Apologies:
Kevin Allen; Margaret Stephenson; Ann Wykeham-Martnn; Helen Clift;
David Tetlow; René
McEvoy.
Chairmans's
Report: Eddie thanked
Louise and Seymour for once again allowing us to have our AGM in
their home. His report, read out at the meeting, is reproduced below.
Churchyard Cross: Eddie informed those present that four tenders had been
received for the repair of the cross.
They range from £3,000 and £6,000.
The “best” tender was received from a local company, but we
would be guided by Tony Thompson, Diocesan Architect in choosing.
Treasurer’s Report: In Kevin’s absence, Eddie Condon read a prepared report
(distributed at the AGM). Eddie
proposed a vote of thanks to Kevin for producing such a concise
document. All
those present were in agreement.
Officers for 2008: Eddie Condon agreed to serve for another year as Chairman.
Eddie announced that Kevin Allen, our Treasurer has informed him
that he would serve as Treasurer for 2008, but would resign at the end
of that year. Kevin’s
work takes him to London frequently during the week, and living in
Cheltenham, he finds attending meetings difficult.
The search, therefore, for a new Treasurer will commence in
readiness for Kevin’s departure. Gerry
Dudley agreed to continue in her role as Secretary. Helen Clift
resigned her place on the committee.
All other committee members are prepared to continue serving.
Among those present, Claudia Evans-Freke agreed to think about joining
the Committee, and would let Gerry Dudley know in due course. Eddie
Condon proposed a vote of thanks to Kevin for his unstinting service as
Treasurer over the last few years.
Fund Raising:
It was proposed that The Friends would again become involved
in local community fund raising events, such as The Cricklade Show and
The Cricklade Festival. Both
these events prove useful for raising the profile of The Friends and in
a small financial way add to The Friend’s coffers.
It was however, stated that for each of these events, more
volunteers to help on the day should be recruited, easing the burden on
the “regulars” who have manned the pumps to date. Two larger fund
raising events are planned for 2008.
Early in October, a Son et Lumiere is to be
performed to celebrate the Millennium of St Mary’s.
Pupils from Prior Park School will act and sing through the
history of the various churches on the present site of St Mary’s.
Some funds for this are hoped to be raised when the choir from
Prior Park perform a repeat performance of a concert they will perform
on an earlier visit to a venue on the continent.
This will be performed in the chapel at Prior Park. This will
help with providing costumes etc. Eddie
Condon suggested that it might be possible for The Friends to provide
some funds which would be recovered from ticket sales etc.
A further fund
raising event is planned for June 28th, when a “Proms in
the Garden” will be
presented, with kind permission of Louise and Seymour Aitken, in
the garden of Brook House. It
is hoped that arrangements will be completed early in 2008.
Peter Baister, once again, undertook the Great
Cycle Ride in September 2007 and raised a further £350 by his efforts.
Peter was asked to try to estimate how much he has raised since
he first started doing the cycle ride, both the number of miles and the
amount of money he has contributed to the funds. Half of all the money he raises on the day comes back to St
Mary’s. This information
would certainly provide an interesting article for our Newsletter.
Grants:
Ed Lee announced that he had recently received information
indicating that English Heritage is shortly to introduce a means of
obtaining grants through mineral and aggregate companies who seek to
contribute to the local community improvement/refurbishment projects.
Ed to obtain more information and report to the committee.
Peter Baister raised the topic of applying to The
Waylands Trust once again for help.
It was mentioned that perhaps a project to bring water into the
church might be a suitable project to be pursued in this way.
This to be discussed at a later date.
Any Other Business: Following the theme of work to be undertaken, Fr Philip,
asked if the Log of Expenditure, which listed all the projects and costs
undertaken by The Friends since its inauguration, should be brought up
to date. Eddie Condon
agreed to undertake this task.
Tricia Snape asked if it would be possible to ask
parishioners to help to clean the leatherette hassocks, which have been
stored underneath some of the pews and have become dirty and distressed.
If parishioners could take home perhaps 1 or 2 and give them a
good clean, this would ease the burden on the normal church cleaning
rota. This to be arranged.
There being no other business, the meeting ended at
8.40 p.m.
Committee Meetings for 2008:
January 8th 2008
April 8th 2008
July 8th 2008
October 7th 2008
All these meetings to take place in St Mary’s at
7:30 p.m. unless otherwise arranged.
A.G.M. November
18th 2008 – venue to be arranged. (could be 11th
if preferred)