Ecclesiastical Parish of St John the Baptist, Loughton

Minutes of the meeting of the Parochial Church Council,
held on Wednesday 10th June 2026 in the choir vestry at 7.30pm

Present: Vicky Shankland, Milinka Eastwood, Suhail Baithun, Claude Goodman, Sam Alder, Jamie Flavell, Phillip Gwinn, Reverend Will Rose-Moore, Anton French, Reverend Chris Davies, David Roderick, Stuart Jack and Virgil Parenzee.

1. Opening prayer
   CD opened the meeting with prayer.
2. Conflicts of interest
   No conflicts of interest were declared.
3. Apologies for absence
   No apologies were received.
4. Minutes of the previous PCC meeting
   The draft minutes of the PCC meeting held on 13th March 2026 were approved and signed as a correct record.
5. Matters arising from the minutes and not appearing elsewhere on the agenda
   David Roderick was elected as Lay Chair; the motion was passed. VS agreed to continue as Secretary. AF agreed to continue as Treasurer. The Standing Committee was discussed. David Roderick, churchwarden would continue for another year, and SM volunteered to serve as Assistant Churchwarden. A further vacancy for Assistant Churchwarden remained. Trustee forms were to be completed by new members, including Milinka.
6. Ministry and Mission update
   CD thanked members for their care following his recent seizure and noted the impact of his mother’s death. He spoke about the need to manage his health carefully and confirmed that his sabbatical had been moved from the summer to September through to November. WRM confirmed that arrangements were in hand. CD also reported that he shall be carry out a course on family and children's work run by the Church of England, funded by the diocese which includes three days in Oxford and a summer youth camp, with a focus on youth and family work.

Rosary group: WRM reported that the church had been approached about hosting a rosary group. Around 15 people attended the most recent meeting. The next meeting was expected to take place on 1st July at 8.00pm. Members were content for the group to continue.

First Communion and Patronal Festival: Preparation was underway, with six or seven participants noted. The Patronal Festival picnic would proceed as planned.

Diocesan update: CD reported on diocesan pressures, including clergy distribution, parish share, and the difficulty of securing curates. It was noted that the parish is currently in a comparatively healthy position, but concerns remain about future clergy cover, particularly around holidays in 2027. CD agreed to make enquiries about cover.

BR and DR health update: CD updated members on David’s health and the impact on Barbara. It was noted that Barbara would need to apply for her licence in due course and that current circumstances required sensitive handling. Saturday Eucharist and the bereavement group were continuing.

'Will's PhD Study'
Prayers were requested ahead of a PhD submission in two weeks for WRM.

7. Davenant
   CD reported that leftover money from the shop and music group would support chaplaincy work at the school.

CD also reported on a youth pastor connected with Woodford Wells, noting her experience, organisation and theological background. CD would invite her to attend so that members could meet her.

8. Safeguarding
   No update was received from RC. This item remains pending.
9. Finance
   AF presented provided an update on investments. The position was considered to be satisfactory. CD asked about moving £120,000, which would require investment and a fund movement. It was noted that the money came from a legacy and was not restricted.

There was no update on the faculty for the boiler. Members discussed whether a faculty would be needed for the purchase of a piano. David Roderick was to arrange a further quote for solar panels. Parish share had been paid up to August, leaving four months still to pay, to be met from income.

The five giving methods were noted: cash, bank standing order, contactless giving, online giving and Facebook.

10. Fabric, Buildings and Churchyard
    Grass cutting and maintenance: CD said the front of the churchyard looked good and the back was improving. It was agreed that in 2027 we shall start maintenance of the grounds earlier to try and elevate some of the complaints we have received.

Fence: CD reported on the fence between the field and Marjoram, noting flooding concerns. CD stated that the fence is not the church’s responsibility and that the covenant requires it to be built and maintained by the homeowner. The importance of maintaining a good relationship was noted.

Scout hut lease: CD had made contact and was looking for the lease. Advice may be needed from the Diocese. CD would email the nursery regarding safety concerns, including children moving in and around the car park while being mindful of the church’s relationship with the Scouts.

11. Church, Social and Community Events
    It was noted that the planned race night had been cancelled.

The Patronal Festival picnic is due to take place on 28th June from 11.30am to 3.00pm following the joint service. It was agreed that the event would be scaled down as a parish picnic. Members noted that volunteers were still needed for the bar and barbecue, and that a sign-up list should be used to confirm expected attendance numbers. David Roderick indicated that he was happy to help, although the extent of his availability was uncertain.

Members also discussed the sound system and music arrangements for the event. It was noted that the event had been advertised more widely.

12. Any Other Business
    CD advised members of ongoing problems with the microphones. The estimated cost of fitting a camera and wiring it in was noted as £4,100. The need for separate microphones for the choir was discussed, together with the need to purchase new microphones. Motion carried to spend the money.

It was agreed that toilets should be added to the agenda for the next meeting. Gutter cleaning was also noted.

Date of next PCC meeting
The next PCC meeting will take place on Wednesday 8th July at 7.30pm.