Knights of Saint Columba
Accrington Council 188
Synopsis of Minutes of meeting held on Friday 18th of December 2015
Opening: The GK opened the meeting according to the ritual for small councils
Apologies Charlie Brady, Eric Mullen, Rev. Fr. Stamp, Paul Toman and the visiting gentlemen John
Ainsworth and Scott Sayers
Minutes of last meeting . The minutes of the meeting held on November 20th were read and passed as a
true record.
Matters arising None
Correspondence.
Out The GK sent form SW3 to Supreme notifying them of the exact date of \Arthur McGillivray’s
death September 17th 2015.
He also sent application form M2 to the PGK for Bro. Kevin Nancarrow’s to be raised to full
knighthood
Action convenors report,
It was decided that, in the absence of Fr. Stamp, any discussion regarding how the papal encyclical
‘EVANGELII GAUDIUM’ was to be presented to the council and parishioners, would be held over until
the next meeting.
MISSIO. The idea was to get children from the UK helping children in Cambodia to help improve their
lives both spiritually and materially. Paul Moxham (GK) indicated he would contact
Bro. Steve. McMillan for full information of working with schools as this seems to be lacking in the
information packs.
COLUMBA MAGAZINE. Bro. Robert George offered to take a photograph of the council and send it
via email to Bro. David Richards who would send it to the editor of Columba Magazine to report this
councils success in raising money for Mary’s Meals.
SCHOOL QUIZ Ten question papers of 10 questions each need to be prepared and tailored to the needs
and abilities of year six children. 2 papers must be related to the Catholic faith.. It was also agreed to
contact Mount Carmel to accommodate the quiz.
It was also established that all contacts with schools will be by LETTER and NOT by email.
Brothers were reminded that the head teacher at St. Anne’s and St. Joseph’s Primary school is now
Darren Mussell.
Bernard Holden distributed copies 600 of the following documents for distribution to various parishes in
our area;’ Instructions for my Funeral’, ‘Senior citizens information board’ and ‘Bereavement Prayers’.
These were collected by brothers to deliver 100 of each to the various parishes.
Secretary’s report
At the request of Fr. Derek McCartney at St. Mary’s Clayton le Moors, Bro. John McManus spoke to the
year 4 children at the class Mass on December 10th. He encouraged them take home a Christmas poster
and display it in their front windows. He received a favourable response. He repeated his appeal at the
vigil Mass on December 12th and hoped that some of those present took the message to heart.
Chancellor’s report
In the absence of Bro Paul Toman, Brian Heap reported on the delivery of the 2016 calendars and
Christmas cards and gave them to brothers for distribution to our widows.
It was reported that Fr. Kevin Kenny had suffered a mild stroke and Masses at the Priory were now being
covered by the priests from St. Alban’s. Fr’ Kenny was at one time the curate at St. Joseph’s
It was good to see Fr. David Lupton recently saying Mass at St. Anne’s. He is looking older than we
remembered him as PP at St. Joseph’s.
Rev. Roy Parker, who led the interdenominational Palm Sunday and Good Friday processions for many
years, was reported to be in the advanced stages of Dementia. The deterioration in his health has sadly
become all too obvious.
Members offered prayer for all the above clergy at the close of the meeting
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Treasurer’s report
The Treasurer reported on the council’s financial situation. A total of £1386.55 has been sent to Supreme
to be passed on to Mary’s Meals.
Brian suggested that a minimum sum should be kept in the benevolent fund for a council of our size
rather than the amount suggested the PGK at our last meeting.
He reported that a total of £9044.63 had been raised for Mary’s meals in the parishes of Great Harwood,
Clayton and Accrington. This figure included part funded by HM Government on money sent in between
October and December.
Brain read out a letter he had sent to the Accrington Observer and the Evening Telegraph about the
achievement in fund raising for Marys’ Meals but neither of them has published it. In discussion it was
mentioned that the Observer often seemed reluctant to publish news about Catholic activities in the
borough. Brian indicated he would follow this matter up with the papers.
Deputy GK’s report
The DGK is in hospital having an operation on his shoulder
GK's Report,
The Gk requested that any amendments to information about Council members should be given directly
to him as soon as possible to allow him to keep the website up to date. Councils are not allowed to add or
delete the names of brothers on the website. Supreme must first be notified of any changes needed
Discussion. None
Any other business.
2016 Action Plan. Paper copy to be sent to David Richards to allow him to put it on the Council 188
website
Grand National Draw tickets are on sale at our January meeting costing £5.0 per book or £1.00 per ticket.
Members are encouraged to purchase them.
.Close of meeting
The meeting closed at 8.30 with prayers for deceased brothers
Date of Next Meeting .
The next meeting will be on January 15th at 7.30 in the Presbytery meeting room at St. Anne’s Church
on Cobham Road
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