Financial matters were discussed, and the Vestry was informed of the current balances of the church bank accounts. There was also discussion regarding our present lack of a Treasurer, and that this is now becoming urgent, since the end of the Financial Year is approaching.
Professor Philip Winn reported on matters that had been discussed by the Financial and General Purposes Committee. These had included such matters as Treasurer, Organist's contract, and Risk Assessment, which had been addressed under Matters Arising and Financial Matters. There was also some discussion about methods of recouping of energy costs from people/organisations who use the church premises.
There was discussion about the Ladyhead volunteers' annual lunch, which was held at the home of Mrs June Baxter, and it was agreed that the Vestry would provide additional food and wine for the event.
Under Provincial and Diocesan matters, the Diocesan Review, which is to be launched at the Autumn Synod, was discussed. All congregations are being encouraged to examine what they do in relation to the Nine Marks of Mission, and the Vestry needs to consider ways of involving the congregation. There was also discussion regarding the Day of Prayer for the life and work of All Saints'.
The next Vestry meeting will be held on 1st October.
There were two subsequent extraordinary meetings of the Vestry. The first of these was held on Sunday 10th August. Mrs Jane Winn had intimated to the Vestry her willingness to undertake the duties of Treasurer. This was discussed by the Vestry, and it was unanimously agreed to accept Mrs Winn's kind offer of service. There was a further meeting of the Vestry on Sunday 24th August, when the matters of the Day of Prayer and the Ladyhead volunteers' lunch were discussed.
James Easton
Vestry Secretary
Risk Assessment had previously been discussed in connection with the provision of an Induction Pack for Vestry Members, and also in connection with the requirements of Charitable Status legislation. Some progress is being made with regard to Risk Assessment, and Edmund Robertson provided a list of various risks that had occurred to him. There will be further discussion of this subject by the Financial and General Purposes Committee, who will report back to the Vestry.
The Organist's Contract has been under discussion and negotiation for some considerable time, and it was hoped that this matter would be concluded by the end of June.
Financial matters were discussed, and it was reported that a claim had been made under the terms of the Gift-Aid scheme for the recovery of tax for the tax year ended 5th April, 2008, amounting to £7,040.22. Edmund Robertson had been given the names of a number of people who would be willing to assist with some aspects of the Treasurer's duties, and it is now a matter of sorting out and distributing duties as appropriate.
Other matters discussed were: Child Protection, letting of the church rental properties, and security. Provincial and Diocesan matters were also discussed, the main topic being the Diocesan Action Plan, which was to be the subject of meetings to be held at St. Peter's Church, Kirkcaldy on 24th June, and at St. Andrew's Church, St. Andrews, on 30th June. Fund Raising (for the purpose of paying off the deficit, and also for the heating upgrade project) was also discussed, and, in this connection, it is hoped that a Day of Prayer will be arranged.
The Vestry will next meet on Tuesday, 5th August.
James Easton
Vestry Secretary
As always, Financial matters were discussed, and the main concerns were the monthly deficit of £1000, and the difficulties of having no Treasurer. Various suggestions were made as to how the Treasurer's duties might be amended and divided. In addition, the matter of fund-raising for the project of upgrading the church heating system and associated improvements were discussed.
Following the theft of a substantial sum of money, representing three days' takings of the Ladyhead, a review of security arrangements was initiated. In addition, the matter of the broken cast-iron drain cover on the pavement just outside the church courtyard was discussed, since Fife County Council had written to advise the Rector that repairing this is the responsibility of the church, and that, in addition, the church will remain responsible for any claims for damages until the remedial work is completed.
James Easton
Vestry Secretary