Patronal Festival 2011. The Rector pointed out that in 2011 the feast of St Barnabas is on the eve of Pentecost and there are then eight days to Trinity Sunday. He thought a celebration combining Box, Minchinhampton and Amberley would be a good experience and confirm the nature of our united benefice. It would be a further opportunity where we could get to know each other. Perhaps representatives from all three churches could work together to organise it, thereby incorporating some of the objectives of Working Group 4.
Masonry repairs. Ian Jarvis had forwarded a list of prices for minor work. The work was mainly essential with an option on how to deal with the worn bell tower steps. PCC voted to have all the work done. Regarding the belfry steps it was considered a better long term strategy to have new treads.
Parish Share. Our Church pays more than the minimum in order to help other poorer churches. Simon Ritter passed on the thanks from the Archdeacon for this generosity.
Composting. There had been difficulties experienced with the three bin system. It was clear that John Hutchen had to spend far too much time and effort dealing with misuse of the system. Also the bins were now full and the material was taking far longer to rot down than had been originally envisaged, so that further provision was urgently needed. There had been problems with skips in the past, but it was decided that a skip should be hired; something that P.C.C. has an obligation to provide.
Masasi. Seven people from Minchinhampton and two from Chester would be going to Masasi in August. There will be two objectives: 1. HIV/AIDS training for the MU sponsored by the MU in this country. HIV/AIDS awareness and homecare will be taught. In the second week the young people trained five years ago will be visited. There will be an overnight stay in Rondo to investigate paying a nurse for work in the dispensary. The Dutch have offered to pay to refurbish the building. 2. Evaluation of the chapel at Rondo. The building was in a poor condition and since the 2005 visit there has been ongoing dilapidation. Andrew Watton intends to carry out a more detailed appraisal. While in Rondo he hopes to meet local professionals who are capable of carrying out required refurbishment or rebuilding. This should result in an estimate of the costs involved. It was thought that such a worthy enterprise should be fully publicised around Minchinhampton. Also it would be an excellent activity with which to engage non churchgoers in line with Carl Beech’s recommendations.
School Foundation Governors. Katie Jarvis and Andrew Watton had been appointed to these important positions.
National issues. There was strong opinion that there should be the opportunity to discuss such matters as Women Bishops both for P.C.C. and the congregation.