All Saints Church PCC Minutes

THE PARISH CHURCH OF ALL SAINTS, WRITTLE
MEETING OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCILON THURSDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2009

MINUTES

Those attending

Rev Michael Jones (Chair)	Sally Cansdale (Minutes)	Tony Ripton
Barbara Wood	Pauline Montague	Diana Day
Sue Howden	James Wilton	Andrew Middleton
Amy Lattimer	Dave Stanley	Jane Stanley
Margaret Annelli

The meeting opened with prayers.

1. Welcome and apologies for absence

Apologies were received from Jerry Allanson, Vanessa Brett, Susan Iskander, Richard Oscroft and Phil Stephens.

2. Minutes of the meeting held on 17 September 2009

2a. The minutes were approved and signed by Michael.
2b. Matters arising and action points
Dave Stanley reported that the Blencoe Charity was not appropriate for funding either Edward Bear, or the 3ft Festival, so any expenses will be met from the Upson Fund.
Michael reported that A Godly Play training session has been booked for 16 January, to be run by Steve Kersys and Anne Seaman. This can be opened up to other churches, to help defray some of the costs involved.
Andrew has not yet been able to progress the matter of the gates in the Carpenter Chapel.
Diana was unable to secure a speaker for the Harvest Lunch.

3. Officers’ reports

3a. Vicar
A letter has been received from the Diocese concerning registration, by HM Land Registry, of Church lands. It was proposed by Barbara, and seconded by Dave, that we should proceed with registering any land pertaining to All saints, namely the Christian Centre (possibly to include the Car Park) and Nicholas Close.
We have been asked to support the “Adopt a School” initiative, which would involve working with Hylands School. PCC members are directed to the website: www.adoptaschool.org.uk for more information about this initiative. Michael; suggested that perhaps someone from the organisation might come to talk at a PCC meeting.
Heritage Writtle have made enquiries about conducting an archaeological dig in the churchyard. A faculty would be required for this. More information is required, from Gordon Ingram, before any consideration by the PCC.
A letter has been received, from Paul Beasley-Murray, giving early notice of a Christian festival to be held from 25-27 June 2010.
The Village Fun day will be held on 10 July 2010.
A letter has been sent, to all clergy, from the Archbishops of Canterbury and York, concerning Swine flu precautions. It was agreed, after discussion, to retain the status quo, but to offer people the opportunity to decline the cup, should they prefer to do so. Amy will provide containers of Alcohol gel for use by parishioners on entering the church.
3b.Churchwardens
Volunteers will be needed to act as sidespersons for the Christmas services. Isobel Clarke will be asked if she is able and willing to supervise a “buggy park”.
A letter has been received, from Andrew Brewster, concerning the Essex Association of Changer Ringers’ Carol service to be held on 5 December. They would like this service to be candlelit, including use of the chandelier and the racks for choir stalls. It was agreed that Tony will liaise with Andrew to arrange this.
3c.Treasurer
Accounts to date had been circulated, prior to the meeting, together with a number of options for setting of the budget for 2010. It was agreed that the PCC should be guided by the Finance sub-committee and accept Pauline’s option 3. [See also item on Stewardship]
All agreed that fees for 2010 should remain unchanged.
3d. Secretary
Following a letter sent, on behalf of the PCC, to Southend Borough Council, Sally has received a letter from the Chief Executive, thanking her for the positive feedback on the concert given by the Angelis Choir.

4. Garden of Rest
Michael showed plans for a proposed new Garden of Rest, to replace the current on which is now full. It was agreed that a faculty can no be applied for, with a view to begin use ASAP.

5. Marriage Preparation Day
Documents had been circulated prior to the meeting, and Michael outlined the plans for a Marriage preparation day which will take place on 6 February. Invitations have been sent to those couples who are to be married in 2010 as well as others who have made enquiries, but made no firm booking. Michael and Susan will meet with Sally and Laurie Cansdale and Kath
Thompson, who will participate in this event.

6. Health and Safety
The haunching, surrounding a manhole outside the Christian Centre, has been damaged. Sally reported that the Christian centre trustees have agreed that repairs will be arranged and funded by them.

7. Stewardship
The Giving for Life report has been published. Insufficient brochures were distributed and Dave has asked for more. The finance sub-committee will meet with Michael on 2 December. Bearing in mind the potentially perilous state of our finances, and another increase in the parish share, it was agreed that an in-depth discussion should take place at the next PCC, to consider next steps in increasing giving.

8. Committee and other reports
8a.All Saints Website
James reported that he had updates to make to the site. He will be moving the website from its current location – Freeola – for easier access.
8b.Charity Committee
Jane reported that the Advent Charity would be Kids Inspire, a local charity offering support to local children, in need.
8c.Christian Centre Committee
The minutes from September had circulated, but there had not been time to prepare those from the November meeting.; There had been a formal “opening” of the new kitchen, which had taken place on a Thursday, when in use by the Link Club.
8d.Churchyard Conservation Area
Pauline reported that bird boxes were now available to replace some of the old ones.
8e.Deanery Synod
A report had been circulated. Those people who had attended the Open Chapter meeting expressed disappointment at the lack of opportunity for interaction between attendees.
8f. Fabric Committee
Phil was absent, in hospital, but reported to be recovering.
8g. Friends of Writtle Church
Richard was, unfortunately absent, following a hospital admission, but minutes from the September meeting had been circulated. It was noted that some officers would not be seeking re-election.
8h.Social Committee
A report of recent activity had been circulated. PCC members were reminded that the Film Show was scheduled for 21 November and the Christmas Market 28 November. The New Year’s Day walk will be to the Horse and Groom (after the visit from the vintage cars). Sue enquired about installing baby changing facilities in the Christian Centre – this matter will be referred to the trustees.
8i. Worship Committee
In Susan’s absence, it was reported that the services for November and December were in hand.

9. Any other business
9a.The meeting agreed that a discussion concerning music and hymn choices, should continue at a later date.
9b.The treasurer asked that all should be encouraged to use only essential lighting, to keep electricity bills to a minimum. Sidepersons will be asked to assist with this issue.

The meeting closed, with The Grace, at 10.10pm.