St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of the Parochial Church Council, held on Thursday November 7th 2019
Present: -, Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, Barbara Foster, Aidan Greenwood, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), David Mann Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Margaret Robinson (Churchwarden), Daniel Russell,
In attendance: David Lodge – St John The Evangelist, Warley
Rev Greenwood opened the meeting with prayer
1 Apologies – Joyce Mawer, Brian Wood, Rev Martin Russell
2 Declaration of members’ interests – none made
3 Minutes – The minutes of the minutes of the meeting held on September 3rd 2019 were agreed subject to correction of two minor typographical errors. Proposed Margaret Robinson, seconded Barbara Foster, unanimously agreed
4 Matters arising
Cubs, Beavers risk assessments – no risk assessments has been clarified
Noticeboard for Safeguarding Church members’ photographs – Joyce Mawer had provided the photographs. Rev Greenwood would organise the noticeboard.
Revised date for litter pick – Margaret Chapman asked that this should be postponed until Spring.
Organ, Scout Hut – updates were taken under item 7
North side security lights – the problem was referred back to Margaret Robinson to contact the original contractor for clarification of the necessary adjustment he had recommended.
5 St John’s Items
David Lodge reported on the forthcoming Remembrance Sunday Service involving Warley village; a community choir now meeting weekly, and arrangements for a Quiet Day on Saturday, December 7th. He also noted the shared Christingle Service at St Hilda’s.
6 Clergy Items
Rev Greenwood gave news of plans for a Christmas service with the uniformed groups on Dec 10th.
Report from Leading your Church into Growth conference – Meena Russell and Rev Greenwood had attended the meeting. There had been several themes for discussion and it was suggested that PCC should spend about 15 mins per meeting on each one in the new year.
New Parish Planned Giving scheme proposals – Rev Greenwood reported on a new diocesan scheme to assist in the administration of the Planned giving Scheme, whereby the diocese could collect the gift aid on donations made by direct debit on behalf of the parish. After discussion it was agreed that there would be little benefit for St Hilda’s because of the current giving pattern.
Jesus-shaped People progress and feedback – there was discussion and comment on the “Jesus-Shaped People” course. Opinions varied: there was concern that the programme cut across the Church Year’s calendar and that the course had seemed too prescriptive. Others welcomed the opportunity for discussion that the group meting gave.
GDPR – it was reported that there had not been any historic issues identified after contacting previous clergy as requested by Bishop Nick.
Rev Greenwood reported on recent training in social media communication and her plans to develop links which could boost plans for mission.
Christmas services – the joint Christingle arrangements for Dec 1st were confirmed.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
It was noted that the church would be used for the General Election. The charge was to be £400. The polling booths would need to be set up the day before and put down at the end of the day. David Mann agreed to open the church on the morning of the election.
Changes to Pre-School hours – the notes of Oct 6th 2019 meeting to discuss the extension were received. It was agreed that the additional income would be welcomed. The extension to 3pm Wednesday afternoon and after school until ?6pm would start in January. It was not yet clear whether an After School Club would be viable. A final, formal agreement was not discussed.
Notes of a Development Group meeting on Oct 21st were received. Scout Hut – It was noted that the roof at the rear of the Scout Hut had been made safe, cost £220. Members thanked Margaret Robinson for organising the work. The drains had been reported cleared by Yorkshire Water, with no charge. Leeds Diocese Registrar’s department had advised about the ownership and tenancy of the property. The proceeds of a sale would come to St Hilda’s. Rev Greenwood and Margaret Robinson were to meet with the tenant shortly to discuss health and (fire) safety.
Organ – an engineer from the manufacturer of organ blower motors had visited to assess the problem and the company had sent a full report and quote for necessary work. This had been forwarded to the solicitor dealing with the claim.
Maintenance Plan – A draft plan was received. Discussion was postponed to the next meeting.
There had been notification that the annual lightning conductor maintenance was due. It was decided that the inspection was not relevant as the conductor did not conform to the current specification.
8 Treasurer’s Report
Payment of the Parish Share should be achieved; There was no news of any further funding for the guttering; A list of work, contractors and grant was being prepared as funders often expected public recognition of any grant money.
The report of the organ engineer had been forwarded to DAS solicitor. The date of the second repair by BLS was to be clarified. Mrs Meehan was thanked for her work on the complaint.
9 Mara – no report
10 Deanery Synod Report – meeting due in following week
11 Calendar of church activities – Margaret Chapman reported that plans for activities after Christmas were being finalised and would be in the magazine.
12 Churches Together – Aileen Atkinson had sent a report giving dates of Churches Together activities for December. These included “Still Before Christmas” , 7pm Pellon Baptist Church Dec 5t; Carols at ASDA, 7pm-8pm Monday Dec 16th; Carols in the Park 6pm Wednesday Dec 18th. There was to be a Lent course at St Columba’s from Tuesday evening March 3rd. The united service for the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity would be 4pm Sunday Jan 19th. Service at Highgate Methodist 2.30pm Jan 21st.
13 Any other business
Date of 2020 Annual Parochial Church Council Meeting – Sunday April 26th. There was a reminder of the need for Churchwarden nominations. Barbara Robinson gave notice of her wish to resign as PCC Secretary.
There was a request for a replacement laminator following its failure at PAT testing. This was agreed
14 DTNM
Sunday January 12th 2020, 11am or immediately after morning service.
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 