We were a bit out on our gender balance at our Vestry meeting in June with Phyllis Mossman being away in Europe and Helen and Libby not able to be there but I was able to hold the fort and ensure no pro-male decisions were made about such items as the new toilets in the hall!

We noted that Joy & Don Baird and the Burridge family had been thanked for their respective donations of the waterproof paint for the canopy over the kitchen porch and a good vacuum cleaner.

We also had a discussion about the state of the plaques on the Memorial Wall. It was noted that the plaques were the responsibility of family members or friends but the overall state of the wall is a parish responsibility. Despite this Damon had approached the suppliers, given that some plaques were showing quite bad weathering, and it was found that they could be refurbished at a reasonable cost. Some families had already taken up this opportunity but everyone should be aware that this service is available.

Damon reported that he had finished and lodged his essays and now just has his longer term paper to complete. No doubt that was a load off his mind. The church had had good attendances at the Wellington Youth Choir and Pentecost service, and the numbers at the Sunday Club continue to be around 10-20, with about 20-30 children attending the Friday Playgroup with their caregivers.

Given we were meeting close to the shortest day it was hardly surprising that we discussed the issue of heating in the vicarage. We all endorsed the need for this and agreed to look at heat pumps and insulation issues but Damon (stoically) suggested it be deferred to the next budget. That led on to a discussion of the need for general maintenance around the hall, church and vicarage and it was agreed to call on everyone to attend a working bee on the 21st of July to do a bit of painting and gardening and other odd jobs – Something for everyone and it could be almost as much fun as a mid-winter dinner! Mark your diary now.

The issue of the refurbishment of the hall was discussed following the Parish Catch-up discussion. It was resolved to hold a workshop with an architect in attendance as suggested by Delwyn so that wider input from parishioners could be obtained. The St Albans Trust was reported to have agreed to fund the project up to $50,000 which the parish would repay over time.

Penny Grigg – People’s Warden

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