St Hilda’s Church
Minutes of a meeting of the Parochial Church Council, held on January 8th 2020
Present: – Rev Caroline Greenwood Chairman, Margaret Chapman, David Mann Joyce Mawer, Aidan Greenwood (Church Army Evangelist, Prue Meehan (Treasurer), Barbara Robinson (Secretary), Margaret Robinson (Churchwarden), Brian Wood.
In attendance: David Lodge – St John The Evangelist, Warley
Opening prayers
1 Apologies: Barbara Foster, Hilary Jamieson (Churchwarden), Daniel Russell,
2 Declaration of members’ interests: None
None
3 Minutes – The minutes of the meeting held on .November 7th 2019 were approved proposed Margaret Chapman, seconded Aidan Greenwood.
4 Matters arising
It was regretted that since the last PCC meeting, both Cubs and Beavers had been disbanded. The news that it had been agreed that pupils from Warley Road school would be visiting St Hilda’s in May was warmly welcomed. There was brief discussion about the variation in fees for premises being used as Polling stations.
5 St John’s Items
David lodge reported that St John’s would be holding a Quiz and Silent Auction on Jan 25th. Tickets £5, available shortly. Margaret Chapman gave notice of a St Hilda’s quiz on Saturday Feb 8th.
6 Clergy Items
Rev Greenwood confirmed the agreement for extended Pre School group hours. There would be a Breakfast Club on 4 morning, from 8am – 9am; there would be no outside play for those sessions. Wednesday afternoons would close at 2.30pm; an After-School club would not be held. Mrs Meehan asked that the pre-school equpment – toys etch be allowed to stay in Whitby Room overnight during the week, providing no other activity was expected. David Mann drew attention to the amount of sand on the floor; there was concern about the continuous use of CCTV at the south church entrance. Rev Greenwood agreed to discuss the concerns with Mehreen.
LYCi G/Jesus-Shaped People a report from the groups meetings and comments on Jesus-Shaped People would be circulated at the weekend. It would be an item for the next (extended) PCC meeting.
An exercise, “Eggs in Baskets” , (attached to these mins) was also proposed for the next PCC meeting, together with consideration of the experience of entering the church for the first time; and revisiting the proposal for a service for people living with Dementia. (see DTMN for details.
It was noted that the Archdeacon’s visitation would be on February 27th. Rev Greenwood ,Prue Meehan, Margaret Chapman and Churchwardens to meet beforehand.
Rev Martin Russell reported that the Vicar of St Paul’s Church King Cross was to retire and that he (Rev Russell) would take services on one Sunday and 2 Fridays a month until permanent arrangements could be made.
7 Churchwardens’ Report
Scout Hut – Margaret Robinson tabled a written report. It appeared that the previous major problems had ben resolved. The position would be kept under review.
Draft maintenance plan – it was noted that an annual Maintenance Plan was required to comply with the £3000 grant from the National Churches Trust. A copy of the proposed plan had been circulated prior to the meeting. Its adoption was proposed by Prue Meehan, seconded by David Mann and agreed unanimously. It was stressed that implementation was essential. A copy of the plan was to be displayed so the people could be encouraged to volunteer for the variety of tasks required.
North porch light – the problem had not yet been resolved. David Mann was asked to contact the contractor for guidance.
Margaret Robinson reported that she had been contacted about annual servicing of the lightning conductor. Previously, PCC had decided that this was pointless because the conductor did not conform to new regulations. After discussion it was agreed that quotes for the necessary work to ensure compliance, should be obtained.
8 Treasurer’s Report
Organ update – Mrs Meehan reported that DAS had not yet had a reply from BLS Asbestos to a letter sent in November. DAS would contact the company again.
Guttering repairs – Mrs Meehan reported that the church finances were now in a position to enable the repairs to be done. It would be necessary to ensure that the original quote of £12,474.15 +VAT would stand. Barbara Robinson to confirm with Stone Technical Services.
9 Deanery Synod Report – Barbara Foster had provided a report from the last meeting for use in the January magazine,
10 Mara – referred to next meeting
11 Churches Together next meeting, Jan 9th Services for Week of Prayer for Christian Unity – St Columba’s Sunday Jan 19th 4pm. Highgate, Tueday Jan 21st 2.30pm
12 Any other business
Special services – Ash Wednesday service St Hilda’s 7pm (Shrove Tuesday – Pancake Party at the Vicarage 5-7pm)
Maundy Thursday service Churches Together
Good Friday St Hilda’s 7.30pm – Taize service.
Church tidiness – Margaret Chapman raised a number of organisational questions – an up to date main noticeboard outside; new noticeboard at front gate; general tidying of back of church (and other parts of building); office equipment.
Sacristan duties – There was general agreement that a review of all the work done by Barbara Foster was needed so that some tasks could be allocated to share the load. Martin Russell agreed to meet with Servers to discuss pre-service preparation and post service completion activity. Sunday Jan 19th after morning service.
Christmas Tree – Carole And Tim Coleman requested permission to replace the current Christmas tree with a slightly smaller one. The current one was becoming more difficult to assemble and take down because of the work involved. It was suggested that a replacement, extending, artificial tree of about 8ft, be purchased. Carole and Tim Coleman were prepared to pay for one. The change was proposed by Margaret Robinson seconded by David Mann and accepted unanimously. The PCC recorded their thanks to the Colemans for their generosity and the time they gave to the tree each year.
13 DTNM
In view of need to discuss the Jesus-Shaped People report and related Mission items it was agreed that there should be an extended PCC meeting on Tuesday
St Hilda's Church, Halifax 