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St. Michael's,
Bray with Braywood
Notice
of two meetings to be held in St. Michael’s Church
at 11.20am on Sunday 15th April 2007 |
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Apologies for Absence |
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First Meeting - Election
of Churchwardens |
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Second Meeting - Annual
Parochial Church Meeting
**Minutes of the Meetings held on 30th April 2006 and matters
arising therefrom |
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Election of Deanery Synod
Representatives |
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Election of up to 20 members of the Parochial Church
Council
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6 |
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Election of Sidesmen |
7 |
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Election
of School Governors |
8 |
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Election
Roll of the Parish |
9 |
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Report
on the proceedings of the Council and of the Church’s
life up to 31st December 2006 |
10 |
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Report
on the financial affairs of the Parish for the year to
31st December 2006 |
11 |
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Audited
Accounts for the Parish for the year to 31st December 2006 |
12 |
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Report
on the Fabric, Goods and Ornaments of the Church |
13 |
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Report
on the Deanery Synod |
14 |
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Independent
Examiner |
15 |
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Number
to be elected to the Parochial Church Council |
16 |
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Any Other
Business |
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Minutes
of the Annual Parochial Church Meeting held on 30th
April 2006
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PRESENT |
Revd. G. D. Repath (Chairman), K. Amery (Secretary),
A. Clare (Churchwarden), J. Seymour, (Church Warden),
J. Tucker (Treasurer) and 25 other parishioners who signed
the attendance roll.
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1 |
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APOLOGIES
G. Blaxland, J. Blaxland, A. Briggs, K. Briggs, L. Burch, O. Gooch, A. Ellison,
K. Rivers, P. Rivers, H. Rudge, J. Webster, V. Webster |
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2 |
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FIRST MEETING
- ELECTION OF CHURCH WARDENS
The Chairman reported that Ian Murray and John Seymour
had been nominated as Churchwardens. There were no
other nominations, they were duly elected. |
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3 |
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SECOND
MEETING - ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING
The
Secretary pointed out that under item 16 the word “Treasure” should
be replaced by “Treasurer.” This correction
being made i t was proposed by A. Clare and seconded
by J. Tompkins that the minutes be accepted as a true
record. |
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4 |
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DEANERY SYNOD
REPRESENTATIVES
J. Tucker and H. Rudge are on the Deanery Synod. They
are not due for re-election and remain as St Michael’s
representatives. |
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5 |
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ELECTION OF UP
TO 20 MEMBERS OF THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
The below named were duly proposed and seconded for
election to the PCC, the names were read out. There
were no further nominations; all those named were duly
elected.
Kenneth Amery, Audrey Ashby, James Ashworth, John
Blaxland, Alan Briggs, Leslie Burch, Anne Clare, Tim
Cook, Derek Fowles, Mike Henley, Richard Hoey, Lynda
Jones, Oliver Gooch, Phil Nunn, Natasha Teeder, Julie
Tompkins and Vernon Webster.In addition to those listed
above, the Incumbent, and the following members will serve
on the PCC -
Ian Murray (Churchwarden)
John Seymour (Churchwarden)
Hilary Rudge (Deanery Synod)
Jim Tucker (Deanery Synod) |
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6 |
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ELECTION OF SIDESMEN
The below named were nominated as sidesmen.
J. Ashworth, P.
Allen, G. Amery, K. Amery, R. Baldwyn, A. Briggs, K.
Briggs, A. Baillie- Hamilton, L. Baillie-Hamilton G.
Blaxland, A. Clare, B. Clare, T. Cook, A. Ellison, M.
Fleetwood, T. Fleetwood, N. Flower, S. Fontaine, B. Gardner,
R. Gardner, J. Gillett, T. Gould, A. Harries, C. Jackson,
M. Jobson, T. Jones, R. Lawson, B. Page, K. Rivers, H.
Rudge, R. Russell, V. Russell, P. Sands, L. Shepherd,
R. Smart, , P. Thomas. D. Walker, D. Walker, E. Watkins,
J. Webster, V. Webster, R. Wilson.
There were no other
nominations. J. Ashworth proposed and R. Gardener seconded
that the named persons be appointed. This was approved. |
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7 |
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ELECTION OF SCHOOL
GOVERNORS
There were no vacancies for School Governors. |
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8 |
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THE ELECTORAL
ROLL OF THE PARISH
It was reported that the electoral roll had been revised
this year and there were 153 names on the roll. Eleven
names had been removed and four added. |
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9 |
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REPORT ON THE PROCEEDINGS
OF THE COUNCIL AND OF THE CHURCH'S LIFE UP
TO THE 31st DECEMBER 2006
A report on the proceedings had been included in the APCM
papers, distributed to all who attended the meeting. D.
Fowles proposed and P. Robotham seconded that the report
be accepted. There were no objections.
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10 |
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REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL
AFFAIRS OF THE PARISH FOR THE YEAR TO
31st DECEMBER 2006
The audited accounts had been made available for the required period of time
and both the accounts and the Treasurers report had been included in the APCM
papers.
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11 |
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AUDITED ACCOUNTS
FOR THE PARISH FOR THE YEAR TO 31st
DECEMBER 2006
There were no comments made on the accounts, which
had previously been accepted by the PCC. Mr. Lawson
requested a copy of the Pickford Trust accounts, which
do not form part of the church accounts. This was given
to him and copies were made available at the back of
the church. |
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12 |
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REPORT ON THE
FABRIC. GOODS AND ORNAMENTS OF THE CHURCH
John
Seymour reported that once again no major works were
carried out in 2005.A new combination lock was obtained
by the Vicar for a bargain price and fitted to the church
inner door. Thanks are due to the Friends of St Michaels
for provision of large print hymn books. He also thanked
Ian Murray and Tony Anderson for the maintenance of Touchen
End cemetery and to Robin Bullett for cutting the grass
at Braywood The quinquennial inspection is due in 2007.The
church needs repainting, using porous paint if possible.
There is moisture damage needing to be made good in several
places in the church interior. High-level lights will
be replaced at the same time using the painting scaffolding.
The hearing loop needs replacing and the loudspeaker
system needs to be improved, projects which could each
cost £10-12,000.Some minor repairs are still required
to the floor. There is also the possibility of improving
the internal aspect of the church by floodlighting memorials.
Since funds are not unlimited, prioritisation will be
necessary to put these items in order of importance.
Externally, there is leaking guttering around St Michaels
Hall. Some crosses in the churchyard need to be mortared
to their pedestals, work which in theory should be paid
for by relatives if traceable but this was unlikely.
A working party will be needed to clear ivy from church
and hall. |
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REPORT ON THE
DEANERY SYNOD
J. Tucker reported that the Synod had met four times
and each meeting had had a particular theme. At the last
meeting at Wellington College, the retiring Bishop had
spoken about the works of literature that had influenced
him. |
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14 |
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
J. Ashworth proposed and R. Gardner seconded the re-appointment
of T. Jones as Independent Examiner, this was carried
unanimously. |
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15 |
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NUMBER TO BE
ELECTED TO THE PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
B. Gardner proposed and P. Robotham seconded that the
maximum number of persons on the PCC should be 20. This
was agreed. |
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16 |
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ANY OTHER BUSINESS
1.
Pam Robotham thanked Anne Clare for her work as a churchwarden
and her hard work both in church and outside by visiting
the sick. This was endorsed by the meeting.
2. Thanks were
expressed by the Chairman to the following church workers:
The
Church Wardens and Deputy Wardens. He endorsed the vote
of thanks that had already been given to Anne Clare as
the retiring churchwarden
Officers of the PCC – the
Secretary, Treasurer and Planned Giving Secretary.
Trevor
Jones in his role as independent Examiner.
Audrey Ashby for
her work as Verger.
Those who engage in the “Ministry of welcome” every
Sunday at the church door and the sidespersons distributing
books.
John Bettley, Patrick Hawes, who have now moved on,
Paul Wingfield, Leslie Burch, and Audrey Ashby for their
musical contribution to the life of the church.
Oliver Gooch
both as choirmaster and sometime reluctant organist and the
choir for their work, particularly in the recent performance
of St John’s Passion..
Maggie Jans and her team for
the flowers in church.
The church cleaning team for all their
hard work.
The Social Committee, Roy and Brenda Gardner and
Ken and Gwen Amery for organising events and visits, which
had added to the life of the church.
Derek Fowles for his
excellent work in producing the Parish News.
Wenda Fowles
for her work in keeping the Electoral Roll and preparing
the weekly service sheet.
Graham Firman and his team of bell
ringers.
Hilary Rudge for her work as Sacristan and keeping
the church linen clean.
Ken Rivers and his team who regularly
count the collections.
The Church Watchers who enabled the
church to be open to visitors during the summer.
The Sunday
school staff for their work with the children.
Freda and David
Barnett and Hilary Rudge for their help at Baptism services.
The
team of coffee and tea makers who were there after every
10 o’clock service.
Bill Allan for his continuing work
with the St.Michael’s
website.
All those who provided the refreshments for the
Sunday concerts
Ann Clare thanked the Vicar and Vivien for all
their hard work and support. This was greeted with applause.
The meeting closed at 11.50 am
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INTRODUCTION
At the start of this year there were twenty-two
elected and ex-officio members of the Parochial Church
Council. By the end of the year there were twenty-one members.
The PCC meets regularly and has met 6 times during this
Church year. There are two sub committees of the PCC -
the Standing Committee and the Social Committee. It has
not been necessary for the Standing Committee to meet during
the year. The Social Committee has met on a number of occasions.
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MEMBERSHIP
The members
of the Council are as follows; |
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Revd. G. Repath (Incumbent)
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Chairman |
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I. Murray |
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J. Seymour |
Church Warden |
K. Amery |
Secretary |
A. Ellison |
Planned Giving
Secretary |
J. Tucker |
Treasurer &
Deanery Synod
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H. Rudge |
Deanery Synod |
A. Ashby |
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N. Teeder |
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During the
year, A. Briggs resigned and was replaced by A. Ellison
as Planned Giving Secretary and was co-opted onto the Council.
J. Tompkins also resigned.
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DEANERY
SYNOD
St. Michael’s
Church is represented on the Deanery Synod by:
The Revd. G. Repath, H. Rudge and J. Tucker. There are two
vacancies. |
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A
YEAR AT ST. MICHAEL'S |
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From
the Registers |
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2005 |
2006 |
Baptisms |
26 |
45 |
Confirmations |
3 |
2 |
Marriages |
17 |
19 |
Services of Prayer
and Dedication after a Civil Marriage |
2 |
0 |
Re-affirmation of
vows |
0 |
0 |
Funerals of Parishioners |
55 |
52 |
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(19 in church) |
(13 in church) |
| Burials in Touchen End churchyard |
0 |
2 |
Services at which
cremated remains were interred |
12 |
22 |
Services at a graveside |
2 |
0 |
Acts of Communion |
6997 |
6948 |
Services of Thanksgiving |
6 |
0 |
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Sung
at Parish Communion and Evensong |
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2005 |
2006 |
Hymns sung at Parish
Communion |
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Hymns sung at Evensong |
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Total of different
hymns sung |
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Carols
at Christmas |
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From the Supplement |
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THE
P.C.C.
At the first meeting of the year the
council discussed advice from the Diocesan Secretary regarding
the remuneration of PCC members. Council members are not paid
for their work, but some members may also be paid employees
of the church and in receipt of payment either directly or
in kind from the church. It was suggested that their impartiality
at meetings might be tested because of this. The matt er
was discussed at some length and the council felt that
at this stage the advice would be noted but the two members
this related to would remain as members. Your council already
has safeguards in position to prevent any conflict of this
nature. If a matt er were to be discussed pertaining to
the paid members they would not be allowed to join in the
discussion or voting process.
The churchyards both at St Michael’s and Touchen
End have been the subject of a number of varied discussions.
At St Michael’s churchyard there has been some repair
work to ensure the safety of some of the memorials. The
outside of the church also came in for some repair work
when some of the chalk fell from the tower. Towards the
end of the year the loose chalk was professionally removed
to prevent possible injury to passers by. This was completed
and over a quarter of a ton of clunch (loose chalk) was
removed. It was not just restoration and repair work that
occupied the council. At a number of meetings the appropriate
wording on memorial stones in the churchyard was discussed.
This was provoked by a request for wording to be placed
on a stone that did not comply with a council resolution
passed some fourteen years ago. This resolution was readopted,
namely, that wording on memorial stones must either be
a biblical quotation or the words of a hymn.
The upkeep of Touchen End churchyard has been discussed
on a number of occasions. Various options have been considered
to ensure that the churchyard can be kept in a suitable
state for visitors to the graves.
The St Michael’s website – www.braystmichael.co.uk
is still proving an outstanding success. During the year
there have been over 2,700 separate visitors to the site.
The direct contact link from the website is regularly used
to arrange weddings, baptisms and funerals and to enquire
about times of services and visits to the church. There
have been many enquiries from abroad, mainly from Australia
and the United States . These generally relate to tracing
ancestors that may have been interred in St Michael’s
churchyard. One enquiry from America was from an evacuee
who was able to share wartime memories of being a chorister
in St Michael’s during 1940.
On the social side a three-day trip was made to Normandy
, which focussed on the different tastes of Normandy .
This trip included a trip to the Calvados region and cheese
tasting. A large number of parishioners and friends enjoyed
a trip to Windsor Castle where they lunched in the dungeons
under the Curfew Tower before being given a guided tour
of the St George’s Chapel archives. There was a first
at Christmas, when after the carol service, mulled wine
and mince pies were served in St Michael’s Hall.
G. Repath
Incumbent
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Treasurer's
Report March 2007 |
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It is my privilege, for
the seventh year, to present the financial statements
for the year ending 31 December, for the approval of the
PCC, and ultimately to be presented at the Annual Meeting.
Although I take full responsibility for what is contained
within this report and the attached figures, members of
the council and parishioners should know that these papers
are possible only with the willing and continuing support
of many, especially my good friends the counters.
Special
mention should be made of Kenneth Rivers, who takes a well-earned
break this year after organizing, and participating in,
the counters’ rota
for several years. His place has been taken by Tony Ellison,
who is also now our planned giving secretary.
After the
simplification that has taken place over recent
years, there have been no alterations in the structure
of the accounts this year. It is noticeable that the
Fabric Fund, which represents accumulated interest
and dividends from the Chancel Repair Fund, has been dwindling,
but this is as planned, because the recently-established
Church and Hall Repair Fund is burgeoning into a very
useful replacement. I may well ask the PCC to consider
merging these accounts at some future date.
As for the financial
performance during the year, it speaks largely for
itself. Income is up on all fronts, and expenditure continues
to be controlled against a background of unrelenting
commitment to Parish Share, so that reserves have been
maintained at their previous level. Income should never
be taken for granted, however. This year we have had the
benefit of several legacies from members of the congregation
no longer with us, while on the other hand some
generous regular givers have moved on, or passed away.
The
search for a new Vicar, and the prospect
of an interregnum, bring many challenges, not least
financial and administrative. In offering to do the
job for an eighth year, your treasurer can wish for no
more than a new incumbent who is as interested
in, and supportive of, his efforts than George
Repath.
Jim Tucker
February 2007
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