PCC News

S^T ANDREW'S CHURCH, ROXBOURNE

Decisions taken at the meeting of the Parochial Church Council on Tuesday 8^th September 2020 which was held in the Large Hall socially distanced from each other and wearing masks or visors

• The date of the APCM was agreed as Sunday 18^th October, the format to be arranged in due course.  The Diocese had directed that the present Churchwardens elected in 2019 would remain in office for the time being. 
• Catherine Pickford had been appointed the new Archdeacon of Northolt.
• Members of the PCC were required to undertake Safeguarding training and most members had already done so.  DBS checks required for adults dealing with children were nearly all completed.
• The Treasurer estimated a loss for the year 2020 of £20K due to the Coronavirus pandemic which had restricted the letting of our halls.  However, income in August was good as there had been some specific socially distanced lettings; in addition, an outstanding invoice for a considerable amount had been settled.  Funds from reserves had been released to sustain the running of the church for the time being.
• A third tenant was still required for the flat.
• The playgroups were up and running again albeit with fewer children.
• Six charities had been nominated for the Harvest Appeal and the one with the highest number of votes was Noah’s Arc Children’s Hospice which supports seriously ill children and their families.
• After the Harvest service it was hoped that some special refreshments would be laid on in lieu of the communal meal which usually takes place.
• A specification for the repairs to the Tower was being sought and the work was likely to begin next year in April or May. 
• This year it would not be possible to organize a Christmas Fayre involving the general public but it was hoped that a Mini Market could be held after one of the services if Government guidelines allowed.
• It was hoped that the church would be able to offer contactless payments and the Treasurer was investigating the running costs and the cost of the equipment.  This would be particularly useful for one-off payments say at funerals.
• The shattered wall on the field had been replaced with a fence
• Help was required to tidy the field on Saturday 26^th September.