Joseph Marsh (Co-ordinator) 01536 522658
Andy Sipple (Secretary) Andy Sipple 01546 412511 email: andy.sipple@btinternet.com

Minutes of Previous Meetings.

On or around the 2nd Wednesday of January, March, May, July, September and November in St. Edward's Parish Hall.
Meetings scheduled for 2011-2012: Wed 13th July 2011, Wed 14th September 2011, Wed 9th November 2011, Wed 11th January 2012, Wed 14th March 2012, AGM, Wed 9th May 2012.

The Parish Forum provides a platform for Parish groups and parishioners to share ideas and communicate views for the benefit of the whole Parish. In its present form it is an informal body with an elected Coordinator (Chairman) and elected Secretary. While mostly attended by Parish group leaders, parishioners are encouraged to have their say and to look on the Forum as a way of becoming better informed about what is going on in the Parish, the Deanery and the Diocese.

Following the recommendations of the Diocesan Assembly, the Parish Forum was first established and guided by Peter Roberts in 1986-1988. Originally known as the "Group Leaders Forum" it was later expanded to become the "Parish Forum". Peter continued as co-ordinator and chairman until 1994. The current Chair is Joseph Marsh and the Secretary is Andy Sipple. The Forum has no written constitution and sends two representatives to the Diocesan Pastoral Council. In May each year election/re-election of Chair and Secretary takes place.

Over the years many now established groups, organisations and events have originated from the Parish Forum. At any meeting you may find the Parish Priest, representatives from the Churches in the Parish, the two local Catholic schools and Eucharistic ministers. There also could be leaders from Parish groups such as St. Vincent De Paul, the Knights of St. Columba, the Union of Catholic Mothers, youth and uniformed groups to name just a few. Some examples of issues and events raised and organised are the recent very successful two week Sion Mission, Health and Safety including matters relating to disabled persons, the establishment of a communication and development group and strengthened administrative support offered to the clergy in this time of priest shortages.

The continued success of this body is attributed to the amicable communication between all members of the parish.