APOLOGIES:
David and Ray Tetlow, Anne Wykeham-Martin, Edmund Lee, Margaret
Stephenson.
CHAIRMAN’S
REPORT: This was delivered by
Eddie Condon after welcoming Fr. Philip Beisly as recently
appointed Parish Priest. Copies of the report were distributed to attendees.
TREASURER’S
REPORT: This was delivered by
Kevin Allen and copies were distributed to attendees.
Bernadette Yarnold enquired as to whether interest on funds had
been claimed from the Clifton Diocesan office, since this has been the
case in previous years. Kevin
informed those present that he had not been aware of this, but would
make the necessary enquiries to
claim any interest we are
entitled
to. Kevin also mentioned that he was not happy with the rate of interest
we are obtaining on our funds, and would ask advice from the Clifton
Diocese office with regard to better investing funds to obtain a more
beneficial rate of interest.
Eddie
thanked Kevin for his report.
ELECTION
OF OFFICERS: Eddie asked
all Committee members present if they were prepared to serve a further
term of office and all consented. Gerry
Dudley informed those present that the missing members had intimated
that they would be prepared to continue serving on the Committee.
FUTURE
PLANS:
Guttering
and Barge boards.
Eddie
informed the meeting that arrangements to unblock the guttering and
paint the barge boards on the exterior of the church are in hand.
He has made enquiries of a local firm, and is awaiting their
reply.
Storage
When
the existing confessional is moved, there will be a shortage of storage
for items such as cleaning materials and flower arranging
equipment. Eddie informed
the meeting that it was suggested that the Sacristy, at the back of the
church be used more effectively by planning a fitted area to accommodate
the above mentioned items and other things such as vestments etc.
Bernadette Yarnold mentioned that at previous Committee meetings, it was
proposed that fitted cupboards be installed around the walls of the
North Chapel. Eddie
suggested that it would be a better use of space if the Sacristy is
used. He suggested that more economic methods of shelving be obtained,
with the possibility of using the spare wooden panels which are stored,
currently in Seymour Aitken’s outbuildings, be used to make suitable
doors which would bring the structure together to fit in with the rest
of the building. This matter to
be discussed at the first Committee meeting of 2007.
Bernadette
Yarnold mentioned the fact that the Quinquenniel Report will be due in
2008, and if the guttering and barge boards are painted/unblocked, it
would assist with the success of the report.
ACTIVITIES:
Fundraising
events
Medieval
Fayre (during Cricklade Festival)
This
proved to be a very unexpected success from The Friends’ point of
view. The church was open to
visitors and a small cake stall, bric-a-brac stall, and refreshments
were served. From a small
event, it proved very successful, and it was felt that if more planning
is given to the next one, it could be even more so.
Peter Baister to enquire about the date etc.,
Picture
raffle.
We
have been fortunate in obtaining yet another water colour of St Mary’s
which we were intending to raffle in the Spring.
However, Tricia Snape suggested that since we had raffled two
pictures already, a break might be in order to avoid
incurring a “not again” reaction.
Trish suggested that we hold the picture back until the Spring of
2008 when the proceeds from the raffle could go towards the Millennium
Son et Lumiere. This was
agreed.
Millennium
event:
Bernadette
reported that Prior Park had agreed to be involved in this event. They
will provide children for various tableaux, singing, musical
contributions and narrators. Staff
will help with production etc.
The
agreed date for the production is 9th and 10th October 2008.
Fr
Philip was asked if he would write to the Bishop of Clifton to confirm
this date for his diary.
Funds
to cover estimated costs for lighting, (under £1000), and other items
such as fabric for costumes etc., will need to be raised, and Bernadette
reported that Prior Park would be prepared to put on a concert at St
Mary’s, during June 2008. It was suggested that through the
newsletters, financial and practical help could be requested from
members.
Helen
Lee has agreed to design posters and Claire Flanagan has consented to
design the programme. The Friends will be informed of arrangements as
and when they are agreed.
ANY
OTHER BUSINESS: