ROYSTON PARISH CHURCH - PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL (PCC)
Synopsis of the meeting of the PCC held in Royston Parish Church, held on Wednesday 15 January 2025
There were 18 present, the meeting opened with prayer and two apologies were received.
The minutes of the previous meeting were unanimously agreed.
Under matters arising it was noted that sadly one person has left the church as a result of the PCC’s decision regarding the Prayers of Love & Faith. However, one person has joined the church as a result of the PCC’s resolution.
Development of the vestry is still under consideration and advice is needed from the fire brigade.
The lent course is in hand but due to the availability of leaders is only going to take place once a week.
Since the last meeting the standing committee had taken the following decisions: Expenditure of £494 to reset the clock and get it running to time again, vents should be fitted to the plinth on which the AV mixing system sits, at a cost of £320, to resolve a damp problem and the proceeds of a collection taken after a thanksgiving service to be forwarded to the charity requested.
The safeguarding procedures of the new “Treble Makers” group are in order.
The treasurer reported that the new Parish Share figure of £83,905 had been queried and should not increase by quite so much in future years. We will also receive credit once the new Curate moves into the house provided by the church.
It was reported for the benefit of those volunteers dealing in cash that the town’s new banking hub is working well and remains open until 5.00pm. It is hoped that a member of staff would be invited to church to speak about the hub’s services.
The Fabric Committee reported that there was still one day’s work left dealing with the roof alarm and we would not pay the invoice until completion.
The Committee requested approval for expenditure of £495 + VAT for a CO2 calibration system.
There should be a resultant cost saving in the long term. The PCC duly approved this request.
Approval of £400 + VAT expenditure was requested to facilitate remote operation of the heating system. This was also approved.
It was reported that two of the CCTV cameras had failed despite having only been installed for two months.
A suitable company had been found to deal with the inspection of the hoist for the bell tower trap door at a cost of £90 + VAT. This expenditure was duly approved.
It was agreed that the issue of pigeon deterrents / fire gel / drain clearance should be dealt with by the Standing Committee.
The Council had unfortunately refused to deal with the trimming back of encroaching yew trees this will be followed up.
There were recurrent faults with the fire alarm system, mostly due to battery failure. The current contract had expired, so the Committee were seeking approval for annual maintenance expenditure of £450 + VAT per annum. This was duly approved.
The project to install swift boxes is proving difficult but still being considered!
Consideration to prioritising expenditure was discussed and the Finance Committee will manage the ‘Wish List’ after the committees have been reviewed.
Steven raised the issue of cars in the churchyard, purely as a matter to be kept in mind for the future.
Duncan urged support for the forthcoming quiz evening. Reported that the mission committee budget would be set at the 3rd February meeting. As the Parish Magazine would not continue in its current format, in future one mission would be publicised every month, both in the prayer diary and on the notice board. On 28th March, Mercy Ships will be having an evening event at the church to talk about their work.
Yvonne had submitted a report on Tots in Church which was gratefully noted by the PCC.
The curate’s accommodation is being attended to.
The fire alarm system sounds when a battery is low and this could cause some confusion, some additional training is in hand.
The issue of streaming certain services at church was considered and will receive further consideration in due course.
The practice of charitable collections at funerals had proved a little difficult at times, the collecting baskets or whatever is used need to be clearly labeled.
The possibility of showing films at church is pending for the moment.
The fees for visiting ministers and organists were discussed and agreed.
The church’s phone and computer systems need updating, some costs are involved but the PCC saw this as necessary expenditure
The Deanery meeting in November had covered the “Alban Way” and safeguarding.
The PCC secretary is due to stand down soon but a volunteer has been found to take over this role.
The meeting closed with grace.
A Further informal meeting was held a few weeks later to discuss the church’s future development and ways of improving the facilities available to our growing fellowship. No further details are available, this was just an informal conversation.
