ANNUAL PAROCHIAL CHURCH MEETING

Sixty-five people attended the meeting at 11.15.am on Sunday 6th April 2003, chaired by Father Malcolm.

Prior to the meeting, booklets comprising reports for the year 2002, including the Treasurer's Report and a summary of the audited PCC accounts, the Vicar's report, Churchwardens' report and the various section reports had been made available, and formed the basis of discussion at the APCM.

In the Treasurer's absence, the Secretary read the brief report she had prepared to supplement her detailed report and audited accounts. She explained that the invoices for the vestry toilet (£5,862), the cross illumination (£1.478) and the architect's fees (£902) came too late to be incorporated in the 2002 accounts and would therefore feature in those of 2003. Warm thanks were expressed both to the Treasurer and to Mr David Palmer, who had served this year as Independent Examiner. Unfortunately, he will not be able to continue and a new Independent Examiner is being sought for next year.

At its meeting on 6th March, the PCC had approved the election of ten new members to the electoral roll. The number now stands at 178.

Three members of the PCC (Mrs Jane Cook, Mrs Sandra Hewett and Mrs Bronwen Wood) stood down. Mrs Lesley Handy, Mr Richard Handy and Mrs Rosemary Monk were elected to replace them.

The Sidespersons were elected for a further year and Miss Winter invited new applicants to join the team.

Before discussion of the section reports Father Malcolm told the meeting that his final Sunday at St George's would be Sunday 27th July 2003. He repeated his gratitude for all the support he has enjoyed during his ministry here and spoke of the responsibility borne by the Churchwardens and the PCC in the choice of a new vicar (male or female). Mr Spurgeon spoke on behalf of the meeting to express our deep gratitude to Father Malcolm for his ministry over twenty-one years.

Father Malcolm then went through the section reports, inviting questions. Under Churchwardens' Report concern was once again expressed about the church's financial situation and a lengthy debate ensued.

Just before the close of the meeting Father Malcolm unveiled a framed list of the Vicars of St George's, beautifully written by Mr Dawson, a skilled calligrapher, which will be hung in the church.

Father Malcolm remembered in prayer all those who had died during the past year and the meeting closed at 12.38pm. with the Grace.

The full minutes of the meeting are displayed at the back of the church.

JAYE WARREN
Hon. Secretary to the PCC.