Issue 111 - Feb 25 website.pdf
held at Cornerstone 28th February 2025. The way Forward for Cornerstone. 22 people present plus Rev Al Lowe. Apologies: Pauline Ford Al opened the meeting with a reading from Luke and a prayer. Discussion ensued about the large amount needed to do the repairs on the Church Building. Minimum estimate £53,620.00 plus VAT and fees £77,856.24.( )repair of plaster shield plus slipped slate, +rear elevation wall and fascia board. Medium estimate £77,386.50 plus VAT and fees. £112,365.20 (omitting work to lead lights, only repairs and decoration to first floor windows. No wall decoration apart from repaired wall at the rear) Full cost £170,000.
Is it possible to just do the necessary work to satisfy insurance cover? We are insured at present. Action Plan: Way forward: Steve Martin and Chris Cross to meet with Graham Dean and get clarity re work, plus contact Methodist insurance to ask what they feel is necessary for insurance cover in the future? Grant Applications are in the process of being made by Liz Parker, Sandra Pratt has offered to help Liz because of her hearing problem. Al suggested Sandra contact Jeremy Ward District Grants Officer for advice.Fund Raising discussed, someone would be needed to coordinate this. Claire Briggs stepped forward and said she has experience in this field and would be willing to lead it. She asked for help from other members present, with some members volunteering. Ideas suggested: Setting up a Just Giving Page A Gift Day. Ideas put forward from Pauline Ford and Lynn Rundle to be brought to a future fundraising meeting. Getting a card reader Steve volunteered to get information regarding this.
Steve emphasised to the members present that as we are at least one member short on the church council we cannot function, therefore we are in preliminary talks with Sherwell regarding becoming a joint church council, which has implications for Cornerstones ability to make its own decisions. Claire enquired as to what would be involved if she stood for the Church Council. It was suggested she discuss this with Al. Land at rear of Church was discussed. If sold 40% would go to Methodist Property Division, the balance to the circuit, we could ask for some of it to help our repair fund? Someone to look into this would be necessary. No volunteers but Steve and Chris will look into asking a friendly estate agent to give us a valuation of the land. Request was made that members are kept up to date with developments. Suggested something put in the newsletter, someone has to give this to Brenda Noone ? Not said at meeting but the Mission Group minutes have been displayed on the foyer notice board and the congregation were notified from the lectern. Next Church meeting in 3 months. Meanwhile Fundraising group to set up and meet. Claire organising. Grant applications in the hands of Liz and Sandra and Building works etc with Steve and Chris.
