PCC Meeting - September 2009


Highlights from the PCC meeting held on 19th November 2009

Matters arising not already on the agenda

  1. Parish Weekend
    There had been an open follow up meeting: further feedback from PCC was invited. Roger added positive comments: good to meet up in this way.
  2. Notice board
    No further progress to report.
  3. Ribbesford Car Park and Drive
    Update given. Lane from Heightington Road and car park had been resurfaced: PCC had contributed £1k to this. Council is willing to contribute to cost of resurfacing access lane if matched by residents, barns fund and WCC. Negotiations continue.
  4. Charity Status
    Michael distributed trustee declaration for signing.

Fees for 2010
Proposed fee table passed round. Keith explained background to proposed changes:

(i) £600 pa cost of portable toilet at Ribbesford is to be recouped via extra charge of £40 per wedding booking.
(ii) marriage preparation courses (Saturday workshops) led by qualified marriage guidance counsellor: £12 per couple.
(iii) In 2011 proposed additional fee of £20 per couple for admin of weddings (Sue will be wedding administrator for Bewdley and Wribbenhall churches).

Proposed new fees structure was accepted: copy filed with minutes.

Advent and Christmas
Services and other events planned were outlined (details as published in Network). Two queries were raised: why so few services/events were held at St Leonard's and whether Christmas Eve service could be returned to St Anne's. It was agreed that the programme had already been published in Bridge and Network so should not be changed for this year. Extensive discussion ensued. Whilst the importance of having a presence in Bewdley on Christmas Eve was noted, strong consensus was that St Leonard's should continue to be the venue: the most recent attempt to hold the service at St Anne's had been disrupted.

Sabbatical
Keith will have a sabbatical providing the opportunity for study, retreat, reflection, etc. starting around end of April. With accrued holiday time this will mean a return to duties at the start of September. Best wishes extended.

Mike Robinson - Renewal of License
Keith has held review meeting with Mike and proposed that his license be renewed. Proposal to accept recommendation was made by Ron Capell, seconded by Michael Foster and approved unanimously.

Chris Allen
Chris has previously been attached to St Mary's and to St Peter's Arley. He is moving to Bewdley in 2010 and has expressed a desire to be attached to this Parish. To be considered further in New Year as his relationship with St Anne's develops.

St Anne's Building
Application to DAC is being made to authorise necessary work identified in quinquennial report. Proposal is to get faculty for all work required (e.g. walkway, pigeons, guttering). Cost approx £40k. Property group & treasurer will decide exactly what we can afford. Meeting with Andrew Mottram to be held at St Anne's on 22nd November to consider further how building can be better used. The Parish Weekend group have further meeting planned.

Any other business

  1. Ron reported back from Diocesan Synod on a call for prayer and action. A national survey had shown Dudley to be the most disadvantaged area in UK regarding young people. About 1/3 of couples choose to marry in a church. Further details will be given in Network: we should consider how we can respond to this.
  2. Bewdley Floral Arts have donated £442.77 to church funds (raised by flower festival in St Anne's). Brian has written letter of thanks for the festival and for the donation.

Date of Next PCC meeting : Thursday 21st January 2010, 7.30pm at St Anne's.