Present:

Richard Ormston

Rosemary Weatherburn

Pauline Davidson

Emma Buckley

Ursula Wide

Patricia Newton

Cherrill Sands

Charles Wide

Giles Butlin

Bob Brewer

Sid Charlton

Apologies:

Brigitte Hilton

Opening Prayers were led by Richard.   He then welcomed Sid Charlton as a co-opted member on to the PCC.

1.

Minutes of PCC meeting dated 30 September 2009:  Previously agreed and now signed by Richard.

2.

Matters Arising:

·      Proposed church alterations - Pauline and Ursula have had a meeting with the architect to review changes to the plans.

The PCC agreed to submit the latest plans to the DAC for consideration in time for their meeting on 27 January.  When the DAC has expressed its view, the consultation process will include a public meeting.

Detail:

1.      The architect recommends the removal of at least two pews at the rear to allow room for the servery.  Ursula proposed the removal of three pews to balance the two sides of the rear, and so that the base of the pillar can be “read”.  Seconded by Rosemary.  There was one abstention, the rest in favour.

2.     30 – 40 folding, stackable chairs would be purchased for use when required.

3.     Bob suggested some notice boards for this area giving information on the church and the village.

4.     The lavatory would be sited at the rear of the tower, with the entrance behind the tower arch.  The electrics will stay and be boxed in.  The tower screen would be retained as both doors can be opened to provide disabled access.

5.     The servery will now consist of low base units with a lid.  The removed pews could be incorporated in the design.

6.     The front pews – the architect recommends removing one complete pew on each side.  Any damaged pew kerbs will be replaced with new stone work.  The historic pew ends will be retained.  The footprint of the removed pews to be retained so future congregations can see where the pews used to be.  Pauline proposed, Giles seconded.  All approved.

7.     The chancel screen.  If this were to be removed it would be used to replace the organ screen.  Extra side pieces would be needed as it is too narrow at present.  If the screen were left in place, a second communion table could be brought nearer to the congregation by placing it where the front pews had been removed.  The intention of the PCC is to reposition the screen but retain it within the building.  Pauline proposed, Ursula seconded, two against, the rest approved.

·      Richard has received a letter from Heather Ball, a copy of which also went to Cherrill.  It was not read out at the meeting but Richard will reply to it.

·      Tower Repairs –  

Bob has received an estimated cost of the repairs, repointing etc.  Since then some Health and Safety issues have arisen which may increase the cost slightly.  Tim Hunt has been advising the PCC on Health and Safety matters.

Graham Ball has been asked to quote for:

1.     Erection of scaffolding, including Heras fencing around the base and weekly inspections.

2.     Leadwork on the tower roof, as discussed during the inspection.

3.     Repointing of the entire tower.

4.     The bellchamber and sound chamber – clean up, treat infested timbers and wooden flooring with preservatives, de-rust and paint ironwork.

5.     A 10% contingency to be included for unforeseen situations arising from the above work.

6.     Installation of a new lightning conductor, to be carried out while the scaffolding is erected – if necessary by a suitable contractor.  To be tested and signed off on completion.

7.     Installation of a new weather vane, to be a replica of the original.

8.     Repointing other elevations of the church where prompt repairs are needed.

 A further PCC meeting will be required once this quote is received, in order to decide which extra items will be proceeded with.  This meeting would also be used to run through the annual accounts.  Bob to contact the PCC once he has the quote.

Pauline has asked Jeff Knowles to advise on extra security while the scaffolding is erected as the lead roof would not be covered by insurance while there is scaffolding in place.  Bob would like to explore a more permanent solution in the form of an alarm for the lead roof.  Pauline will ask Jeff for further information.

·      Stone Cross on porch –  

Ursula has received two quotes to provide a replica of the original cross.  Quotes are

£900 + VAT – Boden and Ward of Flore

£1176 + VAT – Weldon Stone

Ursula will proceed with the Boden and Ward quote.   Bob believes the VAT could be reclaimed as this is a repair.  The legacy from Mary Sapsed is to be used to pay for the cross.

·      Floodlight Cable – 

Russell Baxter has advised that the cable near the north wall of the churchyard where ashes are interred should be left alone.

   RO

BB

    PD

UW

3.

Services and Vicar’s Report:

·      Everyone agreed that the Christingle service time of 6pm was a good idea.  Richard gave thanks for the input from Glapthorn School.  The format will be repeated this year.

·      The Carol Service was well attended, as was the Christmas Day service.  The Supper after the Carol Service was deemed a success.

·      Richard announced a performance of “Angels’ Delight” on 8^th January.

·      The Oundle Alpha course takes place in February and a “taster” session will be held on 2^nd February.

·      A confirmation course starts on 17^th January.  If anyone wishes to be confirmed this year, please to contact Richard.

·      Confirmation takes place this year at Nassington on 8^th June at 7.30pm with Bishop John Flack.

·      The OSJO Cheese and Wine concert is on 27^th January at St. Peters.

4.

Treasurer’s Report:

·      Balances:

Current A/c  £3151

Fabric A/c  £28,506

Churchyard A/c £3367

Floodlight A/c £713

Deposit A/c  £1463

Organ A/c  £1071

(These are provisional figures)

·      It was agreed to pay the insurance premium in one lump sum of £1353.84

·      It was agreed that the Parish Share should be paid monthly by Direct Debit.

·      The end of year Accounts should be ready in February for the PCC to approve before the AVM.

BB

BB

BB

5.

Deanery Synod Report:

Charles had nothing to report but Richard announced an initiative in the deanery for work with adults and children with autism.

6.

Social Committee/Fundraising Report:

·      Cherrill thanked Rosemary for hosting the Christmas Coffee Morning, the proceeds from which were extremely good. 

·      It is hoped to hold a French themed evening in the Village Hall in February.  Cherrill will be arranging a Social Committee meeting. 

·      We will again be providing teas on Bank Holiday Monday for the Bluebell Weekend. 

CS

7.

Correspondence:

Ursula has received an update from the International Refugee Trust, who we supported last spring at Ursula’s Coffee Morning.  They now have their new premises.

8.

Any Other Business:

·      Tricia asked for a volunteer to take part in the Womens’ World Day of Prayer service on Friday 5^th March.  No one volunteered.

·      Richard announced that Steve Cunningham is no longer the Parish Administrator.  After advertising the post as a job share, Ali Coutts and Yvonne Harris are the new administrators.  The church office is open Monday to Friday 9am – 1pm.

·      Glapthorn churchyard – Ursula reported that Mick Clarke is clearing an area in the corner of the churchyard which has been a dump for grass cuttings, which should provide space for a further six graves.  It is hoped to erect compost bins for grass cuttings.

·      Richard offered to speak to the Reading family to explore the possibility that some of the field beyond the churchyard might at some point in the future become a churchyard extension, as space is now limited in the churchyard proper. 

·      Richard reported that a new Bishop of Peterborough has been appointed – Donald Allister who has been Archdeacon of Chester.

·      Pauline thanked those responsible for the light over the organ as they had done a marvellous job: Geoff Gent, David Gent, Richard Singlehurst and Russell Baxter.

She also thanked Russell Baxter for all he does for the church.

She thanked Monica Crosby for organising the December Carol Singing which raised £120 for the church and £120 for Help for Heroes.

·      Pauline and Ursula will write to Geoff Gent, thanking him for his faithful duty as organist over many years.

·      Charles informed the meeting that these PCC minutes will be added to the website as soon as the PCC approves the draft version forwarded by email to all members.

   RO

PD/UW

CW

9.

Date of next meeting:

The AVM on Wednesday 28^th April 2010, 7pm in Church

(There is likely to be an additional PCC meeting in late February – date to be advised)

Present:

Richard Ormston

Rosemary Weatherburn

Pauline Davidson

Emma Buckley

Ursula Wide

Patricia Newton

Brigitte Hilton

Charles Wide

Giles Butlin

Bob Brewer

Apologies:

Cherrill Sands

Opening Prayers were led by Richard who then chaired the meeting in Cherrill’s absence.

1.

Minutes of PCC meeting dated 29 April:  Agreed and signed by Richard.

2.

Matters Arising:

·      Churchyard regulations – now on church noticeboard.  There has not been a funeral since the new regulations came into force. 

·      Upkeep of churchyard – the mowing rota has been taken over from Giles by Nick Knowles, who will find more people to go on the rota.  Giles will see Mick Clarke about jobs he will be asked to do, such as weedkilling and upkeep of the path.  Giles will still oversee the churchyard generally and will continue to provide petrol for the mower.  Richard thanked Giles for his work on the churchyard. 

GB

3.

Services:

·      4^th October – Harvest 6pm, followed by supper in the Village Hall.  Pauline will notify John Beaumont and Stephen Webster.

·      11^th October – St. Wilfred’s weekend celebrating 1300 years in Oundle.  No 9.15am service in Glapthorn.  Service will be 10.30am in St. Peter’s with Bishop John Flack preaching.

·      Remembrance Sunday 8^th November – Stephen Webster will take the service.

·      6^th December – Christingle 6pm.  Glapthorn School will be involved.  No family service at 9.15am that day. 

·      20^th December – Carol Service 5pm.  Supper to follow in the Village Hall.  Bob will obtain a licence.

·      Christmas Day – 9.15am service.

·      31^st January 2010 – Education Sunday.  A deanery service at 6pm.  All adults involved in education will be invited.

·      2^nd February 2010 – Candlemass.  Not in the cathedral but in the deanery instead.  10 – 12 am.

·      8^th June 2010 – Confirmation at Nassington.  Anyone age 12 upwards who wishes to be confirmed to contact Richard.

PD

BB

4.

Vicar’s Report:

·      Glapthorn School governors have met and report an increase in numbers to 58 children which is expected to rise further. 

·      Proposed alterations to church: 

Ursula reported on the meeting held in July with the DAC and English Heritage which she said was very positive but everything is still only at the discussion stage.  It is now up to the PCC to decide on the extent of the alterations.

A Statement of Significance has been prepared by the Churchwardens, which is a history of how the church building has been altered over the centuries.

A Statement of Need has also been prepared.  The DAC have suggested the toilet is sited at the rear of the tower.  Some pews from the north-west corner will have to be removed to accommodate the kitchen facility.  There was a discussion about how many – to be discussed further at a site meeting.  The kitchen servery will be lidded to be unobstrusive and will not restrict the view of the window.

All agreed that the toilet and kitchen installations should go ahead and that some pews will have to be removed.

It was agreed that funding for the project must come from outside sources and that the village not be asked to raise the funds.

The DAC do not object in principle to the removal of the chancel screen (the churchwardens cannot find any reference to its installation in any documents).  Indeed they can see the advantages for worship, but the PCC agreed this was not a priority.  If it is removed, the screen would not be used to screen the toilet but could replace the organ screen.

Removal of some pews at front of the nave – the DAC are in favour of this so the PCC will consider this further at the site meeting.  Opening up the nave in front of the chancel screen would provide valuable space for plays and concerts, make turning coffins easier and enable the communion table to be brought forward to be closer to the congregation if required from time to time.

It was agreed that our priority is installing the kitchen and toilet facilities and removal of certain pews.  A site meeting will be arranged so the PCC can decide on detail.

Some mould and damp patches also need attention and following the building work, the church will require redecoration.

Pauline will arrange a meeting with the Heritage Lottery Fund as soon as possible, being the first source of funding.

Bob asked for some alterations to the Statement of Significance – the roof is collyweston and lead and also that work has been done to the roof and to the windows.  Bob will make the amendments.

Charles will add the Statements to the website, after amendments.

As it is important to keep the village informed of the proposed changes, Richard will prepare a note to be delivered.

    PD

    BB

CW

RO

5.

Treasurer’s Report:

·      Balances:

Current a/c                                    £4833

Combined deposit a/c                     £478

Fabric a/c                                    £20625

Churchyard a/c                             £4076

Organ a/c                                      £1069

Floodlighting a/c                          £1019 + £244

·      Tower Roof and Stonework: 

The full cost would be £60 - £65,000.  The bank balance stands at £20,000 and will be £25,000 by spring 2010.  Currently VAT can be reclaimed but not after 2011, work should be done before then.

HOW:

Cut unnecessary costs by not replacing the lead roof, just patch it.

No hatch and internal steps – use external ladders.

No lightning conductor – not insisted upon by insurers.

No new weather vane – have been a long time without one.

             Internal work – use volunteers.

No VAT payable if we finish on time.

No architects fees.

No bureaucracy, except appointment of CDM

Graham Ball’s provisional estimate is £14,500 + £2175 VAT = £16,675.  To satisfy safety concerns this may have to be increased.

Next steps:

Pauline to talk to Tim Hunt about CDM

Bob to ask for detailed quotation to include requirements identified by Tim.

(North wall of church has poor pointing at the top – include in PCC site inspection).

·      Summer Celebration: 

Money raised is still in the Summer Celebration account.  Pauline to ask Nadine Edwards for cheque before year end so that it can be placed in the fabric account.

·      Parish Share: 

To pay 2010 share by standing order.  All agreed.

To pay 2010 buildings insurance premium by standing order.  Agreed.

To pay third and fourth quarter 2009 of £2265 each.  All agreed.

Reductions in parish share.  £465 from 2008 has been put aside and there may be £984 from 2009.  Decide what to do in due course.

·      Donations: 

Missionaries’ Christmas gifts - £30

Bell Ringers Association - £25

British Legion, poppies - £25

All agreed to repeat these annual donations but the £25 donation to St. Luke’s Hospital for Clergy will not be made this year as it does not exist.

A new donation agreed of £100 to OCYA (Oundle Churches Youth Association).

·      Harvest Auction: 

Proceeds to be divided between Tear Fund and Family Care, as previously.  All agreed.

·      TENs needed: 

For the supper in the Village Hall following the Carol Service on 20 December.  

·      Mary Sapsed’s legacy: 

Two estimates have been obtained by Ursula to repair or replace the porch cross.  Ursula to take this forward.  The job needs to be completed by March 2011 to obtain VAT rebate.

·      Floodlighting: 

The wires along the north boundary wall need relaying because of potential interference with ashes memorial plaques in the future.  Ursula and Pauline to make enquiries.

·      Bequest: 

Miss Mabel Hassell has left a bequest of £846 approx.  A cheque should be received by the Treasurer soon.  Churchwardens and Vicar have completed the relevant forms.

    PD

BB

BB

PD

BB

BB

BB

BB

BB

BB

UW

UW/PD

UW/PD

6.

Deanery Synod:

Charles did not attend the last meeting.

7.

Social Committee Report:

·      In view of the success of the Summer Celebration, there will not be a Christmas Cracker event this year.  Instead there will be a Coffee Morning with a Christmas theme on Saturday 28^th November at Hope Cottage.  There will be a Christmas Bring & Buy and Raffle.  Tickets £2 to be produced by Brigitte.

·      Early in 2010 there will be a French Evening in the Village Hall.  Details to be finalised later.

RW

8.

Correspondence:

·      OCYA (Oundle Churches Youth Association) have requested a donation.  Rosemary proposed £100 which all agreed.

BB

9.

Any Other Business:

·      Tricia resigned as the Glapthorn representative for Women’s World Day of Prayer.

·      Charles provided the PCC members with a new Glapthorn Church leaflet and asked for any amendments.

·      Ursula has ordered and received the Bibles for Glapthorn School and they will be distributed to the children shortly.

·      Pauline has attended Fire Extinguisher training.  Brief instructions will be placed in the tower.

·      Fire extinguishers were serviced in the summer.

·      Church electrics – Rudkins of Stamford have carried out the floodlight maintenance and repairs (identified in the Fenlac inspection).  The light above the organ still needs to be changed.

The floodlight cable is causing a problem where it runs away from the north wall and impedes interring of ashes.  An electrician is to be asked to reposition the cable.

·      Emma has placed a First Aid box in the tower.

·      Swine Flu – Ursula has had training in case of a serious epidemic.  Volunteers will be needed to make sure the church still operates, i.e. cabinet keyholders, communion assistants and those willing to take a service if no minister available.

CW

UW

PD

PD/UW

Present:

Heather Ball

Brigitte Hilton

Emma Buckley

Mike Newton

Giles Butlin

Patricia Newton

Bob Brewer

Richard Ormston

Pauline Davidson

Cherrill Sands

Geoff Gent

Rosemary Weatherburn

Maureen Gent

Charles Wide

Ursula Wide

Apologies:    None

1

Opening Prayers and Bible Reading were led by Richard Ormston who then welcomed everyone to the meeting.

2

Minutes of the AVM dated 17^th April 2008 were read out by Richard.  After agreeing they were a true record, Richard signed the Minutes.

3

Matters Arising:

·      Church candles – no action has been taken.

·      Oundle St. Peter’s weekly diary – this will be emailed to the PCC in future but anyone who is interested may request a copy.

4

Vicar’s Report:

·      In his capacity as Rural Dean, Richard has visited Apethorpe, Southwick and Barnwell churches.  He believes that Glapthorn’s congregation compares very favourably.  He particularly mentioned the involvement of Glapthorn School in the life of the church, the Sunday Club and the two services per Sunday.

·      Richard thanked the Sunday Club team of helpers and Glapthorn School for encouraging families to attend.

·      Richard praised the large number of Glapthorn residents who are willing to be involved in the life of the church.

·      Clergy – Stephen Webster is half way through his three year curacy and has worked very hard.

·      Bishop Ian retires on 29^th  June.  It will be some time before a new bishop is appointed.  Bishop John of Nassington is helping the diocese.

·      Richard thanked Charles Wide for taking Evening Prayer and also thanked the PCC.

5

Churchwardens’ Report (given by Ursula):

·      Ursula reviewed the year and reported on the pattern of services with a slowly increasing congregation.

·      A summary was given of the plans to incorporate a disabled lavatory and kitchen  facility within the church.

·      The state of the churchyard – headstones have been straightened, a compost bin installed and Giles was thanked for organising the mowing rota.  In addition extra paid help with mowing and clearing has helped the volunteer mowers.

·      Ursula and Pauline have carried out a risk assessment.

·      Sunday Club – About 12 children regularly attend once a month in the village hall.  Ursula thanked Vern Stark, Helen Charlton and Julia Hart for organising the Club.

·      Charles has created pages on Glapthorn church for the Oundle Deanery website.

·      Ursula thanked Cherrill and the Social Committee for their hard work fundraising.

·      She thanked the organists, church cleaners and flower arrangers.

·      Ursula informed the meeting of progress regarding the charitable trust land on Benefield Road and reported on her and Pauline’s visit to the Parish Council meeting in this regard.

·      School House Trust – the trustees being the Vicar and churchwardens have appointed agents to deal with the management of this property.

·      Ursula completed her report by thanking the vicar and curate, the treasurer and secretary of the PCC and all members for their support. 

·      She thanked Keith Alvey who is stepping down as a PCC member.

Maureen Gent requested clarification from Ursula about possibly moving the chancel screen.  Ursula replied that this is only a proposal.

6

Annual Accounts:

·      These were presented by Bob Brewer (see attached).  They were accepted – proposed by Rosemary Weatherburn, seconded by Ursula Wide.  All in favour of adoption. 

Charles Wide asked Bob to email a copy of the annual report for inclusion on the website.

BB

7

School Report:

·      At the 2008 AVM it was noted that school numbers were down.  One year on and there is a waiting list for reception class and numbers generally are much improved.

·      During the year a new head teacher was appointed – Mark Ratchford – who is very keen to raise the church/school emphasis. 

·      The school has had an Ofsted inspection with a report of “Good with outstanding aspects”.

·      There has also been a diocesan Section 48 inspection.  Results were outstanding as a church school.

·      Richard reported that Katherine Joyce, previous head teacher, is getting married this year.  Everyone sent their congratulations.

8

Social Committee Report:

·      The activities during the year were summarised by Cherrill.  All were very successful.  Forthcoming events were outlined.  Cherrill thanked the social committee and also thanked John Coleman for producing tickets and posters.  Richard thanked Cherrill and the committee.

9

Election of Churchwardens:

Both Ursula and Pauline are willing to stand again.  There were no other nominations.  Richard declared them both duly elected and thanked them.

10

Election of PCC members:

·      Keith Alvey has resigned.

·      Pauline proposed Emma Buckley, seconded by Ursula.  All in favour.

·      Richard proposed the re-election of the PCC en bloc.  All in favour.

11

Election of Treasurer:

There were no nominations.  Bob is willing to stand again with Ian Davidson and Mike Newton offering help.  All in favour.

12

Election of Secretary:

No nominations.  Tricia is willing to stand again.  All in favour.

13

Election of Chair:

No nominations.  Cherrill is willing to stand again.  All in favour.

14

Any Other Business:

·      Heather Ball raised various issues regarding the Charitable Trust land on Benefield Road.

15

Date of next AVM:  Wednesday 28^th April 2010.

Present:

Bob Brewer (arrived late)

Tricia Newton

Giles Butlin

Richard Ormston

Cherrill Sands

Rosemary Weatherburn

Pauline Davidson

Charles Wide

Brigitte Hilton

Ursula Wide

Apologies:  None received.

1.

Minutes of the last meeting:  Agreed and signed by Cherrill.

2.

Matters Arising:

• Deanery website progress.  Charles reported that the Glapthorn pages on the website are much admired and he tries to keep the Glapthorn information up to date.  Oundle and Thrapston are the only other parishes at present to have pages, Benefield is in the process of producing theirs.
• Headstones in churchyard.  One stone reported to be broken on the west side of the churchyard.   Giles and Ursula will look at it and decide what is to be done.  The remaining stones requiring attention will be seen to when the weather improves.  Rosemary reported that the churchyard cold water tap froze recently and there is a strong possibility of it bursting.  Giles will attend to some lagging.
• Risk Assessment.  Pauline and Ursula will look at the previously produced document.
• Compost bin for churchyard.  Ursula is still looking into this.  At least one dustbin to be replaced by compost bin.  All dead flowers will be composted and cellophane packaging to be requested to be removed.
• Rubble removed from graves.  This has been placed near the back corner of the churchyard.  Ursula has spoken to Crowsons about its removal and was told they would look into it.  Ursula will now write to Crowson requesting the rubble removal which has been agreed verbally.
• Communion service booklets.  These have been produced and are now in church.  A few changes have been made.

CW

GB

UW

GB

PD

UW

UW

UW

3.

Vicar’s Report:

• Glapthorn School.  Richard reported that Mark Ratchford, head teacher, had made a very good start.  There has been a recent Ofsted inspection which unofficially has been reported as very positive.  The school roll has reached capacity for reception class and there is a waiting list for next year.
• Deanery walk to Peterborough Cathedral.  As this was very successful last year, it is proposed to repeat it on 18^th April, starting 9am from St. Peters.  To arrive for afternoon Evensong.  Richard is trying to arrange a tour of the cathedral following the service.
• There will be an Oundle churches sponsored walk in June.  Further details to follow.

Services:

• Ash Wednesday 25^th February.  10am communion service. 
• Mothering Sunday 22^nd March.  4^th Sunday but Richard will take the service and will inform Jeremy Firth and also Glapthorn School.   Ursula will organise the flower posies and inform the Sunday Club. 
• Good Friday 10^th April.  Service at 9.30am. 
• Confirmation for the deanery 9^th June.  7.30pm at St. Peters.  Bishop John Flack.  Names of any who would like confirmation to Richard. 

RO

RO

UW

4.

Deanery Synod report:

• A meeting was held on 7^th October in Thrapston.  Charles reported on a talk about planned giving and suggested that after our AVM a report is produced on what has happened with Glapthorn church over the last year and detailing future events.  He will produce a new church leaflet with the intention of delivering one to every home in the village together with a new standing order form, after the AVM.  It was decided to do this every year after the AVM.

CW

5.

Treasurer’s Report:

Balances:

• Current  £1064
• General Deposit £472
• Fabric Deposit £19827
• Churchyard Deposit £4730
• Organ Deposit £1147
• Floodlighting Deposit £1005
• Floodlighting Current £204
• Total £28449

• The annual accounts have not yet been produced.  When ready an extra PCC meeting will be called to present them.

• Following a reduction in our parish share it was decided to review the situation every November to decide whether we could help other parishes.
• Bob has renewed the insurance.  There is a limit of cover of £5000 for the lead on the roof which is a risk so Bob was asked to explore the cost of increased cover for this.  Bob will also talk to Jeff Knowles for any ideas he may have.
• Campaign for new standing orders.  16 new or altered.  Resulted in total increase in monthly income of £405.  It should now be possible to cover regular outgoings.
• All of last year’s fundraising went into the current account.  Bob proposed that all future fundraising goes to the fabric account.  Agreed.
• Bob would like to find two people who could take from him the roles of Planned Giving Officer and fund raising for specific projects, to work with the Treasurer.
• Bob would also like someone to take over the completion of the attendance returns and deal with bequests.
• Bob will pay this quarter’s parish share.  Agreed.

BB

BB

BB

6.

Fundraising/Social Committee Report:

• Christmas Cracker.  Did not make quite so much money as last year but was still very successful. 
• Coffee Morning – Saturday 14^th February at Church Cottage, 10.30am.  Proceeds to go to International Refugee Trust and Glapthorn Church.  Cakes, bring & buy, raffle.  Suggestion of book stall.  All helpers to Church Cottage at 10.10am. 
• Future events – Pauline offered to organize a summer event.  She will send a note around the village suggesting a meeting to discuss. 

PD

7.

Kitchen/Lavatory Facility:

Two options are available:

• Option 1 – Lavatory in the tower and kitchen area in the west end of the north aisle.  A carillon would replace the bell ropes.
• Option 2 – The lavatory and the kitchen in the west end of the north aisle.

Option 1 is favoured.  See notes attached to Minutes.

It is proposed to remove the chancel screen and reuse it to make doors into the tower.  PCC agreed but the diocese may not permit.

The estimated cost for option 1 at present is £59,000 but it is hoped that this can be reduced.  Grant aid will be applied for, the village will not be expected to fund this.  The next step is to talk to Paul Middleton, the DAC secretary for his advice.

The next newsletter comes out at the beginning of March.  To advertise that this will be reported on at the AVM in April and requesting all those interested to attend.  It is proposed to keep the village up to date with what is happening.

Also a proposal to remove the central sections of the two front pews to give more space for funerals, events etc.  This would mean losing six seats.  In view of the problem with the slippery York stone path, it is also proposed to lay the stone from the path in church where the front pews have been removed.  To replace the stone path with tarmac and gravel.  All agreed.

PD

BH

8.

Registration of the land vested in the Charitable Trust on Benefield Road:

A discussion took place about the possible uses to which this land could be put and a number of options considered, namely leaving it as it is at the moment with Christmas trees growing there, making it into a wildlife area, selling it as a pony paddock, approaching the local education authority over the possibility of a school playground and car park, approaching the Parish Council re a village playground, selling it for affordable housing.  No decision was taken.  (See note 1)

9.

Correspondence:

The Secretary has received a letter from Parish Councillor Roy Kerr about the future intentions of the PCC regarding the land off Benefield Road.  Secretary will reply that the legal work is still in the hands of solicitors.

PN

10.

Any Other Business:

• Ursula brought to the PCC’s attention the work of Nic Shaw, of Oundle Churches Youth Association and his work in the deanery.  Ursula will put the poster in church.
• Ursula reported that the services register cannot be found.  (It now has been found and back in use).

UW