VERWOOD PARISH : ST MICHAEL & ALL ANGELS  CHURCH, VERWOOD and

ALL SAINTS CHURCH, THREE LEGGED CROSS

Verwood Parochial Church Council is a Charity registered under no 1130729

To know Jesus Christ and make Him known

NOTES from the PCC

Even though it had been necessary to change the date to a Wednesday (to accommodate the Secretary’s engagement the following day at her parents’ Diamond Wedding anniversary celebrations), the meeting was well attended, and as usual was chaired by Andrew Sinclair.

The Meeting opened with prayer, with special prayers for the repose of the soul of Yvonne Kirton.

The Meeting heard that the chancel tiles were now complete, as was the Premises Licence application. This will enable the Parish Centre to offer full function facilities without the need for temporary authorisations.  Andrew is still discussing the siting of the Triptych in the Parish Centre.

A special date was set for the Standing Committee to consider the PCC Committees and their interaction, and the members heard the Treasurer’s Report, which included the half yearly accounts.   The accounts (which are available in the Minutes Book) had been delivered in advance of the meeting and John Burns took members through them.  Most income was about on budget, but the Parish Centre Hire had exceeded budget, thanks to the efforts of the Office Administrators.  Special thanks also went to Ann Mayo and Ro Green for picking up the initiative of the cream teas on the postponement of the fete, but there was still a shortfall on the fundraising budget of £1,500.  The expenses were listed, with the main elements being the Parish Centre car park lights and chancel tiles, although it was hoped that an external grant may be available for the chancel tiles.  A discussion subsequently ensued concerning the boiler, and it agreed to proceed with the bunded oil tank proposal to meet with regulatory requirements, as being the most cost effective solution.

John Burns also addressed the members on funding of capital projects, and his recommendations as Treasurer. He explained the sources of funding and allocations, and the need to obtain grants for the work to the Parish Centre kitchen and cleaner cupboard proposals, and other works to the church, approved by the PCC.   He was thanked for his work and input by Andrew.

It was proposed that a Thanksgiving Day be held again next year, and the date was set at 27 March 2011, which will be during Lent.

The 6 committees have also met and reports distributed.   Discussion on the reports included the proposal for a day’s Retreat being organised later this year, and the Christian Reading Group proposed to start in November, details of which will appear in the weekly news sheets.  John Bilcliffe has stepped into the breach following Yvonne Kirton’s resignation due to her illness in Christian Action Committee, including Outreach.  The Christian Action Committee reported their proposal to advertise church events door-to-door, initially in the Margards Lane area.  All Saints advised of the several dates set for charity and church fund raising events, and of the Harvest Supper on 25 September.   

The question of fund raising was discussed at some length having regard to the shortfall reported by the Treasurer in this budget.  Ideas included a Wine Tasting evening and a skittles evening, although members were warned that, with both skittles and the considered country dancing proposal, there had been a very poor response from both church family and wider community on past organisation attempts.  A good quality raffle was suggested to assist with profitability of the event.  The tutored Wine Tasting evening proposal will be pursued, with the hope that this may be attractive in the run up to Christmas.

With several resignations having been received recently, the PCC was delighted to approve Becky Morgan and Bill French as Governors of Trinity First School, and Robin Morgan for Emmanuel Middle School.

Following Yvonne’s resignation and sad death, it was necessary to consider the vacant post of deputy churchwarden.  Once again, the members were very pleased to approve their volunteered suggestion that Stephen and Beryl Greenhalgh jointly perform this duty.  With PCC membership numbers still lower than usual, prospective members (for co-option at this time) are still being actively sought. 

Under any other business, thanks and appreciation was given to Marion Beard, who recently retired after 23 years as Playgroup leader.  Andrew was able to report that our churchyard wildlife area was well received by the adjudicator, and the members agreed to the Trust’s suggestion that a sunny area was also dedicated.  Finally, the members were pleased to hear that Waitrose in Ringwood had nominated Trinity First School as the recipient of its “green token” scheme for August. 

The meeting closed at 9.30pm with the Grace

Julia Palmer

PCC Secretary