Agenda and Minutes

1. Opening devotions were led by the Rev Rob Hilton

2. Apologies were received from Mike Dixon, Brian Scott, Roger Davy, Debbie Mashiter, George Auterson, Tim Mutton, Peter North, Michael Noble. Margo Atkinson was welcomed as Secretary of the Circuit Meeting.

3. Minutes of the previous meeting (15th September 2010) were approved and signed.

4A. Circuit Stewards’ Report (previously circulated and attached): A Way Forward for Mission (the new Circuit)
i) Following the circulation of the Stationing Profile (previously circulated and attached) of the new circuit, the Rev Julian Pursehouse (previously circulated and attached) had provided a suitable profile. The recommendation, therefore, was that the Rev Julian Pursehouse be appointed Superintendent Minister of the new Circuit from September 2011. Unanimously agreed. There would be re-invitations / invitations to consider for 2012 in due course under the new circuit.
ii) Additional people were needed on the Join Invitation Group specifically representative of the churches where ministers were retiring. The additions of Angela Pearson (Addingham) and Roger Davy (Ben Rhydding) were agreed. NB Michael Noble had advised it was not possible to send substitutes in the event of either of the above being unavailable. It was possible, however, for the absentee to make his/her views known to the group.
iii) The inaugural meeting for the new circuit would be held at Otley Methodist Church on Tuesday 6th September, 7.30pm.
iv) It was agreed there should be a celebratory service to give thanks for the work of the Ilkley circuit. Details to follow. Ideas appreciated.
v) A secret paper ballot was taken on the name of the new circuit. The result to be advised shortly when our voting had been added to that of the Otley circuit.

4B.Beamsley (Report previously circulated and attached) The meeting agreed to the undertaking of a feasibility study on the Beamsley premises.

5. Gary Williams presented the audited accounts ((previously circulated and attached) and confirmed our finances were in good order. The accounts were adopted and Gary thanked for his work. He commented it was difficult to prepare a budget for 2011/12 in view of the circuit changes but something would need to be in place by June.

6. Circuit Reports
i) Circuit Schedules had been prepared and were signed by Arnold Clay and Margo Atkinson. Thanks were expressed to Judith Smith for her work.
ii) Manses – there were discussions taking place re the provision of en suite facilities at the Ilkley Manse.
iii) All churches confirmed safeguarding policies are in place. Arnold Clay said the laws are changing rapidly and new forms were apparently being prepared. Any queries should be addressed to him at the moment but a Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator was required. (Details of the responsibilities of a Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator) are available.
iv) Local Preachers: Chris Eagle reported the first meeting under the new circuit would take place on 14th September. George Auterson and Angela Pearson were to attend the next Ilkley Local Preachers’ meeting to share experiences of worship involving young people.
v) Glen Rosa: Rob Hilton reported a constant ebb and flow of ability amongst the residents. The supporters group functions well. Alan Lowe wished to stand down as Treasurer of the Auxilliary Fund. He noted it would be interesting to see what differences the creation of the new circuit and the building of the new MHA supported living project in Ilkley would bring to our local work with the elderly.
vi) Beamsley Project: Rita Armitage, as a new Trustee, announced a proposed weekend of events (14/15 May 2011). Further details to follow.

7. Church News: Ben Rhydding report (previously circulated and attached) by Ros May. Addingham – by Chris Allen. Response to questionnaire ‘What About Me, What About God’ from the people on the Pastoral list distributed last year. A worship consultation group has been formed to evaluate the analysis of the questionnaire and the following suggestions have been used in some of the services and also additional meetings at other times.
 • Sung Lord’s Prayer.
 • Sketches by Drama Group.
 • Participation by Singing Group.
 • Individuals offering prayers and singing have participated.
 • Songs of Praise and Iona worship have been successfully tried.
 • Self arrangement services.
 • Formation of a second House Group which is well attended.
The inclusion of the above have, in the opinion of the Stewards and others, increased attendance at services which is very encouraging. In addition the regular meetings such as The Saturday Night Take-away and social events have also been well attended.
Christchurch – by Elisabeth Halsall. Christchurch has started a new style of evening worship on a Sunday. We meet at 6:30 in the Coffee Centre – now called Christchurch Cafe. Arnold Clay takes the first Sunday, Rob Hilton the second. The third Sunday is shared worship with some of the CTI Churches. Rob Hilton is taking the fourth Sunday and is intending to introduce several different styles of worship. Taize style worship will continue on the fourth Sunday every other month. This week we celebrate the Sunday before Lent with a Mardi Gras Service at 10.00 am for everybody. The Service will be followed by a choice of activities in groups, a procession to the bandstand and a Church Lunch which will include Communion. At Easter, we hope to provide a display of 4 paintings from the Methodist Art Collection. A rota of stewards is being arranged in the week so that anyone can come and see the pictures. All are welcome.

8. Circuit Calendar: It is likely there will be a “new” circuit weekend (wartch this space!) and a Beamsley Open Day (24th September).

9. AOB
Ben Rhydding Roof Repairs (Tim Mutton): The Property Stewards were seeking quotations for repairs to the roof of the new hall and the flashings round the roof of the church. The Property Stewards were confident the total contract price will not exceed £5000. It was proposed to use funds currently held in a Model Trust Bequest by TMCP in Manchester under the management of Ben Rhydding Methodist Church. They are required to submit the proposal to the district, endorsed by the circuit. Approved.
The next Circuit Plan was now available.
With each of the three churches short of a steward, Arnold Clay agreed to set aside a date for some form of training for anyone interested in knowing more about such a commitment.

Date of the next meeting: Wednesday 22 June at Christchurch.

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