A synopsis of the minutes of the PCC meeting held in Royston Parish Church,
Saturday 24 January 2026 at 2.00 p.m.
There were 14 present, The meeting, chaired by the vicar, was opened with prayer.
There were 7 apologies
The minutes of the previous meeting (24th November 2025) were approved.
Matters arising
An environmental audit had taken place. The report should arrive by the end of February and would then be considered by the Sustainable Living Committee or main PCC.
The Fabric Committee hoped to have interviews with potential architects soon.
Maintenance work is in hand including the monitoring of the fire alarm system.
The Church is now using two-factor computer log-in as recommended
The Standing Committee had authorised £498 expenditure on a Howe Dolley.
A large part of the meeting was spent discussing the church finances, a full report will be available at the APCM, generally finances are doing well, although we can’t afford to be complacent. It is hoped that the refurbishment of the vestry will commence this year. It was noted that the chapel in the additional burial ground may need some repairs, the fabric committee will look into this and make a site visit.
There was also discussion on the fees paid to readers and self-supporting ministers.
The Budget for 2026 was agreed.
The Fabric Committee reported that the upper vestry room had been cleared and was now in use. a quote for for a new fire exit sign for the stairway had been obtained, but an adhesive fluorescent sign at minimal cost had proved adequate.
PAT testing is in hand and will take place in the next few days.
Quotations are to be sought for a new spotlight above the organ and for an electric aumbry candle.
The church had received a donation of a new thurible.
A yew tree is now touching the church wall and needs attention, this is in hand.
A proposal was considered for an external power switch, with a mini-meter and an inside switch. It could be used for Remembrance Sunday and other outdoor events, thereby reducing the need for environmentally harmful
diesel generators. PCC members supported this in principle and asked the Fabric Committee to consider this.
Elections to the Deanery Synod are taking place this year.
The Events committee asked for approval to purchase more mugs, this was approved.
All safeguarding procedures are in hand.
1. Safeguarding
Steven said that he had ascertained that Home Communion or any visiting that included children or vulnerable adults was defined as a church activity and would therefore need a risk assessment.
He also reported that the safeguarding officer had said that she would be standing down Officer a well known church member has confirmed that they was prepared to take over and another has. This arrangement was put to the meeting, with all members being content. Therefore, Vaughan West was appointed as the Parish Safeguarding Officer and Yvonne Dyer as the Assistant Parish Safeguarding Officer with effect from 22 March 2026.
There was a discussion concerning PCC members’ role in safeguarding. Steven said that we were all responsible for ensuring that proper safeguarding standards were in place, as we as trustees set up activities for children and vulnerable adults as well as ensure that the people who run these are suitable for the role and receive the appropriate training.
It was recognised that the flower arrangers are making increased use of silk flowers.
The Vicar’s discretionary fund was discussed and agreed.
The meeting closed with Grace.