Market Manager’s Report
Costas Benopoulos-Jones, our Market Manager, presented his report. The PCC discussed the challenges facing the market in the current economic environment and specific measures taken to attract new stallholders and customers. The introduction of buskers on Thursdays and Fridays in order to attract passers-by, and a redesign of flyers to promote the market, were noted. The usual seasonal peak in activity during the pre-Christmas period was anticipated. Efforts to further develop the market were ongoing.
Caravan Counselling and Drop-in
The PCC welcomed Ian Burton, Co-ordinator of the Caravan Counselling and Drop-in service that operates from the Shepherd’s Hut on the St James’s site. Ian provided the PCC with an insight into the operation of the service and his role in supporting its team of counsellors. He also provided a breakdown of usage of the service and explained how it is promoted whilst maintaining its availability for unscheduled drop-in help for individuals in need. The support provided to homeless individuals and people with mental health concerns were recognised as important elements of this provision. The PCC endorsed St James’s ongoing support for this important work in support of the local community.
PCC Away-day 16th September 2017
The PCC discussed the recent away-day held on 16th September 2017 that had provided a valuable opportunity to explore aspects of St James’s. The church wardens were thanked for leading sessions on the first objective in the strategic plan: “to deepen our collective spiritual life, cherishing established relationships, finding new ways for people to get to know each other, pray, read the Scriptures and be the church in the world”. This enabled PCC members to get to know each other better.
Wren Project
LW reported on ongoing developments in planning for the Wren (site redevelopment) Project under the oversight of the Steering Committee that the PCC had established, and the PCC gave its support to this continuing to move forward. Westminster Council is now fully engaged with the pre-application advice process.
Harvest Festival / Eco Fun Palace Planning
The PCC discussed arrangements for the Harvest Festival celebrations and Eco Fun Palace event planned for Sunday 8th October. Deborah Colvin, our Sustainability Champion, provided an update on the planning for the various activities throughout the day. It was hoped that the event would continue to build upon the success of the previous year’s event and serve to demonstrate St James’s ongoing commitment to Eco Church principles.
Archdeacon’s triennial visitation
The PCC noted arrangements for the Archdeacon’s triennial visitation scheduled to take place on Monday 5th February 2018.
Other matters
The PCC received for information and noted:
Costas Benopoulos-Jones, our Market Manager, presented his report. The PCC discussed the challenges facing the market in the current economic environment and specific measures taken to attract new stallholders and customers. The introduction of buskers on Thursdays and Fridays in order to attract passers-by, and a redesign of flyers to promote the market, were noted. The usual seasonal peak in activity during the pre-Christmas period was anticipated. Efforts to further develop the market were ongoing.
Caravan Counselling and Drop-in
The PCC welcomed Ian Burton, Co-ordinator of the Caravan Counselling and Drop-in service that operates from the Shepherd’s Hut on the St James’s site. Ian provided the PCC with an insight into the operation of the service and his role in supporting its team of counsellors. He also provided a breakdown of usage of the service and explained how it is promoted whilst maintaining its availability for unscheduled drop-in help for individuals in need. The support provided to homeless individuals and people with mental health concerns were recognised as important elements of this provision. The PCC endorsed St James’s ongoing support for this important work in support of the local community.
PCC Away-day 16th September 2017
The PCC discussed the recent away-day held on 16th September 2017 that had provided a valuable opportunity to explore aspects of St James’s. The church wardens were thanked for leading sessions on the first objective in the strategic plan: “to deepen our collective spiritual life, cherishing established relationships, finding new ways for people to get to know each other, pray, read the Scriptures and be the church in the world”. This enabled PCC members to get to know each other better.
Wren Project
LW reported on ongoing developments in planning for the Wren (site redevelopment) Project under the oversight of the Steering Committee that the PCC had established, and the PCC gave its support to this continuing to move forward. Westminster Council is now fully engaged with the pre-application advice process.
Harvest Festival / Eco Fun Palace Planning
The PCC discussed arrangements for the Harvest Festival celebrations and Eco Fun Palace event planned for Sunday 8th October. Deborah Colvin, our Sustainability Champion, provided an update on the planning for the various activities throughout the day. It was hoped that the event would continue to build upon the success of the previous year’s event and serve to demonstrate St James’s ongoing commitment to Eco Church principles.
Archdeacon’s triennial visitation
The PCC noted arrangements for the Archdeacon’s triennial visitation scheduled to take place on Monday 5th February 2018.
Other matters
The PCC received for information and noted:
- A report from LH in relation to her liaison role with the LGBT Group
- The minutes of the Health & Safety Committee meetings of 20th July 2017 and 31st August 2017
- The minutes of the Staff meeting of 2nd August 2017