1. Bernadette opened the meeting by thanking Louise and Seymour
Aitken for the use, yet again, of their home for our AGM.
2. Apologies:
Agnes Cook
Phillipa Hunter
Robin & Mary Bourne
Helen Clift
Marie Puskas
Margaret
Stephenson
Fr Patrick Eastman
Kevin Allen
3.
Chairman’s Report:
Copy attached.
4.
Treasurer’s Report:
Copy attached.
(a)Eddie
Condon wished to record our thanks to Kevin the efficiency of his
presentation of the financial situation.
(b)The
matter of funding for the planned changes to accommodate disabled access
to St Mary’s was raised. Bernadette informed those present that The Friends would be
funding the Faculty required
to undertake this work, but that funding for the structural work involved
should be considered the responsibility of the parish since it was to
comply with Legislation and
not part of The Friends brief.
5.
Election of Officers:
Bernadette Yarnold announced that after serving on the Committee of The
Friends for a total of 8 years, latterly as Chairman, she had decided to
stand down in order to take a well-earned break.
Chairman:
Bernadette proposed a suitable replacement in Eddie Condon who very
kindly agreed to take on the role of Chairman.
Nominee: Eddie Condon:
Proposed: B Yarnold;
Seconded: G Dudley;
Carried unanimously.
At this point, Eddie presented Bernadette with a framed print of St
Mary’s, as a token of the gratitude of members and Committee.
The print was from a larger painting by local artist David
Sherwood.
Vice-Chair:
Fr. Patrick had agreed to continue as Vice-Chair
Treasurer:
Kevin Allen, a newly arrived parishioner, had been appointed
Treasurer on the departure of our previous Treasurer, Robin Bourne.
Kevin had agreed to continue in this post.
Secretar
y:
Gerry Dudley agreed to continue as Secretary.
Continuing Committee Members:
The following members had agreed to continue to serve on the Committee
for a further term:
Seymour Aitken
Helen Clift
Peter
Baister
Edmund Lee
Two further new members were introduced and welcomed:
Anne Wykeham-Martin Trisha
Snape
6.
Projects in Hand:
Chapel:
There has been no further progress in this matter.
The Architect is awaiting approval to progress to the next stage.
Churchyard
Cross: Tony Thompson,
Diocesan Architect has had no response, after several reminders, from
English Heritage. Since
sending further reminders would incur more expense, it was decided that
we would have to wait until a response has been received.
Lightning
Conductor: Bernadette
reported that two quotes had been received which are within our budget.
It would requite a Faculty before work can start and Bernadette
and Eddie to arrange to meet to discuss the procedures involved.
Cemetery:
Trish Snape gave a brief report on the ongoing work to
tidy up the cemetery. Trish reported that whilst she and Helen Clift had
been working on the border recently, they had uncovered further stones
which might be made very attractive and interesting by planting with
some spring flowers etc. The
two ladies had already planted 250 spring bulbs within the border which
should make it very attractive in the coming Spring. Gerry
Dudley reported that Cricklade Bloomers had donated 250 mixed
narcissus bulbs to be planted within the cemetery.
It was agreed that they should be planted soon.
It was suggested that a working party be organised and that Trish
and Helen should inform a number of committee members when they have
decided on a suitable time.
Edmund Lee informed those present that there is a weekend
course held in Ludlow which might be useful for the “gardening”
members of the committee. The
cost per person is £125, but for charities the cost would be £75.
It was felt that it would be very useful, and therefore The
Friends would subsidise the cost which could be extended to two members
. Since the places are
limited, it was suggested that registration should take place as soon as
possible. Helen and Trish
were asked to consider this suggestion. Ray Tetlow suggested that
Kate Crowe from St Sampson’s might also be interested in attending,
and offered to pass on the information if Edmund gave her details.
2008
– Millenium For St Mary’s: Bernadette
expressed a hope to produce a pageant/son et lumiere type of production
to commemorate this event. It
could be presented over a period of 2 nights, encompassing various
periods of the history of St Mary’s .
It was suggested that there be a narrator (in the guise of a monk
perhaps) and that each period be illuminated as it was covered within
the narration.
It was thought that various outside organisations might like to be
involved, e.g. Prior Park School who could perhaps offer help with the
production/any singing/plain chant /lighting techniques etc., the children
of St Sampsons school as characters from history, Cricklade Historical
Society for obvious reasons
might also like to be involved.
Eddie Condon suggested co-opting Bernadette to set up a
sub-Committee to investigate the possibility of bringing this suggestion
to fruition.
It was thought advisable, even at this early stage,
to contact Bishop Declan,who is one of
our Patrons, to see if he would be able to attend .
It was therefore, imperative that plans be put down soon.
Edmund Lee thought it might be possible to obtain a copy of the
original Charter for St Mary’s to be obtained for display purposes at
this event.
Suggestions
for Future Events:
a.
Carols & Mulled Wine – Perhaps an evening in Advent.
b.
Musical Evening, involving Prior Park Choir.
Too late for this year,but possibly next?
c.
The Town Band – a recital?
d.
It was thought appropriate that on 28th November 2005,
when the town Christmas lights are switched on, that St Mary’s could
be opened, in candle light with some appropriate Christmas music, for
anyone who might like to visit the church in the evening.
7.
Any Other Business:
Bernadette
reminded those present that on Tuesday 22nd November, the
mass for The Deceased Members of The Friends of St Mary’s will be held
at 7.00 p.m. it was hoped that as many members as possible would attend.
Edmund
brought the matter of Church Openings to the attention of the meeting.
It had been agreed to open the church on two days a week (Tuesday
and Fridays between 9.00a.m. and 3.00p.m.) and this had in fact not been
happening. Eddie Condon
suggested that this be put on the Agenda for the next meeting.
Members were asked to contact Gerry Dudley if there were any
specific points they wished raised at the next meeting, so that they
could be added to the Agenda.
THE NEXT MEETING - TUESDAY JANUARY 10TH 2006, AT 7.30 AT
ST. MARY’S UNLESS THE WEATHER IS TOO COLD, IN WHICH CASE AT 4
PLEYDELLS.
YOU MIGHT LIKE TO MAKE A NOTE OF THE DATES OF THE OTHER COMMITTEE
MEETINGS FOR 2006.
11TH
APRIL 2006
)
11TH
JULY 2006
)
AT ST MARY’S AT 7.30 P.M.
10TH
OCTOBER 2006 )
