Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1^st March 2010 at 7.30pm in New College Hall.

Present:

Rev. L Nowen              H Taylor           J  Kennedy                   I McAndrew     W Mellor

P Barratt          R McAndrew                P McDonnell                 F Bowler          FG Brightman  

D McGee         S Kennedy                    C Harris                       J Haile              S Bridgman

1.         Apologies.       T Taylor           C Robson          G Burgess         J Finnemore                 

G Gilmour

2.         Adoption of the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1^st February 2010.

3.         Matters arising: None

4.         Finance. Nothing to report.

5.         Updating of 5 Year Plan. J. Kennedy spoke on behalf of G Gilmour and asked for representatives from the different areas of the plan to put reports together. G Gilmour will then report to the APCM.

6.         Reports.

6.1       Building & Works.

            Priory – Bad weather continues to delay repairs to the north transept and north aisle roofs. Faculty application notification of approval for the History project, electrical and lighting equipment for project displays and PA system upgrading has been received. Approval for the Memorial Chapel has been deferred pending further discussion with the Archdeacon. Arrangements now in hand for the John Warbrick memorial bench to be completed in time for ceremony on April 17^th, John’s birthday.

Old College Hall – railings now repaired.

New College Hall – Further patching to damaged areas of ceiling repaired. There has been a major clear out of accumulated items which are of no further use from below OCH and NCH first floor. Several redundant pews have also been disposed of.

B & W committee meeting recommended policies (25^th Feb 2010)

OCH – Following the negative response from the Heritage Lottery Fund for our application to  refurbish the roof, ceiling and paintwork, it is recommended that this is not pursued for the time being. Instead it is recommended that work be put in hand immediately to make the necessary permanent roof repairs using our own internal funding.

NCH – Recommended low cost improvements are using industrial cleaners to carry out general cleaning of the upper room and seeking help from possibly the probation service to re-decorate the interior. Explore the possible use of legacy money to purchase comfortable seating.

Churchyard – Resumption of burials in the old churchyard, recommend necessary work to make this area ready is put in hand immediately. Local undertakers to be asked for advice and a scheme to release space for more than 20 additional slabs in the existing screened area be implemented as soon as possible. Costs for further tidying of the area be obtained and the leaning Fox headstone be levelled. Finally, clear and unambiguous instructions regarding burials and cremations to be agreed with all interested parties.

Suggestions for future legacies.

• Purchase of comfortable seating for NCH lower room
• Contribution towards removal of non-breathable paint from OCH walls
• New Crucifix for Choir
• Purchase of suitable chairs for use in proposed new memorial chapel
• Replacement bench at the rear of church
• PA system upgrading
• New Font
• Additional disabled parking space

PCC agree in principal with the recommendations of the B &W committee for OCH, NCH & churchyard policy.

6.2       Deanery Synod. Nothing to report.

6.3       Churches Together. Walk with the Cross begins on Palm Sunday from Beckermet to Calderbridge at 3pm and finishes with a service at Egremont Methodist Church at 6pm on Good Friday.

6.4       Friends of the Priory. Dr Trevor Park gave a talk entitled ‘Cathar Country’ on Thursday 4^th February. The AGM will take place on 26^th May and there will be a Choral Evensong 13^th June with an organ recital by Frank Bowler to be arranged at a later date.

7.         Events.

7.1       APCM. Publicity to encourage attendance is necessary. J Kennedy suggested putting a leaflet inside the noticeboard leading up to the APCM. The leaflet would explain what the PCC does, who the members are and when they meet. C Robson and I McAndrew are willing to put a short presentation together about ‘A year in the life of the village’ which will be shown after the meeting and refreshments will be available. Those members eligible for re-election are P Barratt and G Gilmour.

7.2       Lent. There will be a joint service of reflection at St. Bees Methodist Church 2pm on Good Friday. The Lent lunch programme will be advertised in the magazine. There will be a procession around the church on Palm Sunday.

Easter. Special children’s craft activities are planned for Easter Saturday followed by an Easter Egg Hunt after the Easter Sunday service.

8.         Correspondence. None received.

9.         Individual concern.

10.       Other business.

10.1     Bishop’s meeting. G Brightman attended the ‘Nuclear Energy Discussion Day’ held on 6^th February at the Fratry. It was arranged by Bishop James and the Dean of Carlisle under the auspices of Churches Together in Cumbria. Numerous presentations were made in favour of and against the production of nuclear energy. P Barratt thanked F Brightman for highlighting some very valid points.

10.2     Representative for Parish council traffic sub-group. G Gilmour asked that a PCC representative should be on the sub group which will be looking at the one way system for the village being promoted by the public school.

The meeting closed with Compline at 8.32pm.

MIN/MAR10

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 1^st February 2010 at 7.30pm in New College Hall.

Present:

Rev. L Nowen             H Taylor          J  Kennedy                  G Gilmour       I McAndrew

P Barratt           R McAndrew               P McDonnell                F Bowler          FG Brightman

D McGee         S Kennedy                   G Burgess                    C Robson

1.         Apologies. T Taylor           S Bridgman      W Mellor         C Harris           J Haile

J Finnemore

2.         Adoption of the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 7^th December 2009.

3.         Matters arising: None

4.         History Project

Lars welcomed Chris Robson who gave a presentation explaining the project as presented to the Diocesan Advisory Committee for approval. Under the conditions of the grant the project will focus on the history and heritage of St. Bees Priory and the village of St. Bees within the context of the geology, natural history and archaeology of the St.Bees area. A detailed visual presentation was delivered showing clearly the location and nature of the information boards being suggested. It was underlined that the Priory is a working church and the project must not interfere with the worship and spirituality of the building. Since the last report was made to the PCC additional information has been submitted to the DAC and an outline of the panels agreed.

5.         Recording the Father Willis organ.

The PCC received a letter from Daniel Cook outlining the plans for the recording which the PCC approved. Action: HT to reply.

6.         Residential Development – Abbey Road.

Copies of letters sent from the churchwardens were in the correspondence folder. Residents have instigated a protest campaign. The wardens have spoken to the solicitors to ensure the church‘s right of way is protected.

7.         Finance.

Due to a change in the regulations regarding charities with funds under £250,000 the accounts can return to simple receipts and payments. Treasurer, G. Burgess presented the accounts in detail with explanations of specific points (see notes to accounts). H Taylor proposed the PCC accept the accounts as presented: J Kennedy seconded. PCC agreed. G Burgess thanked Pat McDonnell for her help in keeping the accounts and the PCC thanked G Burgess for all his work as treasurer and for presenting the accounts.

G Gilmour raised the point that according to the 5 year plan New College Hall remains a financial liability. The Building and works committee need to formulate some plans for the future of the building enabling the PCC to make a strategic decision.

8.         Updating the graveyard plan.

I McAndrew has produced a plan of the plots and suggested that the plan be developed to include inscriptions collected on a database and possibly a CD produced for use in genealogical research.

9.         Reports.

9.1       Building & works.

Priory. The extreme weather has prevented repairs being made to the north transept and north aisle roofs (this will be covered by insurance). Investigations into the water ingress above the vicar’s stall and the area where the stones are displayed have also been delayed. Although we are still awaiting formal notification, we understand the situation regarding faculty applications is as follows:

Memorial Chapel – deferred for further discussion with the Archdeacon who has informed us that the DAC interpreted our application as ‘let’s make this area with the spare furniture we don’t know what to do with’. He advises that we can continue with present temporary arrangement.

John Warbrick Memorial Bench – appears not to come under DAC jurisdiction, to be clarified.

PA system, History Project & electrical/ lighting equipment for Project displays– approved.

Old College Hall – Heritage Lottery Fund application is back in our court to reconsider how to go forward after the Heritage Lottery Fund made it clear that ‘our plans for learning activities were not strong enough’. L Nowen suggested the commercial sub-committee brainstorm ideas for a revised application. Thank you to I McAndrew for all his work on the application. Railing repairs have also been delayed by bad weather.

New College Hall – repair work to the south gable of the building to prevent serious ingress of water above the first floor window was completed at a cost of £5,500. Hopefully this action will avoid a much higher cost in the future. Ceiling repairs are in hand. It has now been confirmed that NCH has been withdrawn from Faculty jurisdiction. A new door has been fitted to the outside toilet, door closers fitted to inner and outer doors of the lower hall and electricity meters.

Grounds – The screening around the cremation area which was badly damaged by severe winds last year has been renewed along with the handrail. Arrangements have been made to tidy up the cremation area and release space for further slabs. Updated instructions for undertakers for this area have been issued and further discussions with Eaves will be held at the earliest opportunity. A reminder has been sent to Anthony Fox regarding the Fox family gravestone. Due to recent mole activity the mole-catcher’s services will be sought.

Priory Paddock – Following damage to trees caused by last year’s severe winds N Bettinson arranged for Copeland to prune where necessary. (Funded by the Parish Council).

Spring Clean – A skip will be hired to clear out items of no further use from below OCH and the first floor of NCH. Please inform I McAndrew or J Kennedy of any items which need to be kept. Several redundant side aisle pews have been made available.

Suggestions for future legacies –

1) Twenty suitable chairs for use in new small memorial chapel

2) Replacement bench for rear of church

3) Upgrading of present public address equipment

4) New Font

5) Additional disabled parking area

9.2       Deanery Synod. Nothing to report.

9.3       Churches Together. Walk with the Cross.

9.4       Friends of the Priory. A talk by Trevor Park on Cathar Country will take place on Thursday 4^th February at 7.30pm in Old College Hall. The Friends Festival will be on Sunday 17^th June with a Choral Evensong. An organ recital to be given by Frank Bowler will be arranged for some time in June.

10.       Events.

10.1     Lent. A Lenten study group will run on Thursday mornings at 10.30am in the vicarage.

Holy Week. S Kennedy raised the possibility of arranging some children’s activities e.g creating a frieze.

Lent lunches. In the process of being organised, details will be advertised.

10.2     APCM. Monday 29^th March at 7.30pm. refreshments will be provided.

11.       Correspondence.

11.1     Rural Manifesto: A Vision for Rural Churches in Cumbria. Booklets were distributed to PCC members and the subject will be put on the agenda of the second meeting of the new council. Action: HT

12.       Individual concern.

13.       Other business.

13.1     St. Bega, Bassenthwaite. Enquiries had been made to see if the Priory could help St. Bega’s in any way following the damage caused in the floods. HT & FGB reported that although the church was damaged, the damage was minimal compared to other churches in the area and the building was back in full use. Future collaborations between the two churches will include a coach of parishioners from Bassenthwaite attending the Friends Festival on the 16^th June and an event to commemorate St. Bega’s Day on 6^th November.

The meeting concluded with Compline at 9.17pm.

Minutes of the Parochial Church Council Meeting held on Monday 7 December 2009 at 7.30 pm in the New College Hall.

The meeting began with a bible reading and prayers.  The meeting was chaired by John Kennedy.

1        Present: Catriona Harris            John Kennedy             Geoff Burgess                                                                Graham Brightman     Rosalie McAndrew     Phil Barratt

Steven Bridgman        Grant Gilmour             Sally Kennedy

Wendy Mellor             Joan Finnemore           Frank Bowler

Apologies: Revd Lars Nowen, Tim Taylor, Helen Taylor, Derek McGee, Pat McDonnell

Joan Wadey, Chris Robson, John Haile

2        Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 2 November were approved and signed after two additions had been made:

(a)          St Bees Parish Council would make a donation of £2,000 towards the cost of repairing the New College Hall chimney.

(b)          The Building and Works Committee would arrange for suitable notices to be put in strategic places requesting that dogs should remain on a lead whilst in the church grounds.

3        Matters arising:

3.1     Insurance for volunteers:

Wendy Mellor reported that the Ecclesiastical Insurance Company had clarified the position of insuring volunteers.  The Vicar (not the PCC) was responsible for recruiting volunteers. Any insurance claims would be met provided that the volunteer in question had no pre-existing medical condition, known to the Vicar which could have contributed to an accident to themselves, others or (presumably) equipment.  It would therefore not be wise for any volunteer with a known medical condition to undertake tasks the performing of which could constitute a danger to themselves or others.  No decision was taken on how to deal with this situation, other than appraising the Revd Lars Nowen of the situation and relying on common sense on the part of the volunteer.  Further discussion/action might be necessary.

3.2 A letter from Mrs Marjorie Brightman had received a reply and the Revd Lars Nowen had visited her.  Matters had been resolved, meanwhile, with the rescinding of the Archbishops’ edict on swine flu prevention measures.  Communion could now be given as normal.

3.3 An e-mail had been sent to Patrick and Debbie Bryan Re: the £1,000 for their Interserve Mission and Patrick had replied with gratitude.

3.4 The Christmas leaflet produced by Revd Nowen was approved wholeheartedly and the congratulations of the PCC would be passed on to him.

4        Finance:

4.1 Geoff Burgess reported that he had in fact received a cheque for £2,000 from St Bees PC and had written to acknowledge it and express the thanks of the PCC.

4.2 He calculated that by the end of the year, with the tax rebate, we should have a surplus for the year 2009 of £12,500. This would result in a balance in the General Fund of nearly £24,000 – about half of this was in ring fenced funds.  Large bills were expected for roof repairs to the New College Hall and lesser ones for the repair of the railings to the Old College Hall.

4.3 Geoff answered questions concerning money from legacies – the use of which needed to be sensitively and appropriately utilised with the consent of relatives.  Enhancing the facilities for worship was considered a legitimate use of this money.

Reports

5        Building and Works:

5.1 John Kennedy reported that some storm damage had been done to the roof of the church and our insurers had agreed that repairs should begin as soon as weather permits.  This was in hand.

5.2 The fence surrounding the cremation area had also suffered storm damage, (but it has since been established that this is not covered by insurance).

5.3 Water was observed around the area of the Vicar’s stall – leaking guttering had been attended to and the situation would be monitored.  Frank Bowler reported water coming in through the outdoor entrance to the organ.  Measures would be taken to find out the cause. (Since found to be due to a high level blockage of the downspout on the transept gutter and remedial work put in hand.)

5.4     Faculty applications: John Kennedy explained that in order to minimise cost in faculty applications, it had been agreed with the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) to group several items together on one application to be submitted in time for the DAC January meeting.  To enable this to be done, the PCC would need to formally approve each of the following items separately:

5.5 Memorial Chapel

The temporary license granted by the Archdeacon would need a faculty in order to become permanent.  After discussion it was proposed by Phil Barratt and seconded by Stephen Bridgman that ‘This PCC is supportive of the plans for conversion of the east end of the north aisle into a small Memorial Chapel, containing a small altar table, communion rail and 20 chairs as detailed in the documents prepared for submission to the DAC.’  This was passed by 11 votes and 1 abstention.

5.6     Audio System

This was discussed at some length.  A new system would replace faulty large speakers in the nave with smaller, less intrusive ones, a new stereo amplifier, re-routing wires would conceal loudspeaker and signal wires, a purpose built control desk would replace the present one.  Costs for this had been obtained and it was suggested that after discussions with Angela McGill, legacy money from the Revd Alan Wilkie might be put towards this improvement.  Grant Gilmour proposed and was seconded by Catriona Harris that ‘This PCC is supportive of the plans to upgrade the present public address equipment in the Priory as detailed in the documents prepared for submission to the DAC’.  This was passed by 10 votes with 2 abstentions.  John Kennedy emphasised that although a faculty might be granted, there was no obligation for work to be carried out immediately – it was valid for some years.

5.7     History Project

A further faculty application, supported by the PCC, was required for the installation of electrical and lighting equipment for displays.  Some concern was expressed that, although a scheme for this had been prepared by an experienced lighting consultant, little information was available to the meeting.  It was explained that the PCC had already given approval to the project as a whole, following a previous presentation of the proposed displays.  Detailed designs would be available very soon but approval was needed at this meeting to allow submission for the next DAC meeting. John Kennedy reassured the PCC that they would be given a chance to view the final proposals and suggested a meeting of interested parties in January.  A meeting with one of the designers had been arranged for Tues 8^th Dec to check that the information for the DAC application is satisfactory. Catriona Harris proposed and Geoff Burgess seconded the motion that ‘This PCC is supportive of the plans for the installation of electrical and lighting equipment for Priory history displays as detailed in the document prepared for submission to the DAC.’  This was passed by 9 votes for, 2 against and 1 abstention.

5.8 Miami Lights (of Frizington) had quoted for repairs to the external railings at the Old College Hall and for new railings at the Vicarage.  The repairs to the OCH had been authorised and Revd Lars Nowen would negotiate separately for the Vicarage work.

5.9 A new application was being expedited for assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund (NW) to repair the OCH roof.  Thanks were due to Ian McAndrew.

5.10 A suggestion was put forward to use some legacy money to replace the cross carried by the crucifer.  By general agreement the cross in question would be examined to see if it was repairable.

6 Deanery Synod:

Rosalie McAndrew and Sally Kennedy had attended the last meeting and reported that it had been an interesting one, with group discussions, presided over by the Archdeacon. 

7        Churches Together:

Joan Finnemore reported that the ‘Walk with the Cross’ on Good Friday 2 April 2010 would finish at St Bees Methodist Church, service at 6.0 pm.  Prayers for Peace would be held in St Bees Methodist Chapel on 10 November 2010 at 7.30 pm.

8        Friends of the Priory:

Phil Barratt said that Dr Ian Hill’s talk on Kosovo had been well received.  On 21 December – Priory Singers would hold their Christmas concert in the Priory.

9        Events:

Preparations were in hand for the various Christmas activities.

10      Correspondence: None (see 3.3).

11      Individual Concern People needing our prayers and concern were remembered.

12      Any other business Graham Brightman thanked members of the Building and Works Committee for protecting the organ by preventing the egress of water. The meeting concluded after Compline at 9.10 pm.

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 2^nd November at 7.30pm in New College Hall.

Present:

Rev. L Nowen             H Taylor          J  Kennedy                  G Gilmour

S Bridgman                  P Barratt           R McAndrew               P McDonnell                J Haile

F Bowler                      FG Brightman    J Finnemore               D McGee                     S Kennedy

1.         Apologies. T Taylor           G Burgess        W Mellor         C Harris

2.         Adoption of the minutes of the meeting held on Monday 5^th October 2009.

3.         Matters arising:

3.1       Insurance for volunteers. Ongoing action.

5.         Registered charity. Letterhead changed.

8.1.8    Re-opening of old churchyard. Press response.

4.         Finance.

Nothing to report.

5.         Charitable donations.

Three charities will receive £1000 each.

International – Interserve        National – Salvation Army     Local – Samaritans

Patrick Bryan serves with Interserve and S Kennedy will let him know the PCC have pledged £1000 to support this work. A discretionary donation of £100 will be given to Michelle Proctor for her work abroad.

6.         Reports.

6.1       Building & works.

Priory – The Archdeacon has agreed to issue an Archdeacon’s license to allow the temporary reordering of the East corner of the Priory into a Memorial Chapel. Due to this reorganisation the lower parts of the walls in both the North and South aisles will be repainted with matching paint. A church PA specialist will give a quote for improvements to the present system.

Old College Hall – the leaking roof has been temporarily patched allowing the hall to be put back into use after professional cleaning. The re-application for a grant from English Heritage with a reduced scope will be submitted in the first quarter of 2010. In the meantime, on the advice of the Copeland Conservation Officer a pre-application form is being sent off for assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund for OCH and possibly NCH. Thanks to I McAndrew for all his work in these matters.

New College Hall – The chimney refurbishment is now complete and Barony House car park is back in use. The leaking hip roof adjoining the chimney was repaired at the same time at a modest cost and arrangements are in hand for the damaged ceiling below to be repaired before it deteriorates further. The south gable needs repair and investigations are being made into how water is getting in above the window, a report is pending.

Grounds – A notice was put in the October magazine about the resumption of burials in the old graveyard which also received attention in the local press. No adverse comments have been received. A Faculty application is being prepared for installing a bench in the grounds provided by the District Scout Association in memory of John Warbrick. Unfortunately this cannot be submitted to the DAC until their January meeting, Dorothy and Kim Waugh have been notified.

St. Bees History Project – There was a meeting with the Archdeacon and one active member of the DAC on 21^st Oct. and as a result of a letter of support from the Archdeacon, the Heritage Lottery Fund and Hadrian’s Wall Heritage have agreed for the project to be continued to be developed. The Archdeacon has agreed for the work on the plinth and replacement of the stones to the East corner of the South aisle which has now been completed. However as a result of the meeting on the 21^st Oct it emerged that the DAC requires further and modified information including; an updated statement of need, updated statement of significance, letter of support from English Heritage, letter of support from the church architect, PCC resolution supporting the project. Therefore a revised deadline of mid December was agreed to have all the material submitted for presentation at the January DAC meeting.

6.1.1    History Project Motion.

The following motion was presented to the committee;

‘That this PCC is supportive of the plans for the History Project as detailed in the documents prepared for submission to the DAC.’

The resolution was proposed by J R Kennedy, seconded by F G Brightman and approved unanimously by the PCC.

6.1.2    John Warbrick Memorial Bench Motion.

The following motion was presented to the committee;

‘That this PCC supports the proposal for a bench in memory of John Warbrick, to be placed in a suitable location in the church grounds as detailed in the documents prepared for submission to the DAC’.

The resolution was proposed by J R Kennedy, seconded by H S Taylor and approved by the PCC with one abstention.

6.2       Deanery Synod. There will be a meeting on 18^th November.

6.3       Churches Together. Meeting cancelled.

6.4       Friends of the Priory. On 9^th October there was a talk by P. Barratt entitled ‘Victorian Verse & Persian Mathematics’. Friday 6^th November a talk about Kosovo by Ian Hill. Committee meeting at 7pm in NCH  Wednesday 4^th November.

7.         Events.

7.1       Harvest service & family picnic. Successfully received.

7.2       Christmas. A Christmas brochure has been produced; the PCC approved the printing and distribution with the parish magazine. Extras to be delivered to the hotels and caravan parks. The Christingle will be held on Sunday 13^th December at the earlier time of 5pm followed by refreshments. Carol singing dates confirmed as 17^th & 22^nd December.

8.         Correspondence.

8.1       Holy Communion – Marjorie Brightman. The question of whether the Priory continues with the recommendations given about the administration of Holy Communion was discussed at length. After listening to opinions for and against the PCC agreed to continue with the giving and receiving of Holy Communion by intinction. The situation will be reviewed and brought before the PCC again in the spring. Action: HT to reply to M Brightman & L Nowen will visit.

9.         Individual concern.

10.       Other business.

10.1     Christmas brochure. Covered in 7.2.

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 5 October 2009 at 7.30 pm in the New College Hall.

The meeting began with a bible reading and prayers.

1        Present: Revd Lars Nowen       Pat McDonnell            John Haile

Catrina  Harris             John Kennedy             Geoff Burgess                                                                Graham Brightman     Rosalie McAndrew     Phil Barratt

Steven Bridgman        Grant Gilmour             Sally Kennedy

Wendy Mellor             Joan Finnemore

Apologies: Tim Taylor, Helen Taylor, Derek McGee, Frank Bowler

Joan Wadey, Chris Robson.

2        Minutes of the meeting held on Monday 7 September were approved and signed after two  alterations to 5.1- for ‘choir’ read ‘Priory Singers’ and ’spoken’ read ’spoke’.

3        Matters arising:

.Insurance for volunteers: Geoff Burgess presented Wendy Mellor with documentation to read with a view to ascertaining the insurance cover for volunteers.

4        Finance: Treasurer Geoff Burgess reported as follows:

4.1 General Fund                        Fabric Fund               Other Funds

Balance @ 31 Dec 08    £11,316.00                  £18,440.00                  £23,174.00

Surplus Income

to 30 Sept 09                 £13,606.00                  £1,214.00                     £4,692.00

Balance @ 30 Sept 09   £24,922.00                  £19,654.00                  £27,866.00

(ring fenced)

4.2 There were still three more months of regular giving (approx £10 – 12,000) and about £5,000 of reclaimed tax.

4.3 Also three more payments due to the Diocese; bills for repair to the NCH chimney and roof; repairs to the corbels (and possibly roof) to be paid before the end of the year.

4.3 The Treasurer anticipated that we could have a surplus of £13,000 at the end of the year.

4.4 In reply to questions he stated that our Diocesan Parish Share had amounted to £30,800 for 2009; for 2010 it would be £31,500.  There was no commitment to increase this amount.

4.5     Stewardship: So far £1,013 more per month had been pledged and some £4,928  had been received in donations.  The Revd Lars thanked everyone involved in the campaign.

5        Trusteeship leaflet

This was discussed briefly.  One point was raised that on official headed notepaper the words ‘Registered Charity’ should appear, although no number as our turnover was less than £100,000 per year.

6        Charitable giving: It was decided that the charitable giving should go to three organisations – local, national and international.  Patrick and Debbie Bryan, workers with ‘Interserve’ had written appealing for financial and spiritual help to work in Thailand.  It was decided that this should be the international charity.  Wendy Mellor, Rosalie McAndrew and Geoff Burgess would decide on the other two charities..  A letter would be sent to the charities to whom we have sent small amounts in the past explaining our new policy.

7        Archiving: The Church wardens were in discussion with Rachel Cox to determine the best way forward in archiving the various records to be saved.

8 Reports

Building and Works: John Kennedy reported that as a result of the Archdeacon’s concerns the following actions had been taken:

8.1.1 The east corner of the North Aisle had been tidied – see Memorial Chapel

Two temporary column mounted heaters removed

Two temporary lights on Fox screen removed

Temporarily fixed PA system cabling at low level concealed as far as possible

Mosaic on South aisle window temporarily relocated to the proposed Memorial Chapel

Comfortable bench at rear of church suitably covered.

Arrangements would be made for:

8.1.2 Fixed cabling to high level speakers to be clipped and concealed insofar as is possible

Suitable brass strip to be fitted as safety edging over step by chancel

Various labels and notices to be reprinted if and when the History Project is approved.

Repairs carried out:

8.1.3 Faulty north wall lights replaced

Faulty catch on Lych gate replaced

South aisle gutters attended to and mesh fitted over downpipes

Chancel flood etc re-lamped

Old and New College Halls

8.1.4 English Heritage had turned down our application for funds to repair the OCH roof and refurbish the Hall.  The Architect had advised that a new application, for just the roof, might well succeed.  It is possible that the North of England Civic Trust could be supportive.

8.1.5 NCH chimney in process of being repaired – will be capped, allowing for some ventilation.  Damage to the roof in the vicinity of the chimney would also be repaired.

8.1.6 Corbels in OCH firmly fixed – investigations being carried out to see if a temporary repair can be made to allow the Hall to be used once again.  Once the Hall has fully dried out it might be possible to re-decorate it.

8..1.7 Grant Gilmore confirmed that subject to there being no legal restraints, the Parish Council was willing to donate £2,000 to the repair of the chimney, as the closure of the Barony Car Park had had an adverse effect on parking in the village.

Churchyard

8.1.8 Notice had been given in the Parish magazine of the intention to re-open the old churchyard for burials.

8.1.9 A letter had been sent to Anthony Fox re: the leaning memorial stone, with a time limit on action to be taken.

8.1.10 Once details of the bench to commemorate the life of John Warbrick were obtained, a faculty would be applied for.

8.1.11  History Project

More information was required by the DAC who also wish to re-visit the church.  Although a recent letter is encouraging their concern appears to be that the Project should complement and add to the worship and mission of the church and not become a mere historical tourist attraction.  Such assurances have been given on several occasions.

Other concerns:

8.1.12 Gates and railings at Frizington approached to repair OCH railings and new handrails at Vicarage steps (no reply so far).

Finally, John Kennedy requested that a letter of thanks be sent to Messrs Malcolm Lightfoot, Ian McAndrew and David Hope for the many hours and hard work they have put in the past few months on repairs and renovations in the church and NCH and OCH.

8.2 Deanery Synod: No meeting, therefore nothing to report.

8.3     Churches Together: Nothing to report.

8.4     Friends of the Priory:

Phil Barratt gave details of three events:

Friday 9 October – Phil Barratt on Maths; 6 November – Dr Ian Hill on Kosova; 21 December – Priory Singers in Church

9        Correspondence:

9.1 Patrick and Debbie O’Bryan (See 6)

9.2 Rev Dr Trevor Park      

The concerns of Dr Park regarding the offering of bread and wine as a result of the Archbishops’ advice were considered.  After discussion it was decided that in order to lessen the likelihood of infection being spread, the practice of dipping the bread in the wine and then placing it on the hand of the communicant would be the one adopted until such time as it was safe to proceed as normal.

9        Events:

9.1 Heritage Open Days.  This had been successful with over 300 visitors.  A total of £170 had been raised, not including the sale of post cards, etc.

9.2 Harvest Festival arrangements. These were in hand.

9.3 Advent Carol Service on Sunday 29 November

9.4 Christingle on Sunday 13 December.

9.5 Carol Service on Sunday 20 December.

9.6 Carol Singing would take place this year round the village – dates to be arranged.

10      Individual Concern:

Parishioners needing our love and prayers were remembered.

11      Any other business

11.1 After discussion, it was proposed by Phil Barratt and seconded by Wendy Mellor that the East corner of the church should become a memorial chapel.  This was passed with one abstention.  The Memorial Book and various items of furniture would be put into place to give an idea of what the Chapel would look like.  Suggestions were put forward that money in the memorial fund (totalling £3,600) could be utilised in buying suitable chairs.  The Archdeacon would give a temporary licence but a faculty would be necessary for this to become permanent.

11.2 Tickets for the Bishop’s enthronement in Carlisle on Saturday 10 October were made available.

11.3 Geoff Burgess announced that a cheque for £5,000 from the estate of Nance Hunter had been received from her family.  He requested that a suitable letter of thanks be sent from the PCC acknowledging this generous gift and an appreciation of the love and affection in which Nance was held by the church community.  The family would be informed of any suggestions for a suitable memorial to Nance in due course.

There being no other business, the meeting closed at 9.15 pm with Compline.

SIGNED ………………………………………………..   DATE …………………………………………………

Manifestos are a good and necessary thing, however, because they at least give us a yardstick by which we can measure success or failure, honesty or duplicity. So in a similar vein, it is perfectly right that Christians should be judged by the manifestos that we claim to hold. “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13.35). The life and ministry of Jesus is one massive manifesto regarding how it is that peoples’ lives can be transformed if they embrace Jesus and his message. Love for one another is a primary part of this manifesto, as is generally living lives in keeping with the grace and mercy that we have received from Christ.

In this sense, it is entirely valid for people who are not Christians to be offended when they see people who claim to be Christians not living in accordance with the manifesto they proclaim. Institutions, especially large and unwieldy ones, will often disappoint. Church attendance or participation does not necessarily mean that someone is a disciple of Christ. But when someone claims to be a disciple, and then lives in a way that contradicts Christ’s manifesto, without humility or repentance, that is sheer hypocrisy.

If you are a Christian reading this, now may be a good time to refamiliarize yourself with Christ’s manifesto by reading one of the Gospels and the writings of the Apostles. One thing has been born out over the centuries since Christ was made manifest in the world, that in spite of human weakness, those who have accepted Christ and his manifesto have not been disappointed. Sure, being a Christian doesn’t mean that you are immune to making mistakes or disappointing people, but what is does mean is that in increasing measure there is a hope which does not disappoint transforming you from the inside out. Ultimately there is only one manifesto which will really change the world. Forgiveness in Christ and transformation by the Spirit.