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Parish of St Peter’s at Hamsey with Offham and Cooksbridge
Minutes of the Parochial Church Council Meeting held at St Peter’s Offham on Wednesday 17 October 2007 at 8.00pm
Those Present:
The Rector (Chairman), Beth Bates, David Brooks, Pamela Conlon (Church Warden), Chris and Dave Glover, Roland Gough (Treasurer), Ursula Hare, Jenny Money, Meriel Spain (Secretary) and Geoff Spinks (Church Warden).
1. Apologies for Absence
Apologies received from: Phyl Burchett (distributing Harvest goods), Susan Rendall, Andrew Stewart-Roberts, John and Shirley Whitley.
2. Approval of the minutes of the PCC Meetings of 19 June 2007
Minutes of the PCC Meeting dated 19 June 2007 previously circulated were agreed.
3. Matters Arising from Minutes
The Rector noted that the 'eco faith' pack had been passed to Beth for consideration of the Church's intention to encourage 'energy saving' measures. Beth was asked to give her report for the energy saving proposals contained in the pack.
The eco-pack suggested the following measures:
- The use of recycled materials where appropriate
- The use of low energy light bulbs and more efficient use of central heating
- Locally sourced Loaf meals to be encouraged at all church functions
- The use of environmentally friendly cleaning products in the church and new Church Room
- The recycling of all church waste
It was agreed that all of the above should be adopted where appropriate.
We were reminded that the Christian Ecology Link to faith should be reflected in all areas of our worship.
Eastbourne Electrical are to be asked to look at the timing of the Church's heating system with an aim to improving its efficiency.
It was further noted that the new Church room will be eco-friendly by design.
4. Treasurer's Report
The treasurer reported that there was likely to be a shortfall in the budget this year. It was discussed and it was decided to continue with church donations and the Rector will remind the comgregation that the Church funds are low.
It was also reported that the contribution to the diocese is to be raised by the Deanery: possibly by as much as 12%. The Rector suggested the need to revisit how this contribution is calculated.
5. Churchwardens' Report and the Church Room
Offham
The rusting window bars have now been replaced with brass.
Consideration now needs to be given to the next items on the quinquennial report: rusting window guards, W10 and W13.
Hamsey
A quotation for fence repairs has been accepted: we are waiting for the work to commence.
The parking arrangements seem to work well during the summer season.
There is nothing further to report on negotiations with Terry Squires.
Church Room
We are waiting to hear from the Diocesan Registrar that our Faculty application has been approved. All the relevant documentation has been submitted.
We have recieved approval from Lewes District Council for two minor amendments to the original plans in relation to the drive surface and changes to the barge boards.
When we have recieved Faculty approval a fundraising appeal will be launched.
David Brooks indicated that Paula Brooks was in a position to start organising a Christmas fair to raise funds for the Church Room. [Note: the fair will be held on Saturday 1 Decmber in Cooksbridge Village Hall.]
6. Church Website
The Church website is now back up and running, and has been fully updated. The committee thanked Eleanor Conlon for all her hard work on this. It was agreed that a new page be added about the church room in due course.
7. Any other Business
It was agreed to consider a small plaque, possibly on a new tree in the churchyard, in memory of Griff Baldwin.
Agreed to in future specify darker plasterwork when stonework repairs carried out.
Dave Glover will shortly carry out a health and safety inspection of Offham Church.
Date of next meeting: to be arranged
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