WONSTON PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
Minutes of Meeting held on Thursday 3rd March 2011 at Beech Cottage, Wonston.
Present: Revd. Sue Foster, Col Peter Barrett (Churchwarden), Capt Andrew Betton (Chairman), Mrs Bettina Betton (Treasurer), Dr. Angela Lewis (Secretary), Mr Wally Taylor, Dr Sarah Hobhouse, Mr Steve Mullins (from minute 5).
Apologies: Mr Peter Clarke, Mrs Sandy Fitzgerald, Mr George Gray. Mr Nicholas Wood.
The meeting was opened with a prayer.
1. Minutes of Meeting 31st January 2011.
The minutes were accepted as a true record by those present and signed by the Rector.
2. Matters Arising
The stonemasons repaired 10 gravestones as planned on 2nd February, at a cost of just in excess of £1,000, which should be paid from the Churchyard Fund. A rolling programme of similar repairs may be required in the future.
Col Barrett had not received a reply from Gary Seymour regarding the building works. However the requirements have been put out to tender, and it is hoped that quotes will be received by the middle of March.
The revised insurance policy requiring an increased excess of £500 (as discussed at the previous PCC meeting) will take effect from 1st April.
Captain Betton explained that the testing of the portable electric appliances has been carried out. It was decided that the account of £105 should be paid from the Fabric Fund. The lightning conductor test has been completed and certificated. It was agreed to repeat this in 30 months time.
Captain Betton now has the form required for the fire risk assessment and will progress this. He is continuing to seek the most appropriate person to carry out the full electrical inspection that is still required.
3. Approval of PCC’s Annual Report and Financial Statements for 2010.
The meeting was grateful to Captain Betton for producing the draft PCC Annual Report. It was discussed at length and minor necessary adjustments were noted.
Mrs Betton distributed the attached accounts and remarked that financially the year had been relatively strong. The auditing was not yet complete, but the general fund stood with a surplus of £169.
The perceived Churchyard Fund deficit was due to the gravestone repairs, represented due to the intention to pay for the work in 2010 that was not in fact carried out until 2011.
There followed a discussion as, due to a unpredicted change in rules, VAT could not be claimed back on work after 31st December 2010, whereas it had been expected to be possible to claim it back until 31st March 2011.
It was confirmed that gravestone repair was regarded as maintenance and therefore no insurance can be claimed.
There had been several very successful fundraising events last year, and new ideas are needed for events this year.
Subject to the amendments discussed during the meeting and to Mrs Sawdon’s approval of the accounts, the draft was accepted by those present.
Mr Taylor expressed his thanks to Mrs Betton for taking over the role of PCC Treasurer.
4. Approval of Agenda for APCM 2011.
No candidates have come forward for the role of second Churchwarden to replace Col Barrett. The legal obligations of the post are important, and offers of helping out in an informal manner, though well-intentioned and gratefully received, will not always be sufficient legally. Capt Betton will be away for several months in 2011 and cover will be required. Mr Mullins will discuss with Capt Betton ways in which he may kindly be able to assist.
Mr Taylor and Mr Mullins are due to retire from the PCC this year – both indicated their willingness to stand for re-election. Subject to confirmation, Frances Burland and Sarah Stanton are happy to stand for election in the remaining two places to be filled.
A brief meeting after the main APCM will be required for the election of officers and will be added to the agenda.
Subject to the above, the agenda was approved by those present.
Col Barrett agreed to speak to Mr Cornick about a Bellringers’ report for the APCM. Dr Lewis will provide a Deanery Synod report.
5. Rector’s Report.
The workload continues to be heavy with a funeral each week since Christmas, requiring funeral visits, bereavement visits and follow up.
Revd Foster explained the Policy Statement on children and young people that is required to be displayed in the church. Ruth Guy has volunteered to become the child protection co-ordinator for the Upper Dever Benefice. The policy as seen was proposed to be accepted by Revd Foster, seconded by Capt Betton and agreed by the meeting.
The Rector had attended the previous evening’s Deanery Synod meeting and was able to pass on information from this:
A copy of the audited accounts needs to be sent to Hugh Podger.
The PCC needs to discuss and formulate its position on women bishops so that its opinion can be fed back at the Deanery Synod meeting of 7th June.
The names of the Deanery Synod representatives need to be given to synod by 6th May.
Ruth Guy has kindly offered to represent the Benefice at the Mission and Pastoral Committee meeting on 7th September.
Once Hugh Podger has the Deanery figures for 2012, he will forward suggestions for the parish share for the year to each parish.
It is believed that a total figure of 11.5 stipendiary clergy within the Deanery is being proposed.
Revd Foster feels encouraged that Chapter continues to function much better since its retreat last year.
Capt Betton expressed his gratitude to the Rector for her continued support and guidance in the parishes.
6. Treasurer’s Report.
The item had previously been dealt with
7. Churchwardens’ Report.
The first cut to the churchyard is due in time for Easter.
There is a requirement to register the church with the Land Registry by April 2012. Capt Betton will speak to Mr Clarke to locate the deeds and will proceed with the process to raise the certificate – fees required will be paid from the general fund.
The next churchyard clean up will be on 14th May. Capt Betton will be at sea. Mr Mullins volunteered to oversee the activity with a list of necessary tasks.
8. Any Other Business.
Mrs Betton had canvassed opinion and felt that china mugs would be a popular choice for raising funds. Blue was thought a good colour for decoration with new designs similar to those on the cover of Mr Clarke’s revised book of the parish. Dr Hobhouse suggested a smaller version in addition and for 100 of each size to be produced in time for the fete, with proceeds for Holy Trinity. A selection could be available in the church at most times and particularly at christenings and other special services.
Mr Taylor thanked the PCC for the picture that he was given on his retirement as Treasurer.
Mrs Betton is purchasing a rose as a gift for Arnold in gratitude for playing the organ and for Mary Toplis for cleaning the church.
The Rector reminded Capt Betton that he needed to be dubbed by July.
9. Date of next meeting.
Monday 20th June at 8pm at Beech Cottage, Wonston.
The meeting closed with the Grace.