St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of the Parochial Church Council, of September 3rd 2019
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, Barbara Foster, Aidan Greewood, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann, Joyce Mawer, Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Margaret Robinson (Churchwarden), Daniel Russell, Brian Wood.
In attendance: Rev Martin Russell, David Lodge – St John The Evangelist, Warley
The meeting opened with prayer
1 Apologies:
2 Declaration of members’ interests: no declarations
3 Minutes – Adoption of the minutes of the meeting held on September 3rd 2019 was proposed by Margaret Chapman, seconded Brian Wood and adopted.
4 Matters arising
Hilary Jamieson had written to the Scouts
Risk assessments – Caroline and David would carry out assessments on a Wednesday afternoon. The Pre-School group had made their own assessment. The position of Cubs and Beavers needed confirming.
It was agreed that Joyce Mawer would take the necessary photographs re Safeguarding for the noticeboard
No further request for a Pre-School external noticeboard had been made but the idea was agreed by PCC. There was discussion of painting the front door but there were various views on what could be used and no approval was given.
5 St John’s Items
David Lodge reported that the church would be involved in the Rushbearing on September 8th. Tickets for a Flower Arranging event on September 14th were sold out. The Open the Book team had been asked to give a story at the St John’s Pre-School.
6 Clergy Items
Jesus-shaped People – Rev Greenwood reported that she felt the service attendance had gone up in both churches at the start of the Jeus-Shaped People programme. She said that the plan was to put the sermons on line and Facebook and that there would be a booklet summarising the series after its conclusion. It was noted that the Bishop of Leeds had written to all churches in the diocese to encourage planning in line with the Aims of Mission. Rev Greenwood confirmed that the Jesus-Shaped People work was compatible with the Diocesan Aims.
Dementia-friendly/Carers services – further planning for these had been held over until the New Year.
Heritage plans – Rev Greenwood outlined the plans so far for a Heritage event with the Cubs and Beavers on September 22nd. The children would lead some games and there would be a Bring and Share lunch.
Dates of services – Harvest service, Sunday October 6th, offerings to the Food and Drop In Centre; Gift Day and St Hilda’s Tide Sunday November 17th; Christmas services: Sunday Dec 1st Church Christingle, Sunday Dec 22nd Lessons and Carols, Sunday Dec. 29th Nativity, Brian Wood agreed to organise the play.
GDPR – Safeguarding – notes of meeting on July 14th were received. A general letter about historic safeguarding issues was still awaited.
Rev Martin Russell reported that St Thomas’s Claremount, which he and Rev Madeleine Russell had been supporting, was to close on September 8th. He also reported on an informal social meeting with the Imam of our neighbouring mosque.
A litter-pick was scheduled for Saturday September 21st. Rev Russell was thanked for his work with the local mosque.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Organ – Prue Meehan reported that the insurance company had agreed that any legal costs were covered and accepted the case. Relevant information had been sent to DAW Law for a legal opinion.
Scout Hut – drains & repairs – Margaret Robinson reported that a Roofer was due to visit shortly and give an assessment of necessary repairs and costs. Rev Greenwood ad been in contact with Yorkshire Water, who had accepted liability for repair of the drain. As no ownership of land was registered YW needed the area cleared of Fly-Tipped waste. Calderdale MBS had been requested to clear it.
There was discussion of various options for the land. It was agreed to refer the matter to the Development Group with a report to the next PCC meeting.
Gathering West – Rev Greenwood reported that there were difficulties recruiting leaders for the group. At present there was no clear idea of its future at St Hilda’s
Uniformed organisations – Rev Greenwood reported on a meeting with leaders to discuss rent payments. It was agreed that the groups would pay £200 twice a year, October and April. The Beavers would meet on a Tuesday evenings, Cubs on Wednesdays. Key Holders were to be arranged.
Monthly PCC meetings suggestion – the idea was not pursued.
Churchwarden nominations for 2020/2021 – it was noted that the current Churchwardens had already served their full terms and that there had been no nominations made at the 2019 APCM. Members were asked to consider candidates for 2020.
It was reported that the two outside lights over the Vestry steps and over the North door steps were not working correctly. Margaret Robinson agreed to contact the contractor.
8 Treasurer’s Report
Prayer Fund – Prue Meehan reported a current balance of £8540 following receipt of two donations. The outcome of other grants was expected before Christmas.
£4000 had been sent to the Parish Share, £10k still outstanding.
Acknowledging donations for repairs – a display poster was needed as several contractors and grant-making organisations had been involved in Quinquennial work.
9 Mara – Barbara Robinson reported on recent correspondence with the Mugumu Safe House. An item would be in the magazine.
10 Deanery Synod Report – a meeting was imminent
11 Calendar of church activities – Margaret Chapman reported that a litter pick was scheduled for Sept 21st.
12 Churches Together – no report.
13 Any other business – Rev Greenwood reminded members about her invitation to lunch at the Vicarage, September 28th.
14 DTNM
Day and time to be decided ?A daytime beginning January
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 