Minutes of meetings since the December 2023 AGM.
Minutes are added only after they have been approved (and, if necessary, amended) at the following meeting.
Shortcuts:
20 December 2023 | 24 January 2024 | 28 February 2024 | 2 April 2024 | 8 May 2024 |
Previous year:
2022 – 2023 minutes
Minutes – Wednesday 8th May 2024 in the Old School
A. Opening Prayer
B. Apologies
Steve McLachlan (SM)
C. Participants
Revd. Andi Hofbauer (Chair)(AH), Adam Bolam-Peel(ABP), Gerard Henry (GH), Edward Martin (EM), John Ogilvie (JO) (Buildings Convenor), Paul Beck (PB)(Administrator).
D. Minutes of meeting Wednesday 28th February 2024:
Approved after one correction (Para 5.2.a, bank balance should read end ‘Feb’ not ‘Jan’). Proposed JO, Seconded AH; all in agreement
Minutes of Extraordinary Meeting 23rd April:
Proposed EM, Seconded PB; all in agreement
1. Safeguarding
1.1 PVG
Nothing to report
1.2 Health and Safety
Nothing to report
1.3 Data Protection
Nothing to report.
PB to circulate latest roll to Vestry
2. Worship and faith formation
2.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
No-one was able to offer Marion Anderson a lift on the Diocese ‘Great day out’ on 11th May 2024
2.2 Services
30th June
10:00 Joint service with St Cuthbert’s. Rota to be left clear to enable a reader from St Cuthbert’s. Joint Vestry meeting afterwards.
AH suggested dropping the Kyrie, keeping the Gloria, during ordinary time.
AH suggested dropping one of the readings at the Eucharist with the preacher choosing the first reading from the OT or Epistle to go with Psalm and Gospel of the day, using the Thematic OT version during ordinary time. This was agreed. PB / AH to tell the organist and inform Canon Susan.
2.3 Study Course
St Cuthbert’s are running an 8-week course on the Beatitudes on Tuesdays from 11 June.
All vestry members to sound out the congregation on 11 May about a course at St John’s on a Thursday after the service or early one evening from Mid-June to Mid-July.
AH suggested an autumn course on Generosity and Stewardship that could be run on a mixed face to face and remote basis.
3 Outreach and Ministry
3.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
a. AH had drafted a Mission Statement and initial Targets 2024-2026 pointing out this needs to be owned and completed by the vestry before putting it to the congregation. AH also pointed out that she cannot complete all actions on her own. Action. All vestry members are to look at the document, does it make sense, think about what’s missing, achievable targets / projects and circulate feedback for the next meeting.
EM thanked AH for her work on the Mission Statement.
b. PB reported that we appear to qualify for a ‘non-profit’ version of the MS365 Business subscription, though the transition looks fairly complicated.
PB will liaise with the treasurer designate about a shared file facility.
c. Andi’s articles have appeared in the JED Eye.
3.2 Pastoral Care
Nothing to report
3.3 Community Engagement
AH is to meet Richard the Session Clerk re the Kirking of the Callant.
Facebook is a good way for community engagement. The Kirk and St John’s account try to share and point to each other’s activities.
PB regularly uploads a service recording onto our Facebook page. It would be good to live stream services on Facebook but the broadband connection is poor.
4 Leadership and Governance
4.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
a. Graeme Ritchie will be available as Treasurer from late July.
b. PB contacted the Diocesan Office to confirm the status of Andi’s employment as far as HMRC is concerned. They confirmed that St John’s is the employer, not St Cuthbert’s.
5 Stewardship
5.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
The British Gas complaint has been resolved, with our overpayments credited. The April bill has been settled by a reduction in our credit rather than a direct debit payment.
5.2 Financials
a. Reports
The bank balance at the end of March was £97959 (down from £99659 at the end of February).
PB will circulate the April figures as soon as they are available.
5.3 Buildings
a. Church
An electrical problem affected the organ on Sunday 5 May. The electrician has tested the circuit and recommended not using the oil-filled heater on full power from the same double socket. He confirms the water heater switch near the sink can be changed to a single socket for the kettle.
A contractor has inspected the yew trees advising they can be cut back and reduced in height to say eight feet but will look sparse for 12 – 18 months. He recommended removing a couple of firs. Estimated cost awaited
SM was going to research portable toilets and will report back.
b. Rectory
JO looking into enhanced glazing provision for the Rectory sash windows at the rear of the property in a conservation are and will write to SBC.
c. Old School
On legal advice from Diocesan Registrar, JO wrote on 28th April to Gail Stevenson (Cheviot Youth) in response to the proposal to terminate the lease and we have not yet suggested a meeting. JO will chase them for a response.
d. Flat
Our tenant requests a key for the lever lock on the front door, as the yale lock often fails to latch. Mattlocks in town will be contacted about a new lock / repair.
6 Declarations of Interest
None.
7 Other Business
None
8 Dates of next meetings
12th June (Wednesday)
30th June (Sunday) Joint meeting with St Cuthbert’s after service
Minutes – Tuesday 2nd April 2024 in the Old School
A. Opening Prayer
B. Apologies
Gerard Henry, Edward Martin
C. Participants
Revd. Andi Hofbauer (Chair) (AH), Adam Bolam-Peel (AB-P), Steve McLachlan (SM), John Ogilvie (Buildings Convenor) (JO), Paul Beck (Administrator) (PB).
D. Minutes of meeting Wednesday 28th February 2024:
accepted unanimously as a true record. Proposed PB, seconded JO.
1 Safeguarding
1.1 PVG
Nothing to report
1.2 Health and Safety
Nothing to report
1.3 Data Protection
Nothing to report
2 Worship and faith formation
2.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
Our CCLI copyright licences are now renewed.
2.2 Services
Vestry expressed thanks to AH for leading Holy Week and Easter services, and to PB for printing all the pew sheets. Services were well-received, and we welcomed several members of the Parish Church congregation during Holy Week.
(To be confirmed with St. Cuthbert’s Vestry): the next joint 5th Sunday services will be 30th June at St John’s and 29th September at St. Cuthbert’s.
The large patten and chalice need some repair. AH will seek advice from clergy colleagues about where to take them.
2.3 Study Courses
Those who participated in the on-line Lent Course (“Live Lent – Let your light shine”) agreed it had been a good choice. AH suggests we might consider four courses each year, which could alternate between published material (such as the Pilgrim courses) and home-grown material.
Action: Before the next meeting, consult members of the congregation, individually and by including this topic in notices.
3 Outreach and ministry
3.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc (Item 3.1 of February minutes)
a. There is no actual Mission Action Plan from previous years, but PB has assembled information about (1) Vestry meetings and workshops in 2019 and (2) the Congregational meeting in September 2021 which touch on relevant issues, and will pass this to AH to look at alongside the Profile we produced for last year’s recruitment.
b. MS365 Family subscription does not provide shared file storage, but there is a ‘non-profit’ version of the MS365 Business subscription for qualifying charities that might be worth investigating.
Action: PB to pursue this further.
3.2 Pastoral care
Vestry was very pleased to hear of a congregation member’s continued improvement after long-delayed hip replacement.
3.3 Community engagement (NB – this will be a regular agenda item from now on)
a. AH has sent two articles to Jed Eye but neither has appeared so far, and she will try to find out why.
b. The next High Street market will be on 25th August (11.00 – 14.00). What is the best way for St. John’s to have a presence?
c. Can St. John’s restart its pre-Covid practice of offering refreshments to passing riders at the Callant’s Festival? Also, we should participate in the Kirking ceremony at the Parish Church on 7th July.
4 Leadership and governance
4.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
AH and JO attended the Vestry Training Day. Both felt it was very informative about Vestry duties and responsibilities and recommended it to those who have not yet been. Dean Frances strongly encouraged us to appoint a Synod representative.
Action: JO to circulate the presentation slides.
5 Stewardship
5.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
The smart meter is working, but the complaint about British Gas errors at the start of our contract with them are not yet resolved.
Action: Paul to write again.
5.2 Financials
a. Reports
The bank balance at the end of January was £99659 (up from £90131 at the end of January). Items to note in the February bank statement:
• Receipt of the anticipated £10000 legacy from MHT. No restrictions were stipulated. Vestry agreed to ringfence this sum from day-to-day expenditure and identify a suitable project.
• Routine receipts and payments are now in place:
IN – Stipend support payments from Edinburgh and Rectory lost rent subsidy from Hawick;
OUT – standing orders for Stipend, Pension and Quota.
5.3 Buildings
a. Church
Two possible improvements were mooted, for which JO will seek advice and costing: (i) reducing the yew trees between the lychgate and the porch; (ii) fitting a lockable door on the vestry.
JO and AH having noted the metal ramp at St. Peter’s, Galashiels, we agreed to consider whether level access to the Church door could be achieved more cheaply – if less elegantly – than with the scheme offered for St. John’s by our architect. Vestry will consider this further, together with the best way to provide toilet facilities, on its 12th May post-service walk round the site.
b. Rectory
Estimates have been received for downstairs window and door replacement at the back of the building. We agreed to apply for Diocesan “net zero” funding once we have planning permission.
c. Old School
We received from SBC a final reminder to renew St. John’s landlord registration, due to expire 5th April. JO has done this, updated the contact details, and will check the registration status of the flat.
AH will try to have a discussion with Cheviot Youth management about using part(s) of the Old School more regularly. PB observed that they seemed to be using the building less than was envisaged when the lease was negotiated.
d. Flat
Nothing to report.
6 Declarations of interest
None.
7 Other business
Scottish Borders Council has told us that demolition of most of the former Grammar School is now out to tender and due to be completed by September. Eildon Housing Association is interested in developing part of it for an Extra Care Home.
8 Next meeting
• Wednesday 8th May. Thereafter, we will return to Tuesday evenings, either the 2nd or the 3rd of the month (to be confirmed).
• At AH’s suggestion, we will look at alternating general business meetings with meetings that concentrate on specific topics.
• Sunday 12th May: walk round the site after the morning service.
Minutes – Wednesday 28th Feb. 2024 in the Old School
A. Opening Prayer
B. Apologies
ABP
C. Participants
Revd. Andi Hofbauer (Chair)(AH), Adam Bolam-Peel (ABP), Gerard Henry (GH), Steve McLachlan (SM), Edward Martin (EM), John Ogilvie (JO) (Buildings Convenor), Paul Beck (PB)(Administrator).
D. Minutes of meeting Wednesday 24th January 2024.
Proposed PB, Seconded JO – all in agreement
- Safeguarding
Nil
1.1 PVG
AH has received from the Bishop a number of Licences to continue to provide service for St Johns.
Action AH to distribute to recipients.
1.2 Health and Safety
Nil
1.3 Data Protection
AH has been in communication with a family, that could be potential new members.
2 Worship and faith formation
AH has received a YEEK poster for the July/August youth gathering. The cost for participants is £500, St Johns will fund £250 and a participants cost of £250. It is AH’s aspiration to identify potential participants. AH has made contact with Cheviot Youth and will follow this up with further meetings.
2.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
AH has received correspondence on the Diocese ‘Great day out’ on 11th May 2024 at St Mary’s Cathedral. The day will focus on Prayer.
2.2 Services
1st March – World Day of Prayer service is to be held at St. John’s.
24th March – Palm Sunday, 10.00 Eucharist with Blessing of Palms
25th March – 11.30 Chrism Eucharist at St. Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh
26th March – 10.00 Said Eucharist
28th March – Maundy Thursday, 19.00 Eucharist of the Last Supper, followed by the Watch (until 22.00)
29th March – Good Friday, 13.00 Walk of Witness
14.00 Holy Hour and Liturgy of Good Friday
30th March – 19.00 Easter Vigil
(clocks change to summer time)
31st March – Easter Day, 10.00 Easter Day Eucharist
2.3 Study Course
AH reported the Lent course is going well with a small numbers but enthusiastic participants.
Action. PB is to produce c20 further copies for the booklet being used and give to AH
3 Outreach and Ministry
3.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
AH reminded Vestry that a Mission Action Plan (MAP) will be required shortly, As their appears to be no formal template for a MAP it was suggested to look at previous MAPs and model best practice from them.
AH suggested that items from the MAP could become permanent agenda points to keep Vestry on track in future meetings.
Action. PB to locate and hand over to AH previous examples of MAPs
PB suggested a subscription to MS 365 (family) would resolve some access problems to shared documents that MS 365 (individual) is exhibiting. PB will explore costings. Vestry authorised PB to upgrade service as applicable.
Proposed EM, seconded JO, all present in agreement.
Action. PB to upgrade MS 365 service provision as deemed appropriate.
3.2 Pastoral Care
Home communion 29th February 2014
4 Leadership and Governance
4.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
AH, JO, PB have supplied their names for the Register of Controlling Interests after reassurance on liabilities was received from Diocesan Registrar Pippa Snell.
AH reported that there is a £500 cost for each registered building. Diocesan will offset the cost by £250 per building and St Johns funding the other £250 per building.
PB has sent the Bishop a letter requesting the suspension of presentation under Canon 13.9.
AH reported attending Diocesan Synod where they voted on new Canons that they discussed.
AH reported attending the Area Council meeting where they discussed:
- Shared issues and successes
- Look at the change of Canons.
- The sharing of ministry with other Denomination faith leaders, and limitations.
- Lay people safeguarding.
The next Area Council meeting will be in Eyemouth on 4th July.
AH reaffirmed the requirement to appoint a Lay Rep.
5 Stewardship
5.1 Business Arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
The shared arrangement for meeting AH’s mileage and other expenses has started, St. Cuthbert’s Vestry paying in the first instance and St. John’s being billed for 50%.
There is now a smart meter in the vestry, installed on 21st February.
5.2 Financials
a. Reports
The bank balance at the end of January was £90130 (down from £94405 at the end of December).
PB drew Vestry’s attention to two large overpayments for December electricity consumption, based on (a) British Gas incorrect estimates and (b) British Gas ignoring our opening readings for 1 December, when the contract started. PB is pursuing a complaint with British Gas.
A letter has been received from Hastings (Solicitors), acting for Helen Tyler’s estate, they advise Helen has left St. John’s a legacy of £10,000. AH said that Vestry need to discuss at the next Vestry meeting on how we manage the bequest, (ring fence or put into the general account).
5.3 Buildings
a. Church
AH and JO reviewed the Quinquennial report, in situ. It was felt that this exercise should also be undertaken by Vestry. A date was set for 12th May after the 10.30 service. It is believed this will take no more than an hour.
JO will contact the building contractors to look at and cost all the high level work, (finials, slates, flashings etc).
JO to contact Rev Bob King (St Andrews, Kelso) to discuss the secondary glazing they have had installed with a view to implement at St Johns.
b. Rectory
JO looking into enhanced glazing provision for the Rectory sash windows in a conservation area.
AH that some trees in the Rectory Garden need to be thinned/removed. JO will have a look; it might be a job that could be undertaken from the congregation.
c. Old School
The lease to Cheviot Youth signed 3 Oct 2021 is halfway through and AH felt that it would be appropriate to review the contract.
AH wants to explore with Cheviot Youth access to the ground-floor room, be that permanent or on a ‘as and when’ basis.
d. Flat
Nil
6 Declarations of Interest
None.
7 Other Business
PB advised the CCLI copyright licences (mainly choir requirement) will run out at the end of March. Vestry agreed to authorise PB to renew the licences.
Action. PB to renew the licences and certificates.
Proposed EM, seconded JO, all agreed
AH to attend Vestry Training Day 16th March Galashiels.
PB noted Bishop John’s letter 20/2 mentioning the “Investing in the Future” programme (of which we are beneficiaries).
AH and PB have contacted the Diocesan requesting they updated the Diocesan website.
8 Date of next meeting
2nd April (Tuesday)
8th May (Wednesday)
The meeting ended with Grace at 2050hrs
MINUTES – Wednesday 24th January 2024 in the Old School
A. Opening Prayer
Opening prayer was led by rev Andi Hofbauer (Chair)
B. Apologies
Gerard Henry
C. Participants
Revd. Andi Hofbauer (Chair), Adam Bolam-Peel, Steve McLachlan, Edward Martin, John Ogilvie (Buildings Convenor), Paul Beck
D. Minutes of meeting Wednesday 24th December 2023.
We accepted the minutes without modification, proposed by John, seconded by Steve, unanimously agreed.
1 Safeguarding
1.1 PVG
Andi has returned the application for the extension for the bishop’s licence for Paul, Liz and Margaret, a formality only.
1.2 Health and Safety
No issues to report.
1.3 Data Protection
The congregational contact list has been reviewed and updated.
2 Worship and faith formation
2.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
Joint services: March June, September and December will have 5 Sundays and we had suggested joint services. March is Easter Sunday, so we will plan joint services on the last Sunday June and September.
2.2 Services
Mid-week services have started in St John’s on Thursday, there will be an additional service on Wednesday 14th Feb to commemorate Ash Wednesday.
Andi has found suitable material for a lent course, based on John’s Gospel with a daily devotional, to be made available to the congregation. There will be 5 zoom sessions starting w/c 19th February, day to be confirmed. This will likely be offered as a joint course with Hawick and repeated face to face in Hawick.
Nothing has been confirmed for Holy Week but Andi is open for input. Stations of the cross was suggested and recorded reflections.
3 Outreach and ministry
3.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
2 foodbank referrals have been processed.
3.2 Pastoral care
No pastoral care issues to report.
4 Leadership and governance
4.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
The St John’s Zoom account renewal has been renewed but we will look to cancel so that one account can be shared between Hawick and Jedburgh. Andi to pay monthly invoices and expense it and it will be linked to Andi’s email address.
4.2 Canon 13.9
The Vestry of the incumbency of St. John the Evangelist, Jedburgh requests the College of Bishops, under Canon 13.9, to suspend presentation to the incumbency for a period of three years.
Proposed by Paul, Seconded by Edward, passed unanimously.
4.3 Register of controlling interests in land
An email was received from Simon Filsell on 19/1 advising that we need to supply 3 contacts for a register of controlling interests for land owned by St Johns.
We agreed that Andi, Paul and John would be named subject to they receive assurances from the Diocesan Registrar that there are no personal liability issues.
Prosed by Steve, Seconded by Edward, agreed unanimously.
5 Stewardship
5.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
None arising.
5.2 Financials
a. Reports
The bank balance at the end of December was £94405 (up from £89328 at the end of November).
Items to note in the December bank statement:
RECEIVED – the first monthly payment from Hawick for lost rental income on the Rectory, the first “Pastoral Support” payment from the Diocese, and the 50% grant towards Rectory refurbishment from the Provincial Buildings Committee.
PAID – the first of ten Quota instalments, and the final payments to Scottish Power.
b. Stipend and Pension contributions
Monthly standing orders for both Stipend and SEC Pension Scheme are now set up for the end of February payroll, a cheque has been sent for January. For December, we await the bill for the manual part-month payment; the Pension payment has been made. St. John’s employer’s UTR having expired after two years’ non-use, we had to apply for a new one.
c. Shared expenses
Andi will submit monthly expenses, copies to send to Sue Bennet (with receipts) and to a contact in Hawick and Jedburgh (Paul) who need to authorise. We will propose to Hawick vestry that Hawick pay the expenses and Jedburgh reimburse them 50% and that contact point from either vestry can authorise the expenses.
Proposed by Adam, seconded by Paul agreed unanimously.
d. Advent appeal
Vestry formally agreed to round up the Advent Appeal proceeds and send cheques for £250 to both SIM (UK) and Aberlour Options (Borders). Cheques sent.
5.3 Buildings
a. Church
The British Gas electricity contract began 1 December. There is a problem with manual readings and bills. We are “in the queue for smart meter assessment”.
Next steps in Accessibility project. Andi asked John to organise for her a tour of the buildings to get familiar with the issues we face.
b. Rectory
John to chase about a council tax refund for the period the rectory was empty.
Andi is arranging to get the doorbell fixed.
An arborist friend of Andi pointed out that there are 2 sycamores which could be causing structural problems. John will approach Stuart Lees for advice.
John to approach a company in Yetholm to look at secondary glazing for the rectory.
c. Old School
Nothing to report.
d. Flat
Both the flat and rectory will be tested for legionella.
6 Declarations of interest
None.
7 Other business
We will add Andi to the board of incumbents now rather than at the end of her tenure.
We need to discuss items arising from the memorandum of understanding between the vestries and a have mission action plan within 6 months of Andi’s appointment.
8 Date of next meetings Wednesday 21st February, Steve to take minutes.
MINUTES – Wednesday 20th Dec. 2023 in the Old School
A. Opening Prayer
B. Apologies
Ruth Johnson
C. Participants
Revd. Andi Hofbauer (Chair), Adam Bolam-Peel, Gerard Henry, Steve McLachlan, Edward Martin, John Ogilvie (Buildings Convenor), Paul Beck
D. Minutes of meeting Tuesday 21st November 2023.
The minutes of the meeting of 21st November were accepted as a true record (proposed by John, seconded by Gerard).
Members agreed to concentrate mainly on essential post-AGM business and reports back, with weightier matters to be held over for the January meeting.
1 Safeguarding
1.1 PVG – nothing to report to Vestry
1.2 Health and Safety – nothing to report to Vestry
1.3 Data Protection – nothing to report to Vestry
2 Worship and faith formation
2.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
We noted that the Zoom Advent Study Group took place very successfully on Tuesday 19th December, though with small numbers.
2.2 Services
We agreed to move St. John’s midweek services back to Thursday from the beginning of 2024.
We celebrated the success of the Collation service at Hawick and the joint Eucharist at Jedburgh the following Sunday, and agreed to discuss holding further joint services – perhaps on 5th Sundays.
3 Outreach and ministry
3.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
None
3.2 Pastoral care
We noted with great sadness the recent death of Revd. Richard Pedersen.
4 Leadership and governance
4.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
None
4.2 Annual returns
Annual reporting to the Diocese is complete (Diocesan Finance Schedule, Congregational statistics – thanks to Susan Macdonald for help in gathering the latter) and following the adoption of the Accounts at the AGM, these will be uploaded to OSCR. The Diocesan Schedules (to record personnel changes) have not yet been sent out.
4.2 Vestry membership and functions
We accepted with great regret Ruth Johnson’s resignation from Vestry on health grounds and thanked her for her participation.
Christine McLachlan decided not to stand again for Vestry at the AGM in view of family responsibilities. We thanked her for many years of service in various capacities.
There being no candidate for the post of Secretary, we agreed to co-opt Paul Beck as Administrator (proposed Edward, seconded Steve). The task of taking minutes would be rotated amongst any willing members (Adam for the January meeting). Edward proposed a vote of thanks to Paul for his work during the vacancy.
Having attended the Diocesan Vestry training day in Edinburgh in September 2023, Paul recommended that members attend the local session being offered in March 2024. He said that the September meeting had raised interesting issues about trustee liability, indemnity insurance and SCIO status, all of which deserved further consideration.
Gerard questioned whether Vestry needs to meet every month.
5 Stewardship
5.1 Business arising from minutes, correspondence, etc
None
5.2 Financials
a. Reports
The bank balance at the end of November was £89328 (down from £98241 at the end of October). Paul noted that two known receipts were yet to appear – the monthly support payments from the Diocese and the 50% grant from the Provincial Buildings Committee towards the Rectory refurbishment.
b. Stipend and Pension contributions
Each charge has now paid separately into the SEC Pension Scheme for the part-month of December and set up monthly S/O payments from January onwards. The Diocesan Treasurer has agreed to bill us for the actual Payroll cost for December and to advise the S/O amounts for January onwards when the accountants’ new charges are known.
c. Shared expenses
Sue Bennett – who is now keeping the books for both Jedburgh and Hawick – will write to each Vestry to outline the practical issues to be decided about claims and reimbursement. Andi, Paul and Sue Crozier will discuss the options.
d. Advent appeal
As in previous years, we agreed to divide the Carol Service retiring collection between Church and Rotary charities, and to add our 50% to the Advent Appeal.
Ralph Nagle has asked us to donate £100 on his behalf to our chosen charities instead of paying or gifting for his churchyard maintenance – we agreed to add this amount to the Advent Appeal. Andi will write to thank him for the work he does.
5.2 Buildings
a. Church
Johnhas accepted estimates from GutterPro (recommended to us by Bob King) for gutter inspection and clearing, and for cleaning the parts of the church interior we cannot safely reach.
b. Rectory
There is decorating work still to be completed. Minor electrical repairs are needed.
c. Old School
GutterPro will inspect and clear the gutters. John has reminded Cheviot Youth about the need for low level background heating to avoid another water pipe burst.
d. Flat
Information about temporary secondary glazing has been passed to our tenant.
6 Declarations of interest
None.
7 Other business
7.1 Signing
Andi signed a copy of St. John’s current Constitution. In the absence of a Vestry Chair, we nominated Gerard (proposed Paul, seconded, John) to countersign the copy and also to sign the Hawick-Jedburgh MOU. Both documents will be returned to Bishop John.
7.2 Accessibility
We agreed to follow up the planned accessibility works with urgency in 2024.
7.3 Thanks
Andi will make contact with all the Borders clergy who have taken services during the vacancy.
8 Date of next meetings
Wednesday 24th January.