St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of The Parochial Church Council, held on November 6th 2018
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, Barbara Foster, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann (Churchwarden), Joyce Mawer, Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Brian Wood.
In attendance: John White, – St John The Evangelist, Warley
The meeting opened with prayer
1 Apologies: Margaret Robinson Daniel Russell,
2 Declaration of members’ interests: no interests declared
3 Minutes
The minutes of the meeting held on September 4th 2018 were accepted as a true record subject to clarification of Brian Wood’s role in leading preparations for the fundraising work prior to the Gift Day appeal. Proposed by Barbara Foster, seconded by Hilary Jamieson, agreed unanimously.
4 Matters arising
Microphone: John Harrison had arranged for a new radio microphone and a new standing microphone; the induction loop had been tested and was working satisfactorily. Total cost £440 of which John personally paid £140. There was concern about people still being unable to hear clearly. It was suggested that people who read or lead prayers regularly should practise with John to understand the correct use of the microphone.
Cleaning arrangements: it was reported that a group had begun a cleaning routine.
H&S policy: Hilary Jamieson reported that her son-in-law had approved the policy. It was agreed that it should be circulated for members’ approval.
5 Vicar’s Report
Mission in our locality: Rev Greenwood gave out information on “Jesus Shaped People” and a possible programme to help churches explore their mission within the local community. Canon Gordon Dey was to be invited to speak about the work on January 19th.
Christmas Services: After discussion it was agreed that a midweek Christingle service with the Cubs and Scouts should be proposed; a service of Lessons and Carols on Sunday Dec 23rd and a Nativity the week after Christmas were agreed.
Data Protection:– Rev Greenwood reported on recent training at Leeds Diocese on General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). She stressed that there would be on-going work as the church’s use of data was recognised and examined. The Electoral Roll was due for review in 2019; this offered the opportunity to produce a Privacy Statement. There was discussion about data gathered during pastoral care and special services. It was agreed that GDPR should be a standing item on the PCC agenda.
Outreach: Rev Greenwood reported on the visit by Emily Tidbell of “Places of Welcome” about Wednesday afternoon outreach. She had also had contact with Cllr. Jenny Lynn about a possible grant to help with publicity for the initiative. Translation of information was discussed. It was suggested that St Augustine’s could advise.
Baptism: there was to be a Baptism on November 18th. Lois Swales had knitted a baptism blanket. A bag was to be provided to bring the various items together.
6 Treasurer’s Report
Prue Meehan reported on the recent Gift Day. £1800 had been raised and a separate anonymous donation of £500 had been given. The Prayer fund total was £2300.
She expected a balance of approx £13,650 at the end of 2018 but Utilities payments and the cost of the replacement lighting, currently approx £4250, would reduce the total. Mrs Meehan was confident that at least £4500 could be set aside to meet 30% of the cost of guttering repairs, as required by any grant-making organisations.
The Parish Share for 2019 would be £17,725 +£355. The Bank Mandate with the Yorkshire Bank had been updated following the change of Churchwarden.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Organ: David Mann reported that there had been problems with the organ. This was connected to the damage caused during removal of asbestos in 2017. A repair had been made but the repairer advised that the problem might recur. After discussion it was agreed that the Archdeacon should be asked for advice as the fault could become expensive and appeared to have been caused by negligence.
Development Group meeting October 9th the notes of the meeting were received. After discussion it was agreed that the quote of £12,474.15 plus VAT for repair of the church guttering, given by Stone Technical Services in September 2018, should be accepted. Proposed by Hilary Jamieson, seconded by Margaret Chapman, accepted unanimously.
There was further discussion about the lighting replacement work. It was felt that the need for the work was getting more urgent. There was concern that the quote might be revised. It was agreed that the company should be contacted, asked to visit to discuss the work again with a small group, and asked about the state of the wiring, given the age of the building.
David Mann gave information about the National Churches Trust scheme for lightning conductor maintenance. Annual inspections of the conductor were made and repairs had been recommended last year. It was noted that the cost of an inspection by the NCT scheme was possibly cheaper and provided a report to consider any repairs. It was agreed that the NCT scheme should be used in 2019.
Items raised by congregation: Rev Russell commented on the need to update main noticeboard. As there had been several changes since it was first designed it had not been accurate for some time, e.g. the Diocese title. It was agreed that Rev Greenwood’s name should be added but there was still to be discussion of service times between the two PCCs.
David Mann reported a letter of thanks to St Hilda’s from bishop Tony as the Inauguration service collection for Mara had raised £465 on behalf of the joint benefice.
8 St John’s Items – John White thanked St Hilda’s for their contribution and attendance at the leaving service for Stephen and Susan Bradberry. He reported on forthcoming events for Remembrance Day and during the Christmas period. There was mention of a party at Epiphany as the gathering for Susan and Stephen had been an enjoyable joint event.
9 Calendar of church activities – Margaret Chapman gave reminders on St Hilda’s events before Christmas. Children from Parkinson Lane School would come to sing and dance on November 28th, 1,30pm.
10 Mara: Barbara Robinson asked to postpone her report until the next meeting.
(Deanery Synod Report no report – next meeting due Nov 14th)
11 Any other business
Rev Greenwood provided a paper on a possible role for Aidan Greenwood as a Church Army Captain within the benefice. There had been discussions with Bishop Jonathan
Members were asked to consider the draft role description for the next meeting.
12 DTNM
It was suggested that the January meeting should be a daytime one; Sunday June 13th 1pm as a possible date. The later start was needed to enable Rev Greenwood to be at St John’s service.
Closing prayers
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 