Minutes of the Parish Council Meeting 15th July 2025
Present
Fr Colm, John Thompson, Tom Hoban, Alejandro Gonzalez, Cynthia Dunn, Graham Donnachie, Maria Melia, Kathleen Murray, Emma Turnbull, Joanna Pallister, Jonathan Stones (observer)
1. Fr Colm opened the meeting with a prayer.
2. Apologies – Tom Harrison, Mike McNally, Tony Power.
3. Minutes of the meeting 24th February 2025 had previously been circulated.
4. Parish Update – Fr Colm commented on the progress within Parish, he was pleased with the recent Baptism and Confirmation programmes noting that 22 candidates had received the Sacrament of Confirmation. The Parish was continuing to move forward in a positive way, the Memory café and lunch club remain very popular across the community, however, there is still a shortage of volunteers. The schools within the Parish of the Durham Martyrs continue to take part in Parish activities.
The maintenance of Parish buildings continue to place a financial demand on the Parish, with outstanding repairs and improvement to the current facilities including an upgrade to the Jubilee room. The replacement of the windows in St Josephs’ will commence soon and an upgrade and replacement to access the tower at St Godric’s has been highlighted as essential work. Fr Colm suggested that the use of St Godrics as a multi purpose centre, which, already hosts musical events, Lumierre and heritage weekend.
5. Finance feedback – A written report was submitted by Tom Harrison and has been circulated to the Parish Council. The report provides a comprehensive overview of the Parish finances and refers to the ongoing expenditure needed to continue the high level of maintenance of Parish buildings, grounds, amenities and facilities. The fourth option of giving is now available in both churches, and the report provides an update of the use of this facility, just to reiterate it is not a replacement to the preferred option of Giving by Standing Order or by envelopes and plate collection. There is a demand on Parish Finances particularly in relation to maintenance of parish buildings.
6. Building Committee feedback – A written report was provided and circulated to members of the Parish Council. St Joseph’s church; work has been carried out including the installation of CCTV internally and externally around the church, hall and presbytery, improving the safety and security of the area and of Fr Colm. Replacement door and frontage to the presbytery is complete and adds further security to the buildings. The report highlights the ongoing work required across the Parish including buildings and groundwork maintenance. Church windows at St Joseph’s will be replaced soon, the installation of a disabled ramp for access to the church is under consideration. Continued maintenance at St Godric’s includes work on access to the tower, the current means of access is not safe and needs replacement for safe access. The electricity distribution board has been replaced following a recent Regulation Electrical Inspection. Leaking roof repairs are ongoing in the confessional box and Lady alter.
St Bede’s Cemetery requires maintenance regarding the Lych Gate, the Diocese are leading on this aspect of maintenance.
Johnathan Stones was invited to the Parish Council meeting to provide some advice regarding the possible upgrade of the facilities and layout of the Jubilee room. The room needs an upgrade in several areas, which, were referred to by Jonathan. Jonathan provided advice about the refurbishment in relation to the actual structure of the building and offered a detailed account of what would be needed to carry out the work. It was agreed that a survey of the current structure and potential was required before a decision can be made to proceed with a refurbishment. This led to a lengthy discussion and considered how an upgrade would enhance the use of the facilities for the wider community. Cost of redevelopment was discussed and it was suggested that application for grants should be considered.
7. Parish Council communication included a discussion as to how greater cohesion could be achieved across the Parish particularly through social gatherings. It was agreed that one collective meeting place would improve the interaction across the Parish. Reference was made to the importance of a friendly welcome to people attending services at both churches. It was agreed that the presence of individuals in the Narthex as welcomers enhanced the experience for attendees. It was agreed that the Parish should be more engaged with the use of social media to promote the work and activities, which, take place across the Parish
8. Future meetings 21st October 2025 6.30pm St Joseph’s, 27th January 2026 6.30pm
9. AONB
o Graham Donachie informed the meeting that Bishop Stephen was keen to refresh the Partnership initiative and Parish Councils. A trial in the Finchale Partnership has been suggested and will be mission driven with the focus on liturgical ministry, formation/catechesis families /schools and social outreach. Fr Andrew Downie in his role as Dean and Lead priest for the Finchale Partnership is working with Graham Donachie (chair) to establish the trial. To facilitate this a synodal type meeting meeting will be arranged sometime in September 2025, and Parish Councils are asked to encourage Parish participation as we will need parishioners to support the trial both as Core Group members but also to provide knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm to drive forward the “mission” in the focus areas described above.
o Several members of the Parish have served their three-year term of office, a request by the chair was made to consider the following positions, Chair, VC and secretary.
The next PPC meeting will be 21st October2025 6.30pm St Joseph’s.
JTpc July 2025
