St Mary Redcliffe Church Parish Magazine - July/August 2018

Work had continued on vestments. In the coming year phase one of a new
lighting system would be initiated, improvements to wheelchair access was
being investigated, decorative repairs to ceilings were being trialled and an
new interpretative signage scheme was being considered.
e) Deanery Synod: Ken Petrie reported on the activities of the Deanery
Synod who had held three meetings considering mission initiatives, homelessness
and the criteria to be applied in the search for a new Bishop.
9. Elections to the PCC
Five nominations had been received for the six vacancies on the Council
so that Adam King, Chris Duncan, John Steed, Mary Hall and Gary Musson
were all duly elected to serve until 2021.
10. Appointments
a) Sidesmen: Graham Marsh offered the services of the Sidesmen who
were all reappointed together with the Vestry and Greater Vestry. The
increasing number of events in the church placed additional demands on
the services of Sidesmen and, as raised previously, fresh volunteers would
always be welcome.
b) Independent Examiner: It was proposed by Eric Albone, seconded
by Rob Tyley and resolved nem con that Burton Sweet be reappointed
to this position.
11. Other items
It was asked whether the church should be expressing a corporate view on
the impact of proposed increases in parking charges around the church
especially on casual visitors and on church attendance. After some
discussion it was proposed by Stuart Burnett, seconded by Marcus Ashman
and resolved nem con with two abstentions that a formal representation
should be made expressing such concerns.
11. Vicar’s Comments
Dan reminded the meeting of his forthcoming Sabbatical which would see
him leaving on Rush Sunday and returning on 2nd September. This was
defined as extended study leave and was intended as an opportunity for
refreshment for both the Vicar and the parish. During this time the Church
Wardens had responsibility and Kat and Peter would have day to day
management responsibilities.
Attention was then drawn to a number of PCC trusts and the funds that
they held and the work that would be done to regularise these holdings.
We then wondered how it costs to run SMR and where the money comes
from? Dan reflected on the fortunate position because of the contribution
made by the Church Lands Charity and the Temple Ecclesiastical Charity.
SMR Church Lands Charity had carried out considerable work resulting in
the establishment of its first constitution bringing it in line with current
best practice and this year saw the conclusion of service by members who
had, between them, contributed 147 years, Dudley Shellard, John Pickard,
Andrew Morgan, Marcus Ashman and Alan Roberts.
A Year in Redcliffe described a thriving Christian community with the Sunday
School, choir and the parish weekend. The church was also a welcoming
heritage destination being 7th out of 219 things to do in Bristol with
reviews highlighting the value of Welcomers. We were making a difference
in the parish with the community youth worker and development
officer being testimonies of an agency of transformation and activities
with the schools, Faithspace and the night shelter.
This was all animated by a progressive and sustainable organisation where
the contribution made by all in the office, especially at a time of rapid
change, was greatly valued.
As a result of that change many had vacated roles, some held for many
years, and thanks were recorded to Alan Roberts, John Pickard, Denise
Reynolds, Becky Holderman, Ann Grayburn, Angela Hogg, Rosemary
Kingsford, the Leggs, Manjin and Na Eun and Tal Aujla.
Acknowledgment was also made of those who had died in the past year
and who were remembered with prayer and thanksgiving, Mary Tyler,
Gaye Rackham, Irene Shopland, Dorothy Hancock, Ron Lane, Bill Barwell,
Bubbles Linscott, Jeremy Knight, Joyce Garland, Janet Allen, Maureen Biggs,
Keith Willcocks, Valerie Sage, Keith Scudamore and John Morris.
Finally, as the result of a challenge from Dan to consider both the current
situation and future challenges the meeting observed on the value of
volunteers and the need for training to equip them to deal with vulnerable
people with whom they may come into contact, the need to try much