BERWICK PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL Dates for future Meetings: 7.15pm Monday 1 December 2014 at Elm House Minutes of the PCC Meeting held on Tuesday 16 September 2014 Present: Rev d Peter Blee (Chairman), Mrs Linda Hallums and Mr John Lewis (Churchwardens), Mr Jonathan Chiswell-Jones, Mrs Jane Corkran, Mrs Ros Ford, Mrs Joanna Lumsden, Mrs Beryl Smith and Mrs Jane St.George. Apologies: Mr Charles Anson and Mr Stephen Cowin 1. Rev d Peter Blee welcomed all those present and then opened the proceedings with Prayers. 2. MINUTES The Minutes of the previous PCC Meeting of Tuesday 17th June, having been circulated, were taken as a correct record and were duly signed by the Chairman. 3. MATTERS ARISING 3.1 Mural Conservation: Peter Blee informed the PCC that he has been endeavouring to get hold of Brian Cardy for his report, to no avail, but he will keep trying. Action: Peter Blee 3.2 Home Groups: Ros Ford informed the PCC that she is waiting to speak to Monica Stoodley about the Alfriston home group, which will probably start up again in November. Action: Ros Ford 3.3 Firle Planning Application: there is no further news concerning acquiring a piece of land behind the Old School House. 3.4 Crucifix behind the Altar: Jonathan Chiswell Jones said that, as he understood it, we are looking to have a wooden cross, to which will be fixed a crucifix, permanently attached to the wall behind the altar. This would be hidden when the ceramic cross, which is used during Services, is placed in front of it. He thought he may know someone who could make the figure of Christ crucified in bronze and he will investigate the cost. Action: Jonathan Chiswell Jones 3.5 Assistant Priest: Peter Blee told the PCC that he has spoken to the Archdeacon on a couple of occasions. As currently there is no one interested in the position of Resident Assistant Priest, they had decided that we should advertise again after Christmas. He asked that we keep praying about this situation. Joanna Lumsden wondered whether living in the Wilmington Vicarage was detrimental to possible applicants and Peter said he had spoken to the Archdeacon about the possibility of letting the property, which has recently had a new boiler and radiators paid for by the Diocese. PCC members also wondered whether the Bishop may like to live there. 3.6 Review: 3.6.1 Glyndebourne: everyone agreed that the Awayday at Glyndebourne, arranged by Stephen Cowin, had been a tremendous success and was altogether a very special day. 3.6.2 Marriage Celebration Service: Peter Blee said the Service and occasion had been greatly appreciated.
4. HERITAGE LOTTERY FUND APPLICATION The HLF have awarded a grant of up to 57,900 (75% of the total eligible project cost of 77,150, but VAT is recoverable through Listed Places of Worship Scheme). The grant is for: - the re-shingling of the church spire and repairs to timber structure of the tower; - the installation of a new lightning protection system; - new interpretation activities (a new guidebook on the church and its paintings, educational resources and support for primary and secondary school sessions in the church linked to the national curriculum, heritage trail pilgrimage map providing a walking route between the five churches in the Benefice, open days, public talks, and guided walks on the building, spire project and the paintings, recruitment and training of new volunteer guides); - implementation of a new ten year management and maintenance plan (under supervision of architect). A more detailed breakdown of the finances is available for PCC members on request. 4.1 Spire: John Lewis congratulated the Rector, Christine Hall and also Emily Greenaway at the HLF on the successful application for funds. He informed the PCC that he had met Polegate Roofing and signed contracts in the church. Work will begin on 22nd September and should be completed by 14th November. Linda Hallums said that appropriate notices will be displayed during this period, preventing people from entering the church by the north door. The original steps will be roped off. The organ will be made safe by Patrick Christian and we have an asbestos report which is also lodged with the Diocese Asbestos Register. As well as the re-shingling and timber repairs, Polegate Roofing have said they will replace the gutters and re-gild the cockerel on the top. The latter will be removed for safe-keeping while the scaffolding is in place. 4.2 Guide Book: Therefore publishing in Lewes is involved in the editing and production of the book. It will take about six months to be turned round. 4.3 Pilgrimage Map: Andrew Gammond, a graphic designer from Lewes, is involved in the production of the Pilgrimage Map. 4.4 School Visits: Christine Hall is involved in the educational visits. She has been paid 200 for her work in preparing the HLF application. Joanna Lumsden commented that visitors to the church had been asking about the new doors and it would be nice if the work could be recognised in some way. Ros Ford suggested laminated sheets could be made available in the church giving information about not only the South Porch doors, but also the altar kneeler and candle stand. Ros said she would contact Lucy Goffin, who was going to produce a booklet about the new chasuble. Action: Ros Ford 5.1 TREASURER S REPORT 5.1.1 The Hon Treasurer, in presenting her report, stated that the current Bank balances, as at 16 September 2014, were as follows: Santander 13,135.69 Nationwide Business Investor 9,080.53 CCLA 16,150.68 38,366.90 31.08.14 20.33 interest on CCLA credited at 0.5% 01.09.14 2.01 interest on Nationwide
5.1.2 Receipts 1,718.34 June Bookstall - 122.66 down on 2013 1,840.43 July Bookstall - 49.17 up on 2013 2,003.88 August Bookstall - 51.62 down on 2013 Since the last meeting (17.6.14): 5,513.82 Tax refund 3,739.29 Lottery Grant for architect s work done so far by architect 1,225.00 Spire Appeal receipts 267.00 Renaissance Singers Concert 100.00 Baroque Concert 2,075.06 Wilmington s share of bills paid by our Hon Treasurer 80.00 ESCC Music Service re the Work and Play Concert 4,000 has been transferred from the Nationwide account to Santander. Beryl Smith reported that she has the form for the change of signature for the Santander account. Action: Beryl Smith Peter Blee informed the PCC that we have had another letter from the Diocese asking if it would be possible for parishes to give more than they have already pledged, as a one-off donation. After some discussion it was decided that we are not in a position to help this time, due to the expensive and necessary projects being undertaken in the coming months. 5.2 CAPITAL AND FABRIC FUND REPORT Joanna Lumsden informed the PCC that the quarterly statement received on 30 June 2014 showed the Fabric Fund stood at 161,033.81. She then presented her report to the PCC as follows: It has recently been brought to my attention that, with regard to our Portfolio of Investments currently held and managed by Ashcourt Rowan under the direction of the Senior Partner Alan Arscott, there are two share holdings contained in it which would not satisfy the Church of England s Ethical Investment Policy as laid down in their Statement of November 2013. These are BAE Systems and British American Tobacco (BAT). As a result, I have been in communication with Alan Arscott, who is making the necessary adjustments and will sell these shares and re-invest in suitable commodities to replace them. I have also sent him a copy of the Policy Statement, which he requested. As he says, this will enable him to avoid future similar problems. I am grateful that this matter has been aired, and I am also grateful to Mr Arscott for his swift and understanding remedial action. I can also add that today (15 September) I received notification of the sale of these two share holdings. In due course the replacement stock will be named. 6. DEANERY SYNOD REPORT This had been kindly forwarded by Michele Boys and circulated prior to the meeting. The Deanery Synod meeting had taken place on 8th July at St Anne s, Lewes. 7. RECTOR S REPORT (see Appendix A) Peter Blee referred to the briefing papers from Church House relating to PCC members responsibilities under the Charities Act (2014) which had been circulated prior to the meeting. Due to the complex content and legal requirements contained in this document, the PCC members unanimously agreed that it would be sensible to invite someone from the Diocese to come and summarise these responsibilities to them in lay terms and to answer any queries
they may have. Ideally it will then be possible to put the required systems in place in the New Year. Action: Linda Hallums With regard to Bishop David s Bible and Poetry event on Sunday 9th November, it was noted that two microphones will be needed. Linda Hallums, together with Jane St. George, kindly volunteered to organise tea and cakes for the occasion. Since circulating his Report, Peter informed the PCC that sadly the United Benefice Advent Service has been cancelled as Archdeacon Phillip Jones has been double booked. 8. CHURCHWARDEN S REPORT 8.1 Linda Hallums informed the PCC that a film crew from 4 Square Films will be filming in the church all day on Friday, 19th September, for Life in Squares. The programme will be televised in the coming months and is about the Bloomsbury group. They are paying a location fee of 1,500. Joanna Lumsden suggested that as well as the closed to visitors notices that will be placed near the church during the filming, a similar sign should be located by the road close to Elm House to prevent any traffic problems. 8.2 Linda reminded the PCC that Samuel Blee s sponsored abseil in aid of Family Support Work will take place at 10.10am on Saturday 20th September on Peacehaven cliffs. 8.3 On behalf of the PCC, Linda offered sincere thanks to Jonathan Chiswell Jones for making the wooden framed cork noticeboard which is now hanging on the inside of the north door. It was much needed and will prove extremely useful. 9. MISSION LINK KENYA (see Appendix B) 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS 10.1 Church Architect: Peter Blee informed the PCC that, once the spire project has been completed, we, together with Selemeston and Alciston, shall be looking for a new architect. That person will need to have approved Grade I listed building qualifications. 10.2 Messy Church: nothing to report. 10.3 Alfriston s new Priest: Peter reminded the PCC that The Reverend Daniel Merceron will be licensed as priest-in-charge of Alfriston, Lullington, Litlington and West Dean (and soon to be Folkington) on the evening of Tuesday 2nd December. He is currently one of the senior Army Chaplains. As this is currently the date of our next PCC meeting, it was agreed that instead we should meet on Monday 1st December at Elm House to enable PCC members to show their support and attend the Service in Alfriston on 2nd December. 13. DATES OF FUTURE MEETINGS 13.1 The next meeting of the PCC will therefore now take place at 7.15pm on Monday 1st December, 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 September 2014 APPENDIX A 1. New Assistant Priest The churchwardens of Wilmington and Arlington and one other churchwarden are arranging to meet Bishop Richard. Peter Blee has discussed the vacancy with the Archdeacon but there are no prospective candidates within the Diocese at present. 2. Charity Commission: PCC members responsibilities Copies of the briefing papers from the recent Church House seminar led by John Kemp in Polegate have been circulated prior to the PCC meetings. The meeting highlighted, in particular, PCC members' responsibilities under the Charities Act (2014). It is important that you take time to read the briefing papers, please. Areas of specific interest include: Registration with the Charity Commission (CC) is to be obligatory from 2021 unless the charity s annual income currently exceeds 100K, in which case it is already necessary. CC approval is needed if the cost of project is less than finance raised, so that excess funds can be spent elsewhere (this will not be necessary if a disclaimer is used on fundraising leaflets, etc., that says how excess funds may be used if that should arise.) Guidance on best practice for identifying funds : i.e. it is possible to move designated funds, but not restricted funds so better to designate rather than restrict funds if the need arises. Income from restricted funds that have been invested must be accounted for separately and cannot be switched to other funds. VAT refunds are allowable for architectural fees. Pre-signed cheques should never be used. The Diocese has a right to hold parish investments as endowed trust funds if it the need arises. 3. Endowment Fund for Maintenance of the Ministry. Roger Cooper has been asked to look at the practicalities of setting up an endowment fund with income being used for maintenance of the ministry. This could allow individuals to give money that would be kept specifically to maintain the ministry in the benefice i.e. specifically restricted to fund future parish contributions. 4. Benefice Mission Action Plan (MAP) Work is continuing with the MAP and it will be a useful tool in the recruitment of the assistant priest - i.e. to help identify the new priest s potential areas of responsibility, and new benefice initiatives, etc. Another MAP meeting will take place later in the month to review the report that Martin C has drafted, with feedback to Churchwardens and PCC members to be scheduled in thereafter. 5. Heritage Lottery Application Emily Greenaway at the Heritage Lottery Fund has confirmed that Berwick church has been awarded a grant of 57,900 (this is just under a 5% increase on the original grant submission because of the added input for the associated
activities). The grant is for the re-shingling of the spire and the associated activities new book on paintings, map, and schools visits. The work is due to commence on 22nd September and be completed by the end of October. 6. Future Events Final Benefice Prayer Day for 2014 The next Prayer Days will be on Wednesday 1st October at Selmeston. Volunteers needed to cover the church during the day, please. The Bible and Poetry 4.30 pm Sunday 9th November at Berwick Bishop David will be bringing his wife, Pam, and four other readers to present a quick tour through the Bible, with poems being read at each stage of the story - hence: The Bible and Poetry. Richard Durrant: Candlelit Christmas Concert 7.30pm Friday 12th December 2014 at Wilmington Church Richard Durrant one of the country s leading guitar soloists - returns to Wilmington. Richard s festive concerts have a magic of their own with a repertoire of traditional and original music - including the wonderful singing of Amy Kakoura. Tickets cost 16, or 14 for students and OAPs, or 5 for children under 18, and are available from Clive Jones (01323) 870149. United Benefice Advent Service Phillip Jones will be joining us for a United Benefice Advent Service at Berwick on 14th December. (CANCELLED- 15.09.14)
Benefice Mission Fund Report September 2014 APPENDIX B Kenya Since last reporting in June, there has been more progress in bringing the new IDP camp at Ngobit up to the same standard as the others. Money has been sent (largely from the Benefice Pilgrimage breakfast) for breeding stock of poultry and rabbits for the 40 neediest families at the new Ngobit settlement. Josphat reports that they are doing well. Mary Mwangi s university fees for her last term have been paid by individual sponsors. Support has continued to meet the cost of Josphat and Grace s regular visits to the settlements. There has been another major and very encouraging boost to the Kenya project. Lord and Lady Lloyd very generously donated half the proceeds of their concert at Ludlay on 10th August for Josphat s work with IDPs. The first call on this will be to establish trees at the new very exposed Ngobit settlement. In addition to this the money available will probably be used for establishing the very first season s crops at Ngobit. After that it is hoped that seed can be kept back for future crops. Helping skilled craftsmen re-establish their old trades in the new settlement is another very worthwhile project. Josphat has identified two carpenters and one dressmaker at Ngobit. One parishioner has kindly offered to support the latter, Agnes Mugi, with money for a sewing machine and initial stock of materials. MIGHT ANYONE be prepared to help one of the carpenters, Francis Njau, (aged 39 with a wife and three children)? A total of 550 ( 440 + gift aid) is needed for basic tools and materials to get him going? He can then help people build and improve their new homes and provide basic furniture at Ngobit. Any offer to J & JA will be very gratefully received. China Tony Lambert has been sent 300 mainly from funds raised at Lent Lunches. He hopes to visit China in the next month and we will report further at the next opportunity. J H Anderson