The first part of the meeting on 5th May was taken up with administrative matters, only two of which need be noted. It was agreed that the Standing Committee should be reduced to consist of the Parish’s officers, but only two deputy church wardens (those who had served most recently). The conveners/leaders of the various working parties would be invited to attend its meetings as necessary.
PCC itself would meet only five times a year, with the September and February meetings being devoted to administrative matters, the May and July meetings to be principally concerned with Parish development and, in particular the implementation of the MAP, and the November meeting to discuss the matters of wider interest in the Diocese and the church generally. Next, the PCC heard reports from a number of the working parties and committees. The Worship and Spirituality Group reported on its review of Easter services and the possibility of midnight Easter mass, as well as a number of practical questions, such as the queues to communion.
The Pastoral Care Group needed a new leader (Handley’s other commitments had forced him to stand down) in order to take forward the formation of a network of care consisting of groups in the congregation. The use of name badgers was welcome. Communications: improvements had been made to the website, but further developments in the parish systems would come as Dorothy Paton had a chance to put her ideas into practice. The Children and Young People Group had met a number of times; there would be an open day on 26th June following the All Age Eucharist and before the Junior Prom. A small group was looking at the development of music in the Sunday School and work was in progress on the preparation of an information leaflet. Space remained a problem, especially for the smaller children. There would be a joint training session with Sunday School teachers from St Mary’s Primrose Hill in the Autumn. The Building and Fabric Group needed new members, but work was progressing on plans for the redevelopment of the bell tower room. The Finance and Stewardship Group had nothing to report and the Outreach and Giving Group needed new members.
Last, we discussed the churchyard. Camden had produced an Environmental Action Plan, which although it recognised the churchyard as a Grade 1 Site of Environmental Importance and gave minute details of the flora and fauna to be found there, did not provide any money for the achievement of its ten management objectives. While interest in the churchyard was welcome, it was doubted whether the plan, or its authors had taken much account of how the churchyard was used, or indeed, what it was for. It was agreed, however, that the primary objective of its management should be to ensure that it remained (or was made) safe, dilapidated graves being a particular problem.
Camden’s permission had been granted for the removal of the middle (and also somewhat dilapidated) yew tree in front of the church and the Church Row Residents’ Association approved, as it would open up the view of the church. The PCC agreed, but asked that congregation be alerted and any response heeded. The painting of the railings of the Additional Burial Ground was welcomed and the Church Row Residents’ Association would be thanked for arranging this.
PCC Report
Andrew Penny