First, understand the hierarchy of the Church of England!!
The General Synod(4) is the main legislating and debating body of the CofE. The next tier is the Diocesan Synod which comprises representatives (lay(5) and clergy) of the 148 churches in the Bradford Diocese.
The diocese is divided into two Archdeaconries (Bradford and Craven) and then six Deaneries. We are members of Airedale Deanery (which covers 16 parishes in Baildon, Bingley, Shipley, Heaton, Manningham, Girlington, Allerton and Thornton). All clear so far?
St Martin's sends two representatives to the Airedale Deanery Synod, where items passed down from 'above' are discussed. Representatives are an important link who relay the views of the PCC(6) and report back on discussions. Parish Representatives are elected to serve for 3 years and the Synod meets about 3 times per year in different parishes, and also elects representatives to the Diocesan Synod.
This might all seem a bit 'much' but it is vital that our views are made known especially in the light of impending changes within the Deanery.

Terminology: [4] A Synod is a 'Council for debate or government' [5] A Lay person is anyone who is not ordained priest. The collective term is 'Laity' [6] Parochial Church Council