ST MARY'S CHURCH: The AGM was recently held in the church and was chaired by the rector, Canon Bill Merrington.

The Parochial Church Council was thanked for its work and support. At the election there was only one change with Sheila Hanton taking the place of Derek Gallent.

In her report the secretary, Joan Murray-White, mentioned the successful flower festival over the Jubilee weekend, the harvest quiz evening, the stall at the village hall Christmas bazaar. There had been several discussions on the way forward for the church in Ilmington. Future possible events included an Alpha course, a church fete, a Songs of Praise service, a church barn dance and a prayer card.

The Do Everything Ourselves course held because of the shortage of clergy in the Deanery had not been well attended. There was also the possibility of forming a Friends of Ilmington Church as a way of raising funds to keep the church going and encouraging people to be interested in the life of the church.

The Deanery Synod representative, Peter Coupland, in his report commented on the deanery quiet day, the presentations on diocesan finances, developing lay ministry, the development of the Christian following and the Lent services held in various churches in the deanery.

The report on the finances of the church was given by David Hanton, the treasurer. The amount of Gift Aid had decreased during the year and this trend would probably continue during the current year. The cost of cutting the churchyard grass had increased which had been exacerbated by the theft of the machinery. It was hoped that much of the replacement costs would be covered by insurance.

Regarding charity giving, the rector will be nominating a charity for the year. Regarding the Diocese Quota, the treasurer said that the same amount was being paid as was paid two years ago. The PCC had decided not to pay the increase requested. After answering many questions the accounts for the year were accepted and the treasurer was duly thanked. The new treasurer will be Helen Patrick.

In the report on the fabric of the church, the churchwarden, Angus Chambers, said that much work had been undertaken. He mentioned the pointing and flashing work on the tower, the new water tank for the boiler and the painting of the gutters and downpipes and the repainting of the interior. There had also been expenditure on the church clock and the damaged collection boxes.

The rector's report covered many items. He thanked all those who had worked so diligently to further the work of the church. The children's Live Wires After School Club had ceased because of the child protection regulations. It was hoped to restart the club. The proposed Sunday School had not materialised.

Regarding services the rector will be preaching on a more schematic format. There was a thought that a new group could draw others to the church and a new Tuesday evening event would start in the church for all the benefice.

In any other business, questions were asked about a new youth worker, and the response to the churchyard upkeep envelopes which had been distributed in the village.

At the end of the meeting the rector was thanked for his optimistic cheerfulness despite all the increasing difficulties within the Deanery.