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Notes from the Council Meeting February 25th
The meeting began with a reading from Psalm 84 .The theme of Scargill as a ‘doorkeeper’ was shared, and the quote "To accomplish good things, we must not only act but also dream, not only plan but believe." Anatole France, French novelist and poet

Phil was welcomed to his first Council meeting since being licensed as Director.

Matters Arising
The meeting reflected on the most recent events – Phil’s licensing and the Radio 4 broadcast of the Morning Service the previous Sunday. Both events had been splendid on many levels, gratitude was expressed to all concerned, and some supportive and moving comments shared. The wide reach of the broadcast was evident.
One or two areas for future development were discussed, for application at the Scargill Movement weekend event planned for May 7-9. The aims for this time were identified as opportunity for Inspiration Communication and Ownership. The logistics of hospitality for the expected large numbers with the embrionic community were recognised, but with the generous support of volunteers and some careful planning an effective first event is anticipated. A small group will support Phil and Di in the detailed planning.

Scargill House Director’s Report
Phil had identified and sent to the previous meeting priorities for the first few months, the Council had endorsed these. In spite of the short time (three weeks) he had been in post much was already under way. An ‘away time’ was booked for March 9/10 for staff and community, and the work of discerning numbers of the next community members was a task to be undertaken, alongside preparing the skeleton programme. Thehopeis to publish an outline plan covering the period to Easter 2011, to support and make best use of Adrian and Bridget’s input. Invitations to preach and attend events were coming in .It was acknowledged that Council could well act as ambassadors and help extend the outreach by responding to some of the invitations to Phil. Plans were being developed to show appreciation to the faithful volunteers whose work has been so highly valuable. It was recognised that Scargill Movement has a part to ply on a larger scale as part of a Vision for the North. Phil will be attending a gathering in London on the future of Intentional Communities with Paul Bayes, National Evangelism Officer, and also will attend Bradford Diocesan Synod.

Project Director’s Report
Simon informed the meeting that planning permission had been applied for;we await further information.

It was agreed to allocate money for light refurbishment of Pent, as its use is anticipated for several years.
The challenge of balancing costs of energy-efficient building (our vision) with the hard economics was acknowledged. Grants would be sought to offset the costs, but it was accepted that it may not be practical to reach the highest standards of energy efficiency in the old building, though significant improvements are possible.

Fire safety of the building has been an ongoing concern.Weare enormously grateful to Colin Parker (Lee Abbey connection) who is assisting with advice and supporting liaison with the Fire Service.

Application for building regulations will not be rushed at this stage, as it will not be needed until the £100K required for initial refurbishment is in place.

Volunteer working parties had been successful,  with four workparties planned. Each work area has a team leader either staff member or and appropriately skilled volunteer, the teams are Woodland, Garden, House and Kitchen.

Business Plan
This is a working document, requiring some updating and finishing  now Phil is in post to be part of that work. The Plan defines important principles on viability and sustainability, but how these are delivered may not be exactly as in the plan – it is to be used rather than an end in itself. Review at least annually will be necessary, the plan will have a 3-5 year lifespan. In these early days particularly we shall need to be open to God’s leading as programme and community are developed. The viability of the phases needs proving year on year, an annual budget needs drawing up, the one for 2010 is in preparation by a small group to be presented to the next Council meeting.

Finance
Tony has done a great deal of work on this, the need for another Finance specialist on the Council was acknowledged, freeing Tony for his Vice Chair role – a suggestion will be followed up.
+Chris thanked the Council collectively for the £40K of gifts and promises they had made to set an example. There continues to be around £7K /month coming in, less than half of which is regular monthly donations. This giving is enormously encouraging and we are grateful for the generous support it represents.
The strategy for fund-raising and loan repayment to Lee Abbey was discussed.
Work could not go ahead on Phase 1 of the development plan until the funds were secure, either by gift or promise, to complete the work. The injunction to ‘build steadily’ was remembered, and careful thought will be given to what God is saying to us in all this.


The Northern Fundraising Group
This had met to discuss fund-raising in the North and would be supporting the process of raising the Phase 1 money – to be achieved before launching a major external appeal. The Easter newsletter would be used as a vehicle. It would be possible to circulate the letter electronically for those who wished, reducing the postage and printing costs, however there was still a wide audience for the paper communication, which would be prepared shortly.

The Wharfedale Foundation
Correspondence was discussed, and the ongoing difficulty raised by confusion in supporters minds over names and charitable purposes. It was agreed that some further communication with The Charity Commission would be appropriate.

Communications Report
A paper was tabled clarifying the policy decisions and designated responsibilities required. Phil (Director) is producing a policy, and will be taking responsibility with +Chris (Chair of Council) for ensuring accuracy and appropriateness of communications. Suzie will take on the Twitter and Facebook communications, in addition to the people already involved. The importance of keeping these channels free-flowing was agreed to enable supporters to engage with Scargill developments as they would like.

Governance
Names were shared and role of Vice Presidents was discussed. Additional information will be sought for the next meeting and a decision is anticipated then.

The meeting closed with prayer.

Prayer -  Please pray for;
·    George Cassidy, new Chair of Lee Abbey Movement chair to begin his term of work in March. Also for John Perry as he relinquishes that role.
·    For financial decisions affecting Scargill Movement to be made at the Lee Abbey Council meeting on March 9th.
·    The Wharfedale foundation and its trustees.
·    The away time for Scargill Movement staff.
·    The sending of the right people, to provide finance, to be community, to support with voluntary help and to serve as Vice Presidents.
 
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