St Mary’s Church, Cleobury Mortimer

Minutes of the meeting held on Thursday 21st November 2024 at 7.30pm in the Market Hall.

Present: Ashley Buck, Liz Smith, Francesca Boufarouj, Danielle Collins, Hannah Coleman and Gill Clarke 

1. Opening prayer.

2. Apologies for absence (Jenny Watkins, Linda Lambert, Ina Hodgson, Nigel Hodgson, Sarah Wilde, Sunila Fernando)

3. Approval of minutes of meeting held on 19th September 2024- proposed by HC, seconded by DC.

4. Matters arising  

Website- awaiting Justin (as Notary Public) to return and verify the resolution so that the matter can be sorted. Resolution passed at a special meeting of the PCC.

Piano now in situ, paid for and being used.

Children’s corner now finished and a bit of money left for a few more books. AB to arrange for Roger Skelhorn’s daughter to visit before Christmas.

5. Finance / Budget / Fundraising (HC)

Accounts circulated prior to the meeting, and there were no questions.

6. Maintenance ( NH )

Report circulated prior to the meeting, and there were no questions.

7. Pastoral Care ( LS )

Still busy and will probably get more so over the winter. Efforts are being made to spread the word about the availability of people to visit the lonely and struggling.

8. Pastoral Matters ( AB )

Nothing much had changed although it was hoped that it would be possible to recruit more assistance in Ludlow

9. Youth and Family work ( AB )

The choir at the primary school had helped with families into church for special occasions. It had been a good Remembrance Service with more people in church since before the pandemic.

10. Deanery Synod

As for pastoral matters with the hope of Lay assistance in Ludlow

11. Safeguarding (LS)

LS reported an historic case regarding Philip Engleheart and AB filled in the details as follows: There were 2 charges of indecent assault made against Philip in the late summer. He attended the magistrates court on 21st September and the case was referred to the Crown Court. At a Crown Court hearing in November, a trial date was set for 26th January 2026. These offences were allegedly committed some 40 years ago, long before any involvement with the church and so were not part of any church investigation.

AB referred to the resignation of Archbishop of Canterbury following Safeguarding failures, as reported in the media.

12. Church Development Group (NH) 

Report from Nigel circulated to the PCC in advance.

13. Any Other Business

Beer Festival- LS has shared the file with HC for planning the next festival in 2026.

The PCC extended its thanks to LS and all those involved with the festival. Total raised is £2863.

Christmas draw- tickets being sold in advance of draw on 15th December 

Green bin paid for so that the church can continue to have green waste collected.

Meeting closed with the Grace at 20:04.