Children & Young People Committee Meeting Notes

2013-04-13T13:04:43+01:00

Meeting Notes C & YP – 18th February 2013

Present:  Trudie, Janice, Liz, Frances, Tracy, Elise, Jim & Alistair

Apologies:  Verity & Katie

Trudie opened the meeting with prayer

Review of Action Points from Meeting on 11 October 2012

 Purchase of Bibles for Church:  These have been bought and a bookcase is being sought to place them just outside the lady chapel.  A generous donation had been made towards these so the money allocated for this purchase remains in the budget.   Trudie recently visited Commonweal School with a placement at SYFC.  Some of the young people there would like a bible and it was proposed and agreed that £50 from last year’s C & YP budget be given to SYFC towards the purchase of Youth Bibles for these young people.

ACTION:  Liaise with Ian re £50 for SYFC towards purchase of bibles        Trudie

Budget:  Trudie has spoken to Ian [Treasurer] and agreed that any outstanding purchases which had been allowed for in last year’s budget can be claimed but claims need to be presented asap:  Jim for purchase of Xbox, Christmas BBQ and Doom painting materials [approx £130] and Janice for purchase of storage boxes [£37.50].  This will then complete purchases from the 2012 budget with approx £200 unspent.

A budget of £1,000 has been agreed for C & YP for 2013.  Ideas of how this might be spent to be discussed at next meeting.

ACTION:  Receipts to Ian for 2012 spend                                                               Jim & Jan

Ideas for 2013 spend                                                                                   All

Growing Young Leaders:  Mahima Patole’s name had been put forward but the course will not start in Swindon until September 2013.  It is possible that other names may be considered then too.

Hot Chocolate Rota:  It has been decided that, due to lack of space, hot chocolate will not be served in church during the reordering of the church centre. 

Welcome Rota:  Trudie has spoken to some families and it is often difficult for families to arrive early but they are happy to be asked to assist if they are in time.   Children and young people are noticeably more involved in handing out service sheets, etc and bringing the offering forward.

Special Needs Coordinator:  Verity working on this and to carry forward.

ACTION:  Produce form and collate information                                                               Verity

Communion before Confirmation:  PCC have agreed that Communion before Confirmation proposal is taken forward.  Jim has volunteered to help present this with Trudie and work through the process and guidelines.  The timing of this was discussed – three to four months to process and a month to prepare children.  Important that Simon is present whilst this happens so need to consider whether it will take place before or after his extended study leave later this year.

ACTION:  Liaise with Simon re timing of taking forward                                 Trudie & Jim

 Messy Church:  Fantastic response to request for volunteers and volunteers’ meeting held at King William Street School.  Head teacher extremely supportive and plans going well for the launch on 21st April.

Child Protection Update & Review:  Discussion took place about the role of nominated persons for child protection [there are three people sharing the nominated person role at Christ Church: Julie Tucker, Janice Titcombe and Ailsa Palmer].  It was affirmed and confirmed that overall responsibility for child protection is with the nominated persons.  Child Protection guidelines have recently been reviewed by the nominated persons and Dan Jones has approved them.  The use of photography in church services and activities involving children and young people is currently being reviewed and guidelines are awaited.

ACTION:  Keep C & YP Group informed and updated                                      Janice

 Key Training:  Trudie and Elise have attended Key 1.  No dates yet available for 2013.

Review of C & YP Targets

Y1 Welcome:  Children and young people on the welcoming rota happening a little more often.  Provision of hot chocolate has been successful.  Announcements re child provision at the start of services is not really happening.  Notices are now given at ‘the Peace’.  Trudie to request that child provision info is given as part of the general welcome at the beginning of services.

ACTION:  Liaise with staff team re notices                                                           Trudie

Y2 Raising profile: General feeling that this is improving.

Y3 Involving C & YP in life of church: Active part in planning and delivering is hit or miss.  Two ‘champions’ appointed for all age: Margaret Williams and Genny Williams.  It is hoped that others will be more involved with ideas, planning, etc.  Tracy willing to coordinate a music group for C & YP.

It was felt that the survey of children, young people and parents would be best left until September or even later in the year when groups have been re-established in the new church centre.

Jim reported that the youth group will still meet during the re-ordering of the church centre though Charlotte Mews Hall is not suitable for this and it is hoped to meet at Bath Road Church.  Trudie will liaise with Mark Barrett about this.  Numbers vary from week to week and it is hoped to re launch once the new centre is available for use.  Planning to offer more games [Xbox and ?table tennis or pool table] to create more of a youth club feel.  Information to be taken into schools, especially Commonweal, where Elise and Ali will visit with Trudie when Youth Bibles are taken in.  Youth team would like to visit Sunday Club to speak to the older children about the Youth Group and also speak about their work as part of a Sunday morning service.

ACTION:  Purchase of Youth Bibles                                                                          Trudie

 Arrange visit to Commonweal School                                                 Trudie, Ali & Elise

Janice reported that, following discussion with leaders and parents, it had been decided that Sunday Club would not be relocated at Charlotte Mews Hall during the re-ordering of the Church Centre.  It had been proposed and agreed that the children’s groups would be accommodated in church [South Transept, North Transept and Canon Thomas corner].  Where possible the children would also spend some time outside.

Y5  Support and prayer for local schools:  Chocolates taken in for staff at Christmas and Trudie will ensure that chocolate is taken in at Easter.  School assemblies are going very well.

Y6  Explore outreach to C & YP:  Launch of Messy Church well underway.  Advent Angels a successful event.  Plans for this year’s Summer Holiday Club also underway.  There will not be a Good Friday Workshop this Easter due to re-ordering of Church Centre.

Child Friendly Church Award:  Ongoing.  Have fulfilled criteria for Bronze and working towards Silver.

Date of next meeting:   Wednesday 8th May, 7.30pm at the Parish Office

Children & Young People Committee Meeting Notes2013-04-13T13:04:43+01:00

Church Family’ sub-group – held Monday 7th January 2013

2013-04-13T12:57:18+01:00

Present: Anne McMillan, Pam Bridgeman, Angela Ruck, Lucy Hayward, Patrick Williams, Nitin Shinde

Apologies: Sue Rush

Anne/Pam reported that the Christmas ‘Lessons & Carols’ service was very successful – with some 350 people in attendance.  Not everyone stayed for Mulled Wine but would definitely repeat for next year.  The use of disposable cups etc worked very well and no one seemed to mind!

The next event for the Group is the Home Group’s Social Evening – Sat January 26th 2013 – 7.00pm for 7.30pm – in the Church Centre.  Each HG will be asked to make a short, (5 mins max) presentation about what they do/plan to do in 2013.  Our team will try and arrive for 6.00pm to get organised!  Remember to try and take photos for the web and board in Church!

  • The evening will be informal – but will consist of:
    • Welcome drink/nibbles & chat time
    • First half of the groups present
    • Grace & Supper – ask people to move and sit at different tables
    • Second half of groups present
    • Anne Macmillan will introduce resources
    • Groups will be asked to write and suggestions/ideas on ‘post-its’ and place on board
    • Thanksgiving Prayer

One notice has already been placed in the weekly news-sheet and Lucy agreed to contact Ailsa for a reminder on Sunday 13th Jan (done).

Pam will also send a reminder email to HG Leaders – asking for them to co-ordinate one savoury and one sweet donation per group.

Lucy offered to donate mulled wine and to take care of buying wine and soft drinks – receipts will be provided afterwards.  We will buy from Magnums in Wood Street and also ask for loan of glasses.

Anne offered to take care of buying nibbles and cheese & biscuits

Nitin will find out what music machines are available and organise

Patrick will get a board for collecting ideas and will also supply bin bags

Pam will make small flower decorations, take responsibility for the tea urns and will also get milk and tea/coffee.  Also, ‘Post-It’ notes and pens.

Angela will buy paper plates and napkins and will write table numbers from 1-6 on the back to encourage people to move around.

Anne mentioned to the group an idea from Sue Rush regarding ‘Lent Lunches/Supper’ to raise money for Christian Aid.  After some discussion, it was agreed that we would suggest/support HG’s in holding such events – but that it would not be appropriate to open up individual homes to people.  It was felt possible to have a single, lunch-time event – maybe at St Mary’s if a date can be found – that would be open across the Parish.

  • Lucy agreed to ask Sue Rush for more info
  • Anne reported that the PCC had asked the group to take responsibility for the ‘Away Weekend’ in 2014 – possibly at a location in Wales suggested by Margaret Williams.
    • Plan to make some enquiries about venues.
    • Further discussion on topic will be held at next meeting. 
    • Pam has compiled a list of people willing to help with teas, coffee and baking cakes on an occasional basis.

    

NEXT MEETING DATE – Monday February 18th 2013 at Pam’s house.

 

Lucy Hayward

January 11th 2013

Church Family’ sub-group – held Monday 7th January 20132013-04-13T12:57:18+01:00

Christ Church in the news

2013-04-24T17:01:17+01:00

The demolition of the old Centre was firmly underway when we were visited by a number of local dignitaries including the Mayor Councillor Mick Bray. Their visit marks the start of the project to put a new Community centre into the heart of Old Town Swindon. (read about it here). Funds for the project have been made available through grants from Swindon Borough 106 Development Funds, the Landfill Communities Fund (LCF) which is administered for Hills by Community First, the Rural Community  Council for Wiltshire and the Garfield Weston Foundation. The church itself is meeting more than half the costs from the sale of its former Church Hall in Devizes Road and from donations and fundraising.Demolition1

The provision of this Community Centre is central to our overall strategy to ensure that Christ Church remains at the heart of Swindon. Whilst continuing to provide all the expected public services such as christenings, weddings and funerals, we recognise that our church needs to work harder at helping our local community to grow. The new Community Centre plays an important role in this – using our high profile site to help local people understand how Christ Church can help to create and strengthen local networks, be a centre for local volunteer engagement and offer entertainment, solace, friendship and hospitality to those visiting the Old Town, the church itself and its surrounding burial ground

We believe that by demonstrating this practical and positive attitude to the community, they will come to value the church more and better appreciate the real and practical role it can perform in creating stronger and more self-supporting communities.

Read what the Advertiser said about the demolition.

View our Picture Gallery of the Community Centre Project’s Progress

 

 

Christ Church in the news2013-04-24T17:01:17+01:00

Concert in aid of Women’s Refuge – 4th May

2013-05-06T21:46:40+01:00

refuge concertREFUGE is a celebration of female music talent, which raises money for an excellent cause – Swindon Women’s Aid. It will bring 4 brilliant acts to Christ Church Swindon on Saturday 4th May
2013.

The headline act for this unique event is Emily Barker and the Red Clay Halo. Hailing from Bridgetown, Western Australia, Emily Barker is a compelling songwriter with a gift for weaving melody and words. Her talent is perfectly complimented by the magnificent arrangements of her band The Red Clay Halo, whose rootsy ensemble playing underpins Barker’s agile vocal blend of strength and fragility. This is the first time she’s playing in Swindon.  You can find out more about her and the band here.

Tickets are now on sale via www.seetickets.com, search for REFUGE. Tickets cost £8 each (plus £1 booking fee, enforced by see tickets)

There will be complimentary wine and cake available to every ticket holder. Tickets will be available on the door at £10 each. Every penny of the ticket price will go directly to Swindon Women’s Aid.

The doors will open at 7pm, with music starting at 7.30pm on Saturday 4th May.

The event page is www.facebook.com/refugeeventswindon, and the charity website is www.swindonwomensaid.org

 

Concert in aid of Women’s Refuge – 4th May2013-05-06T21:46:40+01:00

Easter Worship

2013-04-09T17:32:37+01:00

Easter is a busy time at Church and much preparation goes into the services and into decorating  the church. A band of silent volunteers magically transform the austerity of the Lent season with beautifully arranged flowers. The fragrances and the sunlight streaming through the windows on Ea20130331_122012ster morning all combine to remind us of the Christian message of resurrection and new life. A group of hardy souls met at 5.30am on Easter morning at the old Holy Rood church in the Lawns to celebrate a sunrise service. It was -5 degrees but the sun made its appearance and the worshippers were fortified by hot coffee and bacon rolls afterwards.

IMAG0453

Worshippers at the sunrise service on Easter morn

It was great to see the church so full at our joyful Easter morning Communion service.  We presented Aileen Britt with flowers and a memento on her retirement from the choir in recognition of her loyal service to music at Christ Church over the years. It is some time since Aileen has been able to get to church following an accident that left her unable to get about. It was wonderful to see her back with us.

 

 

Easter Worship2013-04-09T17:32:37+01:00

Wiltshire Bishops on Bicycles

2013-04-12T23:46:42+01:00

Christian-Aid_0April 12th & 13th 2013 – visiting a place near you. Bishop Ed Condry (Ramsbury) and Bishop Lee Rayfield (Swindon) will cycle more than 165 miles in two days for Christian Aid, visiting Christian Aid supporters on their way. bishop edbishoplee

Make a donation to Christian Aid at: www.justgiving.com/bishopsonbicycles and come and welcome them at Queens Drive Methodist Church – Saturday 13th April 2013. They are expected between 9:50 – 10:20. Coffee and biscuits for all supporters. Please come and join us as we say hello and encourage them on their way.

 

 

Wiltshire Bishops on Bicycles2013-04-12T23:46:42+01:00

Community Centre Progress

2013-04-12T23:47:22+01:00
20130320_161453

Work underway on the new Western entrance

The building process is now fully underway. You can find out more details about the building and its features on an information board at the rear of the church. We also have an Photo gallery showing the progress of the build. For the period of the build Timberworks, our contractors will do everything they can to minimise disruption caused by the works. Unfortunately however, demolition, drilling and general ground works will inevitably be noisy and sometimes disruptive as vehicles come and go around the site.Please also be aware that site works can be hazardous so please obey all signs, warnings and instructions given by the Contractor’s staff – they are responsible for ensuring the safety of the site. If you have any queries please contact Tom Marriott our Project Manager, on his mobile; 079006 720 45

View the picture gallery.

 Timetable of Works

  • Contract Signed – February
  •  March 18th – Timberworks, our contractor, take over the site
  • Work starts to move gravestones and prepare Western access for build and demolition.
  • April 1st   – Demolition of the old centre and site clearing begins.
  • April 15th – Boreholes for Ground source heating.
  • May 1st     –  Ground works – creating foundations for the new building.
  • May 21st   –  Building commences
  • End  August – Building work complete.
  • September  1st – Open for business
Community Centre Progress2013-04-12T23:47:22+01:00

Buildings and Site Development Committee – March 13

2013-03-19T10:22:39+00:00

Present :  Stephen Grosvenor, Mike Palmer, Daniel Pitt, John Plaister

Aplogies: Mark Antell,Kevin Penfold

SG said a short prayer.

 Item 2. Minutes of last meeting – reviewed – agreed.

All outstanding items have been included in the agenda.

Item 3 –Budget Summary ytd £596.00

Damp solution – redecoration 31 Cricklade £54

Boiler Checks – £156

Action SG to add 2013 costs to each minute to build up a complete history of costs per year.

Item 4 – Christ Church

 a) West porch plan. We have now received an outline proposal from AFK which broadly establishes that the restoration of the west porch is feasible. He has supplied some sketches which we will use as part of a broader consultation exercise with the congregation. ACTION:SG to discuss possible costs with AFK.

b) We will need DAC faculty for the porch – the plans incorporate removing a small number of pews at the rear of the church to increase the circulation space and to accommodate a new position for the Audio visual console.

c) LED Lighting AFK and Binary electronics have had a fruitful collaboration and have created a new design proposal for an LED based pendant lighting scheme. We will use this to communicate the proposed LED trial in the Lady Chapel to the wider congregation and initiate a discussion on lighting in general. ACTION: MP to complete temporary licence application – SG to write to the DAC and advise them of our intentions re the lighting and seek their support. SG to forward the designs and proposal to PCC (Peter Ford) for a resolution to commit to the LC trial

d) AV update. MP updated us on the latest quote and advice from SMS. They have quoted an overall figure of £12k to cover our basic requirements plus a new mixing console. Their advice was however that we could probably do the installation of new radio mikes and receivers ourselves. Bernard Oxborrow has been thinking about how this could be done. Proposal to replace 2 of the broken radio mikes with new ones accepted– this will solve our immediate problems. We can then review performance and decide on the next steps.

e) South transept window repairs – No further progress on this at this time. ACTION SG to follow up with AFK for his suggestions on masons and with Rob Fleming who is going to be doing some of our monument moving.

f) Asbestos removal from church undercroft. We have had a quote and this work should be done as soon as possible. ACTION MP to find quote and confirm costs – proposal is to proceed to get the works completed so we can continue to safely use the storeage.

Item 5. St Mary’s Church – no current issues

Item 6 Community Centre update

a)   Works timetable –  as part of the general communications on D&R planned for next Sunday, SG has produced a comms board explaining the order of work, timetable, information on the design, GS heating & Solar panels etc.

b)   Kitchen Design – We are unable to claim kitchen equipment (Cookers, Fridges etc as zero rated under the main project so we have elected to source the equipment and design ourselves. The intention is to have a well-equipped, good quality, finishing kitchen capable of delivering community style catering requirements. Designs are being developed and consultation with interested parties will start in the next couple of weeks.

c)    Contractor. Timberworks has been selected as main contractor for the works and the contract was signed in February as planned. The contract value is £612k but the outstanding quotation from Southern Electric to provide 3 phase electric power to the new centre has now come in at £12,745 making a total estimated spend of £624k.

d)   Burial Ground lighting proposal. As part of the contractors quote we have included an external lighting ring. We intend to install suitable low level lighting to the pathways around the churchyard to ensure safe access. Details of the installation will be finalised later in the year.

e)   Hall contents and reclamations. In line with our previous proposals to sell off or donate the unwanted hall contents MP reported a contribution of £172 to D&R funds from the sale of assorted tables, screens and redundant electrical equipment – thanks go to Mike and ebay. The wooden floor has been comprehensively reclaimed and donations have been received from the new proud owners of a bit of CC history – this has earned around £800 so far.

f)     Rubbish arrangements – Once we have cleared the existing burning pile ready for the new Garden, it will be important to establish a new regime for rubbish and recycling in the burial ground and church. We have made provision for a new hard standing area for rubbish bins at the N.E .end of the car park but we need to finalise the refuse policies and supplier as soon as possible. This is being done in partnership with the Burial Board. ACTION MP to follow up with Bernard and Pam.

g)    Access – there may be some difficulties with access to the church during busy periods on site – the Alms house residents may be affected as the drilling for the GS heating is done. MP has spoken to Harry – Timberworks will be circulating contact details of the site foreman so that everyone knows who to talk to if there are any issues.

Item 7 Property Checks –

Annual Property check carried out on 32.

a)   Re-plastering required following difficulties with
damp and mould in the dining room. ACTION MP to recommend some plasterers to occupant so that she can arrange for them to visit and quote.

b)   PV Front door may need replacing as it doesn’t fit properly and is very drafty – SG suggested it might be fixable – ACTION – SG to hand details of Double glazing doctor to occupant to see it he can fix it. If not we will need a quote for a new door.

c)    The light fitting over the stairs is broken and cannot safely be replaced due to its position. ACTION: Find electrician willing to move the fitting to a more accessible position

d)   The boiler has failed and has a leak – it is recommended to replace – we have a proposed plumber – Gary Hall. ACTION: Get quotes

e)   Thanks are owed to Daniel P who has sorted out the reported damp in 31 The room has been de-moulded and the wall paper stripped and repainted.

f)     New smoke alarms fitted in 31 but are needed in 32.We also need to fit Carbon Monoxide monitors.

Item 8 Any other business

  1. Weshould review the PAT testing process/ fire extinguisher checks

Next Meeting: 8th May 7.30 – 51a Broome Manor Lane, SN3 1NB

Buildings and Site Development Committee – March 132013-03-19T10:22:39+00:00

Buy the Choir’s New CD

2013-03-01T12:18:36+00:00
The recording sessions

The choir record their new CD Skyline III

The choir’s new CD is on sale. Listen to samples and buy online.

Skyline III is now available from our Shop or from the Friends of Christ Church (Caroline Pitt 01793 521732) or carolinempitt@googlemail.com.

Watch a video of how the recording was made here.

All proceeds go towards the work of our church – at home and further afield.

 

 

Buy the Choir’s New CD2013-03-01T12:18:36+00:00

Our new Partnership Project is launched

2013-04-18T09:44:55+01:00

This project was launched at our joint service at Bath Road on February 24th when Anna Potts from Christian Aid came to speak to us.  We were all inspired when we heard Anna tell us about the determination of  people who are disabled in Palestine and Lebanon to live a life as fulfilling as possible and with the money we hope to raise, this hope will become a reality for more people.  We have pledged to raise at least £5,000 and our fund raising has already begun.  The offering at the service amounted to just over £257 and  with other efforts Partnership Project 2103 we are now well on the way towards our first £500.

If you have some good ideas for fund raising we would love to hear about them.  You can contact me at margaretwilliams111@gmail.com and I will pass them on.

Watch this space for more fund raising events.  All our events and activities will bear our logo designed by Thomas Read so congratulations to him on a splendid logo!

His explanation of it is below.

Margaret Williams

” I made this logo with a mixture of the two flags of Lebanon and Palestine with the shaking hands to symbolise our friendship towards the two countries and us being able to help them. The heart shape is there to symbolise that they are in our heart and in our prayers every day.” – Thomas Read

Our new Partnership Project is launched2013-04-18T09:44:55+01:00
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