2020
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Annual
Report
P A R I S H O F K I L L A Y
St Hilary’s Church, Killay
St Martin’s Church, Dunvant
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A family,rooted in Christ,committed to transforming lives by: Gathering as God’s People -Growing more like Jesus -Going out in the power of the Spirit
Diocesan Vision Prayer
Father, we hold before you our family in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and we open our hearts and minds to your Spirit: Bless us as we gather in your name; Guide us as we grow into the likeness of your Son; Lead us by your Spirit to go out and make disciples of others. God of our journeying, be our way and our truth and our life; our beginning and our end.We pray through Jesus our Lord.Amen.
The Reverend Canon Phillip Gwynn , BA, MA, DPS, Cert.Theol. (Surrogate) The Vicarage, 68 Ffordd-yr-Olchfa, Hendrefoilan Park, Swansea. SA2 7RF email: phillip@gwynn.org.uk Tel 01792 204758 Mobile 07946 351787
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Parish of Killay - St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
The following were appointed to serve the Parish of Killay as Wardens and as Parochial Church Councillors from October 2020 to April 2021
Parish Officers
Parish Vicar’s Warden Marian Williams Parish Peoples Warden Simon Gwynn Vicar’s Sub Warden (St Martin’s) Roger Draisey Peoples Sub Warden (St Martin’s) Susan Dimblebee Parish Treasurer Ken Ellis Assistant Treasurer Alan Pickard PCC Secretary Marian Williams
Parochial Church Councillors
Christine Allen-Partington Sandra Banks Sheila Betts Alan Clewett Margaret Draisey Nansi Evans Eileen Fletcher Diane Holohan Julia Lambert Alan Pickard Mike Powell Gwynneth Prestwood Angela Reed Barbara Roberts Colin Williams
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Parochial Officers
Gift Aid Officer Safeguarding Officer Children’s Ministry Clyne Trinity Magazine Editor Parish Centre Booking Secretary
Alan Pickard Catherine Swain Sian Gwynn Roger Rees Diane Holohan
Synod, Elected Member
Supplemental Member Supplemental Member
Christine Allen-Partington Eileen Nielsen
Lay Representatives on Diocesan Conference
Dr.James Proudfoot
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Vicar’s Report
The year of three Winters
Just as Spring was coming, the daffodils were popping their bright heads out of the ground, after the winter of 2019-20, we began our first sojourn into lockdown land.Then there was another winter, in the form of a second lockdown.
As we were entering the depths of the third winter, so began yet another lockdown. Churches were closed for three months, right across the land.We then re-opened, but for private prayer only, in churches that could provide 2 metre social distancing.
A decision was taken to spend quite a large sum of money, to change the electric heating in Killay Parish Centre to gas, so that we could do away with a system that worked using recycled air.With the Covid restrictions, that would be the only way that we could use that building.
The next step was to spend more money installing Internet connections and two cameras, thus being able to worship in both St.Hilary’s and in the Parish Centre – as well as livestreaming services on our web-sites.This has proved an interesting exercise, in terms of outreach, we have doubled the numbers that we
would have been able to fit into any of our churches.
This was particularly marked over Christmas, with a Christingle Workshop, Killay Community Carol Service and Christmas Eve Crib Service.We have had to think outside the box, to enable worship to continue, it is a very strange feeling, celebrating only with Sian and the Wardens present!
My thanks in all these major fabric issues goes to Simon, for without his skill and expertise, liaising with contractors and with our I.T. provision, there would simply be little or no prospect of worship.
There was a break in between lockdowns, where we were able to join together to worship either in St.Hilary’s or in the Parish Centre, whilst live-streaming at the same time.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all those who have lost loved ones, friends and neighbours to Covid. It is the intention of all Killay/Dunvant ministers (just as soon as is feasible) , to hold a mass gathering of some sort, to remember the Covid heroes of NHS and those who mourn. More news of that in due course.
It has been a financially difficult time for our churches, just as soon as possible, we will need to set out a financial recovery plan, to include social gathering once again – just as soon as we
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
are able.
Life has proved difficult for St.Martin’s members, due to 2m social distancing, it has not yet been possible to re-open.Also to All Souls folk, who enjoyed the Eucharist on a Wednesday, for as much as we were able, post, third lockdown! Let us look forward to resuming physical worship together, before too long.
I must thank former Killay Wardens Mike Powell,Jeremy Harris and Cath Swain – normally they hand on the baton at the Easter Vestry, this has not been possible in 2020, so they held their duties until our ‘virtual’ Vestry Meeting in the Autumn.
We look forward to the new life of Easter, hoping that we are able to meet together to celebrate the queen of Christian festivals.We also look forward to the Summer, when we shall see Sarah Harris being Ordained Deacon in Brecon Cathedral. Sarah will serve her Curacy in the Central Swansea Benefice, which includes St.Mary’s, Christchurch in the Sandfields and St.John’s in the Hafod.We wish Sarah and Jeremy well, as they follow God’s calling, together, into a new phase in their lives.
Dimblebee in St.Martin’s and Howard Richards and Alayne Jenkins at All Souls,Tycoch.
I must thank Sian, for her loyal support and her Christian vocation, shown in so many ways across both parishes. Over the coming year, you will be seeing more of Sian, as she retires from her day job. Enjoy retirement Sian – I’ve got lots of jobs waiting for you!
With Every Blessing for a brighter year ahead
Your Friend and Vicar Canon Phillip
We welcome new Churchwardens Simon Gwynn and Marian Williams into post.Also we thank those who kindly continue in their responsible roles – Roger Draisey and Sue
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Churchwardens’Annual Report
Advent Sunday, December 1st 2019 saw the beginning of the centenary year of The Churchin-Wales. There was to be a tour of Wales by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby, who was to attend the meeting of the Church in Wales’ Governing Body in Llandudno in April. Events to mark this anniversary were planned and there were to be simultaneous celebration services in all six of the Church's cathedrals on 7th June 2020.There was no doubt that this was to be a year to remember. So it proved to be, but none of us could have foreseen what was about to happen.
In January, the Parishes of Killay and Tycoch held a joint lunch at Clyne Golf Club. The weather was atrocious, but the food and the company were both superb. It was wonderful to sit with people from other parishes and to get to know them in an informal setting. Our thanks are given to the Dimblebees, the Draiseys and the Powells for all their hard work. The lunch was so successful that a booking was made for 2021. This was followed by the Mission Breakfast, delicious food, a review of 2019 and more planning for the exciting year ahead. A notice appeared in the magazine announcing the annual Killay/Dunvant Inter-Church Quiz to be held on March 24[th] and asking for teams of 6 people to put their names down for this event. This was the first of many events to be cancelled.
At this time of year the Annual Vestry meetings were due to be held. The Vicar wrote two articles for the March magazine, one asking parishioners to consider putting their names forward to become members of the Parochial Church Council, the other explaining that two Parish Wardens were standing down and that new Churchwardens would need to be elected. We should like to express our gratitude to the retiring wardens Mike Powell and Jeremy Harris, and also to Catherine Swain, all of whom remained in office willingly until October 11[th] , when the Virtual meeting was held online. As new Churchwardens, we have both benefitted greatly from their expertise and willingness to help. I should particularly like to thank Mike for allowing me to shadow him in completing the annual returns required. Until we became Churchwardens, we had very little idea of how much they did week in, week out quietly and efficiently without recognition of any kind.
The last ‘traditional’ service in St. Hilary’s was held on March 15[th] , this was also the last service at St. Martin’s, followed by their Congregational meeting. Guidance was issued by the Church in Wales, after the first lockdown was announced on March 24[th] . Notices were placed on Church doors informing people that all services had been suspended. We followed the Diocesan guidance and rang the church bell on Easter Day at both churches.
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
During the summer, churches were permitted to open for private prayer, subject to Covid-19 regulations being adhered to, hand sanitising and social distancing in place. We measured the seats, moved and labelled chairs and kept a list of those who attended. We should like to thank the team of volunteers who opened the church on Thursday evenings – Sue and Ian Dimblebee, Sarah and Jeremy Harris,Angela Reed, Diane Holohan, Chris Piper, Christine Williams, Roy Chapman and Simon Davies.
Parishioners were contacted by telephone to ensure that we were able to keep in touch with as many people as possible. Paper copies of the newsletter were delivered regularly by members of the Mission and Outreach team and copies of the Parish Report and nomination forms for People’s Warden were delivered to all those not able to access the electronic versions on the website. The outdoor meeting organised by Nigel and Eleen Fletcher was also a great success. The regular Zoom quizzes became popular on Saturday evenings.
In September, we were cautiously optimistic and were able to reopen on Sunday morning.
My dining room became the Box Office because numbers had to be restricted and booking was essential. I was told that I was more difficult to contact on Saturday morning than the doctor! The new cameras and screen came in to their own and we are all indebted to Simon for his time and expertise in ensuring that the service could be live-streamed to the Parish Centre and on the website. He was also responsible for installing hand sanitisers. It was not possible to decorate the church for Harvest, but the collection raised over several weeks enabled us to donate £400 to Matt’s House.
During the summer, we realised that we could not use the heaters in the Parish Centre because they recirculated the air. We could not open during the winter months without heat. The PCC had discussed heating regularly, but we knew that something had to be done immediately. There was a Zoom meeting of the PCC and everyone voted in favour of gas central heating being installed. Ian Dimblebee was on site every day to ensure that everything ran smoothly. Sylvia and Sian arranged and led the ladies’ working parties to clean the Parish Centre, prior to reopening. The firebreak lockdown was used to install new boilers and radiators in church, when ‘Bessie’ the boiler finally broke down. Thankfully, the new gas central heating system was installed and completed on time for us to reopen in
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
December. Once again, thanks to Ian Dimblebee for being on site every day.
We hoped that outdoor services might be possible by Christmas, however despite the Zoom meetings, site visits and planning this was not to be. Once again, we found ourselves in another lockdown. We hope that the vaccines will enable us to meet in church again as soon as this is possible.
We should like to express our thanks to those who have continued to ensure that the churchyard and church precincts are well maintained – Alan Clewett, Murray Davies, Roy Chapman, Nigel Fletcher, Ian Dimblebee and
Roger Draisey. Alan has ensured that the fire alarms have been tested regularly, that health and safety checks have been done and that PAT testing is up to date. Hopefully, there will be some form of normality soon.
Marian Williams and Simon Gwynn
Report from Minutes of Parochial Church Council
This has been a year unlike any other. The Annual Vestry meeting was planned, the paperwork was in place, notices were ready to be placed on the church doors and the Parish Report was ready for distribution. As we all know, lockdown prevented this and the Church-in-Wales asked all Church Wardens and PCC members to remain in office until the meeting could be held later in the year. Mike Powell,Jeremy Harris and Catherine Swain continued to lead our committee meetings for another seven months. I should like to express the thanks of the PCC to them for undertaking the extra work so willingly. Jeremy Harris and Catherine Swain both stepped down from the PCC for various reasons and we shall all miss the
tremendous contribution they made. Fortunately, Mike has remained on the PCC and I should also like to welcome three new members,Julia Lambert, Eileen Fletcher and Diane Holohan.
In January, we were looking forward to the special Bank Holiday weekend to coincide with the 75[th] Anniversary of VE Day. The Social and Fundraising Committee was planning a Parish celebration, war time food, 40s dress and entertainment by the Ukulele band. We set the dates for the Summer Fayre and the Christmas Services and celebrations. We were so organised that we contacted the other local churches and the schools to avoid any clashes. PCC meetings have taken place, but only one of these was face to face.
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Few of us had used or even heard of Zoom at the beginning of the year, but it has become our means of communication for all meetings.
In March, following the need to replace the lights in the Sanctuary and the Chancel, it was decided that it would be more cost effective to replace all the lights in the Nave with more efficient LED lights. Thanks to Mike Powell, Roger Draisey,Alan Clewett, Roy Chapman and Murray Davies for all the work they did moving and replacing furniture to make this happen and to Simon Gwynn for doing the electrical work.
The Church Wardens, Sub-Wardens, the Vicar and Parish Secretary contacted Parishioners by telephone for several months. We received regular Covid-19 updates from the Church-inWales as we moved through the various phases of lockdown. It was decided that St. Hilary’s could open for Private Prayer on a Thursday evening, subject to all the guidelines and safety measures being implemented. Thanks to the willing band of volunteers who made this possible and to those who attended.
In July and August, discussions in the Zoom meetings focussed on how we could reopen the Church safely. Numbers needed to be restricted, chairs moved, a one way system introduced to maintain social distancing, hand sanitisers installed, no paper or books could be used, records of attendance for Contact tracing would need to be kept. If only we could use the Parish
centre as well. It was decided that we should install the telephone lines and the internet in the Church and Parish Centre, purchase cameras and then the service could be livestreamed, not only to the Parish Centre, but to the community. Details of the new arrangements were put on the website and letters delivered to Parishioners unable to access the information.
Meanwhile, the Parish Centre Management Group or PCMG, chaired by Catherine Swain had been very busy. New Hiring Agreements and detailed Health and Safety Risk Assessments had been prepared meticulously by Catherine and Alan Clewett. Jeremy had changed all the locks in the Parish Centre for security reasons. Guidance stating that heating systems which recirculated the air must not be used was received. Members of the PCC were contacted by email regarding the installation of gas central heating before September, and were 100% in agreement. Further meetings were held to ascertain which groups could return, in accordance with Church-in Wales and Welsh Government Guidance. A new cleaner had been appointed in March, but had not yet started. Eileen Nielsen kindly agreed to liaise with her when we were able to reopen. I should like to express the thanks of the Church Wardens and PCC to Eileen for all that she has done as Booking Secretary for so many years. I know that our new Booking Secretary Diane Holohan will liaise closely with her as she takes up the reins.
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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The outdoor circle gathering planned by Nigel and Eileen Fletcher and the Mission and Outreach team, was a popular event at the end of August. Parishioners who lived alone were invited to this event, as numbers had to be limited. Those who attended appreciated the fellowship and opportunity to catch up with the news. Alas, no refreshments could be provided.
September 6[th] saw the reopening of St. Hilary’s on Sunday morning. Places needed to be booked in advance the day before. There have been approximately 45 people in the congregation each week and over 70 different people have attended. I should like to express my personal thanks to every one of them for their patience when trying to contact me on Saturday mornings. The Vicar, Church Wardens and PCC also appreciate their willingness to give others the opportunity to attend, by not booking a place every week.
Colin Williams used his carpentry expertise to make the large display board which is under the Church noticeboard at the front of the Church. Thanks to Colin for his time and to Roger Draisey and Roy Chapman who helped with the installation. This notice board has proved to be invaluable already, enabling us to display large posters, expertly prepared for us by Roger Rees.
Since September, hard copies of the newsletter have been delivered to those without email, though this had to stop after Christmas. The fire
break lockdown was used to install two new boilers and new radiators in St. Hilary’s as the old boiler had broken down again and it was very difficult to obtain the parts required. A local company did the work for us and we were able to reopen at the end of October.The Church Wardens and Fabric Committee were busy with these Zoom meetings.
And so we approached Christmas. We hoped to have an outdoor service at Dunvant Rugby Club, planning was in place and much background work had been done. The Council informed us that this event was impossible, so an outdoor service in the car park was planned. This time, the weather decided it was not to be. We did manage to decorate the Church and Parish Centre with Christmas trees, but the services were restricted to online events, thanks to Lisa Powell for recording Callum’s reading at home. Thanks also to Lisa for ensuring that our Social Media accounts are updated regularly.
I hope that we shall all be able to meet again in Church soon, it is surprising how much there is to report, when so little appears to have happened. If I have forgotten to thank anybody personally, please accept my apologies, but I should like to thank everyone who has stopped to talk to me on my daily walks around the Parish or on the telephone.
Marian Williams, PCC Secretary
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
St Martin’s Church
After a few months of talks with our local councillors, in February a sign showing directions to St Martin's Church which is tucked away on Fairwood Road was erected with the hope of increasing congregation, (but minus the apostrophe).
One Sunday morning in January Canon Phil complained that raindrops were falling on his head (heard that line somewhere before). Peter Nicholas was called in to repair storm damage caused by the recent high winds. Repairs complete, Paul Hartnoll did the painting around the CHRIST IN MAJESTY window.
In our congregation meeting Julie Lambert stepped forward to join the PCC it was also
decided to donate £100 to the Golau Cancer Centre in Singleton Hospital and £100 to Faith in Families this was our last church service due to Covid 19 closure of Churches.
In May work was carried out by members of the Fabric committee sealing the flat roof and cracks in the wall above the Vestry.
At the end of May the apostrophe was added to St Martin's Church sign.
Sadly our annual Candlelight Carol Service was cancelled due to Covid 19 and many local residents who do not attend our church said how much they missed the service.
Roger Draisey & Sue Dimblebee, Sub Wardens
Sue Dimblebee completing yet another jigsaw!
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Ladies Guild Report
Well, what a year 2020 has been, although we are all very lucky – we’ve abided by the rules and are all safe, sane and well.
Ladies Guild only continued to flourish for about two months at the beginning of the year although we had planned a varied and interesting programme until the summer break.
In January, we were entertained by Pam and Murray Davies who showed us their very interesting slides of New York – a family holiday, and I’m sure they saw everything! This was followed by a talk on Clyne Valley – so much more than a cycle track. Then we had a talk on an Elephant Sanctuary and Thailand – both such interesting topics.
In February we had an interesting talk on the St Madoc’s Christian Youth Camp. We were hoping to visit later in the year to explore with their Conservation Rangers and learn about their St Madoc’s Centre.
About 40 of us were able to attend the Taliesin theatre for the production of ‘Sister Act’ by the Cockett Amateurs, followed by an evening of Exercise and Line Dancing. Little did we think that would be our last exercise for quite a while – now only indoors and local walks.
I have been in touch with most members of Guild these last few months, especially the ladies who live on their own as it can be a very lonely time. Sadly, our Secretary Pam Davies’ sister passed away
on Christmas morning – very very sad. I have sent our sympathies and prayers to her and her family. We have 2 members of Ladies Guild who have been knitting for charities during the lockdown, namely Anne Llewelyn and Margaret Grey. Ann has been knitting hats and cardigans for sick and premature babies in the Children’s ward at Glangwili Hospital where her daughter, Mari, is a staff nurse (and a previous member of St Hilary’s choir). Margaret has been knitting little teddy bears in drawstring bags for the charity ‘Mercy Ships’. A ship has been fitted out as a floating hospital with dentistry and operating theatres and goes to poor countries. The teddies are given to the toddler patients.
No doubt some members have visited the church grounds these last few months to take flowers for their loved ones. I would like to thank all the working party who tend the lawns and general gardening. They have all done an amazing job. Very well done.
It was nice to be able to go to church for a while in the Autumn, meeting a few people. Thank you Vicar for your services which were much appreciated.
Let us now focus on the brighter days ahead when restrictions will be lifted and the crisis that engulfed us will be receding. Take heart that we have each other and the end of the ordeal is in sight.
With every blessing,Gwynneth Prestwood, Leader
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Parish Choir
The year began optimistically with two new anthems. Our thanks go to Huw Thomas for his help and expertise in guiding us through learning the new works.
On February 2[nd] we sang “Jesu, Jesu, fill us with your love”. This is a Ghanaian melody arranged by Geoff Weaver with words by Tom Colvin.
On March 1[st] we sang “Lamb of God” ( Agnus Dei) by Samuel Webbe.
Unfortunately these were the only contributions to our church worship for 2020. We all miss being able to sing at the services and we miss the friendship and fellowship of St. Hilary's, St. Martin’s and All Souls churches.We look to the future when hopefully life returns to normal.
Barbara Roberts
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Mothers’ Union - Branch Leader’s Report 2020
Theme for the year: -“Building Hope and Confidence” There were 29 members in 2020. Pat Thomas died in January and Barbara Jones in October. We will miss their friendship and loyalty. During the year we responded well to MU charitable appeals in spite of lockdown due to coronavirus:
Sandra Banks our secretary wrote a comprehensive letter to our MP, Mr Geraint Davies regarding “The Domestic Abuse Bill”. Worldwide MU is committed to supporting healthy and flourishing relationships and to ending violence and abuse within families and society in general.
“Make a Mother’s Day” - £50, MU Outreach - £100, Mary Sumner House (London appeal) - £100,Action & Outreach boxes - £60 and Keep us Running appeal - £311.50 (we requested that some of this should be used to support Faith in Families centres and Women’s safe houses). I am very proud to lead such a generous and caring branch.
Unfortunately, our branch meetings were cancelled also our Council meetings, Diocesan Festival and our Greater Gower Deanery Festival. I have kept in regular contact with members by phone calls, emails,WhatsApp, and texting. Members have been very positive in their attitudes during such a challenging and difficult time. Pat Stratton has continued her contacts with housebound or nursing home ex-members. Sandra Banks has kept up links with several members. Canon Phillip has been quick to react when I have informed him about a member who would benefit from a phone call.Thank you to Alan for his work with emails, printing etc. It is quite a group effort to run a branch so thank you all for your generosity, care and especially your prayers.
Early 2020 I delivered a number of items to St Mary’s, Swansea, church office for the “Baby Basics” scheme at St Thomas. Our members donated nappies, knitting for babies, bibs, baby grows, toiletries etc.This year we were not able to collect new clothing etc for the Safe Houses mothers and children.
Canon Phillip began our January meeting with a Eucharist in church. In February I led our annual Wave of Prayer meeting remembering our prayer partners in Argentina, Bondo in Kenya, Free State S.Africa, Offa & Ogbia in Nigeria and Uruguay. One of our members, Barbara Rowe composed a very thoughtful Lenten poem.
Margaret Massey was congratulated by our President, Sally Freedman for 40 years membership of MU. In December Phyl Davies, a
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
former member celebrated her 100[th] birthday. I have made regular contact during the year with Jill McPherson our Greater Gower Deanery Leader and our Diocesan President, Sally Freedman.We paid the church treasurer, Ken Ellis £60 for hire of the Parish Centre. I would like to thank Ken for a thorough inspection of our MU accounts.
I hope sincerely that 2021 will be a healthier year for everyone.Thank you to Canon Phillip and our church wardens for continuing during such difficult circumstances.We are grateful for the streamed services organised by Simon. Thanks also to Canon Phillip for his advice and guidance.
Thankfully, our branch officers and committee have agreed to remain for another year. Hopefully we will all meet again to worship and share happy occasions together. I will begin my 13[th] year as Branch Leader
I end with a quote:
I said to the man who stood at the gate of the year, “Give me light that I may tread safely into the unknown” .And he replied, “ Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the Hand of God ”.
(M Haskins).
Swansea and Brecon Diocesan Mothers’ Union is available on ‘Facebook’ also the Daily Hope freephone is 08008048044 where you can listen to MU Midday Prayers, hymns etc.
Carole Pickard, Branch Leader
Lay Worship Leaders
The Lay worship Leaders have not been able to carry out any duties during 2020-2021. We hope and pray that our services will resume soon, when our churches can reopen. We are preparing a virtual service for Good Friday 2021, and will then review the situation.
Sian Gwynn
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Greater Gower Deanery Synod in Lockdown
It is with regret that I have to say there is not a lot to report on the Synod meetings for the year 2020. The first and last took place on January 26th 2021. Of course, it was not an actual meeting but a virtual one courtesy of Zoom.
The subject of the meeting was the Parish Share, which has been under review for a while. Back in December 2019, the figures were not available for that session.And anyway, my absolute fear of numbers renders me not to be the best person in the world to comment on the outcome of Parish Share matters!
However, things are getting sorted.The Diocesan Board of Finance has met and approved an allocation of funds to each Deanery for the Ministry Area Leaders to share with the Parish Clergy and their treasurers.When the numbers are finally crunched, it appears there will be a reduction of the Parish Share in the region of 35%.
It is to be hoped that there will be other things, as well as the Parish Share, to report on by the time the next Annual Report is due. Meanwhile, look after yourselves and stay safe!
Chris Allen
Digital Report
Although unplanned, this year eventually became quite an exciting year with regards to the use of digital technology within the church.
For a while now we had been using a recently purchased screen for selected services, the contents were carefully put together by Sian Gwynn, Roger Rees and updated by Simon.
It has been interesting to see how many people rely upon the screen when it is used during the service and mainly positive feedback was received. One of the funniest things I have noticed is that the congregation sing when they are looking up and following the words on a screen.
Then came 2020 and this was a massive turning point for us. Due to the restrictions put upon us by the Governments how we worshipped changed dramatically.
Firstly we had to close our churches, and that brought a significant number of problems.
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How could we deliver God’s message to the members of our church, and anyone else who would want to listen.
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How could we keep our Church family connected with one another, as printed weekly news bulletins were deemed not to be a good option.
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When churches were allowed to re-open our
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
numbers were dramatically restricted, how could we offer services to as many people as possible.
It was clear that technology would be able to offer a number of solutions to these problems.
Firstly, thanks to Roger Rees, we quickly took on the task of revamping the parish website. Roger selected a suitable platform for church use, before designing a fresh, clean and eyecatching website. Once the design was complete Roger and Simon worked together on getting it all made live and ready to go.
Likewise at roughly the same time we looked at publishing an electronic newsletter which was colourful and informative to look at.
The wardens met during the first lock down, and we discussed various options that we could consider to allow us to offer as many of our church services as possible.We came up with quite an ambitious project to setup streaming via the church website and Youtube.This was ambitious, as we had no form of internet connectivity and no suitable ways of gathering the images. However it was unanimous that this was the desired option.The setup was designed and built and we were able to hold communion services in a similar fashion to which we were accustomed, but with the benefit that if people could not come to church they could watch from the safety and comfort of their own homes.An
additional benefit became apparent as we could use the Parish Centre to provide additional socially distanced seating, doubling our Sunday capacity.We made some mistakes along the way, however we have overcome the majority of them.
Finally thanks to Lisa Powell we now have a social media presence, with pages on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
Whilst none of us wanted to be in these lockdown scenarios I truly believe we have come through them looking at a far brighter future. I do not believe these things are only here for Covid but part of our structure, moving forward.
I would truly like to thank the team of people who have helped to make this possible, from wardens and sub wardens (past and present) for having the foresight to look into the future, Roger for his creative skills and also for listening to my bouncing idea moments. Our Vicar must also be thanked, as he has had to step well and truly outside his comfort zone, learn new skills and adapt his ways of working to fit in with all of these changes.
But mostly I would like to thank all of you who have come onboard and embraced these new ways.
I believe we are looking to an exciting and bright future.
Simon Gwynn
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
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Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Killay and District Lunch Club
We started back to Lunch Club on 8 January 2020 after our Christmas break. We had 26 members for lunch. We continued to have between 26 and 30 members every week for lunch up until 11 March when sadly we had to close down owing to the COVID virus and the "Lock Downs". At that time we still had a waiting list of four people wishing to join our lunch club.
On 4 March we celebrated St David's Day by decorating the tables with daffodils,Welsh flags and dolls which all looked very attractive.After lunch we also held our Annual General Meeting,
Our summer trip to the Toy Museum had to be cancelled but we hope to re-book this when we are able to re-open some time in the future.
The Chairman and Secretary have continued to keep in touch with Team Leaders and some of the members during this very worrying time of "Lock Downs" and look forward to the day when we can welcome everybody back.
Teressa Garner, Secretary
St Hilary's Bowls Club: Main hall, Parish Centre
There isn’t a lot I can report on as we only played short mat bowls for a few weeks before we were closed down and went into hibernation; but we all look forward to reopening in the Parish Centre on Fridays at 7pm during term time, once this pandemic is over!
Mike Powell ( Chairman) 208955 Gill Genco ( Secretary/ Treasurer) 872636
New Church Sign
Colin Williams with Roy Chapman and Roger Draisey
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
18
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Children and Youth Report
Unfortunately, there is very little to report with regard to the Young People of the Parish. At All Souls Tycoch the Canon prepared a virtual workshop around ‘The Christingle Orange’ and the Youth Leaders assisted by Murray Davies prepared a virtual Christmas Eve Crib service. Both these services were streamed via You Tube, many parishioners have said how much they enjoyed them.
Callum Powell read the Christmas story from his living room which his mum Lisa recorded, and this was added into the Killay Community Carol Service which once again was Virtual.
We look forward to the churches reopening but hope we can learn from the experiences of 2020 and take work with young people into a digital age.
Where would we be without Facetime and Zoom?
Sian Gwynn
Music Society
The year 2020 began with a few hiccups.With the members’ approval, our annual dinner had been changed to an annual lunch. This was to be held at 12.30pm on Monday,January 13[th] at the Black Boy. However, due to the refurbishment of the premises, it had to be postponed until January 27[th] .The event was enjoyed by all who attended — good food, good service and good company with the usual raffle and quiz.
The 2020 AGM was held on February 10[th] . In spite of the bad weather, 23 souls battled the elements to attend.After the formal business was concluded, several members entertained us with stories and anecdotes concerning their favourite music, of which there was a goodly variety.
On March 9[th] , we welcomed a great favourite of
the Music Society — Les and Penny Ryan and the Ariosa Singers. The attendance was amazing! We almost ran out of chairs in spite of using the extra ones from the minor hall. Luckily, the social distancing had not begun at that time. However, extra hand-washing facilities had been provided.
The programme of music was superb and was presented by the young people with their usual talent and enthusiasm. Then refreshments were provided for the members, performers and guests.
Sadly this lovely event was to be our Swan Song for 2020. All subsequent meetings were cancelled.We now look forward to the future and hope to resume normal service as soon as possible.
Barbara Roberts
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
19
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Envelope and Gift Aid Scheme Due to COVID-19 the church has suffered from a lack of income from the Parish Centre and with some members of the congregation not supporting the church with donations. It seemed that we would be unable to pay our way, but thanks to the generosity of the congregation who did support us and the Diocese who gave us a discount on our Parish Share we were able to finish the year with all our bills paid.
enables us to claim a tax refund on their contributions. The government recently has allowed us to claim tax on some of the cash collections through the “Small Donations” system which again has helped us to pay our way. At the end of each quarter, I submit our claim for gift aid tax refund based on whether individuals pay tax.
Thank you very much indeed for your contribution to our Churches, by weekly envelope, standing order, direct giving or donation. Details of your contribution are available from me if required. If you have any queries, please contact me. If you no longer pay tax due to a change in income or tax allowances, please contact me so that I can remove you from tax claim submission.
We are grateful to those members who decided to contribute directly through “Direct Giving” or standing orders which has made our life a lot easier and helped with budgeting. The direct giving arrangement has now 26 members and a further 11 people give via standing orders. The number of people using the envelope scheme has reduced to 67.Those who pay tax are eligible to claim GiftAid on their donations which
Alan Pickard (Tel. No. 01792 204717) Envelope & Gift Aid Officer
Electoral Roll
The Electoral Roll is to be completely renewed every 5 years the last being held in 2015, therefore I issued Electoral Roll forms for 2020, however, due to COVID-19 the Diocese has instructed us to carry forward the current roll.As it happens our congregation were ahead of the game and all who wished to be included in the
roll had already completed the forms, so we are up to date.We have 134 people registered on our electoral roll and we are unable to estimate the number of regular attendees as the church has been closed due to COVID-19.
Alan Pickard (Tel. No. 01792 204717) Electoral Roll Officer
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
Parish of Killay
20
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Accounts for the Parish of Killay For the Year ending 31st December 2020
The following pages show the amount of money received and spent over the year ending 31[st] December 2020, a year that no-one is likely to forget!
As last year, both the ‘Receipts’ and ‘Payments’ totals are distorted because of exceptional items. Gas central heating system was introduced into the Parish Centre and completely replaced in St. Hilary’s Church.The electrical system in the Parish Centre had to be completely overhauled along with repairs following extensive water damage.Thankfully, grants, donations and an insurance claim helped with about a third of these costs but once again, it was necessary to dig deep into reserves.
Covid19 has, unfortunately, not only added to our expenditure but also caused a loss of income.We are all aware of the effort and equipment put in place to allow live viewing of the Sunday Eucharist in the Parish Centre and on the internet.To see the losses, simply look at this year’s and last year’s figures for ‘Money Raising’ and ‘Parish Centre Income’. ‘Direct Giving’ is also down but note that it is primarily ‘Open Plate’! Fewer services, less money in the plate. No surprise, but look at ‘Planned Giving’.That figure shows that the majority of members of the Parish of Killay realise that to keep their churches alive and well for when all this is over, they must continue Giving.
Further, look at ‘Donations and Gifts’ to see that, as well as their regular offerings, several parishioners have made substantial anonymous gifts.
The closing balance across all accounts was £87,616 is divided in the following way:
| Restricted Account | £86,707 |
|---|---|
| Current Account | £804 |
| Cash | £105 |
| ney held in the Restricted Account is divided as follow | |
| St Hilary’s Building and Fabric | £1,037 |
| St Martin’s Building and Fabric | £2,952 |
| Property Sale | £71,889 |
| Parish Centre | £928 |
| Graveyard and Grounds. | £9,639 |
| Altar Flowers. | £262 |
The money held in the Restricted Account is divided as follows:
I wish to thank Mr Alan Pickard for his wise counsel and constant support throughout the year. My thanks also go to the Independent Examiner, Mr D.Jenkins of the Parish of Tycoch.The time he gives so freely to carry out a meticulous scrutiny of the accounts is greatly appreciated.
Ken Ellis Parish Treasurer
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
21
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
Parish of Killay Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ending 31 December 2020
| RECEIPTS | THIS YEAR 2020 £ £ |
THIS YEAR 2020 £ £ |
LASTYEAR 2019 £ £ |
LASTYEAR 2019 £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Giving | ||||
| i. Planned Giving ii. Open Plate |
48,968 518 |
49,486 | 52,290 3,423 |
55,713 |
| Indirect Giving | ||||
| HMRC Charities | 13,568 | 13,569 | ||
| Special Collections | ||||
| World Church and other Good Causes | 668 | 1,212 | ||
| Magazine | ||||
| Advertising and Sales | 1,898 | 2,179 | ||
| Money Raising | ||||
| Fetes, Raffes, Outings, Socials, Fund Raising Group Events (incl.Monthly Draw) and Sponsors |
1,349 | 7,715 | ||
| Exceptional Income | ||||
| Legacies & In Memoriam Donations and Gifts Other including Sale of Parsonage (2019) and Grants, Insurance Claims and Loans |
243 9,315 15,020 |
24,578 | 294 412 127,174 |
127,880 |
| Other Income | ||||
| Funerals and Burials - Restricted Funerals - Unrestricted Weddings/Baptisms Photocopying, Flowers etc.. |
468 300 |
3,701 768 596 |
946 480 |
6,544 1,426 1,911 |
| Bank Interest | 90 | 177 | ||
| Parish Centre Income | ||||
| Letting and Heating Tokens TOTAL RECEIPTS Parish of Killay St Hilary’s Church and St Ma 22 |
4,470 | 11,805 | ||
| 101,172 rtin’s Church |
Diocese of S | 230,131 wansea and Brecon |
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
| PAYMENTS | THIS YEAR 2020 £ £ |
THIS YEAR 2020 £ £ |
LASTYEAR 2019 £ £ |
LASTYEAR 2019 £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mission and Outreach | ||||
| Local World |
1,114 0.00 |
1,114 | 1,389 396 |
1,785 |
| Maintenance of the Ministry | ||||
| Parish Share and Locums | 69,317 | 113,761 | ||
| Maintenance of the Churches | ||||
| Heat, Light,Water and Insurance MaintenanceandRepairs(incl.Grounds) |
4,871 6,465 |
11,326 | 5,398 7,683 |
13,081 |
| Maintenance of Services | ||||
| Altar Requisites, Organist, Choir, Organ | 2,298 | 7,529 | ||
| Parochial Expenses of Clergy | ||||
| Travel,Vicarage incl.Telephone (Proportion) |
1,110 | 1,479 | ||
| General Parish Expenses | ||||
| Stationery, Printing, Photocopying, Postage and Offce Sundries |
1,077 | 2,022 | ||
Cost of Money Raising |
855 | 1,592 | ||
| Parish Centre Outgoings | ||||
| Heat, Light,Water, Insurance, Maintenance, Cleaning & Sundries |
11,129 | 11,535 | ||
| Exceptional Costs | 42,300 | 50 | ||
| TOTAL PAYMENTS NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) 1st January 2020 Bank Balances 1st January 2020 Cash Balances 31st December 2020 Bank Balances 31st December 2020 Cash Balances |
126,894 76 |
140,526 (39,354) 126,970 |
49,672 0.00 |
152,834 77,298 49,672 |
| 87,511 105 |
126,894 76 |
|||
| 87,616 | 126,970 |
Diocese of Swansea and Brecon
St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church
Parish of Killay
23
Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2020
www.parishofkillay.co.uk