PCC met on 23rd July and opened in prayer.

An update from the Eco Group

James’ has produced an ECO policy, to be read and discussed at next PCC meeting. We are making good progress towards the Silver award. The national butterfly count will take placed in a couple of weeks’ time after Sunday service. People are donating to the recycling box in the porch and the box is being emptied regularly. There will be a notice in the pewsheet again to remind everyone they can bring old phones, cameras, stamps, etc., to be donated.

Safeguarding

New members are completing their training asap and new posters will soon be printed and displayed. PCC approved 2 non-church activities – Karate club and Rugby Tots – in the hall. Safeguarding officer confirmed that safeguarding videos are being updated and Diocese have advised that we should not use the old training videos.

Finance Update

The Treasurer is still trying to access HMRC gift aid site. The Three Shires Festival was successful, bringing in £800 for the Church. 

Legacies 

Douggie’s legacy requires us to look at alternative sources of power (solar panels) and a solar panel group has been set up to look at possible grants to add to the legacy. Treasurer has also been notified of a £10,000 legacy from M. Scrivenger (Peter Stokes remembers a Mr Scrivenger being church warden many years ago). Treasurer checking if there are any restrictions attached to the legacy.

Tree maintenance

Some tree maintenance took place 2 years ago and some of those need pruning again, along with some that were not cut back previously, particularly those now overhanging in the car park. Julie to obtain quotes. For tree maintenance, the Diocese will cover half the cost if we use one of their recommended tree maintenance companies.

Scout hut

After a recent inspection, it was recommended that an Asbestos Management Survey be obtained before any decision is made on its future use. A ‘Hut’ group was set up and will review the survey and report back.

Inclusive church

Hearing difficulty - although we have the hearing loop facility in church, it can still be helpful to see the face of the person reading or leading prayers, etc. Jenni to take to Worship Planning Group.

Health and Safety

Suggestion that we use a table in the children’s corner to provide biscuits and squash for children after Sunday morning service has finished, rather than them having to join the queue in the inner porch where it can be quite congested. Julie will speak to Refreshments Lead asap. 

There was a suggestion that we put together a salting/sanding group to help clear Church driveway of snow in the winter – volunteers welcome!

AOB 

Ian and Elizabeth are producing a ‘Welcome’ book. Ian confirmed that the Icon consultation period finished last Friday and the Icon will be going up in Church shortly. Peter Stokes has produced 3 booklets (Church, Choir and rambles) using photos and information from the original St. Hilda’s website. Booklets will be available shortly with a request for donations rather than a set price.