St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of the Parochial Church Council, (held via telephone conference call), on May 27th 2020
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood (Chairman),, Barbara Foster, Aidan Greenwood (Benefice Church Army Evangelist), Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann, Joyce Mawer,, Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Margaret Robinson (Churchwarden), Rev Martin Russell
Opening prayers Rev Greenwood offered prayer for the meeting
1 Apologies Margaret Chapman Prue Meehan (Treasurer) Brian Wood.
2 Declaration of members’ interests None
3 Minutes – The minutes of the meeting held on January 3rd 2020 were accepted subject to the addition of Rev Martin Russell’s name being added to those present.
4 Matters arising
It was noted that the guttering repairs had been completed before the lockdown and full payment had been made.
The church radiators had not yet been serviced.
5 St John’s items Rev Greenwood reported that the two churches were facing similar challenges.
6 Clergy Items
Re-opening of church – there was discussion of the advice document issued to clergy about safe return to churches, subject to government modification of lockdown rules. No guidance on a possible re-opening date was given. Rev Greenwood reported that she and Aidan would be using both churches to broadcast services – Pentecost from St John’s and Trinity Sunday service from St Hilda’s. It would be necessary to record the St Hilda’s service in an evening to allow better quality video recording. Notification of when services would be available to watch would be given. Internet services currently had 26-34 participants, which was encouraging.
The majority of the remaining available time was taken with a discussion about the recommencement of the Pre School group. The manager hoped to be able to start on Monday June 1st and had requested entry to begin cleaning and preparation.
Rev Greenwood explained the need for a formal, signed, agreement on Liability and Safety Measures required by the Diocese. She awaited news from the Registrar.
As only one group at a time could use the church it would mean that private prayer arrangements, once permitted, would be limited, and use of the kitchen and toilets would not be possible whilst the Pre-School group was in session. A clear plan for any private prayer time would be needed. Rev Greenwood was preparing a policy on lone working.
There was discussion about practicalities of re-opening the church – the need to check the status of the boiler, the water supply and electricity. Brian Chapman was to be consulted about heating.
It was proposed that, subject to a signed Terms of Agreement and the preparedness of the utilities, the Pre-school should be allowed access to the church building to resume activities within current COVID 19 guidelines. Proposed by Aidan Greenwood, seconded by Joyce Mawer carried by 5 votes in favour, 1 against. 1 abstention.
The remaining Clergy Items, i.e.
Feedback on meeting on 20th May 2020 for Benefice discussion of worship, mission
and outreach during lockdown and the transition period afterwards.
APCM arrangements
Nominations for Deanery Synod
GDPR & Safeguarding – progress on required training
were all postponed to the next meeting.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Fabric report – Lightning conductor – no action due to imposition of lockdown
Implementation of Maintenance Plan – David Mann agreed to check and clear outside drains as necessary, over the coming weekend.
Margaret Robinson now held the church keys which had been lent to the men repairing the guttering.
The Quinquennial Inspection due in August 2020 would be postponed until 2021
8 Treasurer’s Report
Current financial position since closure. Mrs Meehan had reported that a Parish Share payment had been made;Gift Aid had been applied for; there was a current deficit of £150 per month in expenditure over income because of closure.
It was noted that the WW Spooner Trust may offer a grant of £500 in June/July
The remaining items were not discussed due to time pressures of the conference call arrangement:
9 Mara – no news to report
10 Deanery Synod Report no meeting during closure
11 Calendar of church activities – no plans
12 Any other business
No date or time for the next meeting was specified. Arrangements would be notified depending on circumstances.
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 