Repair Works & Invoices

Invoices –All proposed repairs etc., must be sanctioned by the Select Vestry and proper procedures followed. In emergencies the sanction of the Rector and/or treasurer is required. All invoices must be made out to “Clonmel Union of Parishes” and it is for the Treasurer alone to pay for sanctioned work and services. All cheques must be made out to “Clonmel Union of Parishes” – the banks have become extremely fussy and with the changes in Charities Legislation we will in future be subject to auditing and so our financial procedures must be carried out in proper order.

St Mary’s Hall –

Our Fas workers are clearing out all the rubbish from the hall at the moment and will be giving it a coat (or two) of “magnolia” paint. The toilet renovation will be completed shortly and, although there is no heating, we will be able to use the premises for some activities. There are plans to finish the temporary repairs on the roof, which will give us some time to raise the funds for the major repair and renovation that is required.

The Tourist Office –

The tourist office, which has been housed in Old St. Mary’s for the last four years will move to the Mainguard, Clonmel sometime in the near future. The Secretary and outreach worker will remain in the church and this will greatly assist us in keeping Old St. Mary’s open to the public.
Those of you who have been at Old St. Mary’s will see the improvements that have been made in the grounds. Bulbs are being planted in the new flowerbeds at the moment. The renovation of the toilets in the hall is approaching completion

The Tourist Office –

The tourist office, which has been housed in Old St. Mary’s for the last four years will move to the Mainguard, Clonmel sometime in the near future. The Secretary and outreach worker will remain in the church and this will greatly assist us in keeping Old St. Mary’s open to the public.
Those of you who have been at Old St. Mary’s will see the improvements that have been made in the grounds. Bulbs are being planted in the new flowerbeds at the moment. The renovation of the toilets in the hall is approaching completion

General Easter Vestry –

The attendance was average, but when the apologies are counted the interest is seen to be increasing. Interest in what, you might ask? In parish life. We have new people on our new Select Vestry and some old hands. Those elected have taken on the responsibilty of being responsible for the three Fs for the next year – Finance, Fabric (buildings & land) and Furnishings (everything contained in our buildings). Nothing should be done in any property in the parish without the permission of the Select Vestry, and, if necessary, the diocesan Council and Representative Church Body.
When you look at the finances of last year you see that giving for the live ministry (assessment/sustentation) is our highest giving, but needs more subscribers to do what it is supposed to do. Donations towards repairs/renovations etc were extremely high. But giving towards the day-to-day running of the parish (light, heat and maintenance) is almost non-existent. In other words, we do not have a parish “life”. And this must be addressed if we are to be able to pay all our bills and, more importantly, become a place where people want to worship and share time with each other as real committed and lively Christians. Sunday collections are low and this is providing a sequence of – low funds to inadequate heat to poor attendance to low funds etc in at least one of our churches. There are other factors for low attendance at worship and they also need to be addressed and, once again, there are the sequences that perpetuate our problems – “nothing for the children in worship” to Rector prepares material to no children to etc. We need more volunteers for Youth Work. Maybe what I have said on page one might give some people ideas of what they might do to improve what I find a frustrating situation!
Select Vestry Meeting – Monday, 11th May 2009 @ 8.00pm in Old St. Mary’s,

Green Flag –

Dr Martin Mansergh, Minister for State for the O.P.W. came to us on a gloriously sunny and warm 20th March. The O.P.W. owns our school. He brought good news! Renovations and upgrading is to be done on a “classroom”. We’re not sure what that means, but any work sanctioned by the Department of Education and Science, through the O.P.W. or otherwise is always good.

The children Mced the event most professionally and they presented fantastic reports on how they had achieved this FIRST for Clonmel. Yes, our school is the 1st school in Clonmel to receive a Green Flag.

A big Thank-you to parents for the sumptuous afternoon tea served afterwards. Dr Mansergh was most impressed by what he saw and showed particular interest in our desire for the conversion of one of the vacant rooms into a general purpose room.

I almost forgot – the gerbils attended, they paid little heed to the proceedings, their interest being only in their continual shredding of cardboard – part of our recycling!

Table Quiz

Our table quiz was very successful with 15 tables. We were extraordinarily well supported by member of the local community. We raised €710. There appears to be
very good reaction to the decision of the Select Vestry to repair and renovate St. Mary’s Parochial Hall. Thank-you to those of you who supported this parish fundraiser.