The important thing is to write the Minutes before the meeting ...
Seriously, most meetings are fairly routine. I call up last time's Minutes on the computer, change the date and amend as necessary. People can have the Minutes in their email inbox before they get home!
Certain persons may think that to be funny... Not so the Rev J--- H--- late of our presbytery when acting as interim moderator at a nearby church. He really did have the church secretary type the minutes ahead of session meetings. but to be fair, if you want the real record of the deliberations of the session at our own church, you won't find it in the minutes.
When I took over as presbytery clerk my predecessor advised me to write the minutes beforehand then tweak them as necessary. Which was fine until the day I sent the whole presbytery the minutes for the upcoming meeting, not the previous one!
The chair of our local choir committee is useless. The secretary had to ask her three times where she had got to in the agenda as she was wandering so much, then she forgot the last meeting. As it was on Teams she joined us late. Meanwhile the Deputy Chair had galloped ahead, accepting the Minutes and Matters Arising in five minutes instead of twenty.
It has been said that meetings are the practical alternative to work...
Our Place's FatherInCharge is very good at keeping PCC meetings (a) short, and (b) to the point - diversions from the agenda are Not Allowed, unless it's something vital (such as a safeguarding issue) which suddenly arises.
Another lovely autumn day in Arkland the Pleasant, with Sun-Shine and a fresh south-westerly breeze. The painting of Ye Auncient Cuppborde in the wheelhouse has been completed, and celebrated by a time of sittage, contemplation, and quaffage of BEER.
We Shall Pay For It Later You Mark My Words™ as heavy Rain and beasterly easterly Winds are forecast for the weekend.
I had a chat with Neighbour F as he passed by - he's acquired a huge quantity of large Pallets (20 feet by 4 feet, for less than £10 each), and is using the timber both to extend and strengthen his Ark's jetty, and to build a large Shed to house various bits and pieces. I remarked that he was doing a good bit of recycling, but he said 'No! It's upcycling!' - which ISTM is an excellent turn of phrase.
The important thing is to write the Minutes before the meeting ...
Seriously, most meetings are fairly routine. I call up last time's Minutes on the computer, change the date and amend as necessary. People can have the Minutes in their email inbox before they get home!
Certain persons may think that to be funny... Not so the Rev J--- H--- late of our presbytery when acting as interim moderator at a nearby church. He really did have the church secretary type the minutes ahead of session meetings. but to be fair, if you want the real record of the deliberations of the session at our own church, you won't find it in the minutes.
When I took over as presbytery clerk my predecessor advised me to write the minutes beforehand then tweak them as necessary. Which was fine until the day I sent the whole presbytery the minutes for the upcoming meeting, not the previous one!
Ouch! When was this revelation revealed to you?
At the meeting, which shows just how much reading in advance the presbyters had done!
Having emailed my notes to the other lady who was taking minutes, I had an email from her today and we are unanimous in our dischuffedness about the handling of the meeting. We shall have a rant discussion after choir practice on Saturday, and will quite likely be joined in our rantage by one of the gentlemen in the choir, who is also on Vestry.
I've had a rather bothersome day; the printer used by the bosses had run out of ink, and the supplier, who's supposed to know in advance when these things are going to happen, didn't, so they were phoning me and asking me to print things off for them, just when I was in the middle of something else ...
Weather - again, intermittent rain, sometimes on me, sometimes not.
Supper was chickie frickie, because Wednesday, and because why not? I made more than I needed, so some will be reheated tomorrow.
When I went to Tessie's to get the chicken, did I remember that I need to get mayonnaise (for Friday's chips)? No, I did not.
I am also most unchuffed re: a waistcoat I ordered online. The first order arrived (in what is my usual size) and was stupidly too small, so I ordered what was basically two sizes up (and their largest size) and it's still too ******* small.
Annoying about meetings that don't stick to agendas. The good thing about our council meetings is that they do follow procedure for the most part even if people to get a bit heated about items on the agenda from time to time.
Today was my niece's funeral. It went as well as such things can. The crem. was packed, as was the pub afterwards. She was an amazing young woman and it was so poignant to see the cap and gown for the graduation ceremony she'll never attend on the coffin.
We were planning an Outing today - pharmacy, barber, bank, Polish deli - but it's wild and wet - very wet - and windy, and forecast to continue so all day, so maybe tomorrow (though that is supposed to bring sleet).
However, have an idea for a linocut. And a parcel of wool should arrive. What more could you ask for?
Today is art group. We are doing tissue paper poppies so that should be pleasant. Just finishing my breakfast having taken the dogs then I will get going.
The weather looks actually nice today, though I haven't ventured out yet. I rather fancy having a day like the one @Firenze is planning but I have lip-reading class this morning and bookshop shift this afternoon, so I'll be shortly heading out the door. Husband is out this evening so I can catch up with Only Connect which I missed on Monday as our son was here.
A shop I'd never been in before has moved to larger premises and I popped in to have a look. They had a rather nice knitted waistcoat, but I couldn't think what I'd wear it with.
Phoned up today to request an NHS bowel cancer screening kit. According to their website, everyone between 50 and 74 is eligible (if you are over 74, obviously you should just snuff it).
Apparently I'm not eligible until my 54th birthday (only a few weeks away, so won't be much of a delay). But, in that case, why has SWMBO had hers when she's younger? And why's it say 50 on the website?
I got an appointment for a flu jab a few weeks ago, turned up, and once I was seated with my sleeve rolled up, the nurse asked me some basic questions. She then asked me why I was there.
"I'm here because I have an appointment."
"But why do you have an appointment? You don't fit the criteria."
After discussion we concluded that I was eligible as a carer while my late father was ill, and my name must have been imported onto the list from an older list.
After further discussion she decided that she could tick the box saying that I'm a carer for my nonogenarian mother, and she gave me the flu jab.
Yesterday, the NE Man had his appointment. He, too, showed his appointment letter at reception and was sitting with his sleeve rolled up, when the nurse asked him why he was there.
"The NHS sent me this appointment"
"But why did they send it? You don't fit the criteria.
"I had a TIA in May"
"That's not sufficient reason"
After further discussion, the nurse concluded the appointment had been sent in error but she gave him the flu jab anyway.
Both our appointments took far longer than was necessary. Both our appointments tied up a nurse in trying to find a reason to give us the flu jab.
Surely the point at which the decision about the flu jab is made is at the "sending out appointments" rather than the "patient has organised their day around the appointment and has travelled to it" point?
My wife and I do both fit the criteria; our local surgery is very good at organising "vaccination campaign Saturdays" where one is given a very precise time to arrive, is checked in at the back door, is directed to the next available jabber (nurse or doctor), has it done, and then leaves by the front door.
A shop I'd never been in before has moved to larger premises and I popped in to have a look. They had a rather nice knitted waistcoat, but I couldn't think what I'd wear it with.
Do they do mail order? If so, @Piglet should try them!
My wife and I do both fit the criteria; our local surgery is very good at organising "vaccination campaign Saturdays" where one is given a very precise time to arrive, is checked in at the back door, is directed to the next available jabber (nurse or doctor), has it done, and then leaves by the front door.
Our village GP surgery does the same, and it works very well. I generally arrive a few minutes early, because parking, and I've sometimes been in and out before my actual official time.
Another fine, warm, mostly Sun-Shiny day in Arkland the Astonished - 62F in mid-November?? - but (as our local noos online puts it) 'Heavy Rain Is Set To Batter The County', which always makes me think of fish-and-chips...
Speaking of which, lunch is COD MORNAY with Mash n'Peas - another of Tess Coe's Easy Meals For Pore Old Singletons.
The important thing is to write the Minutes before the meeting ...
Seriously, most meetings are fairly routine. I call up last time's Minutes on the computer, change the date and amend as necessary. People can have the Minutes in their email inbox before they get home!
Certain persons may think that to be funny... Not so the Rev J--- H--- late of our presbytery when acting as interim moderator at a nearby church. He really did have the church secretary type the minutes ahead of session meetings. but to be fair, if you want the real record of the deliberations of the session at our own church, you won't find it in the minutes.
When I took over as presbytery clerk my predecessor advised me to write the minutes beforehand then tweak them as necessary. Which was fine until the day I sent the whole presbytery the minutes for the upcoming meeting, not the previous one!
Ouch! When was this revelation revealed to you?
At the meeting, which shows just how much reading in advance the presbyters had done!
I was given a flu jag voucher from work. Then it turned out that the nearest place honouring said voucher was Aberdeen, which is not exactly next door. However I had a hospital appointment there this week, so tried to book the jag. Most places had stopped honouring the voucher as stocks were running low, but an Asda in Bridge of Don could do it, and so the deed has been done. I don’t think any of my colleagues have bothered.
The hospital appointment was to look at a damaged foot which has taken me 3 years to get anyone to look at properly, and the conclusion is that surgery will be required, sooner rather than later, though the surgeon, a very enthusiastic man, wouldn’t commit to any precise time scale.
I turned up at the wrong place within our group surgery for my jabs. The receptionist kindly redirected me, told me not to rush as I could just join the queue. I got there about 15 minutes late but it wasn’t a problem. I was only asked for my DOB then told to proceed. A very slick set up as usual, for flu and Covid.
Not exactly always, but I do find them very comfortable - they keep the torso warm, while leaving the arms unrestricted! The "waist" bit of the name is something of a misnomer in my case, as the longer they are, the better; I have one that comes down to mid-calf, but it's a sleeveless thingie, so consequently is known as a waistcoat.
I emailed the supplier, and got a very nice email back with a return label to take to the post office, and the possibility that they might have mis-sized it. I'm not holding my breath, but you never know.
As Firenze noted, it's been a dreich, wet, miserable day in the Lothians (and rather colder than of late), so I abandoned any ideas about going to Tessie's at lunchtime. I hope it's rather better tomorrow, as there are a few bits & bobs I could do with getting.
Comments
Ouch! When was this revelation revealed to you?
Our Place's FatherInCharge is very good at keeping PCC meetings (a) short, and (b) to the point - diversions from the agenda are Not Allowed, unless it's something vital (such as a safeguarding issue) which suddenly arises.
Another lovely autumn day in Arkland the Pleasant, with Sun-Shine and a fresh south-westerly breeze. The painting of Ye Auncient Cuppborde in the wheelhouse has been completed, and celebrated by a time of sittage, contemplation, and quaffage of BEER.
We Shall Pay For It Later You Mark My Words™ as heavy Rain and beasterly easterly Winds are forecast for the weekend.
I had a chat with Neighbour F as he passed by - he's acquired a huge quantity of large Pallets (20 feet by 4 feet, for less than £10 each), and is using the timber both to extend and strengthen his Ark's jetty, and to build a large Shed to house various bits and pieces. I remarked that he was doing a good bit of recycling, but he said 'No! It's upcycling!' - which ISTM is an excellent turn of phrase.
Lunch is LIVER n'BACON, because use-by date.
At the meeting, which shows just how much reading in advance the presbyters had done!
I've had a rather bothersome day; the printer used by the bosses had run out of ink, and the supplier, who's supposed to know in advance when these things are going to happen, didn't, so they were phoning me and asking me to print things off for them, just when I was in the middle of something else ...
Weather - again, intermittent rain, sometimes on me, sometimes not.
Supper was chickie frickie, because Wednesday, and because why not? I made more than I needed, so some will be reheated tomorrow.
When I went to Tessie's to get the chicken, did I remember that I need to get mayonnaise (for Friday's chips)? No, I did not.
I am also most unchuffed re: a waistcoat I ordered online. The first order arrived (in what is my usual size) and was stupidly too small, so I ordered what was basically two sizes up (and their largest size) and it's still too ******* small.
Bollocks.
Today was my niece's funeral. It went as well as such things can. The crem. was packed, as was the pub afterwards. She was an amazing young woman and it was so poignant to see the cap and gown for the graduation ceremony she'll never attend on the coffin.
However, have an idea for a linocut. And a parcel of wool should arrive. What more could you ask for?
Today is art group. We are doing tissue paper poppies so that should be pleasant. Just finishing my breakfast having taken the dogs then I will get going.
A shop I'd never been in before has moved to larger premises and I popped in to have a look. They had a rather nice knitted waistcoat, but I couldn't think what I'd wear it with.
I got an appointment for a flu jab a few weeks ago, turned up, and once I was seated with my sleeve rolled up, the nurse asked me some basic questions. She then asked me why I was there.
"I'm here because I have an appointment."
"But why do you have an appointment? You don't fit the criteria."
After discussion we concluded that I was eligible as a carer while my late father was ill, and my name must have been imported onto the list from an older list.
After further discussion she decided that she could tick the box saying that I'm a carer for my nonogenarian mother, and she gave me the flu jab.
Yesterday, the NE Man had his appointment. He, too, showed his appointment letter at reception and was sitting with his sleeve rolled up, when the nurse asked him why he was there.
"The NHS sent me this appointment"
"But why did they send it? You don't fit the criteria.
"I had a TIA in May"
"That's not sufficient reason"
After further discussion, the nurse concluded the appointment had been sent in error but she gave him the flu jab anyway.
Both our appointments took far longer than was necessary. Both our appointments tied up a nurse in trying to find a reason to give us the flu jab.
Surely the point at which the decision about the flu jab is made is at the "sending out appointments" rather than the "patient has organised their day around the appointment and has travelled to it" point?
My wife and I do both fit the criteria; our local surgery is very good at organising "vaccination campaign Saturdays" where one is given a very precise time to arrive, is checked in at the back door, is directed to the next available jabber (nurse or doctor), has it done, and then leaves by the front door.
Our village GP surgery does the same, and it works very well. I generally arrive a few minutes early, because parking, and I've sometimes been in and out before my actual official time.
Another fine, warm, mostly Sun-Shiny day in Arkland the Astonished - 62F in mid-November?? - but (as our local noos online puts it) 'Heavy Rain Is Set To Batter The County', which always makes me think of fish-and-chips...
Speaking of which, lunch is COD MORNAY with Mash n'Peas - another of Tess Coe's Easy Meals For Pore Old Singletons.
At the meeting, which shows just how much reading in advance the presbyters had done!
The hospital appointment was to look at a damaged foot which has taken me 3 years to get anyone to look at properly, and the conclusion is that surgery will be required, sooner rather than later, though the surgeon, a very enthusiastic man, wouldn’t commit to any precise time scale.
Not exactly always, but I do find them very comfortable - they keep the torso warm, while leaving the arms unrestricted! The "waist" bit of the name is something of a misnomer in my case, as the longer they are, the better; I have one that comes down to mid-calf, but it's a sleeveless thingie, so consequently is known as a waistcoat.
I emailed the supplier, and got a very nice email back with a return label to take to the post office, and the possibility that they might have mis-sized it. I'm not holding my breath, but you never know.
As Firenze noted, it's been a dreich, wet, miserable day in the Lothians (and rather colder than of late), so I abandoned any ideas about going to Tessie's at lunchtime. I hope it's rather better tomorrow, as there are a few bits & bobs I could do with getting.
Supper was the other half of the chickie frickie.