Minutes from the AGM of the Sacred Heart Parish 17 July 2025 attended by approximately 40 parishioners.
- Fran Ludden welcomed everyone attending.
- Chairman’s report delivered, attached (see below).
- Financial report: thanks to all in the Parish who give their support in so many ways;
time and financial generously given through the offertory. For anyone not gift aiding
their donation please consider this if you are a taxpayer. Fr Peter is overall
responsible for all financial matters of the Parish and reports to the Bishop, a
summary of accounts is attached. We received a substantial amount from the
Insurance for the repairs to the Hall. Unfortunately, as a consequence of the hall
being closed we have suffered with a loss of income. The bathroom in the presbytery
is currently being upgraded. Aylsham & Hoveton have their quinquennial reviews
coming up. Sacred Heart needs a detailed inspection of the roof etc. There will be a
drive to achieve more offertory income. The funds that we have can cover short to
medium term needs. It was suggested that we think of Legacy Income – an advice
note has been created and will be available soon. Francis gave thanks to David,
Peter and Ken.
A question was asked about the diocesan levies: these are compulsory and covers
schooling etc each Parish pays a percentage. - Parish Priest report: Fr Peter thanked Fran & Richard and everyone for the work that
is done within the various committees and those who deliver the liturgy, choirs etc. It
is good to see so many associations the SVP being a recent addition. We have also
recently reintroduced the Chalice at mass. John Holden will be representing us for
the Jubilee year. Also many thanks to those who provided the supper this evening.
AOB: a question was asked why Aylsham does not have a defibrillator – this is to be
discussed following information gathering.
The meeting closed at 8.45pm
Report from Chair: My first job is to thank Richard for chairing the PPC until last year. Meetings have always
been led effectively, efficiently and with a smile. Big shoes to fill. Thank you also to Cathy,
who has recently passed on the baton of Secretary to the PPC. Cathy, thank you for all your
hard work, and we wish you well. Thank you all the members of the PPC for giving of your
time so willingly. And my personal thanks to Clare for standing in when I have been unable
to make the meetings and for taking the minutes this evening.
So what happens at a PPC Meeting?
The committee meets several times a year and supports Fr Peter in his decisions regarding
the pastoral life of the parish.
Fr Peter always leads the meeting in prayer and updates us with a report which might
include news from the diocese, liturgies celebrated or planned, formation of adults and
children in parish, calendar
Then the PPC works its way through a varied agenda. Hopefully the following will give you a
flavour of what that looks like.
Health and Safety is always on the agenda in one form or another. For example,
defibrillator training has been available this year and continues to attract parishioners. We
thank John for all the work he puts in to plan and deliver sessions. First Aid boxes have
been, or are in the process of being checked, and the committee has identified the need for
more general first aid training for volunteers.
The diocese has appointed a new Health and Safety consultancy firm. We anticipate this
keeping us busy in the coming months once they have visited and completed their report.
The PPC has also begun the process of reviewing the parish twinning with Cambodia. The
three churches have been asked to discuss all options at their next forum and to report
back to the committee, so that a decision can be made as to its continuing.
The new lectionaries came into use in Advent. The committee is currently investigating
ways of making the Mass Readings and responses more available to all parishioners. The
three churches have had different ways of doing this in the past.
The PPC has also been consulted on the re-introduction of the chalice at Sunday Mass,
alongside the recent training and recommissioning of eucharistic ministers.
We can report that the Parish Census is complete and all data has been processed and is
securely stored.
The Parish Social Committee is now securely established and consists of representatives
from the three churches. The committee has planned and delivered a number of social and
fundraising events over the past year, including a Christmas Fayre, a Quiz Night and and
International Bring and Share Meal. It appreciates all the help it gets to make the events
successful and welcomes feedback and suggestions for future events, as well as new
members.
Regular forum meetings take place in all three churches and have proved a useful vehicle
for dissemination of information as well as for discussion. Reports are delivered to the PPC
and PPC minutes are made available and may be discussed at the forums. This year,
extraordinary meetings were held across the parish to discuss the Bishop’s documents
regarding the future of the diocese. Responses were collated and forwarded to the
Diocesan Office.
Following talks at Mass, the St Vincent de Paul conference originally set up in Aylsham, now
includes members from the wider parish. Now well established, its main activity has been
befriending individual members of the parish and beyond, and offering assistance where
necessary and appropriate. It is supporting the work of other local SVP conferences and this
year, again, organised and delivered Christmas boxes to a number of families in local
temporary accommodation.
Safeguarding has become a permanent agenda item. All DBS checks are up to date. Thank
you to Sue who has agreed to train as the safeguarding rep for North Walsham.
As a member of the Finance and Fabric Committee, Francis Harmer now kindly attends PPC
meetings to give us an update on all relevant financial matters as well as any relating to the
fabric and grounds of the three churches. We have found his contributions really welcome.
Representatives from all churches update us on what is happening in their part of the
parish. Agenda items regularly include issues involving cost as well as concerns around the
wear and tear and upkeep of the church buildings, not to forget the seemingly
insurmountable parking problems. Francis has been on hand to answer queries we have
had and having him attend our meetings has increased communication between the two
committees. Thank you, Francis.
I hope this has been useful. Apologies if I have left out anything I should have included!
I leave it to Fr Peter to thank you for all you do in so many ways and hand over to Francis
who will update us on all matters financial.
