Minutes – APCM for 2004

Held on 24th April 2005 at 6:30 p.m. in the church.

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1.     Opening prayer 1

2.     Apologies for absence. 1

3.     Vestry Meeting for the Election of Church Wardens. 2

4.     Confirmation of Minutes from APCM on 25th April 2004. 2

5.     Matters arising. 2

6.     Electoral Roll 2

7.     Report on PCC proceedings. 2

8.     Financial Report 2

9.     Audited accounts for the PCC for 2004. 3

10.       Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church. 3

11.       Report of Refurbishment Fundraising Committee. 3

12.       Report on Synod (Diocesan & Deanery) 3

13.       Other reports. 3

a)     Worship Group. 3

b)     Covenant Secretary. 4

c)     School 4

d)     Magazine. 4

e)     Charitable Giving. 4

f)      Bible study group. 4

14.       Incumbent’s summary. 4

15.       Election of PCC Members for 2005/2006. 5

16.       Any other business. 5

17.       Closing prayer 5

Stanley Price closed the meeting with a prayer. 5

Appendix: Reports. 6

A. Electoral Roll 6

B. PCC Proceedings. 6

C. Financial Report 6

D. Audited accounts. 7

E. Fabric, goods & ornaments. 9

F. Roof Repair and Refurbishment Fundraising. 10

G. Report on Diocesan and Axbridge Deanery Synods. 10

H. Worship Group. 11

I. Covenant Secretary’s report 11

J. School report 11

K. Magazine. 13

L. Charities. 13

M. Study Group. 13

N. Incumbent’s report 14

 

1.         Opening prayer

Thea Oliver opened the meeting with a prayer, and took the chair.

2.         Apologies for absence

Apologies had been received from Audrey Morgan, Tricia Corrick and Linda Whittle. There were approximately 25 people present.

3.         Vestry Meeting for the Election of Church Wardens

Two nominations had been received for the two church warden posts, namely the previous incumbents Richard Dingley and Thea Oliver. They were therefore declared duly elected. Appreciation was expressed that they were prepared to shoulder the responsibility for another year.

4.         Confirmation of Minutes from APCM on 25th April 2004   

Copies of the draft minutes from the previous meeting (25th April 2004) had previously been circulated. They had also been available throughout the previous year on the church notice board, and on the church website.

No amendments were received, and the meeting agreed to accept them as an accurate account.

5.         Matters arising       

There were no matters arising.

6.         Electoral Roll

Richard Dingley- see also report A in appendix.

·        Graham and Julie Brown have not yet resigned from the electoral roll. They may choose to stay on it. This may increase the figures.

·        Should we have names of those on the electoral roll on the website? We should check to see if the form includes this consent- if not, we should suggest this to the diocese.

ACTION: first PCC to look into this.

7.         Report on PCC proceedings       

Chris Green- see also report B in appendix.

We have made some progress in working together with our sister-parish of Rodney Stoke (e.g. through a joint worship group). This is both desirable and necessary, but there is room for improvement. With the much larger units of LMGs being considered, coming in in 2012, continued division between the parishes seems increasingly anachronistic. We have just agreed to an increased rate of joint services (at least one every 3 months), and we shall reassess the situation after this. (Through a combination of circumstances we are actually holding 3 joint services in the month of May alone this year!)

ACTION: as a further gesture of togetherness, perhaps we could invite Rodney Stoke to share with us in celebrating our own patronal festival at Peterstide.

The comment was also made that we missed the joint service with other Cheddar valley churches that we have often had at the end of the ecumenical Lent groups. This had been partly because Holy Week is very busy, and we were already doing things on Thursday (Passover) and Friday (Good Friday Meditation).

If we had another ecumenical Lent course next year, we might think of combining two events and having a joint Passover service.

ACTION: Richard to take this up with the Fraternal Meeting.

8.         Financial Report    

Wendy Cartwright- see also report C in appendix.

Last year we only paid £3,500 of our Parish Share. Whilst this was regrettable, it was pointed out that we are not an expensive parish for the diocese- Stanley’s salary is effectively paid for by the rent of the vicarage. Whilst this is owned by the diocese, the PCC at the time had made a contribution.

ACTION: we should look into how much contribution had actually been made towards the previous vicarage by the then PCC.

9.         Audited accounts for the PCC for 2004           

Wendy Cartwright- see report D in appendix.

Motion to accept the audited accounts proposed by Sylvia Dingley, and seconded by Colette Jeff. The motion was passed nem. con.

Wendy was thanked by the meeting for her dedication and professionalism.

10.       Report on Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church    

Richard Dingley- see report E in appendix.

(Nothing added)

11.       Report of Refurbishment Fundraising Committee   

Victor Skinner- see report F in appendix.

This was a long and detailed report from what had been a very active year. The main points brought out by Victor were as follows:

We are in the second stage of a 2 stage development plan. The first (preparatory) phase is complete, and has cost less than the £12,044 originally budgeted.

The second stage (implementation) has been costed and is significantly less than the original sum estimated. However English Heritage are expecting 25% to be met by ourselves. Since we have already spend tome £50,000 (which includes almost all our reserves) this would beggar us. We have asked English Heritage to take this into account, and are awaiting their response.

Whatever English Heritage decides, we must still put our best efforts into fundraising- this year the ‘flagship’ event is the VE day celebration, but we continue to sell books.

Victor thanked the committee- NB. more members still needed! In turn, Victor and Rita were both thanked by the meeting for their unflagging hard work. We hope they have the energy to continue into this year.

12.       Report on Synod (Diocesan & Deanery)         

Sylvia Dingley- see report G in appendix.

Sylvia had attended three out of the four diocesan synods, and had found them very interesting.

The Deanery synods were also very rewarding. Sylvia would like to emphasise that these are open to all.

13.       Other reports          

a)         Worship Group        

Chris Green- see report H in appendix.

The main changes recommended in our pattern of worship (and accepted by the PCC) were further discussed. Since they are designed to attract a wider number of people, a critical factor in their success would be publicity. We should make maximum use oflocal advertising (magazine, post office etc.) as well as through local contacts. We should also report on the events afterwards.

b)         Covenant Secretary

John Cartwright- see also report I in appendix.

We have been decided to apply some gentle pressure on electoral roll members to contribute more to our funds. We intend to send a letter to all on the roll. A draft letter should be available by our next meeting (6th June).

John was thanked for his tireless work in keeping up the income from covenants in the face of a number of contributors either moving away or dying.

c)         School

Thea Oliver- see also report J in appendix.

We had been hosting the children and toddler group in St. Peter’s, but unfortunately one little one had suffered a fall. The group had decided that it was too unsafe, and had gone back to the hall. Perhaps we should take measures to make the church safe for toddlers.

Lorne Talbot is our latest governor. We need 2 more. Please supply any names to Stanley.

Stanley commented that he had resigned, as he was not able to contribute fully to governor activities. He had recommended Nikki Devitt, to what was a very time-consuming job. NB. all governors need to re-register by September this year.

Who is link governor in class 2? Thea will find this out.

d)         Magazine

Alan Newman- see also report K in appendix.

We all appreciated the efforts going into the Church Newsletter. We liked the extra funny bits, and the new-style front cover was good (the only drawback was that it didn’t make it entirely clear that it was a church magazine). The extra cost reflects the fact that it has more material in these days. Advertisers have paid until the end of the year, which has helped with cash flow.

ACTION: Chris to write a letter of thanks to the Newmans.

It was suggested that the new arrangements for gifts at funerals should be explained in the magazine (i.e. to make clear that unmarked gifts are to go to church funds, and that those intended for other causes should go to the funeral director, or be otherwise marked). After discussion it was decided that it was sufficient to mark this clearly on the basket for gifts, and in the funeral service booklet.

e)         Charitable Giving

Wendy Cartwright- see report L in appendix.

f)          Bible study group

Thea Oliver- see report M in appendix.

Chris Green was thanked for the efforts he puts in to preparing for these evenings.

14.       Incumbent’s summary

Stanley Price- see report N in appendix.

A vote of thanks was proposed to Stanley, enthusiastically endorsed by the whole meeting.

15.       Election of PCC Members for 2005/2006        

a. Deanery Synod

This year we required new elections to the deanery synod. Two names had been proposed:

Sylvia Dingley

Wendy Cartwright.

They were duly declared elected (proposer: Chris Green; seconder Victor Skinner).

b. PCC members: carried over

The following had been carried over as members of the previous PCC, not needing to be re-elected. (They had all indicated their willingness to stand again).

John Cartwright

Chris Green

Victor Skinner

Lorne Talbot

c. PCC members: for election

The following were proposed for election or re-election:

Colette Jeff

Tricia Heckbert

Gillian Crease

It was  proposed to agree the above as members of the PCC (proposer: Thea Oliver; seconder Victor Skinner).

d. ex-officio members of the PCC

The following are members of the new PCC ex officio:

Thea Oliver (church warden)

Richard Dingley (church warden)

Sylvia Dingley (Deanery representative)

Wendy Cartwright (Deanery representative)

An especial thank-you was extended to the departing members of the PCC for all the efforts they had put in over the years:

Julie Brown

Wilf Lacey

Audrey Morgan

16.       Any other business          

John Cartwright suggested a barbecue as a fund-raising event for 2006. All agreed. This would take place in June, before Children’s holidays.

17.       Closing prayer        

Stanley Price closed the meeting with a prayer.


Appendix: Reports

A. Electoral Roll

Richard Dingley, electoral roll officer

During the past year four people have moved away from the parish and have been removed from the Electoral Roll.  They are:  Graham and Julie Brown, Mary James and Daphne Parfitt.

However Trisha Heckbert has joined the roll. The net change in the roll is therefore a drop from 48 to 46.

Of these, three are not ordinarily resident: Morgan Oliver & Tia Tinsong at University and Lois Dingley working in Nepal with INF.  Taking these into consideration the resident number is 43.

B. PCC Proceedings

Chris Green, PCC Secretary

This year our PCC membership was 13, and there have been ten regular PCC meetings. Some of these were held at Julie and Graham Brown’s house, but we sadly had to say goodbye to them early this year, an event that we marked with sparkling wine at the end of Julie’s last PCC meeting.

As well as Julie Brown, we are saying goodbye to two other PCC members at this APCM- Wilf Lacey, and Audrey Morgan. All three have contributed greatly to our discussions and activities in their different ways, and will be much missed (although Wilf and Audrey are not going away, at least). We hope to be welcoming at least one new face to our number next year.

During the last year the PCC has again been encouraged into a number of new initiatives under Stanley’s leadership. As well as running the Refurbishment and Fundraising Group and the Worship group (reported elsewhere), we created a new sub-group to look into ways of promoting links between the wider community and the church. This has yet to formally report its recommendations to the PCC, but will do so shortly. The last two groups are held jointly with Rodney Stoke.

PCC minutes have continued to appear on the Website, and this report will shortly be uploaded there as well: www.rodneystokewithdraycott.org.uk.

C. Financial Report

Wendy Cartwright, Treasurer

We started the year with a bank balance of £138.11 credit having allowed for any outstanding cheques, issued but not yet presented.  We have ended the year with a balance of £1761.15 credit, having allowed for all outstanding items, but out of this we will have to pay the remainder of the cost of the Hearing Loop, around £1000.

For the fifth year running we have not been able to pay the whole of our Parish Share, having paid just £3500 of a share of £9583. The Diocesan Office has been advised of our financial situation which is still affected by our efforts to keep a sound roof over our heads.  In 2005 our share has reduced to £9454, a very small reduction but nevertheless it is there.

The balance in the Central Board of Finance Investment Fund as at 31st December 2004 was £9879.16, as I have put back the monies we used for the roof once the various VAT and tax refunds were received.  The interest we received over the year was £346.51, a slight increase on 2003.

This year our Covenant Secretary’s efforts resulted in an increase in the return of income tax of some £800, i.e. £2182.51. He will be giving you an overview of the Gift Aid/planned giving situation himself.

The Flower Fund is still in existence and has been used for the Mothering Sunday flowers.  There is now a balance of £21.70 in the account at the end of 2004.

The Roof & Refurbishment bank balance at 31st December 2004 was £756.60 and the Central Board of Finance account designated “Roof Fund” was £15.50.  We received the first part of the grant from English Heritage and this enabled us to continue the repairs.  We have paid out £2113.24 from the General fund and £8065.92 from the Roof and Refurbishment accounts, most of this being architects and surveyors fees for Stage 3 of the roof repairs and some for the Hearing Loop.  However, the bulk of the Hearing Loop costs have been paid during 2005. The fund raising is on-going but I will let Victor tell you about all that.

As I suggested last year, I feel we are seeing the benefit of having Stanley with us, and things are improving.  However, with Stage 3 of the Roof & Refurbishment now under way we have a lot of work to do.

A copy of the Audited Accounts will be posted on the Notice Board at the back of the church.

 

D. Audited accounts

Wendy Cartright- Treasurer

i. Assets and liabilities as at year ended 31st December 2004

 

 

General

Fund

Fabric

Roof

Fund

Flower

Fund

Totals

2004

2003

2002

2001

2000

Monetary Assets

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

£

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CBF Investment account

0

9879.16

15.50

0.00

9894.66

7017.27

16958.09

14360.62

6060.66

Bank Current Account

1761.15

0

756.60

21.70

2539.45

1215.45

1850.73

703.76

1071.65

Total Cash Assets

1761.15

9879.16

772.10

21.70

12434.11

8232.72

18808.82

15064.38

7132.31

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other Assets

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.5% War Stock Capital £34.25

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Value at 31/12/03

27.00

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Magazine Advert fees owed

94.50

 

 

 

121.50

88.30

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12555.61

8321.02

 

 

 

Liabilities

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G Cooke re Hearing Loop

988.44

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

S.W.E.B.

35.73