ALRESFORD DEANERY - in the Diocese of Winchester

Minutes of a meeting held on Wednesday 23rd January 2008 in the Christy Hall, Old Alresford.

Present: Revd. Jonathan Cruickshank (chair), 4 members of the clergy and 21 members of the laity.

1. The meeting opened with prayer led by Revd. Phil Collins.
2. The Chairman welcomed Revd. Norman Boakes, the Continuing Ministerial Officer, based at Old Alresford Place.
3. Apologies for absence were received by Barbara Griffiths, Eileen Collins, Bernard Casenove, Beryl Christmas, Shirley Maunder, Lynne Hardy, Theo Mezger, Chris Cheong, Robert Darley-Doran, Anne Luneberg, Royston Such, Lord Portsmouth.
4. The Minutes of the meeting held on 11th October 2007 were circulated prior to the meeting. They were slightly amended. It was proposed (Phil. Collins) Seconded (Hilary Carr) that these be accepted. All voted in favour.
5. Reports
   
   General Synod – The Chairman reported that he had received a report of the General Synod that was held in July 2007 in York, from Adrian Harbidge. This report will be posted on the website and can be read in full by members at www.alresford-deanery.hampshire.org.uk. In summary, The Marriage Measure, giving couples the legal right to marry in churches where they can show a “qualifying connection” went through smoothly. The Parochial Fees Order attracted a great deal of discussion and will result in an increase of fees.
   
   Winchester Diocesan Synod – This took place of 13th October, 2007. Revd. Clive Parnell-Hopkinson gave a brief summary of the meeting. A presentation had been given by the Training and Selection Team – emphasis was placed on expanding NSM and Lay Ministry. The afternoon session was devoted to discussion on the parish share and how it should be calculated.
6. Chairman’s Report
   
   The Chairman stated that there was an urgent need for an administrator/secretary for the deanery. He had drawn up a job description for the post. It was proposed (Gordon Harle) Seconded (Graham Hendy) that we should allocate £600 per annum for an administrator/secretary and that Standing Committee should discuss how best to deal with this appointment. 23 voted in favour – 2 abstentions. Deanery Training Officer – Revd. Graham Hendy (retiring Deanery Training Officer) has run several courses. He felt that it now needed a fresh group to take on training with fresh ideas. Graham Hendy was thanked for his work in connection with training.
7. Lango Up-date
   
   Deanery Service is to be held on 3rd February at 4 pm at Easton Church. Phil Collins asked members to encourage their congregations to give generously.
8. Mission Audit Up-date
   
   Representatives from the various benefices gave an update of their progress in undertaking the Mission Audit. It was generally agreed that we should listen to each other and concentrate on what is going on in our churches, what we do well and what we can do better.
9. Parish Share
   
   Harry Verney informed members that there would be a 5% increase in 2009. He will be meeting with the Treasurers to discuss how to allocate the parish share between the benefices/parishes. He can be contacted on 01962 771352 or 771666 and will be happy to answer any questions.
10. Finance
    
    Olwen Davies circulated the annual accounts and ran through the figures. She confirmed that there was £570 in the accumulated funds and £790 in the No.2 account so there was no problem in paying for secretarial help. The parishes had paid £10 fees per representative in the past. However it was recommended by Standing Committee that this should now be increased to £20. It was proposed (Clive Parnell-Hopkinson) Seconded (Gordon Harle) that the accounts were accepted. All voted in favour. It was further proposed (Olwen Davies) seconded (Jonathan Cruickshank) that the parish contributions should be increased to £20 per representative. 24 voted in favour, 1 abstention.