Present

Rev Rennie, Eileen Greaves, Lesley Heigham, Jennifer Sykes, Jack and Norma Smith, Margaret Taylor, Sheila Looasemore, Janet Thompson, Gillian Marley, Ron Lord, Keith Foster and Phyllis Clarkson

Apologies

Auria Nichols, Carol Lord, Anne Garbutt, Reg and Mavis Peace, Margaret Jubb

The meeting was opened by devotions led by Rev Rennie.

Minutes of Last Meeting

Accepted as a correct record except that Circuit Meeting representatives are Sheila Loosemore, Janet Thompson, Ron Lord and Keith Foster.

Matters Arising

· Trees – A letter had been sent to Dr Littlewood asking about the trees that over look the Chapel. Two are to be crowned and one will be taken down. The planning permission has been published so this matter should now be taken care of. Iain had spoken to Dr Littlewood and thanked him for his co-operation.

· Youth Club Funds – Account now closed and funds transferred to Chapel accounts.

Church Reports

· Margaret Taylor was sorting out the Pastoral lists. We have lost Mrs Hepworth and Jack Haddock and Rita has transferred to Filey. Gained Margaret Kingswood. Therefore 33 Members. Overall pastoral responsibility is however in excess of 60.

· Treasurer – Mrs Loosemore presented the accounts. Collections up this year and retiring collections also up. Donations down. Hire of premises has increased. Increased electricity charges shown but some of this relates to last year. The new central heating has increased gas usage however this should be partially offset by the decrease in electricity usage. Mrs Thompson urged that everyone take care if they have to change the heating. Water bills showed a decrease but the insurance had increased. All bills paid and accounts audited. The Council thanked Mrs Loosemore for her hard work.

· Donations - Auxilliary fund £100, Ministers Housing £200, LPTW (formerly LPMA) £80, Cross Project £30, Home Missions £150, Methodist Relief Fund £100, Homes for Aged £100 plus donations from Sunday 6 November, Overseas Missions £150. It was agreed to give £250 to Nicole Wheatman (Organist) for his expenses. Natalie Husk had been reimbursed £100 for the summer Youth Camp (John and Ruth).

Property

Janet Thompson gave a report as follows:

· Last year Phase 2 put forward a proposal for central heating and a porch. Central heating now installed. Plans submitted for porch with, it was thought, building regulations. Now found out that although we have planning approval building regulations were not applied for. We cannot go for tenders without approved building regulations. It was decided to:- 1. Go for building regs now. 2. Get quotations using local builders if possible. 3. Find out what grant if any is available.

· Next year we need 2 window frames painting. Kitchen wall needs re-plastering and then painting. Paint is coming off again at the back corner of the Chapel and needs looking at.

Junior Church

Only 6 members and really struggling. Gillian Marley reported from the youth meeting held at Trinity in September. Many Churches are having problems with JCs. Also reported that Natalie Husk was looking for help in running Drinks and Donuts – needs drivers otherwise needs a mini bus.

Circuit

· Churches Together Unit week 18-25 January – joint ecumenical service at St Austins RC Church on 25.1.06 at 4pm.

· Study course on how to lead adult groups at West Wakefield

· Course at Lindale – 40 days of “Driven Purpose Life” and evening services

· Church Life/Mission – Raised £2200 for Tsunami, which will be used in a village called Galle in Sri Lanka where the family of a Sandal member live. Ian thanked the church for its support of the project.

· New project - New Hall Prison initiative. Helping people leaving prison to find a safe place, getting on transport to home and arranging for them to be met at the other end. OR CAP – community Awareness Programme for drop out/addicts located at 7 Wood Street..

Future Events

· 150 year anniversary. Speakers arranged include Christine Hawke, Gordon Ryder, with the first speaker on the 8 January being Salvation Army with band and choir. Iain will do an exchange with Rev Hawke to avoid/defray expenses.

· Christmas card for village. Back page will have dates on.

· Christmas Eve, 7.30 service including communion

· Covenant Service, 1 January

· Tim Frances – 29 January

AOB

· 24/7 – a year of prayer. Agreed to support. All Districts are being asked to hold 1 week of 24 hour prayer. Information on Wakefield slot to be announced.

· 18 January, Circuit Council at Walton

Date of Next Meeting

20 February at 7 pm