A more usual length meeting of the Council took place on the 12th November 2001, as several items on the agenda provoked detailed discussion.

The first concerned Priory School - until recently the Deanery Middle School -now a Church Primary School, in Holy Trinity parish, who also have another Church school. The governors have requested that St Mary's provide some governors, in view of the connection with the Richard Thornton Foundation. Although no pupils from our parish go to the school, they seem to get little help from any other parish, so this proposal was agreed to.

The Vicar summarized the discussions which had taken place at the PCC “Away Day” and how these could be implemented by the various committees.

The Hon. Treasurer reported that the response to the TRIO Campaign had been very encouraging and we would now be able to balance the budget for 2001.

There will be several dates for your diary in connection with fund-raising for missionary giving, starting with a Curry Evening on the 26th January. Other possible ways of fund-raising were also considered.

Another recommendation that received unanimous agreement was that about four times a year there should be a 9.30 am non-Eucharistic All-age Act of Worship, with a Celebration of the Eucharist at 6.30 pm. In view of the large numbers involved, it was agreed that the arrangements for the Christingle Service this year should be slightly amended.