THE PARISH CHURCH OF ST MARGARET’S ILKLEY
Minutes of a Meeting of the Parochial Church Council of St. Margaret’s, Ilkley, held at 7.30pm on Thursday 27th January 2022 in the Parish Hall
Fr Alex in the Chair. He opened the Meeting with prayer.
Present:, C Cheater, Fr A Crawford, C Gibson, J McGhee, H Pilling, C Ramage, R Smeaton, M Still, A Stretton, P Tooke, T Warnes, B Whittaker, S Williams, T Williams, A Wilson
Apologies: C Beaumont, R Beeson, H Buswell, B Harrison, G Hartley, J Smith, V Smith
2. Minutes of the last meeting
Adopted unanimously.
3. Matters arising
i) Change of Dates of PCC Meetings – The written comments submitted by Judith Smith and Gwyneth Hartley were read and discussed. It was agreed to continue on Thursday evenings (when we have use of the hall) at least for the next meeting, and then review the situation. The Hall is unavailable on Tuesday evenings, but it should be less cold in the church later in the year.
4. Safeguarding
i) Report – Catherine Beaumont had submitted a written report. Christine Butler is assisting in distributing and collecting confidential declaration documents.
ii) Outstanding Training - Since the date of the report, four more members of the PCC have begun their training, and Richard Smeaton thought that Catherine Beaumont might not have received notification of his. Alison Stretton requested all members to complete their Basic and Foundation Levels by the APCM. Circulated with these minutes is a list of those needing to complete training; its circulation was agreed at the meeting.
5. Wardens’ Items
i) Recruitment of Warden, Deputy Warden and Head Sidesperson – Alison Stretton reported Helen Buswell’s intention of standing down as Warden at the APCM; it was also proposed to appoint Deputy Wardens to fill in during holidays and help out at the back of church. This was approved by the PCC. Janet Kish also intended to stand down as Head Sidesperson, and it was proposed to split the responsibilities for Sidespeople and for Readers/ Intercessors. Anyone interested in taking on any of these roles was invited to speak to her, Helen Buswell or Fr Alex.
ii) Lockdown Quilt – St Margaret’s was delighted to host the Lockdown Quilt Exhibition at the back of the church until the beginning of Lent. It was hoped this might attract extra visitors.
iii) First Aid Training – St John’s Ambulance had been booked to give a training session in the Hall at 7.30pm on Thursday 31st March. It needed a minimum of eight attendees.
6. Fr Alex’s Items
i) COVID Guidelines – The document Interim Recommendations for Relaxation of COVID Precautions in Church was approved.
ii) Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations – He was in discussion with the Mayor of Ilkley about a service on the afternoon of 5th June (following a community tea on the Grove). This was also Pentecost Sunday.
iii) Altar Frontal and Vestments – Anne Kilvington’s family were very happy for us to spend her legacy on a new green set. This was voted on and approved by the PCC.
iv) Baptism Collections – It was proposed that in future these should be split between a charity of the baptismal family’s choice and St Margaret’s.
v) Placements at St Margaret’s – Duncan Milwain (currently a member of Fountain’s Church) and Emma Halliwell (from our own congregation), who are both training for ordination at St Hild’s College, Mirfield, are being given opportunities to preach here, participate and observe during the next few months.
vi) Holy Week Preacher – Fr Alex was very happy to announce that Fr John Gribben CR is to be our preacher this year. The collections from the Easter services will be donated to the Community of the Resurrection.
vii) Celebrants at Sung Mass – Isobel Rathbone will preside at the Sung Mass on 20th February. The celebrants will be publicised in advance.
viii) Relaunch of Family Service – on 30th January. This has been widely advertised on Social Media. People are encouraged to “like” and “share” posts on Facebook, in order to help spread them more widely.
7. Finance
i) Treasurer’s Report – This had been circulated in advance. Adam Wilson made the point that the cost of our own incumbent comes out of the Share. John McGhee commented that the card-reader was working well, and £500 had already been received by this means. In order to add Gift Aid to a card donation, or to specify a fund for a donation, card donors should complete an empty Gift Aid envelope and post it into the safe. Fr Alex suggested that bespoke Gift Aid envelopes should be ordered for this purpose. John McGhee had applied for a grant because of loss of income due to COVID, and we have been awarded £2000.
ii) Parish Giving Scheme – Philip Tooke explained that this worked by direct debits rather than standing orders (as in the current stewardship scheme). It relieved the parish of some of the administrative burden. Our auditor was satisfied that it would work with our restricted share arrangement. Philip Tooke proposed trying the Parish Giving Scheme with a few people before deciding whether to transfer to this system. The PCC voted unanimously for this.
iii) Amazon Smile & Easy Fundraising – Philip Tooke had looked into this, but felt it entailed signing up to some unpalatable things.
8. Church Fabric & Hall
The minutes of the latest meeting had been circulated.
There is a need for a Church Health & Safety Officer. The appointment should be made by the PCC rather than the CF&H Committee.
We are starting to get Hall-bookings for parties again (often on Saturday or Sunday afternoons), and need volunteers to “meet & greet” and to lock up afterwards. John McGhee would ask Vickie to circulate a request; and later in the year, this could be listed among the “Time & Talents” opportunities.
9. Church Communications
Catherine Cheater’s report had been circulated. The reconfigured website now includes weekly sermons, and Fr Alex’s input on social media is proving popular and helping to create a better balance. We appear on Facebook, Ilkley Chat and Ilkley Community Noticeboard. The digital pewsheet is widely read.
10. Outward Giving Group
Alison Stretton reported that the Christmas Appeal (including money raised by the Ilkley Grammar School carol Concert) amounted to £1,809. Choir Carol Singing on the Grove made £116. The PCC voted unanimously to give the Otley Christian Resources Hub £500 from the Mission Fund and £1,000 from the General Fund.
11. AOB
Churches Together in Ilkley – Ros Beeson had circulated a report of the latest meeting. Two items required agreement by the PCC: i) Change in annual church subscription to CTI from £200 (based on numbers on electoral roll) to £100-£125. Agreed unanimously. ii) Lenten Talks, including one on “God on the Moor” given by St Margaret’s. The talks would be held at Christchurch on four Wednesdays from 7.30pm. Ros was happy to lead this, with contributions from anyone else who would like to join in. This also was agreed.
The meeting closed with prayer at 8.45pm