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WEST PARLEY PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
ALL SAINTS & ST.MARKS CHURCHES
REPORT OF THE ANNUAL MEETING OF 10th APRIL 2011

The Rector welcomed those attending and opened the meeting with prayer.
Attendance
The Rector and 45 parishioners attended with 16 apologies for absence.

THE MEETING OF PARISHIONERS

Election of Churchwardens
The Rector commented that the post was established in the Middle Ages to collect taxes for the monasteries until their dissolution by Henry V111 whereas now the duties are ecclesiastical and entail an immense amount of work up front as well as behind the scenes. There being no other nominations, Mr Hyatt and Mr Watson were then unanimously elected for their third successive years and the Rector expressed his gratitude for all they achieve with skill and dedication. Mrs Jean Jarvis, Deputy Warden is standing for re-election at the first meeting of the newly elected PCC.

THE ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Minutes of the APCM of Sunday 28th March 2010 having been distributed and, as no amendments were raised, Mrs Coggins proposed, seconded by Mrs Stansbury, they be approved and signed as a true record.
Carried Unanimously
Presentation of the Electoral Role:
Mrs Clarke, having taken over as Secretary from Mr Warner reported that the numbers from the annual revision have increased by 26 to 193 of which 91 are resident and 102 non-resident and commented that she now feels she is really getting to know people. The Rector, having thanked Mrs Clarke commented the Roll is a very significant document, not only as a measure of what we are as a parish but also the names and addresses are a great help for Lay Pastoral use.
Election of three Lay representatives to the Deanery Synod:
The three year life of the present Deanery Synod ends on 31st May 2011 and it is necessary to elect new synods to serve from 1st June 2011 to 31st May 2014. The Rector explained that there are 13 Deaneries in the Salisbury Diocese who meet 3 or 4 times a year. We are in the Wimborne Deanery and are required to appoint three. Of the present representatives Mr Sizer & Mr Stansbury are standing down while Mr Lambert continues. Messers Coates-Best and Hancock indicated willingness to stand and were duly elected.
Presentation of the Inventory and Log Books:
Mr Derek Hyatt, churchwarden, presented the Inventory, which lists the material possessions, and the Log Books of both churches which record all work carried out during the year. The inventory recorded the addition of a replacement Toshiba 1550 photocopier and deletion of a Canon NP6216`photocopier. Both books were available for inspection during the meeting and, as required, the Rector countersigned the Record forms to be returned to the Archdeaconry. On behalf of the Parish, he then thanked the Rector for his spiritual guidance and leadership during the past year, and also Mrs Booth for her support. Christopher Stansbury, in his final APCM as PCC Secretary, was commended for his service to the parish over the past decade.
Presentation of the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2010:
Signed copies of the Trustees Report incorporating the Financial Accounts of the of the Parochial Church Council For the Year Ended 31 December 2010 having been distributed Mr Warner presented the Trustees' Report & Accounts. The Trustees Report section was read through and agreed. The Accounts have been inspected by Mrs Karen Hancock as an Independent Examiner and approved. As his full report is recorded in the "Minutes of the PCC Meeting of 23rd March" only excerpts are recorded here, viz:-
Total Overall Incoming Resources for the year showed a figure of £79,992 of which the total Voluntary Incoming Resources was £58,691.
The total Resources Used during the year was £105,013. To summarize, 2010 was a year where despite a tight control of budgeted expenditure, we have had certain capital expenditure arising that had to be funded from reserves. Our net assets at year end were £305,738 with the Total Resources Used exceeding the Total Incoming Resources by £25,021. Despite increases from FWO, standing orders, plate collection, ecclesiastical fees and hall rent, we still have to utilise capital of approximately £4,000 to balance the books against budgeted expenditure. Mr Warner commented that it would be good if we could narrow this gap!
There followed a question & answer period at the conclusion of which, the Rector warmly thanked Mr Warner for all his hard work. Mrs Joyce Lay then proposed, seconded by Mrs Penny Wood, the Trustees Report Incorporating the Financial Accounts of the Parochial Church Council for the Year Ended 31 December 2010 be Adopted by the meeting
Carried Unanimously
Election of up to 12 Lay members of the Parochial Church Council: Four members, Mr Moore, Mr Sweet, Miss G. Taylor & Mrs Wood are not seeking re-election, the Rector thanked them for their past participation. The following ten members have agreed to stand for re-election - Messers R Huntington, G Jarvis, V Paget, F Sizer, C Stansbury, E Stevenson, D Warner; Mesdames J Jarvis, J Lewis, J Paget. As we required two others, the Rector enquired whether anyone present is prepared to stand. In response, Mrs Bonnie Coggins and Mrs Elsie Towse indicated willingness. Mr Best then proposed, seconded by Mr Lewis, these twelve be elected to serve for the coming year.
Carried Unanimously
Nomination of Sidespersons: The Rector stated that while Sidespersons are not formally elected he is required to declare the names of those who have agreed to fulfil the role of this most important Ministry of Welcome for those attending our Services and the following have agreed to undertake these duties:-Mrs M Anderson, Mrs B Bailey, Mrs A Brimblecombe, Mrs D Bundle, Mrs H Cox, Mrs K Hancock (Stepping Stones), Mrs M Hyatt, Mr G Jarvis, Mrs J Jarvis, Mrs G Jellis, Mrs J Lay, Mr G Lewis, Mrs J Lewis, Mrs J Norris, Mrs J Paget, Mrs B Raymond (MUonly), Mr F Sizer, Mrs M Stansbury, Mr A Stavert, Mr E Stevenson, Mr R Sweet, Miss G Taylor, Miss J Taylor, Mrs E Thornton, Mrs E Toms, Mrs P Wood.
Presentation of the Annual Report for 2010/2011 and Rector's Matters:
The Rector opened by referring to a programme on Radio 4 of 100 objects relating to the History of Christianity. He then produced a silver Chalice dated 1574 which tells us of its use in the life of the Community at that time. It is our most valuable artefact and is now never on show but in safe keeping. Unfortunately, it could not be used at All Saints on Easter Sunday as it leaks!
Turning next to the Friends of All Saints, he stated it has been agreed it should not be another PCC Sub Committee but should form its own Committee from a wider parish circle with volunteers from the Church family but responsible to the PCC to raise funds to support work the PCC has authorised. The Scheme will be launched at the forthcoming Songs of Praise at All Saints on July 17th 2011.
Whilst we enjoy good numbers at services scrutiny reveals our growth is almost entirely due to established worshippers coming to us from elsewhere. Those whom we have nurtured in the faith are few, especially amongst the young. One of the things he appreciated most has been the opportunity to share his ministry with Revd. Dr Alastair Campbell and Canon Christopher Rutledge, and to see the Church benefit from their contributions.
The Report also indicates that, as well as the now four lay Pastors, there are a good number of people who give of their time and skills in fulfilling many varied ministries such as the pew sheets, social activities, responsibility for and flower arranging as well as many other important tasks.
He then stated that there are to be no Children's Workshops this Easter but these will be arranged as usual by Stepping Stones at Christmas along with the other activities. The Baby and Toddler Group have increased in numbers and look forward to a healthy group for some time to come. However, Liz Booth now feels her time is needed in other areas and would appreciate anyone who would be interested in taking a slightly more substantial role to come forward so that there can be a rota of people willing to circulate at the group to make the church presence felt through chatting informally with the parents/carers who bring the children.
Finally, before closing the Annual Meeting, the Rector commented that Christopher Stansbury, who has been PCC Secretary since 2002, is handing over to Mrs Jenny Lewis and, on behalf of the Parish, very kindly presented him with a gift in recognition of his time in office which he very much appreciated.

There being no Other Business the Annual Meeting closed with the Grace at 12.35pm.

The next Meeting of the PCC is scheduled for 25th May 2011 at 7.30pm.