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PAROCHIAL CHURCH COUNCIL
BACKGROUND St. Faith's PCC has the responsibility of co-operating with the incumbent in promoting in the ecclesiastical parish the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical.  It also has responsibility for the Church and Church Hall of St. Faith's, St. Nicholas Chapel, Christ Church Centre and bungalow, Church House, Coach House, Nos. 1 & 2 Churchfields and via the Church Institute, Nos. 2 & 4 North Street.
MEMBERS Canon Peter Jones (Rector & Chairman)
Prof Jan Stuart (Churchwarden) Mrs Helen Faulkner (Hon. Treasurer)		Dr Graham Frost (Churchwarden) Mr Roger Bryant  (Hon. Secretary)
Mr Colin Carter Mrs Anne Plater Mr Bill Skilleter Deanery Synod Representatives:	Mrs Shirley Caunter Mr Martin Poliszczuk Mrs Rosemary Thomas Mrs Sandra Haggan		Mrs Fiona Hedley Mrs Jenny Sagrott   Dr Michael Fluck
COMMITTEES The PCC operates through a number of committees that meet between full meetings of the PCC.  The committees are: Standing Committee  is the only committee required by law.  It has the power to transact the business of the PCC between its meetings, subject to any directions given by the Council.  Members:  Rector, Churchwardens, Treasurer, Secretary, Colin Carter. Buildings Management Committee (BMC) attends to the use, repair and development of all parish buildings.  Members: Bill Skilleter (Chairman) (1&2 Churchfields, 2-4 North Street),  Peter Appleby (Secretary) (Christchurch Bungalow), Anne Plater (St . Nicholas Chapel), Jenny Sagrott (St. Faith's Church), Paul Utting. Fabric Sub-Committee to the BMC.  Oversights the implementation of  the Quinquennial Report. Carmen Stuart, Jenny Sagrott, Bob Wilson. Property Development Group oversees the production of a plan for the development of our properties in line with the aspirations and principals of our Vision and the Kairos process.  Members: Jan Stuart (Chairman), Rector, Colin Carter (Secretary), Sandra Haggan, Andrew Grant, Sybel Laird. Worship Group.  Advises the Rector about detailed issues affecting worship in St Faith's.    Members: Rector, Penny Britt, Alan Hakim, Trevor Hopkinson, Michael Laird, Carmen Stuart, Jan Stuart, Peter Thomas and Sylvia Willey.
Annual Reports and Financial Statements for 2008 and Minutes of Meetings held 29 March 2009 LATEST MEETINGS
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 8 March 2010 1 & 2 Churchfields.  Work had started on replacing the wooden fencing with wire.  A Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate was being obtained for No 1. St Nicholas Chapel.  The PCC had approved an offer from the Langstone Village Association (LVA) to fit extra power points.  The BMC also agreed an offer from the LVA to fit two electric heaters at their expense.  Following an inspection by the Parish Architect, quotes were being obtained for repairs to the west wall  including repointing and for painting the big window. Hall Complex.  Alterations to the SSAFA office had started and would be at their expense.  Negotiations continued with the Dynamo Youth Theatre for their leasing the Hall.  Additional people would be recruited to help in any fire emergency. Christ Church Bungalow.  A new boiler had been installed to replace the old one.  A roofer would be inspecting the roof space and the roof itself. 2/4 North Street.  A new door was required for the flat but meanwhile temporary repairs had been made to the existing one.  The court case with the Jewellers  had been settled in our favour. St Faith’s Church.  The metal roof of the vestries had been treated with “Smart Water” which impregnates the metal with markers to enable stolen parts to be identified.  A quote for £900 had been received for replacing missing and broken roof tiles.  Dampness in the choir vestry was being investigated.  A quinquennial inspection of the bells was due.  Accumulation of dirt and dust and deteriorating components was causing problems with the organ.  The Book of Remembrance, with entries going back to 2000 was now on display. Next Meeting.  Monday 19th April at 7.00pm at 29 Hamilton Close, Langstone.
PCC Meeting - 22 February 2010 Town Fair.  The intention was to build on the success of last year’s event by drawing more organisations and individuals into the planning, by considering options in the event of wet weather and by developing the Public Relations (PR) aspect of the event.  Stewardship.  The APCM would be the start of our stewardship campaign culminating in a direct approach to parishioners, probably in the autumn. Lay Readership.  The meeting gave full support to Michael Fluck’s application for training as a Lay Reader. Book of Remembrance.  The Book of Remembrance was now in place.  Entries would be written by Peter Elms and would include anyone whose funeral had taken place in St Faith’s or the Crematorium since 2000.  Applications would be kept in church for relatives to request entries in the Book.  Father Charles Keay and his mother, Mrs Marcia Willetts, would be invited to visit when the Book was finally prepared. 2 North Street.  The court proceedings against the tenant of 2 North Street were finished.  He was required to vacate the premises by 9 April, pay his rent arrears and repair costs and our legal expenses.  Hughes Ellard had been asked to find us another tenant.  St Nicholas Chapel.  Langstone Village Association would install additional power points in the chapel at their expense.  The Architect had inspected the west wall and would be reporting back to us. Parish Organisation.  After the APCM there would be three Assistant Churchwardens to have responsibility respectively for (1) Buildings, (2) Pastoral Care and (3) Finance. Mission for Ministry.  Under the Sheffield Plan our stipendiary clergy in the Diocese would reduce from 115 to 95 in 2013.  This would mean using our resources in terms of clergy and laity in different ways; possibly in mixed teams, in clusters of churches, in concert with a major church building (minster). HMS Havant Standard.  The Royal British Legion had approached us to have the HMS Havant Standard laid up in the church.  There were many issues to be considered but at this stage, the meeting did not oppose the proposal.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 8 February 2010 Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  Both tenants had agreed to the wooden fencing being replaced by wire.  Our Agents, Jeffries had inspected No 2 which was in good order. St Nicholas Chapel.  The Langstone Village Association (LVA) had offered to pay for extra power points in the chapel.  The BMC agreed to them going ahead, subject to them providing an “Electrical Installation Works Certificate” from a suitably qualified electrician.  Cracks had appeared in the West wall and the big window needed painting.  The Parish Architect would be asked to inspect the wall and quotes for work on these two items would be sought. Hall Complex.  A leak above the male toilets had been sealed.  Negotiations with the Dynamo Youth Theatre continued.  A five year contract with a two year breakpoint was being considered including full management rights.  The rent and use of the car park was still to be resolved. Church House.  Alterations which SSAFA wanted to make to their office had been agreed. Christ Church Bungalow.  Roof leaks had been repaired and the boiler checked out for the presence of carbon monoxide.  (Since the BMC meeting, a new boiler had been installed.) 2A North Street.  Repairs to the door were in hand. St Faith’s Church.  The recent ceiling collapse in the Lady Chapel may have been caused by 90 broken roof tiles.  The new Book of Remembrance had arrived.
PCC Meeting - 25 January 2010 Assistant Curate Appointment.  The meeting agreed that we as a training parish should accept any offer made by the Diocese for us to have an Assistant Curate next year.  It would enable us to develop our missionary work with the educational outlets and training college in Havant.  It would also enable us to be part of any Diocesan plans for the area.  Treasurer’s Report.  The provisional 2009 income was £128,972 (Budget £132,010), expenditure was £121,656 (Budget £115,512) giving a net income of £7,316 (Budget £16,498).  The Restoration & Redevelopment (R&R), provisional income was £10,168 (Budget £10K) and expenditure £18,164 (Budget £48K).  Expenditure was less because planned improvements to the church had not been undertaken. Buildings Management Committee Report.  There was a long and full discussion of the troubled financial arrangements in respect of the Nursery in Church House.  Difficulties had been experienced for many years because of irregular methods and dates of payments.  The work of the nursery was valued by the PCC and every effort would be made to resolve current difficulties. Property Development Group Report.  The court hearing for rent arrears and repair costs in respect of No 2 North Street (Jewellers) would be on 9 February.  The final (total) cost for the Lady Chapel repairs had been £12,140.55 and £667 for the Vestry handrail leaving £33,159 in the R & R Fund, £3,727 in the Organ Fund, £7,068 in the Lighting Fund and £230 in the CCTV Fund. Spring Dance Company.  Consideration was being given to an offer made by the Spring Dance Company to put on a programme in church about the meaning of the Eucharist, entitled “Bread of Life”, at a cost of £850. IDWAL.  A meeting had taken place at which parishes gave details of their visits to Ghana.  Michael and Anne Fluck were hoping to visit Ghana in May. Nave Altar.  The proposed Nave Altar experiment was discussed.  The Dynamo Youth Theatre had offered to design and fabricate a plinth which would extend the chancel step forward to a point that would tie together the north and south westerly pillars of the crossing.  This structure would suitably support a raised altar positioned beneath the tower ceiling.  It would also provide a slightly raised space for performing arts events. Rapid Parish Development.  In 2003 there had been a “Vision for the Future” when six work groups had been formed.  The notes on these could be found on the “Archives” page on our website and contained useful and relevant information.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 4 January 2010 Church.  Work on the ceiling of the Lady Chapel had been finished at a cost of around £11K.  A new thermostat and programmer for the gas heating had been installed behind a panel. Quinquennial Report.  In view of our difficult financial position, discussions would take place with the Architect about the immediate work required by the Report. Hall Complex.  Negotiations were continuing with the Dynamo Youth Theatre concerning them leasing the Hall.  New locks had been fitted to the Hall.  SSAFA had been given permission to remove a partition (at their expense) in their office in Church House. Christ Church.  The large conifer tree, overhanging the bungalow, had been cut back. Churchfields.  Our agents, Jeffries, had completed an inspection of No1 and everything was satisfactory.   We were waiting on a response from the tenants to our proposal to reduce the height of the fences to prevent them being damaged in high winds. St Nicholas Chapel.  Users of the chapel had suggested some changes in the chapel including more power points and these were being considered. Gas Appliances.  Gas appliances in No 1 Churchfields and the Christ Church Bungalow were being checked to renew our Safety Certificates.
PCC Meeting - 23 November 2009 Caretaker.  A caretaker, Mr Malcolm Johnson, had been engaged to lock up and unlock the Church, the Hall and Church House. Electoral Roll.  There were six additional names on the Roll bringing the total up to 165 names. 2010 Budget.  The meeting approved the Treasurer’s 2010 Budget which was based on estimated income and expenditure for 2009 and anticipated changes in 2010.  Budget holders had made bids for 2010 and these had all been agreed.  Overall, the income was fixed at £131,866 (including contingency of £11,319) against anticipated expenditure of £124,511, giving a surplus of £7,355. Extra Parochial Giving (EPG).  We could only spend what was available and this was £1K.  The EPG for 2010 would be fixed at the PCC meeting in November 2010 based on our projected surplus.  The 2011 Budget would take full account of EPG based on the principle of proportional giving.  The meeting approved the following EPG: Sendai (OMF) - £500; Boys Town India -£180; IDWAL (Diocese) - 200. Treasurer’s Report.  Income up to end of October was £106,565 (81% of budget for year of £132,010).  Expenditure for this period was £102,429 (89% of £115,512), giving a surplus of £4,137.  The forecast was that income for 2009 would be down by approx. £3.7K, which together with an anticipated overspend of £11.7K, gave an anticipated surplus of just £1.1K. Stewardship Campaign.  Our campaign next year would be based on the aims of our Mission Statement so that parishioners could identify where their money would be used.  In our 2010 Budget we were assuming an increase of £5K as a result of our campaign so that it was vital that we succeed. Church Hall.  Negotiations with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) continued on their use of the Hall.  There would not be a lease.  Instead, we had proposed that an agreement be drawn up for five years, with a break point at 3 years.  The Hall would remain ours and we would block off the periods required by the church.  The PCC authorised the Standing Committee in conjunction with the PDG to complete negotiations with the DYT based on the outline given at the meeting.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 16 November 2009 Lady Chapel.  Repairs to the ceiling were likely to be completed by Christmas at a cost between £6K and £7K.  The whole ceiling would then be treated with lime wash.  The ceiling under the Tower would be inspected by the Architect after Christmas.  If there were no problems, the inner slopes of the roof above the North Transept and the Lady Chapel would be retiled as required by the Quinquennial Report.  A damaged pane in one of the stained glass windows in the Lady Chapel would receive attention. Nos 1& 2 Churchfields.  Wooden fences blown down by gales had been repaired temporarily and their replacement by wire or chain link was being considered.  A further 12 month lease had been drawn up for No1. St Nicholas Chapel.  The big window needed painting and some repointing was necessary.  This would be considered next Spring. Hall & Church House.  Negotiations continued with Dynamo Youth Theatre for their use of the Hall.  Further advertising  for a caretaker was necessary  The meeting decided the following hourly hiring charges: Less than 4 hours - £16 hourly.  One Session (4 hours) - £60.  Whole Day - £160.  Three or more days - £150 daily.  Charges for Church House would be reviewed in January 2010. Christ Church Bungalow.  The tenant of the Bungalow had repaired fencing panels damaged by recent storms.  The cutting back would be considered of a large conifer tree which was leaning over the bungalow roof during storms.  The Boiler in the Centre had been repaired. 2/4 North Street.  The door of the flat would be repaired shortly.  There were still problems about rent arrears in respect of No 2.
PDG Meeting – 26 October 2009 Rapid Parish Development (RPD) Programme.  The cost for the 3-day programme to St. Faith’s would be £600 for one day of Lee Rampton’s time with one day being paid by Canon Nick Ralph and the other being given for free by Lee.  The Rector had arranged for the first meeting of three for Saturday 28 November from 10am to 1pm in Church House. Restoration & Redevelopment (R&R) Funds.  Out of the £54,832 in the Property Development Account, there is £44,132 in the R&R Fund.  With the fund paying for the Lady Chapel roof, estimated to be around £10K, this will leave the R&R Fund with around £34K. Church Hall and Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT).  The Rector had informed the DYT that the parish needed to go through a series of exercises before an answer could be given to the proposed lease and that a decision would be deferred until after the PCC meeting on 11 January 2010.  However, we wanted to form a partnership with DYT and in so doing it could go ahead with minor alterations and could hold their Christmas show in the hall. Roberts Centre.  The Rector had held a meeting with Carol Damper, Chief Executive Officer, of the Roberts Centre in Portsmouth who provide family support and work with Social Services.  It is an independent charity who has aspirations to work in Havant.  It has a good track record for raising large amounts of money for buildings and is interested in working with us in partnership. Future Role of PDG.  There have been an increasing number of actions that are either split between the BMC and the PDG, or at least are of concern to both groups while our major re-development project has been interrupted due to lack of capital funds.  Furthermore, there has been some confusion as to the demarcation of the roles between the BMC and the PDG.  It was agreed that we need to look at the whole strategy and rationalisation of committees after the RPD programme.
PCC Meeting - 19 October 2009 Rapid Parish Development Programme.  Canon Nick Ralph and Mr Leigh Rampton gave a presentation to the meeting about how we respond to the social and cultural challenges facing St Faith’s Church.  The Development Programme would take three days and the meeting approved its use in the parish. Treasurer’s Report.  Helen Faulkner reported that for the period up to September 2009, income had been £95,167 and expenditure £95,145, giving a balance, with rounding, of £21.  The forecast income for 2009 was £130K (Budget £132K), expenditure £124K (Budget £115.5K) which gave a balance of £6K (Budget £16.5).  Helen reported that Sandra Haggan had joined the Finance Committee. Stewardship Campaign.  Dennis Lloyd would be helping us to launch a new stewardship campaign which would include a Parish Stewardship Health Check.  If our giving were equivalent to the national average, our parish income would increase by £25K.    PDG Report.  Negotiations with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) would be concluded by the end of the month.  BMC Report.  The tenant had moved in to 2 Churchfields and the fence had been repaired.  Further inspection of the Lady Chapel had revealed 15 areas of the ceiling in danger of collapse.  Urgent action was required which would cost more than the original estimate of £6K.  A Faculty had been received for the Handrail to the Choir Vestry.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 12 October 2009 Churchfields.  Plastering and decorating had been done in No2 Churchfields.  The electrics had been checked and cleaning done prior to the new tenant moving in on 16 October. Hall Complex.  Following complaints about the cleanliness of the Hall, a cleaner had been engaged to do regular cleaning and future hirers of the Hall will be required in their contract  to leave it in a clean and tidy condition.  The meeting expressed concern about the protracted negotiations with the Dynamo Youth Theatre and unanimously required an urgent decision on the future of the Hall. Christ Church Bungalow.  The tenancy had been extended for a further year.  A large conifer tree close to the bungalow had been made safe by being “topped” and the dead wood removed. 2 North Street.  There was still a dispute over the payment of rent and repair costs.  A letter had been sent to the leaseholder setting out possible action if he continued to default. St Faith’s Church.  Scaffolding was now in place in the Lady Chapel and repairs to the ceiling would cost an estimated £6,000.
PCC Meeting - 28 September 2009 Verger’s Duties.  These had all been reallocated following the departure of Vicki. Church Posters.  Havant Borough Council had apologized for removing our posters from Church House and our car park. Christmas Cards & Calendar.  It was decided not to finance cards and calendars designed by Sylvia Willey on grounds of cost.  Her efforts were very much appreciated. Treasurer’s Report.  Helen reported that our income was currently below the forecast caused by fewer donations from parishioners, excessive rent arrears and loss of income from dividends.  We had 100 planned givers but the average weekly giving was a little over £4 each.  Advice was being sought from the Diocese about another stewardship campaign, perhaps linked with a restoration appeal.  Expenditure was more than our budget due to fire improvements in Church House, general property maintenance and legal costs arising out of problems with tenants.  In short, income was down and expenditure up!  The prospects for 2010 were no better with expenditure arising out of the Quinquennial Survey and an increase in the Parish Quota. Buildings.  Preliminary work, prior to Year one of the Quinquennial Survey had been completed.  Maintenance work had been done to No 2 Churchfields which had now been let.  Christ Church Bungalow had been let for a further year.  The future of the nursery in Church House was uncertain with the possible retirement of the owner.  We could not afford the considerable cost of upgrading our store area in the Church Shop.  Instead, we would no longer let the shop to other charities, thereby easing our space problems, and would extend our openings by two weeks each session to increase our income.  Work would start on the ceiling of the Lady Chapel when scaffolding was in place. Memorial Tree.  The PCC considered a request from the business community to plant a tree in our church yard in memory of a prominent local business man who had died.  It was decided not to agree to this proposal on grounds of establishing a precedent, making it difficult to refuse other requests.  With our plans to extend the church building into the church yard, paving areas, etc., we would not want to be faced with uprooting memorial trees.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting – 7 September 2009 Churchfields.  No 1.  The boiler would be repaired and a fencing panel reinstated.   No 2.  A new tenant was being sought by our agents. Hall Complex. Attention was being given to a drainage problem.  Extensive dampness had been found in the nursery in Church House. Christ Church Site.  A tree surgeon had been asked to top a conifer tree to make it safe.   North Street.  The door of the flat (2A) was being repaired.   A snow guard had been fitted to the roof. St Faith’s Church. The Diocese Advisory Committee (DAC) had authorized expenditure not exceeding £3,000 to repair the ceiling of the Lady Chapel without the need of a Faculty.  The box containing the controls of the sound system had been vandalized and would be resited.  The DAC had classified our organ as a “notable one” and recommended that care should be taken to preserve it in good condition. Secretary. Peter Appleby would stand down as Secretary in April and was warmly thanked for his work over the last six years.
Property Development Group Meeting – 26 August 2009 Diocesan “Rapid Parish Development Scheme”.  Canon Nick Ralph (Head of Mission & Society) and Lee Rampton (consultant in Parish Budgets) will give a presentation at the PCC meeting on Monday 19 October 2009. Re-ordering of Church & Quinquennial Survey.  By March 2010 all emergency Quinquennial survey items (estimated cost £2,600) and all list ‘A’ items (estimated cost £59,600) should be completed.  However, before any re-ordering internally takes place it is essential that the building is secure.  The Rector has identified from year 2, those items that need to be carried out with the re-ordering of the church.  A start has been made with clearing the gutters and removing extraneous growth in various places.  One gutter needs a replacement “S” bend.  It has been discussed previously, that there is a requirement for regular routine maintenance of our properties and a need for a running maintenance contract for our buildings At the PCC meeting on 28 September there will be an agenda item “Implementation of year 1 of the Quinquennial Survey Report” for the PCC to address the ‘A’ list items. The Rector is keen for another Nave Altar trial that is properly managed.  The font may also be re-sited when a suitable position is found. Christchurch Centre.  There is an open day for the nursery on 29 August from 2pm to 4pm when it will be formally opened by the Mayor of Havant.  All PDG members are invited.  Church Hall.  No meeting has been held with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) since 22 July.  The Rector is arranging a meeting with the Chairman of the DYT. Church House.  The lease negotiations have stalled as the current owner has rejected the latest proposal to take over the running of the nursery. The rent for both before and after the renovation of Church House has been estimated. Church House Store.  Three responses to the “Schedule of Works” for the shop store were received from Wood Brothers Ltd; Richard Jones Building Ltd; and Havant Building Services.  The tenders have been reviewed and analysed.  The three main areas of costs are the repairs to the external wall; the electrical installation; and the paving to connect the store and shop. Update on Proposal to Review the Operation of the PDG & BMC.  To be looked at after the Diocesan “Rapid Parish Development Scheme” presentation on 19 October.  However, there is a requirement for the buildings to be properly managed. No.2 Churchfields.  The property is to be let on a short term tenancy of 6-months when the Verger moves out.
Property Development Group – 27 July 2009 Statement for Debate by the Rector.  The Rector’s initial views after 8 weeks in the job is that after all the work carried out in the period 2003-2007 with “A Vision for the Future”, “From Vision to Mission” and “Kairos,” and producing a "Property Development Plan", that due to the economic downturn, we are not fully in control of our mission to determine the validity of our decisions.  Some decisions had been made before the Rector joined and he has been cautious in “nodding” through decisions.  Since arriving, three events have occurred, namely, the resignation of the verger thereby freeing up No.2 Churchfields; being nominated as a training parish from 2010 and the issue of providing housing and paying expenses for a Curate; and the opening of the URC development which changes what we can offer.  In consideration of our mission, our location and the community, we may need a different model of working.  In reviewing the whole property complex we can get assistance from the diocese as it has allocated funds for the “Rapid Parish Development Scheme” and will identify partners. The PDG had tried to make Christchurch a community centre but there was no support from the council or local residents; Church House is a listed building and structurally needs a lot of work; to upgrade and maintain the Church Hall would need to raise income from letting or take money from other funds whereas should we lease it to the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) they will maintain it internally; and we had decided to concentrate on re-ordering of the Church and put the new Parish Hall on hold for a long time. There is a need for a Property Manager to control all of our properties.  Once the Verger moves out of No.2 Churchfields, a programme is required to bring the property up to a standard for letting. The Rector had put forward his vision and theology on people and places in his first letter to parishioners and will be followed up with another letter on what we should do.  It was agreed that the “way forward” was to have a Parish Development Consultancy day with the diocese “Rapid Parish Development Scheme” personnel in September. Church Hall – Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) Update.  A meeting was held with DYT on 22 July and the points raised by DYT were discussed.  DYT is expecting a response from us after the PCC meeting on 28 September, but they would appreciate a meeting with Peter before that date. Church House – Update on Nursery Lease & Work to Meet the Fire Regulations.  The broad terms of a lease have been agreed and Hughes Ellard is negotiating a rent on our behalf. The Fire Regulations work is now complete and has the approval of the Fire Officer. Church House Store.  A copy of the schedule of works prepared and a copy of the architect’s plan taken from the planning consent was sent to four builders - Responses are due Friday 31 July. Update on Proposal to Review the Operation of the PDG & BMC.  This will come out of the strategic review and parish development which has to be carried out as it comes down to a management issue.
PCC Meeting 20 July 2009 Verger.  The duties of verger would be covered by staff and volunteers for a trial period of six months. Electoral Roll.  The Electoral Roll Officer, Hilary Deadman, had notified five additions to the Roll, bringing the total to 159 names. Child Protection Policy.  The meeting approved the Child Protection Policy statement produced by Fiona Hedley. Treasurer’s Report.  Helen Faulkner reported that for the period up to 30 June, our income had been £71,429 and expenditure £73,411.  The latter reflected some large bills including £10,500 for the fire precaution work in the Hall and Church House. Extra Parochial Giving.  The meeting decided to restrict our Extra Parochial Giving (EPG) to £2,300 for the current year in view of our current financial difficulties.  However, the PCC would fix our EPG for payment in January 2010 at our November meeting. Finance Committee.  The meeting approved the Terms of Reference, with operational detail, for a Finance Committee which Helen as Treasurer would chair and which would include Colin Carter as the PCC representative.  The new committee was charged with providing the core around which a larger Stewardship Committee would coalesce.  The operation of the Finance Committee and the proposed Stewardship Campaign would be revisited at the September PCC meeting. Hall Complex.  Negotiations continued with the Dynamo Youth Theatre for them leasing the Hall.  Bill Skilleter, BMC Chairman, was congratulated by the meeting for the work done in Church House to facilitate the issue of a Fire Certificate.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 29 June 2009 Churchfields.  The tenant of No 1 would be moving out on 4 July.  Considerable damage had been done with curtain rails broken, oven door broken, TV aerial cut, paintwork damaged and food smeared on carpets and walls.  Curtains and door keys were missing.  The electric shower had been changed for a cheaper one, with no electrical certificate in evidence.  Our letting agents, Jeffries, hold a deposit from the tenant and were pursuing the matter.  Meanwhile, an extractor fan was being fitted in the bathroom.  Hall Complex.  Work had been completed to meet Fire Safety Regulations including new doors fitted, walls altered, alarms installed and an evacuation plan prepared.  The completion date was 7 July. Christchurch Bungalow and Centre.  Havant Borough Council had changed the addresses of the two properties respectively to Nos. 39 and 41 Snowberry Crescent, PO9 2FE.  Permission had been given to the tenant of the bungalow (No 39) to make minor improvements to the bathroom and to decorate other rooms.  The BMC would write a letter of thanks to Les and Anne Plater for their regular weekly inspections of the Centre (now No 41). Church.  The gutterings would be cleaned shortly.  Neil Mockford had cleared the access to the Tower of pigeon droppings.  A letter of thanks was being sent to him.  The Diocese had approved the fitting of two handrails adjacent to the choir vestry but the paperwork was still awaited.  An approach was being considered from the Bosmere Hundred Society for permission to attach handrails to the Church railings by the steps at each end of the path running from South Street to Homewell. Organ.  Our organist, Sylvia, had reported calling out the Organ Builder many times to keep the organ running.  This was worrying with so many weddings and other events coming up.  The organ needed a thorough clean because of the accumulation of dirt and dust.
Property Development Group Meeting - 17 June 2009 The Chairman welcomed the Rector to the Group. Christchurch Centre.  The centre was leased for a nursery on 20 May 2009.  The address of the centre is 41 Snowberry Crescent, Havant, PO9 2FE with the bungalow number 39. Church Hall.  The capacity of the hall as stated by the fire officer is 200 people.  No further meetings have been held with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) since 22 April.  Church House.  - Nursery.  A further meeting was held on 2 June to clarify some points in the proposed lease. - Fire Regulations Progress.  The fire alarms are installed and tested weekly.  Emergency lighting is in place and there is a detector in the hall.  Fire labels are to be put in place.  - Shop Store.  A Schedule of Works for the proposed new store has been produced and will be sent out for tenders.  The PCC will be asked to approve the new store. . Church.  - Quinquennial Survey Report.  The responsibility of the report rests with the BMC who look after the repair and maintenance of our buildings.  However, the PDG will look at the re-ordering of the church so that the items in the report can be prioritised - Handrail.  The faculty for a rail on both sides of the steps leading into the vestry has still not been approved but the certificate has been issued Lighting.  There was nothing further to report. Churchfields.  The property is now in the conservation area.
PCC Meeting 18 May 2009 Officers & Committees.  Officers were elected and committees formed.   For details, see above. Communications.  There was a discussion of the  breakdown of communications that occurred when notice of the appointment of Canon Peter Jones was only announced to the 9.30am Sunday congregation and  the St Nicholas congregation which left out the other  congregations.  Improvements would be made when our new Rector arrived. Church Opening Hours.  Opening hours would be displayed on a notice outside the church, even if these hours were extended on occasions.  Treasurer’s Report.  Our budgets for 2009 were based on an anticipated annual income of £132,010 but the first four months (until April 2009) had shown an income of just £34,155 (26% instead of 33%).  The principal cause for the shortfall was delay in the anticipated rent for the letting of Christ Church Centre and rent owing for the Nursery and 2 North Street.  There was also around £1,000 in Gift Aid which the CAF Bank was trying to trace.  Helen Faulkner, Treasurer, stressed the need for a new Stewardship campaign which would be considered at the next Standing Committee meeting which the new Rector would chair, provisionally on 15 June.  The forecast expenditure for 2009 was £115,512 but some 37% (£42,314) of this had been spent in four months, much of this on legal and accounts fees, essential fire modifications in Church House (with more expenditure to come), utilities (notably gas in church for which a lockable thermostat was to be installed) and, highest of all, our Parish Share which was paid up to date.    Property Development Group Report.  Negotiations continued with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) over their use of our Hall.  They were likely to have three productions a year and would pay more for the Hall than we currently receive from other clubs and organisations.  Their use would leave us with 12 days for our use, 16 evenings for our Youth Club and Tuesday mornings for our Art Club.  The DYT had recently made a donation of £250 to the Hall.  Havant Borough Council had put Churchfields in a conservation area which would affect our proposed sale of our land. Buildings Management Committee.  The tenant of No 1 Churchfields would be moving out in July but that Jeffries had found us a new tenant at the same rent.  The meeting authorised the BMC to undertake the urgent repairs required by the Quinquennial Report at a cost of £2,500.  The Havant Borough Council would be contacted about repairs to the Floodlights, for which they are responsible.  Child Protection Policy.  Fiona Hedley would circulate her revised Child Protection Policy statement for the PCC to approve at our next meeting in July. Thanks.  The meeting expressed our thanks and appreciation to our two Churchwardens, Jan and Graham, for their leadership and work to maintain the ministry of the parish during the interregnum
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 27 April 2009 Churchfields.  No 1 - The tenant had fitted a new shower unit which must be certified safe by a competent electrician. Church Rented Properties.  Jeffries, our letting agents, currently acted as rent collectors but for an extra they would now manage our properties including regular inspections. St Nicholas Chapel.  The Langstone Village Association, who regularly use the Chapel, want additional electrical sockets installed and have been asked to write to us with details of their proposals. Hall Complex.  Progress was being made with Fire Precautions, with new doors fixed, locks done, walls removed or altered.  Evacuation procedures were being worked out.  There had been a break-in but no damage done.  Locks had now been strengthened. Christ Church Bungalow.  A quote had been accepted for the installation of an extractor fan in the bathroom and the tenants advised that any electrical work they undertook would need to be checked by an electrician of our choice. 2A North Street.  The rent would be reviewed with effect from June 2009. St Faith’s Church.  A quote of £485 had been accepted for the manufacture and installation of two wrought iron handrails on the steps leading to the vestries.  A faculty was being sought for this and the stand for the remembrance book.  The 2009 Quinquennial Report had been received, running to 44 pages.  Costs were estimated at £2,600 (immediate work), £59,700 in first year, £38,200 (second), £75,800 (five) and £128,000 (long term).  Guidance would be required from the PCC about priorities.  An electrician was dealing with problems with the lights. Organ.  The organ still needed a major overhaul, despite the £2,070 already spent.
Property Development Group Meeting – 27 April 2009 Christchurch Centre.  Changes to the lease to reflect the new resolution passed by the PCC on 16 April have been made. Church Hall.  Further meetings have been held with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) who made proposals for a lease.  Costs for running the hall have been passed to DYT who will come back to us with an update to their terms. Church House - Nursery.  Discussions were held for a change from a rental agreement to a lease when the current incumbent retires - Fire Regulations Progress.  The fire doors are in place, one partition has been made fireproof, new locks fitted and a fire alarm almost complete.  Emergency lighting is still to be installed - Shop Store.  It was agreed that we should build a new shop store with the funds available for Property Development. Church.  - Quinquennial Survey Report.  The report has been received - Handrail.  A faculty has been raised for a handrail, with the memorial book, key box and shelves in the choir vestry - Lighting.  An estimate for a new lighting scheme has been received based on photographs of the interior of the church. Churchfields.  HBC has no records on how the decision to include Churchfields in the Conservation Area was made.
Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings - 29 March 2009 The meetings were attended by 38 parishioners and chaired by Dr Graham Frost, Churchwarden.  Graham and Jan Stuart were elected churchwardens for the ensuing year.  Andrew Peacock was elected to the PCC and Helen Faulkner, Bill Skilleter, Jeremy Toole and Roger Bryant were re-elected to it.  Sidemen were then appointed for the ensuing year.  Helen, Treasurer, and Hilary Deadman, Electoral Roll Officer, reported respectively and answered questions on the 2008 Accounts and the revised electoral roll.  The meeting then considered and parishioners asked questions about written reports on the clubs, committees and parish activities in 2008.  The Chairman gave the following report: “It is customary at this point for the incumbent to report on the preceding year in the life of the church.  Whilst I don’t think that it’s appropriate for me to do this, I would like to say a big thank you to everyone involved in keeping St Faith’s and St Nicholas alive during the interregnum.  Many people have contributed, continuing in their work for our church; maintaining our pattern of worship, serving the needs of our community, supporting our links outside of the parish and doing the day -to- day business needed to keep the wheels turning.  It hasn’t all been plain sailing but I think by working together during the interregnum, we approach the time of Peter’s ministry with a strong sense of community and fellowship in faith, not too bruised, thankful that the interregnum was brief and looking forward to a period of some stability.” Peter Thomas responded with the following vote of thanks: “Now that our second recent interregnum is coming to an end I, as an ordinary member of the congregation, would like to propose a vote of thanks to the members of the PCC and others who have kept our church going so well.  Headed by Jan Stuart, our most able and relaxed Chairman and helped by Graham Frost, we have our very professional Hon Treasurer who has regularized our finances and our Hon Secretary who has learned to use a computer and dispatches the minutes of meetings while the seats are still warm.  We also have a magnificent Choir under the direction of Sylvia Willey which goes from strength to strength as does our exemplary magazine “Faith Matters” under Colin Carter’s editorship.  Ecclesiastically we have been kept on the straight and narrow by Trevor and the ubiquitous Sandra.  The three children’s clubs: Sunday Club, Young Believers and Youth Club, have continued to flourish under their adult leaders.  There are many others beside who contribute and I cannot name them all but I would like to commend our Verger, Vicki, who is always so willing and helpful.  Also Jenny Sagrott who may be seen most days cleaning and polishing our church.  Thanks to you all for keeping us going.” This was greeted with a warm round of applause which concluded the meeting.
PCC Meeting - 23 March  2009 Civic Sunday.  The Civic Sunday Service would be at 11.30am on Sunday 21 June.  This later date was requested by the Mayor so that the service could be conducted by the new Rector, Canon Peter Jones.  The Havant Borough Council would pay for the flowers. Property Development Group Report.  Progress in letting Christ Church Centre had been slow because of negotiations over the period required before they could change the use of the building.  Discussions continued with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) on them leasing our Hall for a period of ten years, with a break-point at five years. Buildings Management Committee.  The tenant of No 1 Churchfields was now staying and a Gas Safety Certificate had just been obtained.  Concerning the Hall Complex, advice was being sought on two estimates obtained for the fitting of fire doors, alarms, emergency lighting, etc., as required by the Area Fire Safety Officer.  Work was to be completed in three months but  the aim was for completion in two months to allow time for any modification.  There would be locks on all three entrance doors, with an additional Yale lock on each for use during the day when the doors had been unlocked.  A Resolution was passed for the Faculty application in respect of the handrail for access to the Vestry and for the Memorial Book and Display Case which would be adjacent to the Lady Chapel.  The proposed ramp to gain access to the vestry was not required because we did not have a disabled toilet. 2008 Accounts.  The 2008 Accounts previously examined (audited) by Morris Crocker were accepted by the PCC. Extra Parochial Giving (EPG).  EPG payments had been sent to Sendai £500, Roberts Centre £500, Havant Women’s Aid £500 and Sponsored Child in India £180.  EPG in respect of Tearfund, Mission to Seafarers and Barnabas would be considered at the next PCC meeting. Church Opening Hours.  Church opening hours would be reviewed at the next Standing Committee and PCC meetings.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 9 March 2009 Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  The tenant would be vacating No 1 shortly.  The shower needed attention and the gas appliances needed servicing.  A  Gas Safety Certificate was being obtained.  Insulation would be installed in the roofs and walls of both properties.  Work on the toilet in No 2 was in hand. Hall Complex.  Plans had been produced for the fitting of fire doors, emergency lighting and fire alarms.  Quotes were being obtained for the work which should be completed in three months.  Fire alarms would be tested weekly.  The door between the Church Shop and Church House would remain unlocked to provide a fire exit. Christ Church Centre.  Negotiations continued about the letting of the centre and its ultimate sale.  The church would be responsible for replacing the windows we removed for security purposes. Christ Church Bungalow.  The boiler had broken down but had been repaired with the fitting of a new printed circuit board.  All gas appliances had been serviced and a Gas Safety Certificate obtained.  Dampness was being dealt with in the bathroom and two bedrooms. 2/4 North Street.  Following a complaint from the Jewellers about dampness, the cavity in the walls had been inspected and rubble removed.  The Portsmouth Housing Association had a Type II asbestos survey done on the flat and an Energy Performance Certificate had been issued. Church.  Specifications for the handrail to be used to assist access to the vestry would be obtained.  There was still a problem with the lighting in church.  The product had been obtained to mark the metal roof of the vestries with “Smart Water” to identify metal if it were stolen.  It had been confirmed that our insurance covered anyone doing maintenance work in church.  The soundboard of the organ had been removed and sent for repair.
Property Development Group Meeting - 23 February 2009 Christchurch Centre.  We are still waiting for the lease to be signed.  Once it has been signed the windows and doors will be put back in.  An Energy Certificate has been procured and was rated at 62.  The post code to the property has been restored to PO9 2XA.  Church House.  We should consider starting the work by building the new shed.  This would in effect implement the planning permission which requires work to commence within a period of 3 years from the date of approval of 27 November 2008. Church.  The PCC response to the project list was discussed.  There is no point in proceeding with the ramp in church until work on the vestry starts because the toilet is not a disabled toilet, nor even a public toilet.  The addition of a short handrail, preferably one on each side of the steps should be included with the faculty being raised for the Memorial Book in the Lady Chapel.  We are awaiting the Quinquennial Report to establish what our expenditure is likely to be in the next five years.  However, the lighting needs to be improved and a lighting company will be asked to advise and to give us an estimate as to costs. Church Hall.  Meetings with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) continue. Churchfields.  A dialogue continues with HBC regarding the inclusion of Churchfields in the Conservation Area.
PCC Meeting - 26 January 2009 Charity Registration.  St Faith’s, having an annual income of over £100K, is required to register with the Charity Commission under new legislation.  All PCC members present signed a declaration to become trustees of the charity. Marcia Willetts Gift.  The meeting considered suggestions for purchasing a suitable item for St Faith’s Church from money donated by Marcia Willetts to commemorate the work of her son Father Charles Keay.  The meeting unanimously decided to purchase a Memorial Book in a display case to be placed in the Lady Chapel. Worship Group – Choral Matins and Family Service.  The meeting considered a recommendation of the Worship Group to replace the 9.30am Sunday Eucharist with Matins on one Sunday a month.  The Rural Dean had been consulted and had advised us not to change the pattern of our worship during the interregnum.  This was also the view of most members.  It was therefore decided to ask the Worship Group to consider having Matins as an additional service, say once a month at 11am or 11.30am.  The group would also be asked to consider having the baptism service set out on a separate card (as happened some years ago) or a separate book.  The meeting decided to switch the Family Service to the second Sunday in the month, starting in March, to enable the Reverend Lindsay to conduct the services. Lay Assistants.  The meeting unanimously (14 votes) decided to have the following re-licensed – Dr Colin Warlow, Mr Alan Hakim, Mr and Mrs Bruce Strugnell, Mrs Claire Glover and Mr Stephen Whitcombe. PDG Report.  An offer had been accepted to rent Christ Church Centre for 25 months with the option to buy when tenants could secure the finance.  The rent for the first 13 months would be £17K.  Planning permission had been given for the renovation of Church House and Coach House to provide two flats, two offices and a new store.  Work would start when we had the funds.  Work on the church would be split into two phases.  Phase 1 would be to carry out work arising out of the Quinquennial review; to provide a horizontal ramp from close to the North Door to the Vestry, with built in railings; to provide new lighting and CCTV; and to provide a new audio system.  Discussions would restart with the Dynamo Youth Theatre about their use of more rooms in the Hall, with their possible help with its refurbishment.  Concern was expressed about the toilet facilities in the Hall. BMC Report.  The Fire Officer had recently inspected the Hall Complex and required work to be done on fire doors, smoke alarms, emergency lighting (in the Hall) and  on improving the staircase in Church House to provide a better exit from the building with a 30 minute safety period.  Financial Report.  The 2008 Accounts would be put on the notice board in church two weeks before the APCM. Deanery Synod and Churches Together.  The aim was to have a Chaplain in each college but there were vacancies in Havant, South Downs, Highbury and Portsmouth.  Churches were urged to get involved with the young as part of their outreach.  The parish share in 2009 would increase by 6%. Electoral Roll.  The roll now stood at 152 names. Extra Parochial Giving (EPG).  The PCC provisionally agreed £500 each  for IDWAL; Mission to Seafarers, Tearfund; Barnabas; Sendai OMF; Roberts Centre; £320 for Havant Women’s Aid; and £180 for Sponsored Child in India.
Property Development Group Meeting – 15 January 2009 Church House.  Havant Borough Council has granted planning permission, including listed building consent, for the construction of a new store on the site of the existing dilapidated building and to change the use and alterations to provide 2 in no. first floor flats and 2 in no. ground floor offices to Church House.  The work must begin within a period of 3 years from the date of approval which was 27 November 2008. Christchurch Centre.  The draft lease will be sent by the Diocesan Solicitor to all concerned soon.  The lease will be for a period of 25 months with an option to buy during this period.  The legal title of the land has been registered with the Land Registry.  An Energy Efficiency Certificate is required.  The bungalow will continue to be let for the foreseeable future. The Way Forward.  The PDG is recommending to the PCC that the priorities for future work, when funds become available, should be: 1.  To carry out a Quinquennial review, maintenance, repair and redecoration of the church; 2.  To provide a ramp from the church to the vestry door with built-in railings; 3.  To provide new lighting; 4.  To provide a new audio system. Ideally, 1 & 3. should be carried out simultaneously for one set of scaffolding to be erected. Church Hall.  The PCC is asked to consider improvements to the hall to maintain income levels.  The PDG is maintaining a dialogue with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT).
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 12 January 2009 St Faith’s Church.  Problems with the lighting in church were being corrected.  A notice would be fixed adjacent to the organ warning vandals of the danger of tampering with dangerous electrics.  To conform to our insurance policies, metals in our buildings would be impregnated with “smart water” to enable stolen items to be traced back to our buildings. Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  Draught proofing was needed to the front and back door of No 1 and a hole in the wall, where a flue had been removed, bricked up.  Gas Safety Certificates were being obtained for both properties.  The roof of No 2 had been repaired where tiles were slipping. Hall Complex.  In his report, the Area Fire Officer had required the fitting of fire doors, smoke alarms and emergency lighting in the Hall.  Estimates were being obtained.  The guttering was inadequate during heavy rain.  A sign was being purchased to warn the public about the slippery surface outside the Church Shop. Christ Church Site.  The boiler in the bungalow had been repaired.  The bungalow had now been let on a short term lease.  2/4 North Street.  Following a complaint from the jeweller, dampness in the shop, possibly caused by fallen rubble in the air gaps of the outer walls, was being investigated. Inspection of Properties.  There would be a programme for all our buildings to be regularly inspected to ensure they were properly maintained.
PCC Meeting - 17 November 2008 Interregnum.  The Archdeacon attended this meeting to give a report about the interregnum.   Our vacancy had been advertised twice in the Church Times.  The closing date for applications was 28 November and to date three had been received, all from the Hampshire area.  When the closing date was reached, the Bishop would select three or four candidates to be formally interviewed.  They and their spouses would be invited to stay in our parish from 9-11 December.  Election to PCC.  Bill Skilleter, having been six months on the Electoral Roll, was elected to the PCC. CCTV in Church.  The Chairman gave the background to Peter Thomas’s initiative to raise funds with town traders for CCTV in church.  Only Waitrose was prepared to help and would include us in their “Green Token” scheme in December.  PCC members would seek the views of parishioners about having cameras in church. Christ Church Centre.  The Chairman reported that we now had two offers to consider in respect of the Christ Church Centre site.  Firstly, an offer to rent the Centre for two years, with an option to buy; and, secondly an offer from a developer who, subject to planning permission, to buy the site, provided it was closed down and not let for 18 months, for which they would make a payment to the church.  Following advice from Messrs Hughes Ellard, the PCC decided to proceed with the first offer which would still leave us with the bungalow and land. Hall Car Park.  Ways to stop unauthorised parking were being considered.   Treasurer’s Report.  Helen gave a very detailed summary of our financial situation, again emphasising her concerns about projected deficits and the need to keep costs as low as possible, while encouraging the congregation to continue to contribute generously.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 3 November 2008 Hall Complex.  A fire risk report had been completed on Church House including recommendations for fire alarms, emergency lighting and escape routes.  The Area Safety Fire Officer is coming to discuss it.  The builders had been called back and had repaired a Hall roof for which they had already been paid. Christ Church Centre.  There had been a break in at the Centre but nothing was damaged or stolen.  The door had been replaced and a claim made on our insurance (which will not affect our premium).  The Police had been notified.  The Bungalow had been redecorated.  The carpets would be cleaned and the electrics checked by an electrician. 2/4 North Street.  Portsmouth Housing Association had offered to get An Energy Performance Certificate for the Flat and also, at a charge to the church, do an asbestos check.  We are discussing this with our letting agents, Jeffries. St Faith’s Church.  The Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) would be asked to advise us about fitting a handrail by the steps leading into the choir vestry to assist people with disabilities to have easier access to the toilet. Organ.  The PCC would need to pass a Resolution before application could be made for a Faculty to overhaul the organ.  The meeting decided that we should not apply for a Faculty until our financial position became clearer.  The estimated costs for the work on the organ were at present £36,253 (including VAT).  This could increase when the contractor upgrades the original quotation (possibly by 4% per annum as recommended by the Association of Organ Builders).  A 50% deposit - £1,500 – would be required before the commencement of work on the Blower.  The contractor for the major overhaul would not require a 10% deposit until they were within 12 months of starting work.  They would then want 30% on commencement and three further instalments of 20% as the overhaul progressed. Hiring Charges.  In view of the large increases earlier this year, the meeting decided not to increase them for 2009.
Property Development Group Meeting - 6 October 2008 Christchurch Centre.  The developer’s bank has agreed funding at branch level but the Head Office has requested a delay.  Three other offers have been received and these are being examined, though no further reduction in the price for the overall site will be considered. Church House.  The planning application, together with a heritage statement, has been lodged with HBC. Church Extension & Work on the Interior of the Church.  A meeting was held with the Archdeacon, Trevor Reader, who suggested that the DAC be invited to make a further visit to discuss our ideas for the interior.  The Archdeacon is content for a phased development by putting the extension in phase 2. Church Hall.  Meetings have been held with the Dynamo Youth Theatre (DYT) to explore the use of the hall. HBC Meeting.  A meeting will be held on Thursday 16 October at 2pm at the Civic Offices to discuss developments of St. Faith’s properties.
PCC Meeting 29 September 2008 Interregnum.  The Bishop was now considering seeking our new incumbent from outside the diocese.  The cost of any advertising would be met by the diocese. Pollard of Churchyard Trees.  The meeting agreed to support the Havant Borough Council’s (HBC) intended application for a Faculty to pollard at their expense the 16 lime trees in our churchyard. Organ Scholar.  The meeting approved payment of a fee of £25 for Amy Frost to join the Diocesan Organ Scholarship scheme as a Pipeline Scholar.   Treasurer’s Report.  The meeting considered comprehensive accounts, drawn up by the Treasurer, Helen Faulkner, detailing our income and expenditure for the first eight months of 2008, with a projection for the year.  Helen cautioned the meeting that expenditure was running far in excess of income.  She explained that in the first eight months we had spent £100K, of which £43K was for non-recurring items (repairs, new piano. etc.)  On this basis, Helen’s forecast was an expenditure of £127K for 2008.  Her forecast of income for 2008 was £108K which would leave us in deficit by £19K.  In considering these figures, many factors had to be taken into account in terms of money owing to us. Organ Repairs.  The purchase of the Christ Church site would release funds for the repair of the organ, scheduled for the end of 2009, so the developer’s failure at present to obtain finance would impact on these repairs.  However, the meeting concluded that the BMC should now proceed with an application for a Faculty, which could be extended on a six-monthly basis, to prepare for work on the organ next year. Deanery Synod.  Michael Fluck gave a comprehensive report of the Deanery Synod meeting on 24 September including finance, with capitation fees and parish shares paid promptly, the Kofurida projects, many parishes had not paid their second £50, and the Acorn Listening Service in Waterlooville, an ecumenically based scheme of properly trained and accredited Christian listeners.  However, the main item was a presentation about stewardship by the Rev. Dennis Lloyd (Diocesan Mission Resources Advisor) who we would be inviting to the parish.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 22 September 2008 Coach House (Church Shop).  Because of pigeon droppings, a notice was being put up in front of the shop warning the public that the path could be slippery. Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  Our letting agents, Jeffries, would be obtaining Energy Performance Certificates for properties we let when the new legislation comes into effect on 1 October 2008. Hall Complex.  Following a leak in one of the Hall roofs, it was discovered that the builder had not carried out repairs for which it had been paid.  A letter had been sent stating that either the necessary repairs are completed or we would expect a refund of the £2,073.83.  The Area Safety Fire Officer had expressed concern about the escape routes from the upper floors of Church House and the Shop.  He is preparing a report, following a risk assessment statement prepared by us. Christ Church Site.  Negotiations for the sale of the site were ongoing.  Appreciation was expressed for the work of Anne and Les Plater for their frequent and regular inspections of the site. St Faith’s Church.  The fitting of security cameras were still under consideration, with approaches being made to local businesses to see if they would assist with the costs.  An A-Frame was being obtained for the piano to facilitate it being moved when necessary.  An electrician had attended to the lights.  The overhaul of the organ would await the release of funds from the sale of the Christ Church site.  2A North Street.  Checks would be made with the Portsmouth Housing Association to establish whether the flat had a gas supply.  If so, we would require a Landlord’s Gas Safety Certificate.
Property Development Group Meeting – 28 August 2008 Christchurch Centre.  A memorandum of sale has been received from the developer’s agents and the paper-work is proceeding. Church House.  The planning application and design statement for the alterations to form two flats and offices were reviewed.  It was agreed that our architects should be instructed to apply for planning permission.  A plan of action will be prepared before work commences as to what will happen to the nursery, Sunday club, shop and other users during the alterations and refurbishment.  Possibilities are to use the Church Hall rooms and take out a short term lease for the shop. Church Extension & Work on the Interior of the Church.  It was agreed that the PCC would be asked that the Church extension should be put on hold until the new incumbent is appointed.  However, the plans for the interior of the church should proceed as a matter of priority.  Church Hall.  A meeting is being arranged with the Dynamo Youth Theatre to explore its needs for our hall.
PCC (Section 11) Meeting – 18 August 2008 This meeting was chaired by the Rural Dean, the Reverend Dr Paul Moore and concerned the interregnum. Parish Profile.  The Parish Profile produced by a working party (Graham Frost, Colin Carter, Fiona Hedley & Lisa Roonan) was described by the Chairman as being a good balance between being informative and being digestible.  It would now be used to give candidates for our vacancy a comprehensive picture of our church and parish.  It would also go on our website. Selection of Two Representatives.  Graham Frost and Sandra Haggan were voted to be our two representatives to meet candidates for our vacancy together with the Bishop, Archdeacon and Rural Dean.  (This would be after the candidate had had separate interviews with the Rural Dean and Bishop).  If the two representatives did not accept the candidate as suitable, they would not be appointed. Advertising.  It was decided not to advertise our vacancy unless the Bishop was unable to find a suitable candidate.  We would have to pay for it and advertising would be very expensive. Meeting or Statement from Bishop.  The meeting decided not to seek a meeting or statement from the Bishop describing the wider needs of the diocese in relation to our parish. Ordination of Women (Resolutions A & B).  The meeting decided to continue not to accept Resolution A (which would prevent ordained women presiding at communion) and to confirm the rescinding of Resolution B (which would prevent an ordained woman being Rector). Standing Committee.  The meeting decided to appoint Colin Carter to the Standing Committee following the departure of Father David Gibbons.
PCC Meeting 27 July 2008 Christ Church Site.  This was an emergency meeting at which it was decided to accept an unconditional offer from a developer to purchase the Christ Church site, staged with an immediate payment + a second payment after 12 months + a final payment after 6 months.  In considering this offer, regard was had to the worsening state of the property market.  We needed to cover the cost of renovating Church House, for which a quote had been received.  Once the renovation was complete, we would seek residential planning consent for the Churchfields site which would be sold when the property market improved.  The money from the second tranche would be used for the interior of the church including renovation of the organ, new lighting and sound systems, and possibly new toilets and a kitchenette.  The PCC considered the option of separately leasing the bungalow and centre.  However, the minimum leasing period was likely to be five years and this delay to the whole project would be unacceptable.  Our advisor, a director of Hughes Ellard and an advisor to the diocese would report to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Charities Commission that in his expert judgement the offer represented a fair value in today’s market.  The voting to accept the offer was 12 for, 2 against and 2 abstained. Church & Hall.  Plans for the church extension might be modified to take account of the HBC‘s concerns about the size of the proposed extension.  There were no plans at present for changes to the interior of the Hall but any future upgrading of it would be done by ourselves. Rector of Havant.  Tributes were paid to Father David who was chairing his last PCC meeting upon leaving the parish that day to take up an appointment in America.
Property Development Group Meeting - 24 July 2008 Christchurch Centre.  The options reported to the PCC on 14 July were discussed, namely, to propose to the developer that we would accept a variant of their offer; remarket the site generally – uncertain in the present economic conditions; seek planning consent ourselves and then offer the site for sale – we lack the available funds to proceed; and lease the Christchurch Centre and bungalow – this would put the whole development programme on hold for at least 5-years with funds only available for essential work. Consideration was given to parishioners who had been raising money for the organ, lighting, sound and other improvements within the church.  Should we revert to leasing the site, then nothing would have been achieved in the 4-years that the PDG had been formed and the vision of the church formulated by Fr David and the parishioners. The PDG agreed that under the present economic climate that the best way forward would be to accept the developer’s offer and recommend this approach to the PCC for approval. Church House.  There is a need to invest in Church House and without the capital from the Christchurch Centre site we do not have the finance. Church Extension.  The new sketches from our architects were viewed and a meeting is required. Architects.  Once the PCC has approved the selling of the Christchurch site, our architects will be instructed to stop work on the extension and to apply for planning consent of Church House as a matter of priority.  Plans for the re-ordering of the church will then be processed.
PCC Meeting 14 July 2008 Father David was unable to attend the meeting because of a family illness earlier in the day. Piano and Organ.  A Waldstein piano had been purchased for £4,300 plus £269 for the cover from Bedhampton Pianoshop Ltd.  The meeting then considered a very detailed report from Sylvia Willey about the respective merits of pipe organs as opposed to electronic organs.  The report strongly recommended retaining the present pipe organ and the meeting unanimously voted to keep it. Finance.  Our total expenditure (rounded) over the first five months of 2008 had been £73K.  If expenditure continued at the same rate, the expenditure for 2008 could be £125K.  With a forecast income of £108K, this represented that expenditure over income was £17K.  This took no account of fund-raising revenue.  The forecast loss was mainly driven by reduced income from properties plus “extraordinary” repairs/ purchases, e.g., North Street repairs, piano, etc.  In the long term, income and expenditure would reduce as properties were sold.  Current Accounts stood at around £28K and Deposit Accounts around £76K, although some of the latter had been earmarked for projects. Christ Church Site.  Protracted negotiations with our developer over the proposed purchase of the Christ Church site had now concluded.  The final offers were below the value of the site and could not be certified as fair prices.  Our adviser had now recommended that we consider an assured short hold tenancy on the bungalow and a short term lease on the Centre to provide us with some income.
PCC Meeting 3 July 2008 The meeting was to enable the PCC to discuss the issues arising from the selection and appointment of a new incumbent.  These would be the subject of the formal Section 11 meeting to be held with the Archdeacon and Rural Dean on 18 August.  Members could change their minds before the formal meeting. Parish Profile.  The profile which would be given to candidates for our vacancy was now at its final editing stage and would be issued soon. Two Parish Representatives.  The meeting chose the two representatives who would interview candidates and would meet with the Archdeacon and Rural Dean to make a decision on who to appoint as our incumbent.  The appointment would then be recommended to the Bishop who would then decide whether to accept the recommendation.  The meeting identified three members for these two posts.  A vote was taken and Graham Frost and Sandra Haggan were successful. Advertising.  The Bishop could choose candidates for us, based on his knowledge of suitable priests in the diocese, or we could advertise nation-wide, which would be very expensive and paid for by us.  The meeting decided only to advertise if the Bishop was unable to nominate suitable candidates from within the diocese. Statement from Bishop.  It was decided not to ask the Bishop to give us a statement describing the wider needs of the diocese in relation to our parish. Ordination of Women.  Members were reminded that they would need to vote according to their own preference.  For this reason we would not be writing to parishioners on the electoral roll.  However members had consulted with parishioners.  This consultation revealed no clear pattern of preference.  There were quite a number of women who were against the ordination of women but views were very mixed across the sexes and between young and old.  Resolution A.  (That this PCC would not accept a woman as a minister who presides at or celebrates the Holy Communion or pronounces the Absolution in the parish) had not been accepted by this PCC.    The occasions when a woman had presided at St Faith’s had been successful.  The meeting decided unanimously that we did not need to review our decision not to adopt Resolution A.  However, the PCC had adopted Resolution B.  (That this PCC will not accept a woman as the incumbent or priest in charge of the benefice or as a team vicar for the benefice.)  The feedback from parishioners was again mixed  Some who were against were thinking of the difficulty a woman priest would have in such a traditional parish as St Faith’s, while others recognised that we were out of step with the changes taking place in the Church of England.  Crucially, there was very little evidence that many would leave St Faith’s if a woman incumbent was selected.  Only a handful said that they would consider leaving.  A vote was taken on whether to rescind Resolution B.  The voting to rescind was: In favour - 9.  Against - 6.  Abstained - 1.  Resolution B was therefore rescinded.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 23 June 2008 Church Shop.  Our insurers had advised that accidents resulting from pigeon droppings in front of the shop were covered by our insurance.  However, a warning notice should be put up and the area cleaned regularly. Nos. 1 & 2 Churchfields.  The lease on No. 1 had been extended for 12 months, with a two-month get out clause.  Damaged fencing panels in No 2 would be replaced by a hedge. Hall Complex.  The guttering in Church House had been renewed.  Dampness was being investigated.  There were leaks in the flat roof behind the stage.  Two quotes for repairs had been received and a third was being obtained. 2/4 North Street.  The flat was now occupied. St Faith’s Church.  Problems with lighting were being investigated. Organ.  Funds for overhauling the organ would await the sale of Christ Church Centre.  A Faculty would be required and this would normally remain operative for 12 months.  However, it could be extended by several months if the start of work was delayed.  We should ask for an extension at the time of applying for the Faculty.  Quotations from contractors had been accepted conditional on funds being available and a Faculty being granted.
PCC Meeting 12 June 2008 This meeting was to enable the Archdeacon (Venerable Dr Trevor Reader) and Rural Dean (Reverend Dr Paul Moore) to advise the PCC about the procedures to be followed during the interregnum to find a replacement when Father David departs on 27 July.  It would probably take six to nine months before a new Rector was in post.  During the interregnum, the Rectory would almost certainly be let, possibly for six months, with maintenance of house and garden incorporated into any tenancy agreement.  The first action of the PCC was to prepare a Parish Profile to tell candidates about the parish.  For this purpose, a working party was set up of Graham Frost, Colin Carter, Fiona Hedley and Lisa Roonan.  This would go on our website.  We would have to appoint two lay members of the PCC to act as representatives to select a new incumbent.  The Archdeacon advised the meeting that if we asked the Bishop to advertise our vacancy, this parish would bear the cost which could be as much as £600 for two advertisements in Church Times.  It was best for us to have candidates nominated by the Bishop.  The following resolutions would need to be considered by the PCC: Resolution A         That this PCC would not accept a woman as a minister who presides at or celebrates the Holy Communion or pronounces the Absolution in the parish. Resolution B        That this PCC would not accept a woman as the incumbent or priest in charge of the benefice or as a team vicar for the benefice. (This resolution is currently extant having been approved on 16 November 2000). PCC members were asked to take the views of parishioners before coming to their personal decision on these two resolutions.  It was noted that at present only Resolution B is in force in our Parish. The PCC would meet on 3 July at 7.45pm in Church House to decide: a.  The two representatives to select a new incumbent; b.  Whether to ask the Bishop to advertise the vacancy; and c.  Whether to review Resolutions A & B of the Ordination of Women Measure. There would then be a meeting on 18 August when the PCC would meet with the Rural Dean formally to take decisions on all the issues discussed on 3 July. This concluded this part of the meeting and the Archdeacon and Rural Dean left.  The meeting concluded with the appointment of Mrs Helen Faulkner as our new Hon Treasurer.
Property Development Group Meeting 2 June 2008 Christchurch Centre.  Our estate agent attended the meeting to report on the current situation. Church Extension.  The Archdeacon, the Ven. Trevor Reader, who is a member of the DAC and the DAC Secretary, held a meeting with the HBC planners on 20 May 2008 – representatives from the PDG were not invited to attend.  We are now waiting a response from HBC to a letter sent by our architects. Organ.  Although the PCC had given a firm commitment that funds for the repair of the organ would be made available from the sale of Christchurch Centre, it was agreed that the PCC would be asked to establish a working party to consider whether the current organ should be replaced with an electric organ.
PCC Meeting 12 May 2008 Officers & Committees.  The meeting elected officers and committee members.  A Treasurer had not been appointed yet.  Organ & Piano.  Quotations of £28,266 + VAT had been received for the repair of the organ and £2,588 + VAT for work on the blower.  These quotations would be accepted, subject to the granting of a Faculty.  However, the contractors would not be able to start until late next year.  The meeting gave Sylvia Willey, our Organist and Music Director, a firm commitment that funds would be made available from the sale of Christ Church Centre to pay for organ repairs.  Sylvia reported that the two pianos in church were no longer fit for use, one dating from 1901!  The meeting authorised Sylvia to purchase a new piano. Blue Plaques.  The meeting approved Havant Borough Council putting blue plaques on St Faith’s Church and Church House as part of their heritage programme.  Child Protection Policy.  The Child Protection Officer, Fiona Hedley, gave her annual review of our Child Protection Policy which was approved by the meeting.  St John the Divine, Nsawam.  Michael Fluck gave details of our two visitors arriving from St John the Divine, Nsawam on 15 July.  They were staying two weeks with Michael and Anne and help from other parishioners would be very much appreciated to make the visit a success.
Vestry & APCM  Meeting 27 April 2008 The Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings were held in church on 27 April, with 51 persons present.  The Rector thanked Sandra Haggan, who was standing down, and Jan Stuart for their valued work and support over the last year.  Jan and Graham Frost were then elected as churchwardens for the ensuing year.  The APCM then started with the election of PCC members and Deanery Synod representatives.  Full details of the new committees are given above.  Dr David Atchison, who was retiring as Treasurer, explained that our income in 2007 had reduced from £137,561 the previous year to £117,247 primarily because of the loss of rent for Christ Church Centre.  However, this had been compensated by a reduction in expenditure from £126,499 the previous year to £109,366.  The meeting approved Messrs Morris Crocker remaining as our auditors for the ensuing year.  The Chairman thanked David for his work as Treasurer.  There then followed a series of written reports about the Electoral Roll, which had increased from 147 to 149, the PCC, clubs and committees covering all the church activities and work in 2007.  There were questions from parishioners and Sylvia Willey, Music Director, made a strong presentation for the replacement of our two pianos which were now in a poor and very unsatisfactory state.  The Chairman thanked everyone for their superb work in all these committees, clubs and activities, together with parishioners who had given support to these various endeavours.  In particular, he expressed thanks and appreciation for the work of Audrey Currie, who was standing down as Electoral Roll Officer. Jan Stuart then gave a presentation to bring parishioners up to date with the work of the PDG and referred to plans displayed in church.  He explained developments since the original concept which had led to the decision to build the extension on the south side of the church, with an entrance adjacent to the Lady Chapel which would be retained; floor tiles would also be retained and the wood flooring repaired.  Meetings had been held with English Heritage, HBC planners and the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC).  There followed a discussion during which Hilary Deadman expressed her concern about the sale of Christ Church Centre leaving us without a community or church presence in Denvilles.  Ken Bracher pointed out that he lived closest to the Centre and that most people did not want a community centre, with all the security problems it entailed to prevent vandalism.  The Chairman then gave an account of the Kairos project, explaining that the diocese had launched the building phase of the project on Friday 25 April.  All the churches faced problems with maintaining old buildings as well as rising maintenance costs and quota payments.  The way forward was for buildings to be used for the community and made to pay for themselves.  We needed to upgrade facilities at the churches.  At St Faith's the PDG worked very well under Jan's leadership - they had clear direction and motivation.  The point of today's presentation by Jan was to keep the church informed of our working, to invite opinion and to solicit support.  The meeting concluded with a personal announcement from the Rector, followed by an appreciation by the retiring Churchwarden, Sandra Haggan, on behalf of the parishioners for the outstanding work and achievements of the Rector over the last year.
PCC Meeting - 31 March 2008 2007 Accounts.  These only arrived from Morris Crocker just before the meeting but there was a short discussion of them prior to a special meeting the following Sunday. The accounts were approved on 6 April 2008. However, they did reveal that our recent Stewardship campaign was unsuccessful.  A working party would be set up to launch a fresh appeal. Security.  Hooliganism and vandalism in church were discussed and various options considered including contact with the Police Beat Officer, Sarah Woodley, installing cameras, changes in opening hours, etc.  Meanwhile an Incident Book would be maintained to record incidents to establish the extent of the problem. Organ.  The meeting decided to apply to the Diocese for a Faculty to proceed with essential work on the organ.  An earlier application had been refused because at that time the intention was to take out and replace the floor of the church, thereby generating grit and dust which would damage the organ.  However, this work would not be undertaken under present proposals for the re-ordering of the church. 2008/9 Electoral Roll.  The meeting approved the revised electoral roll which had two new names bringing the total to 149.  The meeting praised the expertise and efficiency of Audrey Currie who was resigning as Electoral Roll Officer following the APCM.  The Parish owed her a debt of gratitude for her remarkable work in her present capacity and previously as PCC Secretary. Hall Events.  A resident living nearby had complained to the Rector about excessive noise at a recent event in the Hall.  It was a single and isolated complaint but care would be taken to keep noise to a reasonable level.
PDG Meeting - 27 March 2008 Overall Design of Church Extension.  Havant Borough Council (HBC) has raised a number of issues relating to the proposed design.  Furthermore, there are conflicting views with English Heritage and the DAC. There will have to be some degree of compromise and joint discussions with all concerned if progress is to be made.  A response will be made to HBC. Archaeological Survey Quotations.  Four tenders had been received and forwarded to the County Archaeologist for comment. Asbestos Survey Report in Church House.  The survey found asbestos only in the old vinyl floor covering on the main stairs and in a wall panel upstairs in the shop.  Neither of these is dangerous in their current state but they must not be cut or sanded without precautions being taken.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting - 10 March 2008 Christ Church Centre.  The dead and damaged branches of the Cypress trees had been cut out and no further damage had been done by a severe storm.  The gas central heating system in the Bungalow had been serviced and a gas certificate issued. Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  Some fencing panels were damaged and posts broken.  This was being followed up. Hall Complex.  The water heater needed attention. 2/4 North Street.  The guttering on the flat and the damaged gate needed attention.  Nothing further had been heard about dampness in the Jeweller’s shop. St Faith’s Church.  One of the metal gratings in the floor had been damaged but repairs were in hand.  The organ loft door had been broken into, possibly by thieves looking for metal.  The committee were very concerned about vandalism in the church and asked the PCC to have security discussed, with a view to get cameras installed and to have the church locked in the afternoon.  The central heating boiler was not working and this was being investigated. Organ.  The instrument had been tuned but was in a serious state, going from crisis to crisis.  Urgent action was needed.  Funds had been raised in an appeal but had not been spent.  The PCC would be asked to discuss action. Church  Shop.  Pigeon droppings were causing a hazard in front of the shop despite the lopping of the tree where they perch.  Havant Insurance Services were establishing whether we were covered in the event of someone slipping and receiving an injury.
PDG  Meeting – 27 February 2008 The Chairman and the Rector met with the Havant Borough Council (HBC) Head of Development Control (i.e., planning) and the Planning Policy Team leader to discuss the best way forward for the Christchurch Centre (CCC).  HBC revealed that it would be releasing details of the various areas that have been pinpointed as possible sites for housing development so as to meet their obligation to have 6,500 new homes built in Havant by 2026.  One of the areas is just to the north of, but not abutting, CCC.  HBC is required to check out and consider the effect of the loss of a community facility like CCC, but at the same time welcomed the development of CCC for adding new homes to the total.  HBC suggested that the direct way of achieving this was for the person seeking planning permission to carry out a survey in the area to determine the extent of current community facilities and the perceived needs in the area.  Then, if there were perceived needs that were not being satisfied, to explore whether there were people/ organisations able and willing to provide such facilities from CCC, providing that such organisations had the ability to meet the proper costs of such provision.  HBC emphasized that planning would not automatically be refused just because CCC is considered to be a “community facility” rather that we (or the purchaser) has to show why it is reasonable in this case to lose what might be considered as a community facility. However, from our perspective, this puts a delay on to our proposed programme as we need the capital from the sale of CCC to fund the refurbishment of Church House and the interior of the church.
PDG Meeting 11 February 2008 Church Extension & Re-ordering.  A meeting was held in church on 7 February with the HBC planners and English Heritage.  Some changes are required to the landscaping and more details are to be given on the usage of the new Parish Hall.  English Heritage was generally content with the proposals for the re-ordering of the church. Church House & Coach House.  One of the three tenderers is being instructed to carry out an asbestos survey. Christchurch Centre.  The exchange of contracts is being delayed due to the buyer's concerns over HBC's desire to have a community facility in the Denvilles area, despite them being unable to fund such a facility. Organ.  It was agreed that Griffiths & Cooper’s quote of £1,800 + VAT to renew leather on great soundboard power motors should be accepted and paid for out of the Organ Fund.
PCC Meeting 28 January 2008   Churchyard.  Arrangements were being made to use the Community Service scheme to do minor repairs to the walls of the churchyard and to clean up grave stones. Choir.  Children would be accepted into the choir from the age of 7 but, at this age, would attend “Godly Play” on the 2nd and 4th Sunday each month. St Nicholas Chapel.  Charges for the use of the chapel by the Langstone Village Association had been increased for coffee mornings from £5 00 to £7.50 per morning.  Charges for other events had also been increased from 1 January. Buildings Management Committee.  The Verger, Vicki, was now the proxy landlord for the Hall Complex.  The dangerous tree in the grounds of Christ Church Centre had been made safe.  The water heater in the Hall kitchen needed attention. Property Development Group.  Trial archaeological trenches would be dug shortly in connection with the proposed extension to the church.  Representation had been made to the Havant Borough Council against including Churchfields in a conservation area.  Quotes were being obtained for renovating Church House and Coach House.  Contracts had not been exchanged yet for the sale of the Christ Church site. Events Co-ordinator.  Martin Poliszczuk would be the Co-ordinator for fundraising events and would give advice on cost-effectiveness, community involvement and other aspects of organizing events.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 14 January 2008 Churchfields.  Following improvements and additions to No.1, the new tenants had moved into it on 5 January on a six month tenancy agreement, renewal thereafter monthly.  A new gas certificate had been issued and was held by our agents Jeffries of North End who would be managing the property.  The bathroom of No.2 had been plastered and retiled.  A new gas certificate had been issued for the property. Hall Complex.  Problems with the water heater had been rectified. Christ Church Centre.  Both cypress trees in the grounds had been damaged in recent storms.  One in particular had several main branches broken off and was now a danger.  Havant Borough Council considered the trees were not dangerous.  The meeting recommended that the most dangerous tree should be lowered in height urgently. 2/4 North Street.  Roof repairs were now finished and costs would be apportioned between tenants.  Damp patches had been found in the shop at No.2 and were being investigated.  The flat above the shop was ready for letting.  The side gate and gutters of the property needed attention. St Faith’s Church.  Roof repairs had been completed.  The organ had been tuned but there were problems with the stops.  The blower would be serviced shortly.  The grand piano could not be tuned and needed to be replaced. Insurance.  Our agents, Havant Insurance Services, had found us better insurance cover for Nos.1&2 Churchfields and Christ Church Bungalow, so Ecclesiastical Insurance Group were no longer insuring these properties.
Property Development Group Meeting 9 January 2008 Church Extension & Re-ordering.  The plans for the extension are now complete.  Plans for the Vestry and the summary of requirements for the re-ordering work in the church have been reviewed.  The Archaeological Advisor to the DAC has proposed that four investigatory trenches are dug.  One would be in front of the church where we plan to level part of the graveyard; one by the south gate for the same reason and two would be on the south side where the foundations are planned for the extension.  The trenches would be about 2m deep and about 70cm wide. Church House & Coach House.  The plans are now complete.  Three quotes have been received for an asbestos survey. Christchurch Centre.  The exchange of contracts is awaited. HBC St. Faith’s Conservation Area.  A response to the proposed inclusion of 1&2 Churchfields has been sent to the Council.
Standing Committee Meeting 17 December 2007 Duties of Treasurer’s Team.  The duties agreed were: a.      The Treasurer would be responsible for preparing the annual budget, for giving reports to the Standing Committee and the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and for being the primary contact for all bank accounts b.     The Assistant Treasurer would be responsible for accounting for all money received, for passing details to the Bookkeeper and for writing cheques c.      The Bookkeeper would be responsible for recording all receipts and payments in “Quick Books”, for reconciling bank statements and making reports as required. 2008 Budgets.  With a new Treasurer’s Team in place, it was decided that 2008 would be a transitional year, requiring an overall control of expenditure while limiting a part of it to individual budget-holders.  It was decided to have expenditure for insurance and utilities controlled and monitored centrally by the PCC.  Budgets for budget-holders were agreed. Hall Charges.  It was agreed to increase the charges by 10% to £660 for the hire (two weeks) of the Hall by Christian Aid. Extra Parochial Giving (EPG).  The PCC had agreed a budget of £3,500 for EPG and £210 of this had already been given to IDWAL (Deanery).  It was agreed that the following payments totalling £3,290 should be made: Christian Aid               200 IDWAL (Diocese)      310 Mission to Seafarers  520 Tearfund                       520 Barnabas                       520 Sendai OMF                 520 Sponsored Child (ICT)180 Roberts Centre             520
Property Development Group Meeting 29 November 2007 Our architects attended the meeting and presented their plans for the renovation of Church House & Coach House, the Church Extension and the Vestry. Church House & Coach House.  The layout agreed was for one 2-bedroom flat and one 3-bedroom flat on the 1st floor and four rooms on the ground floor which can be used for a nursery or for offices or a combination of both.  The Coach House shop would be made open plan where possible and a changing room and toilet provided, with additional storage outside of the shop in a newly constructed out-building. Church Extension & Vestry.  The latest proposed plans now meet most of our requirements. Financial Plan.  It was agreed that a second CAF bank current account for the Development Fund should be opened and linked with the COIF Restoration deposit account so that the Restoration & Development funds can be kept separate from ordinary Parish finances. Christchurch Centre.  The diocesan solicitor is preparing a contract for sale. HBC St. Faith’s Conservation Area Review.  Concerns were expressed that 1 & 2 Churchfields were to be included in the Conservation Area.
PCC Meeting 26 November 2007 Elections. Dr David Atchison was elected to the PCC and Mr Geoff Porter co-opted on to the committee to fill our two vacancies caused by the resignation of Sue Casey and Jackie Udy. Treasurer’s Team . David was appointed Hon. Treasurer responsible for budgets and reports, Geoff would make payments and bank deposits and Roger Simmons would do the book-keeping from January.  Until then, Messrs Morris Crocker would do the book-keeping and would prepare the 2007 Accounts. St Faith’s Personnel. Sandra Hagan had been appointed a Reader in Training.  She would be standing down as Churchwarden in April.  Bruce Strugnell continues as Head Server. Finance Report. The Restoration and Redevelopment Appeal Committee had disbanded.  The meeting expressed appreciation for their magnificent work.  Fundraising would continue through the individuals already active in events like the Town Fair. Property Development Group Report. The favoured bid for the Christ Church site had been considered good by Messrs Hughes Ellard and had been submitted to the Diocesan Board of Finance.  Drawings had been produced by our architects for the renovation and development of Church House and Coach House.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 29 October 2007 Churchfields.  Messrs Jeffries was acting as our agents in respect of No 1.  They had recommended that we let it for a monthly fee and were seeking a tenant.  Improvements had recently been made to the property and the bathroom of No 2 would also be improved. Hall Complex.  Problems with toilets in the Hall and Church House had been dealt with and the tree outside the shop (Coach House) had been lopped. Christ Church Centre.  Havant Borough Council would be approached for advice about the large tree, adjacent to the bungalow which appeared to have died.  The roof of the carport at the bungalow needed attention. 2/4 North Street.  Messrs Spencer’s had done some work on the roof but had found further necessary maintenance work for which a quote of £1,349 had been accepted.  Further maintenance work on the pitched roof at the rear would cost £3,350.  The tenants, under the terms of their leases, might be responsible for a percentage of the costs.   St Faith’s Church.  A faculty was not required and repairs to the roof would now proceed under the supervision of our architect, who would not be charging additionally for it.  Lights in church were now working but some new fittings would be installed.  A problem with the electrical system had resulted in the boiler shutting down but this had now been rectified. Organ.  Some notes were not working and the instrument needed retuning. Rents and Hire Charges.  The Standing Committee (meeting on 12 November) would be asked to authorize increased charges for the Nursery (Church House), Hall and Shop (Coach House). Chairman.  Bill Skilleter would be taken over as Chairman of the Buildings Management Committee in place of Sandra Haggan who was standing down.  The meeting expressed appreciation for all Sandra had done as Chairman.
Property Development Group Meeting – 18 October 2007 The three PCC Resolutions were discussed: a.         To instruct the architects to complete their work on Stages C & D.  The architects have been instructed to continue and for an updated programme of work.  It was considered that the interior work in the church should be the first phase of the project using some of the proceeds from the sale of the Christchurch site.  We will give a brief to the architects as to our requirements and facilities required, in particular, the arrangements for lighting and sound for the various types of services and functions, including the vestry where the dampness has to be rectified b.        To process the preferred offer for the purchase of the Christchurch site, as presented by Pearsons on 9 October 2007.  The minimum requirement has been met.  It has to be shown to the Diocesan Board of Finance and to the Charities Commission that we are being offered a proper value for the site.  An independent surveyor has been asked to prepare a report on the marketing of the site and the offers received c.         To apply for planning consent for the renovation of Church House and Coach House.  The architects have been instructed to seek planning consent as soon as reasonably possible and to prepare a programme of work.    The measured survey drawings have been received by the architects. Financial Plan.  A meeting with the auditors of our annual financial statements has been arranged to discuss the appropriate content for the development of the church.  The plan will consider the on-going maintenance costs of the new Parish Hall and whether the refurbished Church House can provide the income.
PCC Meeting - 15 October 2007 This was a special meeting to progress the work of the Property Development Group (PDG) following the decisions taken at the last PCC meeting in September.  There had been two developments since that meeting.  Sue Casey, Treasurer, and Jackie Udy had resigned and five offers for the purchase of the Christ Church site had been received by our agents, Pearsons.  The most favourable offer would go to an independent surveyor to report on its valuation of the site.  The Diocese Advisory Committee (DAC) and the Charity Commission would be notified if we decided to accept the offer.  Three resolutions were unanimously approved by the PCC: (1) to instruct the architects to continue their work in respect of the proposed church extension (2) to proceed with processing the favoured offer for the purchase of the Christ Church site, and (3) to apply for planning consent for the renovation of Church House and Coach House.  Professional guidance would be sought to revise our financial plan.
PCC Meeting – 24 September 2007 Havant Loyal Volunteers Colour.  The Havant Museum was not able to take the Havant Loyal Volunteers Colour on loan at present because their future was uncertain.  We will be discussing a loan with them next April but this would be conditional on them receiving funding to enable them to continue in Havant. St Faith’s Mission Statement.  The meeting approved proposals of a working party including a new Mission Statement which is on our website and weekly  bulletin.  Another proposal agreed was for a restructuring whereby five co-ordinators would each be responsible for one of the following areas – Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Service and Outreach.  Two had been appointed – Susan Gibbons (Discipleship) and Fiona Hedley (Worship). Treasurer’s Report.  Sue Casey reported that our cash assets stood at £110,100 including £58,684 in the Restoration (Organ & Lighting) Account.   Total income (January/August) was £71,167 and expenditure £74,626, giving a deficit of £3,459. PDG Report.  There was a full discussion of the excellent work of the PDG on the Church Extension and Church House developments.  We would be concentrating on marketing and financing to ensure that the schemes were financial sound before committing cash to them. St John the Divine Ghana.  Although our two proposed visitors from Ghana had been refused visas, applications next year are expected to be successful.  Mike and Anne Fluck are hoping to visit the parish in January.   St Nicholas Chapel.  A gift had been made of a Tapestry Patchwork of a local scene to hang in the chapel.
Property Development Group Meeting – 17 September 2007 PCC Resolutions were discussed: a.        To instruct our architects to prepare drawings for consultation.  The architects have now been instructed to prepare the drawings b.       To actively market the Christchurch site.  Five firm offers have been received from developers.  The offers are disappointing.  Pearsons have been informed that they are not acceptable and we have stated our minimum requirement. Quantity Surveyor Quotations.  The quote from Harris & Porter was accepted and Grant Associates has agreed to be the CDM (Construction Design & Management) Co-ordinator. SITA Communities Challenge Fund.  Details of a major funding opportunity had been received, but Havant is unfortunately outside the qualifying areas near to a landfill site. Church Hall.  The PDG is currently considering three options. Archaeology.  A student from South Downs College will be doing a project on the Churchyard.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 28 August 2007 Churchfields.  Three local estate agents had been asked to advise on the rent which we could expect for No1 Churchfields if we were to have a short term letting, initially for six months and monthly thereafter. Church House/Hall.  The tree outside Church House was to be trimmed.  If there were further problems with the drains, a firm had been found that would check them without charge for a camera or call out fee.  The meeting decided not to increase charges for the Art Group using the Hall.  Hiring charges (of £16 per hour) for the Hall were being reviewed by comparison with other halls.  Increased charges for the Nursery would be recommended to the PCC.  Chapel.  Rent of £150 had been received for the use of the St Nicholas Chapel for an exhibition of paintings.  In addition, voluntary donations from the public of £120 had been received.  An offer from a local sewing circle to give the chapel a tapestry of a local scene, measuring three feet by three feet, would be referred to the PCC. North Street.  The lease for the Sue Ryder Shop at 2/4 North Street had been renewed.  Work on the roof of the building would start shortly and would take two weeks. Church.  An electrician had been attending to the lights in church but some were still not working.  A defective socket in the organ chamber would be replaced.  A fault with the organ had been corrected.  The missing piece of the lancet window in the sanctuary was not being replaced at present.  Sealing strips on the polycarbonate sheeting protecting two stained glass windows were being replaced.  The restoration appeal now had £60,000 and future fundraising would be difficult unless parishioners saw that work was being done on the church.  The meeting agreed that work should be started, perhaps on the alterations to the vestries.
Property Development Group Meeting - 22 August 2007 PCC Resolutions were discussed: a.           To instruct our architects to prepare drawings for consultation.  The programme was put on hold until offers are received for the Christchurch Centre b.          To actively market the Christchurch site.  Firm offers are expected soon c.           To instruct our architects to prepare plans, including a measured survey, for Church House and Coach House.  Four quotes for the survey have been received and it was agreed to go for Watson Wood Surveyors.  Toilets and storage for the Church Shop need to be considered. Quantity Surveyor Quotations.  Two were considered and it was agreed to ask Grant Associates if they would be interested to be the CDM (Construction Design & Management) Co-ordinator, otherwise the full contract would be let to Harris & Porter. SITA Communities Challenge Fund.  Details of a major funding opportunity had been received and it was agreed that we should apply for the Historic Building category, noting that applications have to be in by 27 September. Church Hall.  The Dynamo Youth Theatre is interested in the hall and a meeting has been held exploring the possibilities.
PCC Meeting - 16 July 2007 This was a special meeting solely to discuss our plans for extending the church.  Jenny Lewin, Parish Architect, and Andrew Grant, Chartered Quantity Surveyor and member of our PDG, were present.  Jenny gave the background to our present proposals which were to have a large meeting Hall, Parish Office, Kitchen, Storage Space and Toilets on the Ground Floor, with a Godly Play room, minor Meeting Room and crèche on the First Floor.  Andrew gave details about marketing the properties we were considering selling to pay for the extension.  After a very full discussion, the meeting approved three formal Resolutions.   Firstly, that our architects should prepare plans for consultation with and for seeking planning consent from the Havant Borough Council for extending the church on the south side.   Secondly, that we should now start with the marketing of the Christchurch site.  Thirdly, that our architects should now prepare plans, suitable for application to planners and including a measured survey, for the restoration of Church House and Coach House.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting – 12 July 2007 Churchfields.  Enquiries are being made about letting No. 1 on a six months assured short hold tenancy when it becomes vacant. Christ Church Centre.  The grass has been cut including longer grass at the back of the Centre.  Most of the meters, etc., have now been taken out.  The valuation officer has checked the building and we will not have to pay business rates.  Concern has been expressed about the state of the notice board - this is being looked into.  The building is regularly checked. 2-4 North Street.  The new lease for Sue Ryder is being drawn up.  We have had another quote for repairs to roof, etc., it is cheaper than the previous two, and is local so we shall be asking them to undertake the work. St. Faith’s Church.  A new dog has been supplied for outside the church.  The schedule of works has been sent to two companies re the ceiling work. Organ.  The organ has recently been tuned, there have been other problems and the maintenance company had to come out again, there are still problems – it’s limping on.
Property Development Group Meeting – 11 July 2007 The meeting, attended by our architects, was held to review the plans for the new Parish Hall, to recommend the plans to the PCC and for the Council to give a clear brief for our architects to proceed.  The layout agreed by the PDG was for the Hall (capable of being divided into two), Kitchen (including a sink and storage space for the Flower Arrangers), Parish Office, Female, Male & Disabled WCs and Table & Chair Storage to be on the Ground Floor, with a lift to the First Floor for the Godly Play Room, a Meeting Room and Storage Space. Approval of the PCC would also be sought to put the Christchurch site up to an estate agent to be actively marketed and to consider a proposal to instruct our architects to proceed to prepare sketch plans for the renovation of Church House & Coach House.
PCC Meeting – 18 June 2007- Child Protection.  The meeting renewed the current Child Protection Policy statement and Fiona Hedley, who is continuing for a further year, was thanked for her work as Child Protection Officer. Loyal Havant Volunteers’ Colour.  The meeting agreed for the Loyal Havant Volunteers’ Colour, which is 200 years old and in a very poor state, to go on loan to the Havant Museum who would be able to display it in a manner most likely to preserve it. Stewardship.  Another Stewardship campaign would be launched this year.  St Nicholas Chapel.  A fee had been arranged for an exhibition of paintings in St Nicholas Chapel and there is a possibility of it being used as a polling station in the future.  Christ Church Centre had been insured following its return to us.  Canon Brown had given an RSPCA Dog Box (no longer required at the Centre) to replace the one recently vandalized outside the church. Ghana.  Our two visitors from St John the Divine, Ghana, due to come in August, had been refused visas.  David Willetts, MP, was taking the matter up for us with the UK Commissioner in Ghana.  Font Lid.  The restoration of our Font Lid by Tracey Ward was praised by the PCC.  She did this excellent work, which took 260 hours, at no charge to us.  The meeting agreed to give her an honorarium.
Property Development Group Meeting –13 June 2007 Church.  A Tree Survey of the churchyard has been completed.  A revised sketch scheme for the new Parish Hall has been received and is under consideration. We plan to make a presentation to a special meeting of the PCC where the details can be discussed. Christchurch Centre.  We have had some discussions with a Housing Association and with other developers and there is some interest in the site. Church Visits.  Visits to St John the Evangelist, Southbourne, and to St John the Baptist, Shedfield, were made to view their extensions. The extension at Southbourne has some of the features that we are looking for in our extension.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 7 June 2007 This meeting was specifically to discuss Christ Church Centre, following the departure of the Medical Practice on 8 June. Utilities.  The gas, electricity, water and telephone services were being disconnected and the supplying equipment removed. Grounds.   It would be necessary for us to mow the grass and tend the trees.
Property Development Group Meeting 21 May 2007 Churchyard.  A tree survey report had been received which included the Tree Survey Schedule, Root Protection Schedule and Tree Constraints Plan. Christchurch Centre.  A Housing Association is interested in the site with knowledge of the sitting tenant in the bungalow.  An agency may have to be appointed to sell the site. Church Hall.  A number of options for the site are being pursued. Visits.  Visits to Southbourne and Shedfield churches were to be made to view their extensions.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 3 May 2007 Churchfields.  The problem with the boiler at No2 had been rectified and the fence was to be repaired. St Nicholas Chapel.  An offer of a new tree to replace the pittosporum had been received and the artist was considering our charge for the use of the chapel for an exhibition. Hall Complex.  The heaters in the Hall had been serviced but the ones in the toilet needed replacing.  Drains had been blocked twice recently and a camera survey was to be undertaken.  The Havant Borough Council had been approached about the Yew tree opposite Coach House.  Charges for Hall bookings were to be reviewed.   Christ Church Centre       There was no progress in finding a short-term tenant to take on the Centre when the Medical Practice vacated.  An annual insurance premium for the unoccupied Centre would be taken out which would include the bungalow.  We may have to pay the commercial rate on the Centre after the first three months (if unoccupied) and then at half-rate. 2/4 North Street.  We were still having problems with blocked drains and roof leaks.  Two quotes had been received for roof repairs.  Hughes Ellard was being consulted about these quotes and also about an approach from Sue Ryder seeking to vary the terms of their lease. St Faith’s Church.  Vandals had removed the padlock of the RSPCA Box, had interfered with magazines and other items, had vandalized the shed next to the Boiler Room, breaking the door, and had attempted to get into the Clergy Vestry.  Specifications were being drawn up to repair the ceiling, following falls of plaster.  The Quinquennial Report was being studied.
PCC Meeting 30 April 2007 Officers & Committees.  The officers were appointed and membership of committees decided. Structure of Church.  The Chairman referred to his recent sermons about reviewing our purpose as a Church.  The early Church had identified five areas – Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Service and Outreach.  There followed a very full discussion which centred on how our congregation could grow.  The need was identified for us to be open, less traditional in our services, while at the same time celebrating the commitment of people who were traditional in their worship.  We needed to be more prepared to invite people to join us; letting them see that joining us was easy.  People needed to understand our worship.  As a first step the Chairman would set up an “Organising around our Purpose” working party to revise our Mission Statement.  In effect, we needed to re-evaluate our purpose as a Church and then to re-organise around this purpose.  In particular, the working party needed to review our activities and to establish realistic priorities.  The Working Party would consist of the Rector (Chairman), Sandra Haggan, Anne Fluck, Barry Hudson, Rosemary Thomas and Jeremy Toole. Christian Aid.  The meeting reviewed the charges in respect of Christian Aid hiring the Hall for two weeks this month, questioning whether any charge should be made.  Sue Casey explained that we only charged £400 which was a generous estimate of our costs in terms of gas, light and loss of income from bookings which we had to forego.  We and the other churches in Havant, each gave a donation of £100 to Christian Aid, thereby reimbursing them for the £400.  A large number of very deserving charities hired the Hall and Coach House and we were not able to reimburse them, although our charges to them were kept to a minimum.  The meeting decided not to increase our charges to Christian Aid this month, thereby maintaining last year’s charges.
Property Development Group Meeting – 23 April 2007 Church.  The PDG agreed the architects proposed fees for the development and agreed to proceed with a Tree Survey of the churchyard. Church Hall.  We have heard that a development may be proposed for housing with some retail in the properties of Streets and Glanville’s in East Street.  Any development in this area will have an impact on the Church Hall and therefore we are liaising with the owners of the Bear Hotel as there may be some merit in incorporating the development of the Church Hall into this development. Christchurch Centre.  The plan is to sell Christchurch Centre and bungalow and use the capital to refurbish the Church House.  Churchfields would then be vacated and sold.  However, should the selling of the Christchurch Centre and bungalow not materialise due to the sitting tenant in the bungalow, then the options are to raise capital for Church House by selling Churchfields, or by selling Christchurch Centre without the bungalow - selling off the bungalow site at a later date. Organ.  It was agreed that the maintenance of the organ should be put “on hold” until after the church has been refurbished.
Vestry and Annual Parochial Church Meetings 22 April 2007 These two meetings took place in the Church Hall attended by 43 persons.  The Vestry Meeting was to elect the two churchwardens.  There were just two nominations, both being the current churchwardens, and so Sandra Haggan and Jan Stuart were re-elected for a further year.  The Rector thanked them both for their hard and effective work over the last year.  There then followed the Annual Parochial Church Meeting which started with the election of members to the Parochial Church Council.  Martin Poliszczuk and Jenny Sagrott had stood down under the Three Year Rule and were re-elected by the meeting.   Rosemary Thomas and Sylvia Willey were then elected to fill our remaining two vacancies, which brought the PCC up to our quota of 12 elected members.  Jan Stuart thanked the sidemen for their work last year.  There were four changes to our list of sidemen, with the retirement of Mr Easton, the departure from the parish of Mr Hardcastle and Mr Prince, and, sadly, the death of Mr Jones RIP.  The written report from the Electoral Roll Officer, Audrey Currie, marked the completion of the six yearly revision of the Roll.  It now stood at 145 names, of which 118 were on the previous Roll and 27 were new members.  The Secretary introduced the PCC Report and gave a short verbal report of the year’s work.  The Treasurer reported on the 2006 Accounts which showed our income at £137,561 against expenditure of £126,499.  Our assets stood at £553,512.  The meeting approved the appointment of Messrs Morris Crocker as our Auditors/Examiners.  There then followed a verbal report about the Sunday Club, followed by consideration of written reports covering all the church committees and clubs, together with reports on Health and Safety, Child Protection, “Faith Matters”, our Website and Choir.  There were lively questions and much discussion.  Parishioners expressed appreciation for all the individuals who had worked so hard and expertly across all these activities.   Jan Stuart gave a presentation in which he gave the background to our current proposals to build a two storey extension on the south side of the church, with meeting rooms, parish office, kitchen and toilets.  The Rector then gave his annual report in which he told the meeting of his plans to set up a working party on the PCC with the aim of involving parishioners in five areas – “Service”, “Worship”, “Fellowship”, “Outreach” and “Discipleship.  He concluded by thanking everyone for their work and support over the past year.  The meeting concluded with Ken Bracher, on behalf of parishioners, thanking the Rector, our two Curates and our Lay Deacon for their dedicated ministry over the last year.
PCC Meeting 15 April 2007 This was a short meeting in Church to consider the following written report from the Electoral Roll Officer, Audrey Currie:  “In the year 2007 every church has had to renew their Electoral Roll by the date of their Annual Parochial Church Meeting.  Last year the total on our Roll was 167.  During the year we lost numbers due to people leaving the Parish and, unfortunately, members dying.  The total of the 2007 Roll is 145 - 118 of this number were on the previous Roll and 27 are new members.”  The meeting approved the 2007 Electoral  Roll.
PCC Meeting 26 March 2007 Eco-Congregation Report The meeting approved the activities undertaken by the Eco-Congregation Group and endorsed them as the basis for further development.   Insurance It was decided to appoint an insurance agent, at no cost to the parish, to secure the best insurance available for our various buildings and to deal with all matters relating to premiums and claims.   Accounts Sue Casey (Treasurer) presented the 2006 Accounts, which had been examined (audited) by Messrs Morris Crocker.  These were approved by the meeting.   A summary giving a breakdown of the actual costs of running our church properties and the income received from them will be part of the annual reports for the APCM.  It was prepared on behalf of the PCC by Colin Carter and does not form part of the statutory accounts. English Heritage English Heritage had met with members of the Property Development Group and was in favour of our proposals to extend the church on the south side.   There would be a presentation of these proposals at our Annual Parochial Church Meeting.   St Nicholas Chapel Ann Plater reported that an artist had enquired as to whether an exhibition of her paintings could be held in the Chapel during August.  The meeting was in favour of the Chapel being used in this way but, since paintings were being sold, a fee for its use should be negotiated by the Chapel Wardens. Farewell This was the final meeting for Joan Medley, who was moving to Leamington Spa.  The Rector expressed our thanks for her valued work on the PCC and extended our best wishes for the future.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 15 March 2007 Churchfields New fencing panels had been obtained to replace those at Churchfields blown down in the recent gales.   Church Hall The flat roof of the Hall had been repaired and a leak in the Ladies Toilet fixed.  Coach House No cause had been discovered for the smell of gas in the Church Shop.  The purchase of a new carpet for the shop had been put on hold until the problem of pigeon droppings by the entrance had been resolved.  Havant Borough Council had been contacted about lopping the tree in the courtyard.   Christ Church Centre The Medical Practice would be leaving Christ Church Centre on 8 June and quotes were being obtained for maintaining the security alarm system.  The Medical Practice would be seeing to damage, caused by gales, to the large conifer tree outside the bungalow.  The fence outside the bungalow had been repaired, following two hits by cars, and the one driver traced was paying for his damage.   North Street The toilet in the Sue Ryder Shop (2 North Street) had been unblocked and the shop electrics were being checked.   Church The roof of the church in the north transept was being checked following some falls of plaster and signs of dampness.  Some gutters needed clearing of vegetation by “First Choice”.  New keys were being obtained for the Chancel door.
Property Development Group Meeting 5 March 2007 English Heritage The meeting on 31 January was a very positive meeting.  English Heritage was in favour of the proposed church extension (the new Parish Hall) subject to design details.  The only reservation was taking down the two lime trees on the south boundary which we have proposed to allow the building to extend closer to the fence.  English Heritage does not necessarily think this has to mean a reduction in the amount of space/volume the new building provides but they would prefer it to be reorganised so that it is further from the boundary.  It also felt that the yew tree at the eastern access of the churchyard could be cut back but not removed altogether.  It was considered that the proposed porch at the west door of the church should be internal and not external as proposed.  Homewell House The house has become vacant and available.  Hughes Ellard suggested that we check it out.  An inspection of the property was made.  Although it is on our boundary, there is a large amount of renovation work required and it was decided not to pursue this as an option.  Furthermore, its internal design is inappropriate for our needs and it does not meet our vision. Christchurch Centre A Housing Association has made an offer, conditional, inter alia, on vacant possession of the site, which includes the bungalow.  Under Floor Heating The PDG agreed that under floor heating would be proposed for the new Parish Hall but not for the church, as the cost for the latter would be prohibitive.
PCC Meeting 29 January The meeting was given a report on Kairos. Following a request from the Havant Deanery, the PCC agreed to assist with the payments indicated for three projects in Koforidua Deanery (IDWAL) over the next three years.  These were: a. Housing and equipment for the Kwabeng Palm Oil Plantation b. Building new Diocesan offices c. Payment of priests.  St. Faith’s would contribute £210 in the first year and £50 for the second and third years.  The annual Extra Parochial Giving for IDWAL would be adjusted accordingly. The meeting approved the preliminary budget for 2007.  This would be displayed in church and published in the magazine.  The meeting was given details of the recommendations about clergy pensions made by the Archbishops’ Council.
Property Development Meetings 23 & 31 January English Heritage In preparation for a meeting with English Heritage on 31 January, the PDG produced a draft Financial Plan, a Statement of Need and a Statement of Significance.  It was a very positive meeting and English Heritage was in favour of the proposed church extension (the New Parish Hall) subject to design details. Other Interested Parties Meetings have been held with Hughes Ellard for a professional valuation of the current property values and with Hermitage Housing Association with a view to purchasing the Christchurch Centre and Bungalow.  These are ongoing discussions – no firm decisions have yet been made. Christchurch Centre The BMC will take on responsibility for the centre from 9 June 2007, arranging insurance, taking over the utilities and the alarm system from CIA.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 18 January Churchfields.  Some minor alterations had been made to the plumbing and central heating in Churchfields.  Christchurch Centre.  The interior of Christchurch Centre would remain as at present when the Medical Practice left.  The Security Alarm System would be left for our use.  Fencing damaged in the gales at Churchfields and Christ Church had been repaired.  Hall Complex.  The roof of the Hall had been repaired.  A new carpet for the shop (Coach House) was being considered. North Street Properties.  Blocked drains at 2/4 North Street had been cleared.  The rents of both properties were being reviewed under the terms of the leases.  The roof of the Flat (2A) would be repaired shortly and the property checked for asbestos. St. Nicholas Chapel.  Langstone Village Association was interested in making more use of St Nicholas Chapel.  Church.  The cover of the Font in Church was being repaired.  Advice was being sought about the hazard caused by pigeon droppings at the access to the Tower.  Fundraising continued for repairs to the organ.
Property Development Group Meeting 11 December Church Development.  A present­ation of the latest proposals showing the extension on the south side of the church was given to the Diocesan Advisory Committee (DAC) on 11 December.  The DAC was pleased with the more conservative approach and stated that we should proceed with the latest proposals.  We now have the agreement of the PCC, Council planners, the DAC and the Council for Care of Churches for the extension to be on the south side of the church.  The architects will now seek agreement from English Heritage once the “Statement of Need” and a draft Financial Plan have been produced.  Christchurch Centre.  The Hermitage Housing Association has plans for the site.  We have asked that the ground floor be reserved for Community use as the Council is keen on something being provided in Denvilles, e.g., a nursery.  However, this will reduce the amount of capital and we must ensure that we get the best value for money for the site.  Any Community facility provided must pay its way. “St Faith’s in the Community”.  The Council is hosting a meeting on Thursday 18 January 2007.  An agenda has been agreed. Mobile Phone Mast.  O2 no longer require a mast for their services as they are going to use the Meridian Centre.
PCC Meeting 27 November The budget for 2007 was agreed.  The Parish Share (our contribution to the Diocese) had increased from the provisional £37,200 to £38,910 (an increase of 1%).  Our Parish Architects, Richard Glover and Jenny Lewin, gave a presentation to the meeting of the proposals to build a Chapter House on the south side of the church, with an entrance next to the Lady Chapel.  It would be on two floors.  Other proposals included a paved area between the North and West Doors, with part of the church wall removed to provide access.  Also a small car park between the Chapter House and South Street for 4 or 5 cars.  The meeting approved the following Extra Parochial Giving for December (2006)                                                                                      (£s)                 Christian Aid                                                         200                 IDWAL                                                                  520          (Father Felix)                 Mission to Seafarers                                           520                 International Children’s Trust                           180          ( Boys Town, India)                 Overseas Mission                                                520          (Sendai, Japan)                 Roberts Centre, Portsmouth                               520                 Barnabos                                                               520                 USPG                                                                      520                                                                 Total                     3,500
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 16 November Landlord Safety Checks had been done on the gas central heating and cookers at Nos 1 & 2 Churchfields.  The Hall kitchen and toilets had been renovated. Preliminary work had been done on the flat roofs but the main work must await improved weather.  Bill Skilleter had examined the soil and rainwater drainage at Church House and some pipes were broken while others were blocked by mud.  It might be necessary to call in a specialist firm.  The roof of 2/4 North Street had been repaired and an examination of the electrics in the Sue Ryder Shop revealed that some rewiring was necessary.  Pest control nets were now in place on the church but the drain in the well between the Vestry and the base of the Tower needed attention.  The Boiler had been serviced and the testing of the Lightning Conductor was being arranged.  Any major repairs of the organ would await the finalization of the proposals for reordering the church.  Bill Skilleter would replace Peggy Sparks as the Proxy Landlord for 2/4 North Street and 1 & 2 Churchfields.
Property Development Group Meeting 9 November We have some interest shown by a housing association for the development of Christchurch Centre when the doctors leave next June. It is thought that the ideal development would be one that combined affordable housing with a community facility.  The possibilities for developing the church hall site are being considered in conjunction with a commercial partner.  The PDG’s proposals for a new building next to St Faith’s and their revised thoughts on limiting changes inside the church mean that as soon as the plans for the new building are accepted by all concerned, we should be able to proceed with upgrading the lighting and sound systems and undertaking repairs and re-decoration inside the church.  The ideas for this new proposal are being checked out informally with the relevant planning authorities before we proceed further with bringing the plans to the PCC.
Property Development Group Meeting 10 October Church.  As a result of the consultation, our architects have produced a sketch of the proposed changes to the church showing an extension to the south side for a two storey building with the entrance adjacent to the Lady Chapel.  The Lady Chapel and High Altar remain with a portable Nave Altar provided.  It is also proposed that stackable chairs could replace the pews so that the church could have a large area for various functions with curtains provided to shield off the chancel for such occasions.  The amount of excavation in the churchyard would be reduced and the flow from West Street to the porch at the west door and from South Street to the new extension would be improved.  The changes proposed should satisfy the majority of objections received during the feasibility study and should reduce the costs of the development.  However, more discussions will be taking place before the changes are finalised.  The architects are now seeking comments from English Heritage and from the HBC planners. Christchurch Centre.  The doctors will not be extending their lease beyond the break point of 9 June 2007.  Discussions are taking place with various organisations as to the future development of the centre. Way Ahead.  The Council is hosting a work shop for us from 9am-noon on Thursday 18 January 2007 and has invited all interested parties to the Civic Offices (Comm Room 1), when the development of all church properties will be discussed with a view of getting partners for each development.  The theme is “St. Faith’s in the Community”.
PCC Meeting 20 September North Harbour Consulting Ltd Feasibility Study Report.  The PCC noted that there is opposition to move the High Altar and Lady Chapel, and to replace pews with chairs.  Also, the positioning of the Chapter House and the landscaping of the churchyard had met some opposition.  The PCC noted that the PDG was now proposing changes to the plans.  Christchurch Centre.  The PCC approved two resolutions regarding the doctors’ move from the Centre next year.  Qualitative Financial Plan (QFP).  The PCC noted the draft QFP and agreed that the PDG should continue developing the plan and report back to the PCC.
Buildings Committee Meeting 14 September Hall Complex.  A quote for £5,300 + VAT for the repair of the flat roofs had been received and accepted.  Improvements and alterations had been made to the kitchen and toilets.  Smoke detectors have been fitted in the nursery.  St. Faith’s Church.  A quote had been received from Aquila, a pest control firm, for fitting netting on certain areas in order to deal with the pigeon problem.  The drains in the passageway between the vestry and the tower will have to be pressure cleaned as they are almost completely blocked with bird droppings. Organ.  A faculty will be required for the overhaul of the organ but should wait until the re-ordering of the church is finalised.
Property Development Group Meeting 13 September Feasibility Study Report.  The North Harbour Consulting Ltd report was agreed and accepted as complying with the brief.  As a result of the report proposed changes were made to the plans.  It was proposed that the location of the Chapter House be moved to the south side of the church with access adjacent to the Lady Chapel with a separate porch at the west door.  Internally, it was proposed that the Lady Chapel remains in its present location, a portable nave altar provided with a mixture of chairs and pews.  Further discussions will be held with our architects. Christchurch Centre.  The Bosmere Medical Practice has informed us that work on their new building on Brockhampton Lane/Solent Road will commence 1 October 2006 and expects the work to be completed by 1 October 2007.  The doctors would like to stay on at the Christchurch Centre for a few months beyond the formal lease break point of 9 June 2007.  Our solicitor advises that we can agree to this at a suitable monthly rent to be assessed by Hughes Ellard.  The PCC is being asked to approve this approach. Qualitative Financial Plan.  A draft qualitative financial plan was agreed and the PCC is being asked to approve the plan in principal.  The PDG may readjust the plan after consulting a professional fund raiser and will report back to the PCC.
Property Development Group Meeting 2 August A meeting with the Havant Borough Council planning officers was held on 1 August.  Our proposals would in time have to go before the Development & Control Committee so it would be a big advantage if the planners agreed with, and recommended them.  There is a need for a continuous dialogue with the HBC planners and a need to talk to English Heritage and get their agreement to our proposals before proceeding further. The North Harbour Consulting Ltd Feasibility Study report was accepted as complying with the brief.  Discussion on the report was deferred until the next meeting.
PCC Meeting 24 July The Rotary Club of Havant had approached us with an offer to pay for their monogram to go on the small window at the top of the stained glass window which dominates the west end of the church.   This was to celebrate 100 years of Rotary around the world in 1907, which was also the 50th anniversary of the Havant Rotary.   They would pay all the costs including the Faculty.   The meeting agreed a proposal to provide non-alcoholic wine and gluten-free wafers for communicants who required it, notably those with allergies.   The meeting reviewed the pay of the Organist and Verger, together with the rates of remuneration for the choir.   The rent of a property in the parish was also reviewed.    The Rector’s period of two years as Chairman of Churches Together had now finished and his successor was the Methodist Minister, Gordon Charlesworth.
Buildings Committee Meeting 20 July The bark chippings at the front of Church House would not be replaced by gravel.   The Hall kitchen was being modernised by new cupboards and fittings donated free.   The two cookers would be replaced by a new catering style cooker.   Health and safety standards continued to be maintained.   There were still lighting and sound problems with the pulpit which is why it was not being used.   However these problems were being addressed.   Repairs to the organ would require a Faculty.
Property Development Group Meeting 29 June 2006 Lisa Roonan was invited to carry out a feasibility study as to whether the first floor of Church House could be converted into flats.  Lisa provided details showing that it is feasible. More time is necessary to develop the Financial Plan as members are not ready to make recommendations at this time.  Furthermore, it is dependent on the outcome of the consultation and the report is not expected before end-August. The PDG is interviewing professional fund raisers with a view to appointing one for our development plans fund raising activities.
Property Development Group A meeting was held on 26 May to discuss the consultation plan with North Harbour Consulting, the architects and Havant Council of Community Service.  Separate meetings would be held with parishioners, other users of the church and church buildings, Havant Community Board, other faith organisations in Havant, Havant Business Groups and Bosmere 100.  Market stall-holders and the general public would be consulted together with the Planning Officer and Conservation Officer. Parishioners were consulted on 18 June when the Rector gave the background to the proposals, the Chairman of the PDG gave the outline requirements, the architect gave the proposals and North Harbour Consulting the consultation process.  Questions raised were the proposal to replace the pews with stacked chairs, the replacement/ removal of memorials, e.g., the Lady Chapel, a Financial Plan and whether we really need a Chapter House instead of renovating the Church Hall.  It was stressed the need to get feedback from parishioners on the proposals so that an agreed detailed plan can be produced and feedback cards were handed out  The PDG can then go to the PCC stating that this is what parishioners want and this is how much it will cost. The design proposals currently being considered include: ● Church Interior – move altar to the crossing (nave altar); remove the pews and replace with stackable chairs; re-site the Lady Chapel in the chancel; refurbish the vestries and enclose the well area within to create more space and eliminate the damp problem; the west door to become the principal entrance; partially enclose the west end of the aisles where visibility is worst to create crèche/chair store/counselling area; possible mezzanine at west end of nave for additional space; under floor heating powered by geothermal/solar energy, and new lighting system; ● Landscaping – use courtyard/ cloister formed by Chapter House to create link with street scene and welcoming entrance to church; reduce ground level at the west entrance; move gravestones and use on site; keep exhumed remains on site; contemplative area; courtyard/ cloister for outdoor events and functions, and child friendly areas; ● Chapter House – new building linked to the west/south side of the church; form courtyard/cloister around new landscaping; new build to relate and be sympathetic to the architectural character of the church; be cost effective both in buildability and ongoing maintenance, and take into account environmental issues.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 18 May The front area of Church House was discussed.  Mrs Marion Howe is paying for iron gates to complement the railings.  The bark chippings were to be removed and replaced by fine gravel.  Marion had volunteered to pay for security cameras to be installed in Church House and quotes were being obtained.  Smoke alarms were also to be installed.  Further expenditure on the Hall had been put on hold pending the production of a financial plan by the Property Development Group.   A leak had been discovered in the roof above the flat at No 2 North Street and this was being followed up with Hughes Ellard.  "First Choice" would be checking the church guttering for blockages.  The organ was to have a new blower and other maintenance work would be undertaken after Easter 2007.   This was Bob Wilson's last meeting as Chairman and he would be succeeded by Sandra Haggan.
PCC Meeting 15 May This was the first meeting of the new PCC.  Officers were elected and members to serve on sub-committees were selected (see page 22).  It was decided to await the Finance Plan to be presented by the Property Development Group (PDG) in September before making a decision on the refurbishment of the Hall.   Fiona Hedley, Child Protection Officer, presented the annual review of the Parish Child Protection Policy.  This was approved by the PCC and the Chairman thanked Fiona for her work.  Colin Carter reported that he would not be using photographs of children on our website but they would be used in "Faith Matters" subject to parents signing a consent form.  Arising out of the minutes of the meeting on 20 March, the Hall refurbishment was discussed with Martin Poliszczuk expressing concern that the meeting had not approved the essential work identified by Lisa Roonan.  The meeting heard of several projects.   Following their Easter Workshop, in which we were involved, the United Reform Church (URC) was planning a Holiday Workshop in August to which we were invited.  The Diocese was promoting Marcus Boxes which was a scheme for showing children a DVD or video of the life of Jesus in the form of a cartoon.   We were considering this in conjunction with Bosmere School.  Another project "Friendship Factor" for developing and improving relationships in church was under consideration and we hoped to have someone at a promotional meeting on 8 June.  Members had been maintaining a child in Boys Town by personal donation in addition to the child maintained out of Parish funds.  With members making their own priorities in terms of charities to support, the meeting decided to end our present arrangement of maintaining a child by personal donation.
Property Development Group Meeting 11 May Meetings have been held with our architects, with North Harbour Consulting Ltd, the Rotary Club Havant and the Dean & Archdeacon of Portsdown. Two options are being considered.  Option A where the west door becomes the main entrance and is integrated with the street scene.  The porch is outside the church.  Option B where there is a link to the south side from the south west corner of the church and the level access to the west door is opened up.  The porch is inside of the church with additional glass doors.  The link from the Chapter House to the church could be an enclosed part of the building, a covered way or only a landscaped route.  The Dean was supportive of both options and said that we should be adventurous and raise a faculty for the removal of the graves.  The PDG is prioritising the requirements for the vestry and re-ordering of the church to get the costs down to a figure that can realistically be raised. The Rotary Club will be celebrating their 50th anniversary in July 2007.  They would have liked a stained glass window in the church to commemorate the event.  However, because there are no windows available they have been asked to consider a window in the Chapter House, although this will be after the event.
Annual Parochial Church Meeting 30 April The APCM was attended by 45 parishioners.  Sandra Haggan and Jan Stuart were re-elected as churchwardens.  Peggy Sparks, Bob Wilson and Roger Bryant stood down as PCC members under the three year rule.  Peggy and Bob decided not to stand for re-election and a presentation was made to them in recognition of their valued service on the PCC.  Roger and Jeremy Toole were elected to the PCC, making a total of 11 elected members  Sidesmen were also appointed for the ensuing year.  Shirley Caunter and Michael Fluck were still our two Deanery Synod representatives, so no elections were necessary.  Parishioners had the opportunity to ask questions on reports which had previously been circulated and these ranged over the accounts, Christ Church Centre and the rest of our church estate.      The Rector gave his Annual Report in which he commenting on a very significant year when parishioners had established a vision and a sense of mission.  He went on to remind the meeting of the success achieved this year by so many people, quoting many examples including the youth and Sunday clubs, the various groups and committees, the church decoration and cleaning, provision of refreshments, "Faith Matters" and the website, the fundraising including the Town Fair, the work of the PCC and its committees and the work of the curates, verger and parish office, together with the bell ringers and choir, the excellent and dedicated churchwardens and many, many more.   He reported that the future looked bright for St Faith's and St Nicholas, but this year was going to be tough.  Right now plans for the development of our church were being laid down to present to the Dean of the Cathedral.  A consultative exercise would be undertaken soon through our agents, North Harbour Consultants, to share our plans with four groups - our congregation, users of our facilities, community groups and the community in general.  The Rector commended all the congregation to God's purpose for the church.  Sandra Haggan on behalf of the congregation thanked the Rector for his Report and for all his hard work and endeavours over the year.
PCC Meeting 20 March The “Outline Business Plan” for the development of the Church and our properties was accepted as shown on page 4 in the March 2006 edition of “Faith Matters”.  The “Annual Report and Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31st December 2005” was adopted.  O2 has proposed a plan to replace our existing flagpole with a flagpole that contains a mobile phone aerial.  The advantages to St. Faith’s are financial.  The plan was agreed subject to the acceptance by the DAC.  The PDG was asked to review their proposal to bring the hall up to a reasonable standard to meet Health and Safety Regulations and to reduce the costs to a minimum.  The Nave Altar experiment is complete.  The pews will not be put back for the time being.  A plan to prioritize the work for refurbishing the organ is required.  In conjunction with the Bosmere 100 group the BMC has agreed to pave the area in front of Church House with new paving blocks and to fit metal railings to the top of the dwarf walls.
Property Development Group Meeting 2 March The Business Plan was agreed and forwarded to the PCC for endorsement.  The Financial Plan is incomplete and not part of the Business Plan.  Costings are being undertaken for the Church development that will further the Financial Plan.  The Feasibility Survey will assist our thinking also.  Three options have been proposed for the Vestry Refurbishment and the PDG will be meeting the architects to discuss them.  North Harbour Consulting Ltd will be carrying out the Feasibility Study.  A contract will be placed and provided a start is made in the second half of March it should be completed by end-June 2006.
Property Development Group Meetings Two meetings were held on 25 January and 9 February.  We have been awarded a £5,000 grant from the “Awards for All” Lottery Fund for a Feasibility Study to find out what facilities and services are desirable and needed by the community, where the preferred locations for these facilities should be, and what reactions can be expected from any plan to develop the existing churchyard.  The Medical Team has been given approval and funding for a new medical centre and expects to vacate the Christ Church Centre during 2007.  The possibilities for the Centre are to sell and put the money into Phase 1 of the Church, to develop with partners to maintain our annual income, or to restore as a church.  Essential upgrading to the Church Hall is required to meet Health and Safety requirements.
PCC Meeting 23 January There was a full discussion of communications in the parish including welcome packs, visits to families before Baptism, magazines, notice boards, etc.  A committee, with suitable terms of reference, was to be set up to plan a communications strategy for the parish.  The progress with plans for improvements to the church and hall complex was reviewed.  The Rector would be writing an article in "Faith Matters" to tell parishioners what was planned.   Our finances were in good shape and our income in 2005 exceeded expenditure by £14,397.  The Restoration Appeal fundraising had realised £13,931 in 2005.    To a round of applause, it was reported that Jenny Sagrott had raised £314 from her jam making.  The Annual Parochial Church Meeting had been put back to Sunday 30 April.
Building Management Committee Meeting 12 January We were waiting for a second quote for the repair of the Hall flat roof.  Quotes were awaited for the electrics in Church House.  The wall had been repaired at the front of Church House and proposals had gone to Bosmere 100 for improvements to the paved area.  If agreed, work needed to be completed by this Spring.  A quote of £19,840 + VAT had been received from Wills for repairs to the organ.  Further quotes were being obtained.  The Restoration and Redevelopment Appeal Committee would be asked to give priority to this work in their fundraising.  The Faculty for the vestry toilet had been received and work should be completed by the end of February.
Property Development Group Meetings 27 October, 8 & 28 November Meetings were held on  the above dates to finalise the Work Breakdown Structure and to develop a Feasibility Specification for a study to establish what the general public using or living in Havant Town Centre and parishioners wanted out of any development.  We are applying to the “Awards for All” Fund - part of the Lottery Fund but specifically for local schemes – to fund the study.  The New Year should see progress being made in the vestry and toilet areas and a start in rectifying some of the items in the Quinquennial report.
PCC Meeting 21 November Jackie Udy was elected into the remaining vacancy on the PCC.  The proposed Animal Welfare Charter was discussed and the actual need for a policy document was questioned, given that everyone had their own Christian values which included the welfare of God's creatures.  It was decided not to proceed with a charter but to consider another way forward with animal welfare.  A statement of projected income and expenditure for 2006 was agreed.  Consideration was being given to including more financial information in  (but not our web-site) about income and spending.  The Extra Parochial Giving for 2005 would be Christian Aid (£200), ICT (£180 for the maintenance and education of the boy we support in Boys Town, India) and £520 to each of the following - IDWAL (Father Felix), Mission to Seafarers, Overseas Mission Fund (Rod and Glenda Thomas in the church at Sendai, Japan), Emmaus, Mercy Ships and "Buy A Cow"; making a total of £3,500.  We had received a detailed report of urgent and essential work required on our organ, which would cost in the region of £20,000 plus VAT.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 10 November The Church roof and gutters had been cleaned.  The ventilation in the Vestry toilet required improvement.  Fencing around Christ Church Centre would be repaired.  The gas fires in the Hall had been serviced and quotes were being obtained to renew the flat roof using fibre glass.  A quote was being sought for the checking of the electrics in Church House.  The brick pillar and wall in front of Church House/Coach House had been knocked down but no one has admitted doing the damage. The opportunity would be taken to improve the courtyard fronting the two buildings and the advice of the Architect was being sought.  The Architect agreed with the findings of the Quinquennial Report but action on it must wait pending decisions on the future development of the church building.  Bob Wilson, Chairman, proposed to stand down at the next Annual Parochial Church Meeting in April.
Property Development Group Meetings 28 September & 10 October The two meetings were held to make progress with the outline Business Plan for the Church Buildings and to commence a Work Breakdown Structure.  There are three phases – to improve the interior of the church; to make the churchyard more inviting and more accessible; and, to provide an extension for, inter alia, a Sunday Club room, Parish Office, Meeting rooms for 20 & 60 people, Parish Shop and Catering.  It is important that detailed plans are in place before we can approach external authorities for assistance and for grants.  When the PDG has these and the requirement is clear and achievable, approval will be sought from the PCC and then put before parishioners for comment.
PCC Meeting 19 September 2005 The meeting considered an Animal Welfare Charter produced by Helena Youle and Colin Hedley.  It was a sensitive and highly technical subject and the meeting decided to give it further consideration at the next meeting, following some revision.  Some difficulties were being experienced in obtaining payment for Hall bookings.  The meeting agreed for the Treasurer to have discretion to require payment in advance, part or whole, when necessary.  Work continued on proposals emanating from the "Plan for the Future" on the development of the church and other buildings.  First Choice had completed the cleaning of drains, guttering and roofs of the church including using a spray method of clearing moss.  The lighting in church had improved with the provision of new bulbs, although it had been necessary to remove the shades because of the heat generated by them.  The boy the parish supported in Boys Town, India, had now graduated and the meeting agreed to accept another boy in his place.
Buildings Management Committee Meeting 8 September 2005 Ten new replacement lights had been fitted in the Hall and quotations were being obtained to renew the flat roof.  The Men's Group would be asked to weed the car park.  New table trolleys had been purchased for the Hall and Church.  A copper strip would be fitted to the Church roof to prevent a build up of moss.  A new screed of concrete had been laid in the north porch and a new mat fitted.   Three quotes were being considered for alterations and additions to the vestry and toilet.  Priority would be given to the toilet.  Existing bulbs in the nave had been replaced by tungsten-mercury ones.  The committee were considering a recommendation from Christie Intruder Alarms (CIA) to install a camera in the north porch, with a monitor in the vestry.
Property Development Group Meeting 22 August 2005 This meeting continued with producing an outline Business Plan for the Church Properties.  A meeting has been held with our architects who submitted “A Plan for the Future”.  The plan incorporated a number of requirements in the existing church building, thereby probably reducing the overall costs, but at the same time reducing the capacity to around 150 people.  A meeting was held with Cllr David Guest who stated that the council was going to redevelop the Homewell area and suggested that we be more ambitious in landscaping the church area.

The Parish Church of ST. FAITH in HAVANT