News Archive - December 2008

St Mary's Parochial Church Council meeting, 11th Dec 2008

The PCC discussed the following matters at the December meeting.

Carol Service at St Mary's Church, Edlesborough.

The Churches Conservation Trust has defined new fire safety regulations specifically referring to the use of candles and prohibiting their use on ancient materials. As it was too late to make contingency arrangements for the Carol Service electric light would have to be used. Plans for future services would be considered.

Resignation of David Radwell - Organist

David Radwell who has been with St Mary's for nearly thirteen years had given his resignation effective from January 4th 2009. This news was received with great regret but understanding as he and his wife are moving out of the area. David has been such an asset to the Church and his leadership, dedication, tuition and development of the choir and individuals will be sorely missed. The advertisement for his replacement was discussed. The post will be termed "Organist and Director of Music". In the meantime we will need the help of volunteer organists.

Flowerbeds in the churchyard

The Parish Council have agreed to take over the maintenance of the gardens in the church yard.

Parish Charity Project 2009

Each year the congregation are invited to put forward names of charities to be considered for the fund raising project for the year. 2008's project was Cancer Macmillan and the final amount raised will be announced shortly. The charity chosen for 2009 is Merlin Medical Relief. Merlin is the agency which responds worldwide with vital health care and medical relief for vulnerable people caught up in natural disaster, conflict, disease and health system collapse.

Carnival 2008

The final total raised was £12,258.93. This was an excellent result considering the financial climate and Peter Bennett was congratulated and thanked once more for all the work he and his Committee put into making the Carnival a success yet again.

Dagnall Management Committee

The Christmas Craft sessions were a success. A Coffee Afternoon meeting is being arranged for 'young mums'. The Congo Crisis appeal raised £133.

Church Flowers

We were pleased that Carole Johnson has agreed to take on the church flowers organisation and it is hoped that she will receive support from everyone within the parish.

The Vicar's retirement

Malcolm Grant had advised the PCC in November of his decision to retire from full-time ministry and his last service will be Sunday 8th March. He was, therefore, invited to adjourn from the meeting, as protocol requires, whilst administration matters were discussed concerning his replacement and the manning of services during the interregnum. The prime concern is that there should be as little disruption to services as possible. Members also voiced their particular sadness and regrets that he will be leaving the parish.

-- Church Mouse

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