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The Parish Church of ST. FAITH in HAVANT

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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

The Reverend David Gibbons (Chairman & Incumbent)

 

Prof Jan Stuart (Churchwarden)

Vacant  (Hon. Treasurer)

 

Dr Graham Frost (Churchwarden)

Mr Roger Bryant  (Hon. Secretary)

Mr Colin Carter

Mrs Anne Plater

Mrs Jenny Sagrott

Mr Jeremy Toole

Deanery Synod Representatives:

Mrs Shirley Caunter

Mr Martin Poliszczuk

Mr Bill Skilleter

Mrs Sylvia Willey

Mrs Sandra Haggan

Mrs Fiona Hedley

Mrs Lisa Roonan

Mrs Rosemary Thomas

 

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.

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), Vicki Mockford (Hall Complex), Anne Plater (St . Nicholas Chapel), Jenny Sagrott (St. Faith's Church), Sylvia Willey, Paul Utting (Christchurch Centre).

Fabric Sub-Committee to the BMC.  Oversights the implementation of  the Quinquennial Report. Carmen Stuart, Jenny Sagrott, Paul Utting.

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.

 

Click here for ANNUAL REPORTS

Click here for Minutes of APCM held on 27 April 2008

LATEST MEETINGS

 

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 StreetThe 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 see