WONERSH  WITH  BLACKHEATH  PAROCHIAL  CHURCH  COUNCIL

 

Minutes of a Meeting of the Council held in the Selwyn Room

 on 14th March, 2007

 

 

Present:  The Vicar, Ian Scott-Thompson (in the Chair), Eric Dalton (Churchwarden), David Legg, (Churchwarden), Andrew Quaintance (Churchwarden), John Thompson, Moira Hassall, Paddy MacVean, Brenda Morley, Sue Down, David Merritt, Paul McCormick, Keith Bateson, Brenda Williams, John Metcalfe and Carolyn Hemsley.

 

The Vicar opened the meeting with a Bible reading from Matthew 15, the faith of the Canaanite Woman, and the meeting started with a time of prayer, led by Eric Dalton.

 

07.16   Apologies for absence

 

Apologies had been received from  Amelia Taylor, Colin Sowter, James Cooke, Liz Tilley, Chris Evans, Liz Lister, Neville Hunter, Esther Carpenter, Richard Maylam and Richard Allan.

 

07.17   Co-option of New Treasurer

 

It was reported that Tony Pratt had taken over the Treasurer’s duties from Sue Down, and that he would be invited to join the PCC at the Annual Meeting.

 

07.18    Minutes of previous Meeting

 

The minutes of the January meeting were approved as a true record of the meeting, and were signed by the Chairman.

 

07.19        Matters Arising

 

(i)                  It was reported that the Fete would take place of 30th June, and that the co-ordinator would be Guy Packenham.

 

(ii)                As Emma Colebrook was not willing to take on the job of PCC Secretary, Moira Hassall volunteered to take the minutes during the forthcoming year, and Brenda Morley offered to be the co-ordinating secretary.  These offers were accepted with great gratitude.

 

(iii)               The increase in rent to be paid by Zebedee Music was being negotiated by the Church Secretary.

 

(iv)              The Day-Away with Malcolm Fidge was thought to have been valuable by the 16 who attended, and the Vicar was going to organise a follow-up session.

Action IST

 

(v)                As name badges had not been organised earlier, it was felt that these should distributed and worn at services after the Annual Meeting.

             Action ?

 

07.20   Ministry Team Report

 

The Vicar proposed the following motion:

 

“The PCC of Wonersh and Blackheath supports the Reverend Ian Scott-Thompson in his request that Mrs. Brenda Williams be given permission to officiate to continue in her Reader ministry”    and this request was unanimously approved.

 

It was reported that Liz Tilley and James Cooke would return to us after Easter and would again be taking part in the rota for Sunday services before their Ordination in the Summer.

 

07.21   Youth Team Report

 

It was reported that an application had been submitted for a Careforce Worker for next year.  This would involve the PCC in a small financial outlay, but the worker would be housed by Paul and Helen McCormick.

 

Volunteers were still needed for the Sunday morning youth activities.

 

It was proposed by John Thompson, seconded by John Metcalfe and carried unanimously that John Noble should be employed fulltime from 1st April 2007 at a salary of £15,000 per annum, to be reviewed on 1st September.

 

A very successful Holiday Club at February half-term was reported, and Nicky Cooke was thanked for all her efforts.  Brenda Morley would arrange to send her flowers.

                                                                                       Action: Brenda Morley

 

07.22   Blackheath Report

 

Amelia Taylor was congratulated on the birth of her daughter earlier in the week.

 

It was reported that the Aumbry had been cleared, and that a certain amount of new lighting would be needed.  This was being considered.

 

The first year of the Fourth Bridge services had been considered, and it was agreed that these would continue as they were greatly appreciated.

 

It was reported that Jane Scott-Thompson was organising the Blackheath Lent Course.

 

07.23  Buildings Team Report

 

(i)            Church Decoration project:   Three tenders for the work had been received,  the most appropriate one being £69,000 plus vat and architects fees.  It was felt that this  amount was too great to be approved instantly, and that it would be advisable to do a trial section of work this year, explaining the situation to the congregation, and considering the possibility of a gift day next year to raise this sum, if trials show that it is really  necessary to proceed along the expensive lines recommended by the DAC.

 

 

(ii)          The Church sign on the wall outside has been updated.

 

 

(iii)         The storage problem at the Vicarage is still acute.  The Diocese will repair the existing outbuilding, but will not provide anything more.  The Vicar will consult with John Wallis regarding a new wooden shed, and will report back in due course.

Action:  IST

 

07.24   Finance team Report

 

The suggestion of passing the plate round at special services was considered, but it was agreed that for the time being announcements would be made by those leading services that there was a collection plate at the rear of the Church for anyone wishing to make a contribution towards the Church’s expenses.                   Action: Ministry Team

 

The Budget for 2007 was considered and was approved, although it was appreciated that John Noble’s increased salary would increase the costs.

 

It was reported that Bruce Morley had resigned as Chairman of the Finance Team, and the Vicar was going to seek a replacement.                                         Action:  IST

 

07.25   Worship Team

 

Initiatives were being considered, hoping to provide a lively joyful variety of worship.  A small team would be needed to assess the facilities that would be required, particularly with regard to the sound and video system, and space for any band.  Volunteers were being sought for this team, and also attempting to identify new musicians willing to join in the services.                           Action IST and Wardens.

 

 

There being no further business the meeting closed with the Grace.