The PCC met on 11th July 2006 and the following matters were on the agenda:
The painting of the Churchyard and Additional Burial Ground railings was almost complete and the appeal had covered the cost in full; the fundraising committee [Beryl Dowsett, Debra Bryan, Margaret Rodgers and Judy East] was thanked and congratulated.
The celebration of the Parochial School’s 150th anniversary had been a success attended by Bishop Peter, the Mayor of Camden and numerous other dignitaries, former teachers and pupils; the present pupils came dressed as their forbears, the “poor of the parish”. To mark the event the school had given the church a banner depicting two hands shaking in friendship and the church had given the school a memorial plaque.
It was decided to apply for a premises licence for the church and for an individual [probably me] to apply for a personal licence to enable events at which alcohol was served or sold to continue for the next ten years. [Currently the church applies for temporary licences but these are limited.]
The proposal to appoint a second curate who would also be priest in charge at Holy Trinity, Finchley Road, had been shelved; it did not give much help at St Johns on Sunday mornings [where and when it was most needed] and the split responsibilities were too difficult to organise in practice. Instead the Bishop had agreed to the appointment of a second training curate at St John;’s and a deacon would be appointed from June 2007 if housing could be found. Meanwhile it was hoped to relieve pressure by finding a temporary priest, perhaps on sabbatical or a local NSM. Accommodation was a problem [see below].
Edward Langtry was welcomed to the Electoral Roll.
Peter Ginnings reported that the Fabric committee had been looking at ways to satisfy the need [identified in the Mission Action Plan] for additional and better space for the Sunday School and the vestry/office. Tentative plans had been suggested to reorganise the space in the Crypt room and extend the choir vestry upwards a floor. In addition to its primary objects this would also create a space for functions for up to 60 or so people and might generate some income. The PCC approved the expense of £10,000 for fees in investigating the feasibility of the proposal and for drawing up plans. It also authorised work to investigate and cure the dampness on the south wall of the choir vestry.
Inigo, as Treasurer, reported that he expected a small deficit on general fund at the end of the year. He was concerned that so much of the church’s regular income was given by a few and mostly retired parishioners. This was a precarious position and the church faced extra expense as the school was very likely to want to take over 3 Holly Bush Vale [one of the houses which had been used for the curates] leaving accommodation for only one curate [Mother Sarah in 1 Holly Bush Vale]. To find another house or flat suitable for a curate was likely to cost in the region of £1 million and the extension of the choir vestry a similar figure. The church could not borrow anything like this sum and a major fundraising effort would be needed.
Nicki Siddall was appointed as an additional Children’s Advocate [with John Hester and Jenny Bunn] and Bob Peeler’s name would be put to the Bishop for licensing to administer the chalice.
Andrew Penny
PCC
Andrew Penny