Reports for Annual Parochial Church Meeting 'Our Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) was held on Sunday April 25 in the Soltau Centre - thank you to all who came and made this positive and encouraging meeting,' writes vicar Keith Nichols. A summary of some of the matters raised at the APCM appear below. Following the elections, the churchwardens at Hurley are Ann Powell and Carol Reynolds; at Littlewick Green are Jenny Robinson and Alec Rowland, and at Stubbings Sue Harrington-Hill and Gill Wallis. The elected members of the Parochial Church Council are Mary Cooper, Graham Durgan, Fiona Fieldhouse, Hazel O'Connor and Peter Watsham. The Deanery Synod representatives are Tom Dobinson, Teresa Kennard and Elaine Mordaunt, who are also on the Parochial Church Council (FCC). The wardens, vicar and associate priest, Rev'd Dilys Woodmore are also ex-officio members of the PCC. In addition to the PCC, there are local committees responsible for aspects of each of the three churches. There is a constant need to look after the fabric and repair of ageing buildings. Being much older, St Mary's, Hurley has dealt with some death watch beetle in the last year and altering the central heating boiler, while at St James, Stubbings, plans to replace the ugly metal door are being progressed. Expenditure on St John's Littlewick Green has been considerable over the past fews years, replacing the central heating, digging up and replacing the parquet flooring and mending the roof after plastboard panels fell in. Out of that was born Friends of Littlewick Green, with vital fundraising as part of its aim. The report from the Treasurer on the financial position of the Parish showed a surplus last year mainly due to the control of expenditure and the fact that spending on church maintenance had been below average. It is already clear that maintenance expenditure in 2010 will be a lot higher. Other items covered -the re-appointment of Colin Evans as independent examiner of the Parish accounts; changes in the electoral roll (a slight decline at 192); election of sidespeople for each of the churches, and a summary of the position regarding representation on the Deanery Synod as Brian Wells had stepped down. In his report, our vicar, Keith, thanked everyone for welcoming him and his wife Pam when they arrived and for their continuing support and understanding during his first year. It had been a year of change, and, although change can be difficult, especially when much loved people like Hilary Davis and Gregory Cameron move on, nevertheless 'Change is inherent in the purposes of God.' He also thanked those who had made our ministry possible, especially Rev'd Dilys Woodmore, but also Teresa Kennard, Maurice Skinner, Peter Watsham and Jackie Trick; the organists, musicians, choir and all who came to worship and everyone who worked behind the scenes to make things happen. Keith also thanked Sarah Sugden, retiring as treasurer after four years of meticulous hard work; Gilly Miall (the new Parish administrator), without whom he could not have managed, and the churchwardens for the huge amount of work they carry out. Special mention was made of Rosalind Bentley who was retiring after six years as churchwarden at Stubbings, who had steered the Parish through difficult times with such energy and heartfelt commitment. In repeating 'Change is inherent in the purposes of God', he said there was a need to constantly review the situation and 'go with the bright spots' (those things that are really working). Keith felt there was reason to be encouraged - the new service pattern had started well and more people were coming for baptisms and weddings. During 2010, he wanted to look at our church life and the need to provide a variety of spiritual pathways for growth and a sense of belonging. After her ordination, Tina Molyneux will be formally welcomed at the July Parish service. He asked all to pray for her as she approached her ordination. Presentations were made and thanks given to the ministry team, churchwardens, Parish administrator, treasurer and PCC secretary Reports from the Parochial Church Council and all the various supporting activities, have been brought together in a booklet, copies of which are available at the back of the three churches. From these reports we are summarising what has happened during the last year within those groups. Hurley Care Hurley Care continues to give neighbourly support and to be alert to people in need and in so doing plays a discreet but significant part in fostering the spirit of community in Hurley. Hurley Care coordinator, Lynn Garnham, has retired to Devon and is much missed. At present some aspects of Hurley Care are being reviewed while continues to support people in the village. Parish Craft Group Affectionately known as Knit and Natter, this group meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month (apart from August). During 2009, a record number of 282 jumpers and 99 blankets most of which went to the charity Feed the Children. At Christmas, they contribute to Operation Christmas Child by filling shoeboxes with small gifts for under-privileged children in Africa and Eastern Europe. Their stall at the Parish Christmas Fayre was popular once again. Parish Visiting In support of the Vicar and the Ministry Team the Parish visiting teams of the three churches continue to visit those who would like contact with the church for fellowship, support, a friendly chat or Holy Communion at home. Parish Walks It will soon be six years since seven hardy souls completed the first Burchetts Green Parish Walk. Happily all are still alive and some can even still walk! Despite the famously bad weather in recent months, no walk was cancelled and the number of walkers has averaged 15 over the full year. Pebbles The service for parents and pre-school children is going from strength to strength on Thursdays in Hurley, and if the Tuesday Pebbles in Stubbings has seen a fall in attendance, due to a large number of its children moving on to school at the same time, a committed core group remains on which to build in the coming year. Stubbings 200 Club The total raised over the past eight years by the 200 Club now exceeds £10,000 and, after last year's expenditure, the fund is being rebuilt for the next project. Many of last year's members have signed up for 2010 plus several new members ones but, sadly, it seems unlikely fundraising will reach the same level as recent years. Stubbings Gardening Group 'The Gnomes: met most Tuesday mornings to undertake a variety of tasks to keep the Stubbings churchyard tidy and attractive. However, they are very concerned that their small group of volunteers is getting smaller, older and less able to do all the jobs that are needed. They would welcome some additional help and some younger 'Gnomes'. Sunday School Following the changes to the pattern of services, Sunday School now takes place on the first and third Sunday of the month at Stubbings. Each session is planned around a Bible story and involves songs, games, prayers and other activities. Time Out This informal worship and discussion service on, Thursday evenings at 7.45pm in the Soltau Centre, during term-time provides an opportunity to explore the spiritual dimension of life. It is under the leadership of Tina Molyneux and Peter Watsham. Young at Heart Young at Heart is still thriving and volunteers are feeding as many as 50 plus some Wednesdays (they are never too sure how many will be at lunch!). Lunch is a very sociable event with lots of laughter and chaffer and contributions are made towards the running costs of the Soltau Centre. There is a quiet Communion Service before lunch and they are hoping to encourage more to attend. If you would like to know more, or become involved with any of these groups, see the contact details listed here. |