	PCC Jottings - May 2007
	Since this was the first PCC meeting following the AGM - sorry the (APCM) Annual Parish Church Meeting, - there was great excitement to see who was “in” and who was “out” following the elections to the PCC. In the end we were fortunate to be able to welcome Craig Harper as a new member for the first time, and Susan Jones rejoining after some years’ absence. Inexplicably, your scribe, to his great surprise, also found himself amongst those who survived this year’s “cull” of members. The meeting started with acclamation on the re-appointments of David Scott as treasurer and Mo Hughes as secretary, and the PCC expressed its great appreciation of the work being carried out by them. Next we had an in-depth report from Cath Palmer, our children’s worker. The Sunday morning groups have been re-named Sunday Club, and attendance figures look promising to say the least. It was not long, however, until Cath moved firmly into Blue Peter territory. She told us that she keeps a firm eye on scissors, tape dispensers, pens, crayons and rubbers. It was pleasing to know that Norbury again moves with the times; at least the hands on the church clock do, having been repaired. It is hoped for that the congregation makes full use of the clock facility, as it is expensive to keep the old mechanism going. To extend its life, and to ease the work of winding the clock, we may consider later a new-fangled electrical winding mechanism. Whatever next! The PCC was asked to note that 30 September has been designated ‘back-to-church’ day in a national and local initiative; although Martin was quick to point out that he will be away from church on that day. So what all this entails and what happens to us who never left the church will hopefully become clearer nearer the time.	The AGM, sorry APCM, was seen as a great success, insofar as this year 145 persons had been persuaded by the church wardens to stay after the 10.15 service (and who would argue with them?), whereas only 55 were present at last years APCM, sorry AGM. On the subject of attracting and retaining younger people at Norbury, 56 suggestions had been made by the congregation. These will be carefully considered at the next PCC meeting. David Scott reported that the finances unexpectedly showed a surplus due to some accounting peculiarities, but quickly promised that this state of affairs would obviously be corrected as soon as possible! On a serious note, it is worth recording that regular giving is down on last years figures, and this will eventually have an impact on what we can provide at Norbury. The PCC decided to support our youth worker, Catie-Anne, as she starts a part-time ministry training course, by paying the course fee and travel expenses. It is scheduled to run for 30 weeks, and Catie-Anne will be doing this course in her spare time. So it looks as though Craig will have ample opportunities to increase his domestic knowledge, although nothing was said about the PCC also supporting this aspect of the Harper family. Finally, the closure of the churchyard was again on the agenda. This is now a matter for the government, with the Department of Constitutional Affairs being involved. So far it has failed to solicit a reply from Stockport Council. It is reassuring to learn that both local and national leaders at the highest level in the country are now addressing our churchyard. It only remains to be seen if this matter also concerns the EU commission and the UN! Per Olsson
	Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6235

PCC Jottings - May 2007

Since this was the first PCC meeting following the AGM - sorry the (APCM) Annual Parish Church Meeting, - there was great excitement to see who was “in” and who was “out” following the elections to the PCC. In the end we were fortunate to be able to welcome Craig Harper as a new member for the first time, and Susan Jones rejoining after some years’ absence. Inexplicably, your scribe, to his great surprise, also found himself amongst those who survived this year’s “cull” of members.

The meeting started with acclamation on the re-appointments of David Scott as treasurer and Mo Hughes as secretary, and the PCC expressed its great appreciation of the work being carried out by them.

Next we had an in-depth report from Cath Palmer, our children’s worker. The Sunday morning groups have been re-named Sunday Club, and attendance figures look promising to say the least. It was not long, however, until Cath moved firmly into Blue Peter territory. She told us that she keeps a firm eye on scissors, tape dispensers, pens, crayons and rubbers.

It was pleasing to know that Norbury again moves with the times; at least the hands on the church clock do, having been repaired. It is hoped for that the congregation makes full use of the clock facility, as it is expensive to keep the old mechanism going. To extend its life, and to ease the work of winding the clock, we may consider later a new-fangled electrical winding mechanism. Whatever next!

The PCC was asked to note that 30 September has been designated ‘back-to-church’ day in a national and local initiative; although Martin was quick to point out that he will be away from church on that day. So what all this entails and what happens to us who never left the church will hopefully become clearer nearer the time.

The AGM, sorry APCM, was seen as a great success, insofar as this year 145 persons had been persuaded by the church wardens to stay after the 10.15 service (and who would argue with them?), whereas only 55 were present at last years APCM, sorry AGM. On the subject of attracting and retaining younger people at Norbury, 56 suggestions had been made by the congregation. These will be carefully considered at the next PCC meeting.

David Scott reported that the finances unexpectedly showed a surplus due to some accounting peculiarities, but quickly promised that this state of affairs would obviously be corrected as soon as possible! On a serious note, it is worth recording that regular giving is down on last years figures, and this will eventually have an impact on what we can provide at Norbury.

The PCC decided to support our youth worker, Catie-Anne, as she starts a part-time ministry training course, by paying the course fee and travel expenses. It is scheduled to run for 30 weeks, and Catie-Anne will be doing this course in her spare time. So it looks as though Craig will have ample opportunities to increase his domestic knowledge, although nothing was said about the PCC also supporting this aspect of the Harper family.

Finally, the closure of the churchyard was again on the agenda. This is now a matter for the government, with the Department of Constitutional Affairs being involved. So far it has failed to solicit a reply from Stockport Council. It is reassuring to learn that both local and national leaders at the highest level in the country are now addressing our churchyard. It only remains to be seen if this matter also concerns the EU commission and the UN!

Per Olsson

PCC Jottings - May 2007

Norbury Parish Church, Hazel Grove, Stockport, Cheshire. Telephone: 0161-483 6235