ECO Church

The meeting began with PCC reviewing a new ECO Church policy and agreeing that all church buildings should be included (the Hall and the Hut), not just the church. The ECO group will ensure it conforms with any new guidelines in future and the policy will be reviewed by PCC every two years. James confirmed that St. Hildas has achieved the silver ECO award and we are now working towards the gold award; a new ECO board has been set up at the back of church; that a litter pick will take place again later this month; and that they are aiming to run a toy swap event again in December. Anyone interested in joining the ECO group would be very welcome.

Finance

Treasurer’s report confirmed that the second £10,000 legacy had now cleared and no restrictions for use were attached. CAMEO and PCC agreed to cover the cost of re-upholstering 5 chairs with arms in the Hall.

Safeguarding

Report received and actions agreed by PCC, including approval for Sounds Sparks (toddler music group) to use the Hall. The report included details of the new Parish Safeguarding Hub Service Agreement, which was explained to PCC, and PCC agreed that the Parish Safeguarding Officer accept the agreement on their behalf. PCC accepted updated Use of Social Media and Mobile Phones policy.

Director of Music Ministry

Having received a grant from the Harlow Trust, Jenni offered to contact the Harlow Trust and request the grant be rolled over into 2026 while we wait for further grant opportunities.

Electoral roll

Electoral roll officer confirmed there were now 52 people on the register.

The (scout) Hut

Jenni confirmed the Hut group had met in September to consider how the Hut might be used in future. The group agreed it should be used in partnership with the church, for the benefit of the community and needs to be financially sustainable, so use by social enterprise, charities, etc., preferred. Each member of the committee will be in touch with 1 of 4 local successful social enterprise/charities (Gear Up, Smethwick CAN, The Bearwood Hub and St. Germain’s wellbeing hub) to consider set up and running models of these successful enterprises. The Hut has to be inspected for asbestos before any activity can take place there and a report will cost around £1,000. PCC agreed Julie should arrange for a company to carry out a survey and submit a report.

Maintenance works

One of the wire mesh panels has fallen inside the tower and birds have been seen flying in and out. Quotes are being obtained for the repair of the mesh and a clean of the inside of the bell tower. Tree maintenance - West Side Forestry quote was accepted by PCC for the trees at the front and rear of church site.

Suggestion Box

Suggestion re. the possibility of a Traidcraft stall at the Harvest Festival Service. PCC approved the suggestion as a one-off event and contact will be made with the Traidcraft person.

AOB

Ian confirmed that the Icon faculty application had been successful and the Icon was now in the remembrance corner.

Jenni had received an email from a geocacher wishing to site a small geocache box (hidden from sight) by the front entrance to the church drive. Geocaching is very popular and is, essentially, a treasure hunt using geographical coordinates to locate an object (a cache) and sign its paper log as evidence. The ethos of the game is not to intrude or damage any areas while searching for a cache. Another local church have given their permission for a cache to be hidden on their ground and the geocacher concerned will manage it fully and resolve any problems that may arise. PCC agreed this request and will monitor if it becomes intrusive.

PCC also received a request from Ghanian Apostolic Church to hire the Hall for worship on Sundays. A link was provided to their website, which included their Tenets and Rules of Belief for information. Discussion took place, but a further consideration is that the Hall is well used by groups and for parties at weekends and after much discussion PCC voted to decline the request.

Raising Items with PCC

If any member of the congregation, including PCC members, want to raise an issue or concern with the PCC they can do this in two ways;

Firstly by emailing or writing to the chair (Jenni) and/or the PCC Secretary (Liz Farrier) at least a week before the PCC meeting.

Secondly, by putting something in the suggestion box in the church porch. This can be done anonymously. Suggestions will be collected a week before the meeting and added to the agenda.