Annual Parochial Church Meeting reports on last year
Thirty-seven parishioners attended the Annual Parochial Church Meeting (APCM) on
Sunday April 10, in the Soltau Centre. There were 23 apologies for absence. The
Revd Keith Nicholls, as chairman, welcomed everyone on what was a beautiful sunny
afternoon, and began with opening prayers.
During the first part of the meeting involving the election of churchwardens, a resolution
was passed that the maximum six-year service period should not apply in this Parish.
If it is felt necessary, this resolution can be revoked at a later date. Churchwardens
were then elected - Ann Powell (Hurley), Jenny Robinson and Alec Rowland (Littlewick
Green) and Gill Wallis and Sue Harrington-Hill (Stubbings). Carol Reynolds stood
down in Hurley but will continue as assistant warden. It is hoped someone from Hurley
will come forward to take on the vacancy.
New PCC members Parochial Church Council (PCC) members elected were Mary Cooper,
Richard Curry, Fiona Fieldhouse, Mary Gilbert, Hazel O'Connor and Peter Watsham.
The churchwardens and ministry team are ex-officio members of the PCC. Deanery
Synod representatives are Tom Dobinson and Elaine Mordaunt (with two vacancies).
A booklet had again been prepared and was handed out at the meeting, this year giving
reports on 26 different aspects of life in the parish. If required, copies are available
in each church or from the Parish office.
In summarising his report on the financial situation to December 31 2010, the Treasurer
said that income had increased slightly due to weddings, church hall lettings and
legacies, but expenditure had also increased due to maintenance and repairs for the
churches. These arose from quinquennial inspections and insurance review. It had
also been decided to purchase a new copier and collating machine for the Parish
office.
The budget for 2011 was expected to break even unless exceptional repair bills produce
a deficit. Colin Evans was re-appointed as independent examiner of the Parish accounts.
Other agenda items covered the electoral roll, which this year totals 189,and the
appointment of sidespeople.
In his address to the meeting, Keith said that last year, having been one of change,
he felt it was necessary to have some consolidation. On the whole the change in
service pattern had been well received, though some small adjustments may be necessary,but
he felt the Parish service had helped us to gel together as a parish.
On a personal level,the changes had been demanding but had enabled him to feel more
in touch with each church and congregation. He had not anticipated the huge increase
in the number of weddings and christenings which had left him little time for pastoral
visits. Recently he had taken steps to remedy the situation.
Inspiring A bright spot in the year had been the ordination last July of Tina Molyneux.
She is both competent and inspiring, and we look forward to Tina being ordained priest
on June 26. The new prayer group, Oasis, in Hurley, started by Pat lies and Sandra
Brooks, had been delightful and he urged parishioners to give it a try - there is
a need to pray and put Christ at the centre of our churches. Keith went on to thank
the ministry team, churchwardens and all the many people who help around the Parish
in so many ways. It had been a year of consolidation, a year of real hope and growth.
He finished with the mission statement from the Parish Profile:
Actively listening to God we will build on our rich and diverse worship traditions,
harnessing our varied talents and resources to reach out to the wider community as
a relevant focus of spiritual growth and Christ's love.
