BERWICK PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL. Minutes of the PCC Meeting held on Thursday 16th June 2016

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1 BERWICK PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Dates for future Meetings: 7.15pm Thursday 15 September 2016 at Batbrooks Farm House 7.15pm Thursday 24 November 2016 at Elm House Minutes of the PCC Meeting held on Thursday 16th June 2016 Present: Rev d Peter Blee (Chairman), Mrs Linda Hallums (Churchwarden), Mr Charles Anson, Mrs Jane Corkran (Hon Secretary), Mrs Ros Ford, Mrs Joanna Lumsden (Assistant Hon. Treasurer, representing the Fabric and Capital Fund), Mrs Beryl Smith (Hon Treasurer) and Mrs Jane St.George. Apologies: Mr John Lewis and Mr Jonathan Chiswell Jones. 1. Rev d Peter Blee welcomed all those present and the proceedings were then opened with Prayers. 2. MINUTES The Minutes of the previous PCC Meeting of Thursday 17th March, having been circulated, were taken as a correct record and were duly signed by the Chairman after the date on the first line of item 16. Dates of Future Meetings was amended to read Thursday 16th June. 3. MATTERS ARISING 3.1 Heritage Lottery Fund: Pilgrim Map: Peter Blee said he was pleased to inform the PCC that the map will be called the The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path. There have been two meetings and Penny Ellis is working on a logo Guide/Art Book: Peter reported that the book is currently in the final stages of editing and it should be ready by Christmas. Mary Sitwell has been proof reading the text, as has Linda Hallums. Adam Ford has also kindly done a copy edit. 3.2 Church Car Park: Peter said that earlier in the day he met Firle Estate Land Agent, Alastair Deighton, who will attend a meeting of the Trustees on Monday 20 th and Peter asked him to put forward to them the proposal that the Berwick Church buys the land set out in the planning application from the Estate for around 10,000 to 15,000, and that a Reversionary Clause is included in the purchase. 3.3 Church Sign: the PCC was told that Jane St George most generously wishes to pay for a stone Berwick Church sign to go on the little traffic island on the way up to the church. Jane and Peter visited the stone carver Chris Elsey at Plumpton and chose a beautiful piece of limestone from among the many samples. Chris Elsey came up with a proposal and photographs of his design were tabled and admired by the PCC. The lettering will be carved into the stone and painted in a pale blue/grey, echoing a line of this colour that runs horizontally through the piece. Joanna Lumsden suggested that the current dilapidated notices on the telegraph pole should either be removed or replaced. 3.4 Church Booklet update history: Ros Ford said that she is accumulating material for the booklet. She will contact Lucy Goffin for some suitable words about the new chasuble, stole, lectern fall and veil. Action: Ros Ford 3.5 Sacristan: Peter Blee said that Richard Noal is heroically undertaking the duties of Sacristan as no one has come forward. Sue Watt is handling the laundering and Linda Hallums is helping too.

2 3.6 Sound System and Loop: following a meeting with a sound engineer from Uckfield 4 weeks ago, Peter has heard nothing further and is trying to chase this up. Linda Hallums mentioned that it may be worth investigating the system adopted by St Mary s, Barcombe which is excellent. Peter reminded the PCC that ideally it would be good if it were also possible to play sacred music through the system. Action: Peter Blee 4. EDUCATION AND SCHOOLS Ros Ford reported that she is working on this and hoping to implement three strands: (1) to work with people suffering from dementia and their carers, meeting once a week. (2) Primary Schools a 3 or 4 week project, with a music basis inspired by the murals, and, in time, (3) Secondary Schools art inspired by the experience of pilgrimage. Ros emphasised that this whole project is in its infancy and the PCC all agreed that it sounded inspirational and exciting. 5. MURAL CONSERVATION TRUST FABRIC WORKS Peter Blee reported that there had been another meeting on Sunday and it was going well. Documents are being drawn up for the Charity Commission and Crispin Freeman is preparing them, driving everything forward. Ros said she had just posted the letter and specification for submission for quotes for conservationists. Peter said that he had met with Jeremy Pitts three weeks ago to discuss ideas for the north porch. He also told the PCC that he is investigating photovoltaic tiles for the chancel south roof. 6. BOOKSTALL Joanna Lumsden reported that she and Jane St George had received a very large delivery of stock recently, consisting of 5,000 guides (which should last about two years), eight boxes of notelets, four of postcards and one of bookmarks. The majority of these are now safely stored in Jane St George s barn, with the guides now packed in small boxes of 50, making them more portable. The PCC appreciated that the bookstall is very profitable and an important source of income. 7. RECTOR S REPORT (see Appendix A) The report had been circulated to the PCC prior to the meeting. Also: Peter Blee told the PCC that Jonathan Chiswell Jones made a beautiful pot from clay gathered near Arlington bridge and sand from Selmeston. He is going to organise a workshop in September to obtain more clay and sand and refine it in order to make better pots. Peter also informed the PCC that he has been in touch with Dr Naomi Billingsley, Bishop Otter Scholar for Theology and the Arts in the Diocese of Chichester, about her giving a talk in the Spring 2017, bringing pieces of art work from the Cathedral. If, in the meantime, we arrange a visit to the Cathedral, she would give us a talk there. Dr Billingsley is also putting together a proposal for an education project for inclusion with the Heritage Lottery application relating to the conservation fabric works. The thought was that in Autumn 2017 an exhibition of preparatory works for the Berwick murals would be held in the church. Towner have agreed to this. It would be an opportunity to talk about the Mural Conservation Trust. Peter then showed the PCC an illustrated leaflet of a portable compost loo, price 950. The PCC unanimously agreed this should be purchased as soon as possible and an

3 appropriate and discreet site would be beside the wooden tool shed in the churchyard, as it is similar in appearance. It should be fitted with a code lock. It was agreed that the Harvest Festival collection should go towards the Kenya Link appeal. 8. CHURCHWARDEN S REPORT (Linda Hallums) 8.1 Sussex Life Magazine August Issue may feature the Murals. On sale 21st July. 8.2 Wealden Burial Space Audit 2016 questionnaire has been completed by the Rector. 8.3 Trees on West side of churchyard have been felled, leaving an exposed view of The Old Rectory garden; it has been suggested that we should have a fence erected to define our boundary. 8.4 Service books have been reprinted - total cost 59.00, quantity Is there a possibility of using the Grant Cross in some capacity; many of the congregation would like it to be utilised. 8.6 The Archdeacon at the churchwardens meeting congratulated the Benefice twice on the amount of monetary contribution that we are making. 8.7 Benefice away day 20 or 21 September? Guildford Cathedral currently is very heavily scaffolded inside both aisles. Friends of Guildford Cathedral say it is therefore not an opportune time to visit. Coincidentally, they are visiting us here at Berwick also in September! Also Jasmin Coaches no longer operates, so car share or hire the community bus or other? 8.8 Gardening group doing an outstanding job led by the Suttons. They reported Gate on east side needing repair - Joanna has already spoken to Rob Coleman about this. Bench near David Lumsden s grave needs repair and a slate slid off the roof on the south side of the church near the bench when they were gardening. The slate can hopefully be included in the work that is being scheduled with the Architect? 8.9 Last year s gifts: John Lewis presented wine to Crispin Freeman on our behalf (no charge to Berwick). It has also been brought to my attention that we did not reward Jonathan or his stand- in last year Special Events - Julian Bell in September so we need to get publicity started now, any volunteers? th June - Group Travel Talk 40 persons Following Linda Hallum s report, it was agreed that Jonathan should be given a thank you gift of 350 as soon as possible. ACTION: Beryl Smith and John Lewis It was also decided to delay a visit to Guildford until 2017 and, following Linda s suggestion, it was agreed that the 2016 Awayday should be to Chichester Cathedral to view their exhibition of sculptures Sacred and Profane by Peter Eugene Ball. The PCC were sorry to learn that Jasmin coach business has finished and Linda said she would investigate hiring the Community Bus for the outing. Action: Linda Hallums 9.1 TREASURER S REPORT The Hon Treasurer, in presenting her report, stated that the current Bank balances, as at 16 June 2016, were as follows: Santander 10, Nationwide Business Investor 8, CCLA 16, , On 31 March 2016 interest of was credited to the CCLA account at 0.5%.

4 9.1.2 Receipts Tax refund - April 3, Tax refund June 1, Donations for the new David Hensel crucifix 1, Wilmington PCC s share of Benefice expenses March Bookstall up on , April Bookstall up on , May Bookstall up on Payments 1, A.Gammon for the map David Hensel second payment for the crucifix CCLI licence 3, Tansleys Printers for 5,000 guides, 4,000 bookmarks, 4,000 postcards and 4,000 notelets Beryl Smith said that although a large sum of money has been invested in re-stocking the bookstall, by her calculations, the sales of said stock should bring in 20, CAPITAL AND FABRIC FUND REPORT Joanna Lumsden reported that our PCC dates all fall shortly before any Quarterly Valuation Report from our Investment Management Towry, so accordingly this is the situation as at 31st March 2016, now a bit out of date. The Berwick PCC Capital & Fabric Fund was valued at 151,560. The PCC were asked to bear in mind that, as a result of huge uncertainty both in this country and world-wide, the Stock Market has been victim of very volatile trading, and it may well be that our Portfolio is suffering a distinct downturn at present. In the Barclays Bank Cash Account, on 24th May 2016, we had a credit balance of 4,968.59, having arranged for an encashment of Shares with Towry, amounting to 3,200 on 6th May Peter Blee thanked both Beryl and Joanna for their reports. 10. SPECIAL EVENTS 2016 Peter Blee told the PCC that on the 16th to 18th September we are planning to have an exhibition of paintings by Julian Bell in the church as well as a Flower Festival. It is hoped that Julian Bell will give a talk about his works being exhibited, with interjections by Peter, and hopefully this will bring out some spiritual exploration. Julian Bell may also have some of his paintings for sale. The three day event will be a major fund raising exercise for Selmeston with Alciston, as well as for Berwick. It was agreed that it is imperative that the church is manned throughout the three days. People should be encouraged to help, not only with this but also in the tea tent. A great deal can and must be done in advance, such as arranging rotas, publicity and flyers. Peter talked about putting up signs in the field and having large canvas posters created by a graphic designer which would attract attention. Action: Peter Blee, Linda Hallums et al 11. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT There was a delay in receiving the latest report, which will be circulated in due course.

5 12. MISSION LINK KENYA John Anderson had circulated the Kenya Mission Link Newsletter prior to the meeting. (See Appendix B.) Charles Anson said that it is to be hoped that, barring any setbacks, by early 2017 the IDP settlements should be self-sufficient. It was then thought that we should disengage with regards the funding, but maintain a link with Josphat. It is planned that there should be one last fund raising film evening to create an emergency fund. Then, in future, the link will be with some other cause, yet to be identified. 13. MESSY CHURCH Nothing to report. 14. SAFEGUARDING POLICY Linda Hallums proposed, seconded by Jane Corkran, that the PCC agree the Parish Safeguarding Policy Statement for This was then signed by the Rector. Jane Corkran will send the original signed document to the Bishop s Adviser for Safeguarding Children and Adults at Church House, and display a copy in the church. 15. ANY OTHER BUSINESS There was no further business to discuss. 16. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 16.1 The next meeting of the PCC will take place at 7.15pm on 16th September at Batbrooks Farm House The final meeting for 2016 is scheduled for Thursday 24th November at 7.15pm at Elm House unless otherwise indicated nearer the time. There being no further business to discuss, the Chairman declared the meeting closed and concluded with prayers Rector s Report June 2016 APPENDIX A Arlington Update Archdeacon Martin met with Frank, myself, the congregation and villagers to discuss the current situation at St Pancras i.e. there being no Churchwardens or Treasurer. It was a very positive meeting and the possibility of setting up a Friends of Arlington Church was promoted by Frank. A possible new treasurer was identified and a further meeting has been set for Monday 5 th September. Homegroups Three homegroup courses are taking place during the summer in Arlington, Alfriston and Wilmington, together with the ongoing group that meets in Alciston. Anyone from any of the parishes can attend any of the homegroups they are not village specific. The possibility of holding a SEAN Bible-based teaching course is also under consideration.

6 Mission Link Kenya I m proposing that the Harvest Festival collections in 2016 go towards the needs outlined in the Kenya Link report. This will need to be discussed at the PCC meeting. Ministerial Development Review Archdeacon Martin has recently given me a Ministerial Development Review. This is akin to a staff development interview. In my meeting with him I was able to show him the Benefice Mission Action Plan and details of the pilgrimage walk, the possibility of swapping some land to allow the development of a Berwick church centre, church offices and rooms, and parking for visitors, etc. The aim of the exercise is, in part, to have a three to five-year plan for the benefice. The diocese is to provide a job description for my role. As part of the changes to the laws of the Church of England there will be no freehold positions in the future; in the past such positions have allowed problems to arise which could then not be dealt with because of the permanence of such appointments. From now priests will only be given common licences in this way the diocese will be able to support and have greater management of their clergy as employers and exercise disciplinary measure if necessary. Pilgrim Route - The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path As part of the Diocesan Strategy our one big thing is the Pilgrim Route as a combined Benefice initiative. Work on this is continuing. Meetings have taken place to identify a name for the route - The Cuckmere Pilgrim Path together with a suitable logo, and to complete work on the map and leaflet, etc. Contacts from Litlington and Alfriston are also included in the team. New PC A new PC has been bought by the benefice for use in my office, for which I am very grateful. The old laptop will be retained for use for presentations at meetings, etc. Benefice Prayer Link A Prayer Link update continues to be circulated every week and this has proved to be an encouraging exercise. If you would like to join the Prayer Link, please let me know and I will make the relevant paperwork available to you. Benefice Prayer Day The next Prayer Day will be on Wednesday 5 th October at Selmeston, if there is sufficient support. Volunteers will be needed to cover the church during the day, please. Future Activities/Events Summer Event Another service in the marquee along the lines of the one last summer is to be held on 17 th July. Summer Concert Another Stephen Rooke and Friends summer concert evening is being held in Selmeston on Tuesday 19 th July. Benefice Awayday The next Benefice Awayday will be on Wednesday 21 st September and will be to Guildford. This will include a stop for coffee at Newlands Corner (a view point on the Downs outside Guildford) and a visit to Guildford cathedral.

7 Mission Link Report June 2016 APPENDIX B At the last meeting it was reported that Jane and I had just come back from a visit to Kenya and would update PCCs at the following meeting. On 4th February, just before going to Kenya, the Mission Fund Committee had held a very successful Film Night. This had raised over 1500, much of it from outside the Benefice - especially from the farming community, as well as from those in our villages. Jane and I spent three days with Josphat and Grace visiting three of the four IDP settlements. We saw further good progress towards financial self-sufficiency well built homes, more livestock, land prepared for sowing, newly planted trees growing fast and shared water tanks installed. We visited a flourishing school and also met four of the individual IDP tradespeople (2 carpenters, 1 dressmaker and 1 tailor). We saw their tools and new sewing machines which had been provided by parishioners here; also beds, chairs, clothes etc., both completed and in the making. Altogether, there was a great sense of confidence and well organised activity. We discussed one problem area with Josphat and Grace which is at Solai Settlement where the Government had allocated for IDPs land where the Pokot tribespeople have historic grazing rights. These are quite incompatible with the crops that IDPs are trying to establish and are dependent upon. It is an insoluble problem and the support we can give at Solai will be limited to providing shared water tanks. As to the outlook, Josphat feels that 2016 (and just possibly part of 2017 too) will see the completion of the need for investment of the sort we have supported since Thereafter, he and Grace see a continuing need for pastoral visits and advice and will be grateful for continued support to meet the costs of that. The programme for the rest of the year includes: One communal water tank at Ngobit. Twenty shared water tanks at Solai & Ngobit. Seeds and fertilisers (hopefully the last time) at Ngobit in September. Re-equipping probably four more tradespeople with essential tools and materials (or in one case a training course) for future self-sufficiency. It is all very reassuring. John Anderson 2nd June 2016