Parish of the Sacred Heart:Parish Pastoral Council Minutes of the Meeting held on Tuesday 2nd June 2026 at St John of the Cross, Aylsham
Opening Prayer
Present: Fr. Alan Hodgson, Fran Ludden (Chair), Christine Barraclough (Secretary), Peter Mckenna, Georgiana Rylands, Francis Harmer (Finance), Bob Gale, Bruce McKenna, Clare Glenn, Nick Elphinstone
Apologies for Absence: Margaret Burrows, Ijeoma Duru
Meeting to close at 9pm
Minutes of previous meeting held on March 3rd: These were agreed as correct
Matters Arising from the Minutes: The Jubilee working committee was mentioned as an ongoing project. John Holden has been coordinating any possible response to his appeal for contributions in writing, describing people’s introduction to the Parish. This should continue with as much encouragement as possible. There is a possibility of the Parish joining the Philippino Festival on September 20th at Hoveton, to celebrate the Jubilee. Father Alan will approach the organisers and coordinate the arrangements if this is possible.
Peter reported that the First Aider Training enquiries are still ongoing. A health and safety meeting has taken place and safety points for each church are being updated. There will be a closer link with WorkNest in future who will provide support with Health and Safety issues. Fire Marshall training is due to take place next week.
There were no other matters arising
Financial Report given by Francis Harmer: There has been no further meeting of the Finance Committee since the last PPC meeting. Good news on the first collection figures, which amounted to £26,500 (budget 24,000). It was suggested that the publicity of last year had an impact, which is now taking effect. Also, the numbers in the congregation are increasing, to the extent that this effect will have to be monitored for evacuation policies and procedures.
Sum up card machines: Further guidance will be coming. Now, they are only used for second collections. They will also be able to be used for social events.
Buildings and Grounds: Sacred Heart is waiting for Diocesan report on the tower. They will fully manage the project.
The grounds at North Walsham need tidying and plans for this are progressing.
The cracks and settlement at Aylsham situation is being monitored. CCTV planning is ongoing but not up and running yet. The sound system is being updated.
Georgiana mentioned that the sound in the Narthex is poor and needs to be checked.
The hearing loops in each church may need to be upgraded.
St Helens has tree work to be done- three trees will be felled and some minor building work.
Health and Safety This has already been covered under Matters Arising.
Safeguarding All checks are up to date.
SVP Report Maria Endell sent apologies. Having reps from all three churches means we can cover a wide geographical area. It is very successful so far and there are more referrals coming in. It was begun in Aylsham as an informal group but when officially formalised as SVP, more people and needs have come in, and fund raising has been brought under the banner.
Social Committee Bob was thanked for his role in setting up the Beetle Drives and Quizzes, which keep people involved and raise valuable funds.
Parish AGM 16th July at 6.30. Light refreshments and wine will be served.
NOW CHANGED TO SEPTEMBER 10th
Father Alan’s Induction Mass– July 2nd 6pm. This will go in the newsletter from this week, and lists will be out for signing at the back of each church. Refreshments are planned.
There is a quiz on June 6th, 2-4pm. The Beetle Drive raised £227, and the next one will be on Friday July 24th at 6.30, hoping more people will be able to come.
There is a Murder Mystery evening planned for the autumn and The Christmas Fair as usual later in the year.
Bob had suggestions for extra fund raising. He has been approached by a lady who has offered to put on a ‘cello recital. He also mentioned the possibility of a 200 club. This would need specific actions to set up. The person who runs it should be DBS checked; a council licence would be needed. £1 a week was suggested. Bob offered to lead a group to set it up. Francis was concerned that the amount asked for should be affordable for everyone. This will be discussed at the social committee. A concert by Coda Conduct at Aylsham on June 19th will be mentioned in the newsletter this week.
Councillors’ Reports
Aylsham: There were questions about the sign of peace at weekday Mass. Father confirmed it is to be on Sundays and at solemnities only.
There will be Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament on Wednesday evening
Following discussion, it was noted that there are not enough children in the congregation to allow for provision of special Children’s liturgy group.
Thanks to Father Alan for the new sound system and his ensuring that everyone can hear him.
North Walsham: Some people voiced concerns about the new style of newsletter, as they are not sure where to find the readings. This will be made clearer as refinements are made.
It was noted that the church door is not always left locked, and people should ensure it is, as they leave.
It was further noted that the Parish directory needs updating.
Hoveton: There was a discussion about the possibility of Latin responses being used.
There was a request for more support at parish events. There should be more events held at Hoveton and this will be raised at the social committee meeting.
The Philippino Mass in September was discussed. Bishop Peter will be present.
A new shed will remove the necessity to store things in the loft.
The memorial cross is being mended following damage being done to it.
The coffee morning was very successful.
Parish/Diocesan twinning Father Alan has made enquiries about twinning with an organisation in the Holy Land. He was told that a parish in Palestine in need of support will be selected. This will be in an area on the West Bank and will help to support the Christian Faith there. The current twinning arrangement will be closed but support for events for Support Cambodia will be maintained.
Father Alan’s Induction Mass was discussed earlier.
Any other business Fran mentioned the leaving party for Antonia. Father Alan said this was in hand.
Father Alan said Kerry had requested a small rise in the budget for the children’s liturgy. This would enable them to buy more books. Hoveton and Aylsham can provide some as well.
Next meeting: September 8th at Hoveton 7.15 for 7.30
THIS HAS BEEN CHANGED-AGM on 10th INSTEAD
The meeting closed at 8.45 with a prayer
