rather than mirroring what they had done.
Next meeting – 23rd September




7. Agenda Item
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats of/for/to the Parish

David introduced the discussions and then divided us into four smaller groups who reported back to the whole group. Stefan compiled a composite list which will go to the next Standing Committee. The small groups were particularly useful as new members had opportunities to contribute and all could listen in a more relaxed forum.



8. Clergy Report

Margaret reported that she and Donald would be retiring as Chaplains to the Scilly Isles at the end of October. We would therefore be seeing more of them!

Richard thanked everyone for their support in preparation for his ordination, in attendance at the Cathedral service and for the wonderful reception on the Sunday. He was looking forward to continuing his work in the Parish and was grateful to Bishop Peter for allowing him to do so.

David reported
Peter Collins has been asked to lead a group which will develop the historical displays in St Andrew’s. The Saxon Cross, found on the new development site, will be accommodated together with the present artifacts in the N. Aisle.

Duddon School Governors – Pippa Williamson has resigned as a Foundation Governor and Mary Lightfoot, at present a Community Governor, was proposed as her replacement. The PCC unanimously agreed.


9. Deanery Synod
Report received of the meeting held on 27th May at St. Paul’s, Boughton.
Yvonne and Mary reported that Donald Allister gave an interesting talk, ‘What is the future of the parish system?’ . There are some interesting changes being made in some Dioceses but at present Chester has no plans to reform.

Dates for future meetings
Thursday 2nd October Synod Eucharist at St. Andrew, Tarvin – Rt Rev Colin Bazley will be preaching.
N.B. Support in providing refreshments/attending the service would be most welcome.

Monday 24th November St. Michael, Plas Newton


10. A.O.B.
• Jane gave notice of The Friends ‘Big Band Concert’ to be held on September 6th, tickets £5.
• Parish Rooms – Michael asked for the PCC to reassure the new tenants, Barbara and Jeanne and their ‘Massage for Health and Healing’, of our support. It was unanimously given.
• Historic Cheshire Churches Preservation Trust – Saturday 13th September
We have said St Andrew’s & St Peter’s Churches will be open and manned, 10am – 4pm. The date does coincide with Heritage Day.
• Yvonne reminded us of the TMC Away Day on 27th July. Coach to Blythe Bridge and Trentham Gardens. Cost £7. List in St Andrew’s to sign up.
• Ron is organising an evening visit to Liverpool Cathedral on 9th September. A coach will leave Tarvin at 6.30 and the visit will include a meal.
• Grenville Phillips is 80 in August and is retiring from being a Server. We are celebrating these achievements on 3rd August after the 10.45 service.

• A reminder that the Archdeacon is coming to our 6.30 service on Sunday, July 13th, to install Eric and Jane as Churchwardens and members of the PCC.


Date of the next meetings
Standing Committee Wed 20 August 10.00am
PCC Mon 8 September 7.30pm