## 2022 **----- Start of picture text -----**
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. ## **APRIL 2022** Vicar: Canon Phillip Gwynn BA., MA., DPS., Cert.Theol. _(Surrogate)_ The Vicarage, 68 Ffordd yr Olchfa, Sketty, Swansea SA2 7RF ✆ 01792 204758 ## **MAY 2022** Ministry Area Leader: Reverend Robert Davies-Hannen B.Ed., B.Th The Vicarage, De La Beche Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9AR ✆ 01792 202767 Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 **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 April 2022** ## **Parish Officers** **Parish Vicar’s Warden Parish People’s Warden Vicar’s Sub Warden** (St Martin’s) **People’s Sub Warden** (St Martin’s) **Parish Treasurer PCC Secretary** Marian Williams Simon Gwynn Roger Draisey Susan Dimblebee Diane Holohan Marian Williams ## **Parochial Church Councillors** Sandra Banks Sheila Betts Alan Clewett Simon Davies Margaret Draisey Nansi Evans Eileen Fletcher Diane Holohan Julia Lambert Gareth Lewis Alan Pickard Mike Powell Sylvia Powell Angela Reed Barbara Roberts Colin Williams .............................................................................................................................................................…………............. ## **Parochial Officers** **Gift Aid Officer Safeguarding Officer Parish Magazine Editor Parish Centre Booking Secretary** Geraldine Rees Catherine Swain Roger Rees Diane Holohan **Synod Representative Lay Representative on Diocesan Conference** Eileen Nielsen Dr.James Proudfoot _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **3** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Ministry Area Report** In the summer of 2022 The Rev Justin Davies moved from being the Vicar of South West Gower and became Vicar of St Mary’s Swansea and Ministry Area leader for Swansea as well. This left us with a vacancy on Gower and also a vacancy for the role of Ministry Area leader. As Area Dean I have taken on the role temporarily until we appoint to South West Gower in the near future and of course that person will also be the new Ministry Area Leader of the newly formed Ministry Area. We have welcomed this year the churches serving Tycoch and Killay into our fold in the Ministry Area and it has been good to see how they have settled in our midst. They too are currently in vacancy but it is hoped we will be appointing shortly to that post as well. The Gower magazine has gone from strength to strength and it has been reporting on all the events that have been taking place such as the licensing of new Lay Worship Leaders and also the wonderful impact that the Gower Pilgrimage Trail has had on our churches and places to stay here on Gower. The Pilgrimage Trail has been a real blessing thanks to the work of a dedicated group headed up by David and Ann Pope and I know they have plans for 2023 as well as once more Arthur Bear sets off to meet up with his fellow bears in each church! Peter Townsend has been first class with MA finances and the website and also I am grateful to Nigel and Frances and Co for their diligent work on the production and financing of the magazine. Of course like everywhere we are faced with challenges to our finances and our buildings but we will meet them with courage and diligence as well as prayer. To all of you on Gower wherever you worship..my thanks for all you do. _Peter Brooks_ _Acting Ministry Area leader._ _St. George’s Reynoldston One of the churches visited by Marian Williams during her sponsored walk around the Gower Pilgrimage Trail_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **4** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **St Martin’s Church** There were only two services per month at St Martins with the interregnum in place, one of which was a Eucharist. Although our congregation was sparse, I think we made the best of it and got closer to Peter and Judith Phillips and also Peter Barnett until he had to go into hospital. When Queen Elizabeth died in September our Lay Led Service on the 11th September was a very moving memorial service, led by Ken Ellis and Gareth Lewis. Moving on to October, when on the 4th October we had our united Harvest Supper with St Hilary's and All Souls at The Dunvant Club who provided an excellent finger Buffet with over 70 people attending. The Quiz was very entertaining and was provided by Clive Cook ably assisted by his wife Carol to end a fun evening. Remembrance Sunday for St Martin's saw the Congregation once again come to the altar rail carrying their own poppies and place them in a wreath held out by Gareth Lewis, it was then reverently placed at the foot of the altar. December 11th came and saw St Martin's flying the flag for our church, by way of Dunvant Community Christmas tea party , organised by Councillor Louise Gibbard, so with cards showing times and dates of our services, and our parish magazine, we made contact with many people. We also had our Community Candlelight Carol Service, the first since 2019 due to Covid. Our Church was full to _Community Candlelight Carol Service_ capacity with some 65 people enjoying the readings by local people from the Dunvant Club, Mrs Ruth Rees, Councillor Louise Gibbard, Dunvant Rugby Club, Mr Dorian Samuel, Pen Y Fro School, Mrs Rachel Lewis ,and St Martin's, Mrs Carol Lewis, and a Poem read by Mrs Margaret Draisey. Pupils from the school sang "Somewhere only we know" and "Let it Snow" singing with all the actions, tremendous stuff. So a very big thank you to Miss Emily Harris, Music Teacher. We demolished the mince pies and a glass of sherry, with fruit juice for the children. We are now working on a time in March when it is hoped, the Children can take part in our Lay Led Service. January saw our new stair carpet and curtain leading up to the gallery, which is a great improvement. The money was donated by Councillor Louise Gibbard out of her budget. The carpet was purchased from Heritage Carpets, Killay, one of our advertisers in our magazine, so the money was spent locally. _Roger Draisey & Sue Dimblebee_ _Sub Wardens_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **5** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Churchwarden’s Annual Report** We greeted 2022 with more optimism as we had seen many people return to church for our Christmas services. Unfortunately, due to Covid restrictions still being in place, St. Martin’s was forced to remain closed until March and many of our church organisations did not restart until midFebruary. However, this was a momentous time for the Church-in-Wales. Bishop Andy John was elected Archbishop of Wales on December 6th, Archdeacon John Lomas was consecrated a Bishop on February 26th at Bangor Cathedral and enthroned at Brecon Cathedral on March 5th. There have also been very sad times this year, none more so than the passing of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8th. In Killay, our thoughts turned towards the retirement of Canon Phillip Gwynn. The wardens, past and present and sub-wardens of the three churches held a series of meetings to plan what we would do to mark this. It was decided to hold a Retirement lunch, with a presentation and speeches at Clyne Golf Club on Thursday April 21st, Canon Phil’s Valedictory service was held at All Souls on April 24th, followed by a Buffet in Killay, with further presentations to both Canon Phil and Sian. All three events were well-attended by parishioners and friends, and they were given a memorable send off. May saw the beginning of the interregnum, when Rev’d Robert Davies-Hannen, our Ministry Area Leader and Canon Peter Brooks, our Area Dean took responsibility for the Parishes of Killay and Tycoch. In June, seven of our parishioners went to meet the Bishop at St. Catherine’s Church in Gorseinon, which proved to be an uplifting experience for us all. Many of us met him again at the Ministry Area workshop in St. Paul’s Church in Sketty. By December, we had already been in our interregnum for eight months and in September, we learned with great sadness that the Clyne Trinity Ministry Area would cease to exist, it being too small. We were to join the Gower MA and Sketty was to join the Central Swansea MA. We have been extremely fortunate in St. Hilary’s in that we have retained all our usual services throughout this time, with Holy Eucharist every Sunday except the fourth Sunday which is our Lay led service. The congregation of St. Martin’s has joined us on the first and third Sundays of the month, having their usual Lay led worship on the second Sunday and Holy Eucharist on the fourth Sunday. When there is a fifth Sunday, we join our friends at All Souls for a joint Eucharist Service. Of course, Rev. Dr. Peter Phillips and Rev. Judith Phillips were already regular and very welcome visitors, as were Rev. Robert Davies-Hannen and Sister Marian. It has also been a privilege for us all to welcome so many members of the Clergy who until this time were new faces to us, to lead our services. We have been enthralled to hear of their expertise and experience in so many varied and different fields throughout their careers and ministries. We have thoroughly enjoyed meeting and learning from Fr Peter Barnett, Canon Roger Donaldson, Rev. Nigel King, Rev. Sue Waite and Archdeacon Peter Brooks. Our Thursday morning _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **6** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 _Simon Gwynn, People’s Warden_ _Marian Williams, Vicar’s Warden_ worshippers are extremely grateful for the short sermon or talk which is now part of this service. It would be remiss of me not to thank our committed team of Lay worship leaders, Simon Davies, Mike Powell, Ken Ellis, Gareth Lewis and Babs Roberts, for all that they continue to do throughout the year, managing to provide inspirational thoughts based on relevant topics every month. Thanks also to the visitors who have come to speak at these services. Representative wardens from the three Parishes met Canon Peter Brooks several times in the autumn, to produce a person specification and Parish profile for the vacancy. We were delighted to see that our ideas had been incorporated fully and that only minor changes had been made to improve them and bring them in line with Church in-Wales requirements by Archdeacon Jonathan Davies. throughout the year to ensure that everything runs smoothly. Geraldine Rees for her work with envelopes and Gift Aid, as well as proof-reading our Parish magazine, produced so expertly by husband Roger. To all those involved with the collection of advertising revenue and distribution. Sylvia Powell compiles the rotas for readers, sidespersons and coffee, Mike Powell prepares for all the church services in his role as Sacristan and prepares the Eucharistic Assistant rotas. Catherine Swain for her work with the Electoral Roll in addition to Safeguarding. Diane Holohan, our Treasurer, is also very busy as Parish Centre Booking Secretary. Alan Clewett our Health and Safety Officer and all the men who keep the church grounds so well-maintained – Roy Chapman, Murray Davies, Ian Dimblebee, Nigel Fletcher and Roger Draisey. Eileen Nielsen and Val Beynon for all the work they do behind the scenes, especially at weddings and funerals. If I have forgotten anybody, please accept my apologies. Once again, I need to express my thanks to all those who work tirelessly behind the scenes _Marian Williams_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **7** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Report from Minutes of Parochial Church Council** This year we were able to hold a Congregational Meeting at St. Martin’s Church on March 20th and an Annual Vestry meeting at St. Hilary’s on April 3rd. It was wonderful to hold these meetings in person again, following the broadcasts which have happened since 2019. There were two new members of the PCC this year and we were delighted to welcome Sylvia Powell and Gareth Lewis. As we were soon to begin our interregnum, it was decided that the present committees would continue to serve, which has been the case. Canon Peter Brooks met the church wardens and church officers at the beginning of the interregnum and explained that there would be changes to our service patterns. He and Robert Davies-Hannen had met Canon Phillip prior to his retirement and had been given a list of services by him. Canon Peter, who was then Area Dean asked us to hold joint meetings with All Souls during the interregnum. This has been done and there have also been Parish meetings where the matters for discussion were related to one or other of the parishes, rather than both. The interregnum, clergy rotas, services and Vicarage have featured largely in our discussions. Rev. Justin Davies, the Ministry Area Leader for Central Swansea is now resident at Ffordd yr Olchfa. This was the decision of the Parsonage Board which has responsibility for allocating accommodation to the clergy. The Parsonage Board is actively seeking a property for our new incumbent. Bishop John Lomas talked at length about Ministry Areas when we met him at St. Catherine’s Church on June 1st. He spoke with great honesty, openness and humour but reminded us that there is much work to be done in our Diocese. At the end of June, a large number of PCC members attended a Workshop at St. Paul’s Church in Sketty where the concept of Ministry Areas and associated structures was discussed. We saw the proposed changes, where Clyne Trinity would be split up, Sketty would join the Clyne MA and Killay and Tycoch would join Gower. Then came the possibility that the former Clyne Trinity MA would stay together and join Central Swansea. We were asked to make written representations if we had any issues we wished to raise. At the Standing Committee meeting on September 22nd, it was agreed that Killay and Tycoch would join Gower and that Sketty would join Central Swansea. Much has happened since the appointment of Peter Brooks as Archdeacon with responsibility for Ministry Areas in November. Our Mission and Outreach sub-committee, chaired by Eileen Fletcher has held a number of Zoom meetings and some face to face. There was a successful Harvest praise event which hopefully will be repeated later in the year. Unfortunately the events planned for Christmas had to be cancelled due to the illness or the unavailability of key people. However, the Tots group reopened in the autumn with support from the committee and is growing week by week. _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **8** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 The Social and Fundraising committee organised a Shrove Tuesday/ St David’s Day quiz which raised £195.40 for Parish funds. The three Parishes came together to organise and celebrate a wonderful Platinum Jubilee event, purely a social event with singing, bingo, royal quiz and dancing. As there was no Summer Fayre this year, it was decided that we needed to seek other ways to raise funds. Our Harvest Supper and Quiz raised £275, Marian’s sponsored walk raised £920, split equally between The Parish of Killay and the Wales Air Ambulance, The Gwalia Singers’Concert raised £728.50, Christmas Raffle raised £940 and donations for baubles for the Memorial tree and Christmas stockings raised £64. All in all a wonderful total of £2467.50, a huge thank you to Mike Powell, all members of this sub-committee and everyone for their support. Diane Holohan had attended meetings with other treasurers and works closely with Ken Ellis in Tycoch and Alan Pickard. Alan Clewett has done a great deal of work ensuring that our fire alarms are checked weekly, serviced and that regular PAT testing has been done. He has also repaired the doorguards, thereby saving the Parish considerable expense. The Fabric committee has not met as such, but work is progressing in the Parish Centre. _Marian Williams PCC Secretary_ ## **In Memoriam 2022** We should like to remember the following members of our Church who we have lost this year. JOHN HYWEL DAVIES KENNETH THOMAS GRAVES GERALD HARRIS NORMA ANN GRIFFITHS ERIC McGARRY THOMAS JOAN MARY PERRY GORDON ERNEST GARNER MARGARET MARY HARRIS MARGARET LOUVAINE JONES _May they rest in peace and rise in glory._ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **9** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Swansea & Brecon Diocesan Conference** ## **1.** The Conference opened with an act of worship (copy available). In his address, Bishop John spoke about the restructuring of Ministry Areas. He noted that we were behind the rest of the Church in Wales in this respect and were missing out on funding opportunities as a result. He said that the aim was to declutter the organisation and to this end they were spending much time checking appropriate regulations! The need is there, with only 41 stipendiary clerics in the Diocese. He likened the planning of the restructuring to (re)building flat-pack furniture - you don’t tighten each joint as you put it in place but check that the whole looks“fit for purpose”before confirming the position and interaction of the pieces; only then do you tighten the bolts that hold it together. In his closing remarks, he noted that restructuring was not the end in itself but the means to the end, to achieve the vision of the Church. The aim is to have the new Areas operating by the Spring of 2023. There will be funding available for growth projects and for an administrator in each Area. **2.** The formal business that followed was to do with election of representatives to the Governing Body. Much of it was inaudible but appeared to have been agreed beforehand, with choices between representative and alternate (where choice was possible) being decided by a coin toss! Names were read out but not displayed, hence the lack of detail in this report! Details, for those who might want them, will be available, I’m sure, from the Diocesan office! **3.** We were grouped in our new Ministry Areas to discuss our post-CoVid future - what we have lost and need to regain .. or perhaps needs to stay lost and what we have found that we need to retain and build on .. or perhaps lose. Most sensible feedback recognised that there are pros and cons to most items discussed, viz: - **(i)** There is a need to keep and develop flexible patterns of worship across our various Churches and in other locations. A variety of days, times and styles of services is desirable to meet peoples’ different needs .. but congregations have to be kept informed of and accept these variations. - **(ii)** The use of on-line delivery was seen generally as beneficial and a useful addition to our provision. - **(iii)** There is the opportunity to vary the style of our lay-led services. Some of those involved noted the effort required to develop a new service but by sharing with other lay leaders within the Ministry Area and making use of the on-line resources available, it was felt this could be possible. _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **10** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 **(iv)** The use of Zoom meetings was seen as beneficial for the obvious savings they allow .. but it was also noted that meeting“in person”could offer more productive interaction. **(v)** The importance of allowing Clergy time for fellowship with their congregations was noted, for instance, when arranging service patterns allow time for fellowship after the service [related to (i) above]. But also, their general workload had to allow time for similar interactions elsewhere. **(vi)** The need for interaction with other bodies (e.g. schools) was stressed [again, related to (i) above]. **4.** The presentation on Ministry Area Restructuring added little to what we had been told already in the letter from the Area Dean. The emphasis, we were told, was on“teamwork”, as suggested by the Harries’ report. Apparently the concept of a single cleric serving a Parish is relatively new (Victorian) and Ministry Areas, it was suggested, would be a return to earlier Church organisation; the aim was for 3 stipendiary clerics per Ministry Area. Again (as in the Bishop’s address) we were told this is“work in progress”. An“online toolkit”would be available to assist with the organisation and administration of the Areas. **5.** Mandy Bayton (Evangelism and Outreach) gave the final presentation of the Conference, on plans for the Centenary Celebrations. The actual date is 14th September but there will be a programme of events leading up to the Centenary. No specific details were given but in her enthusiastic address, we were promised that events, pilgrimages and competitions were being planned. Another on-line“toolkit”(the flavour of the moment?!) this time, an“outreach toolkit”will be available. _Jim Proudfoot Lay Representative_ ## **Killay and District Lunch Club** Since our closure during Lock down the Lunch Club re-started meeting again on 6 April and continue to meet the first Wednesday of every month. We now have approximately 20 members and eight hostesses who help on a rota system. We also have three drivers who collect any members who are unable to use public transport. As we no longer have any cooks we have a fish and chip lunch once a month which everybody seems to enjoy. Our Chairman, Kay, books this a few days before and whilst she goes to collect it at 12pm the hostesses have coffee or tea ready as everybody arrives and Teressa organises a quiz. Christmas dinner this year was held at Norton House Hotel on Wednesday 7 December which was a lovely afternoon. _Teressa Garner Secretary_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **11** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Ladies Guild Report** Yet again, 2022 was a very different year from our previous ones, due to covid etc. But, as we continue the journey out of the pandemic, so more and more signs of normality can be seen around us. We met in February when Debra John gave us a very interesting talk“What Lurks Beneath”. Folk tales set in and around the caves and mountains of the Neath Valley - well worth waiting a few months for this talk. We celebrated St David’s Day on March 2nd with the Llanelli Singers who were, in fact, a group of thirteen ukulele players plus one keyboard player. The group began in 2017 with several of the original members still involved. Also, in March, members were fascinated by a talk by Richard Daugherty about the lost lanes of Gower. The following week, we were happy to welcome Ian Dimblebee, a member of St Martin’s Church, to tell us about“50 Years in the Merchant Navy”reading a rather appropriate poem“An Old Life at Sea”. Thank you Ian for an enjoyable talk. Also, in March, we were pleased to be guests of our Lord Mayor, Mary Jones, at the Mansion House. We were welcomed with tea and cakes before Mary, in full regalia, described the significance of each item of clothing and each link in the very heavy gold Chain of Office. She also gave a brief history of the office of Lord Mayor. Swansea was granted‘City’ status in 1969 at the time Prince Charles became Prince of Wales, but we didn’t have a Lord Mayor until 1982 when the Queen granted letters which elevated the status of Mayor to Lord Mayor. Mary also gave a brief history of the Mansion House - it was originally called‘Brooklands’, bought for £6650 in 1922 and used as the official residence of Mayors of Swansea and visiting judges. We were all invited to look around the house. Many thanks Mary. As a gesture of our appreciation, we gave Mary a cheque for her nominated charities. Before Easter was a members own craft evening. There was a great deal of fun and laughter as members struggled to assemble their Easter baskets which, on completion, were filled with small chocolate eggs. Our meeting in June included a visit to the recently opened Swansea Arena which is impressive and a valuable asset to the city. It is always very nice when members of our church give us talks. This year, we were lucky to have Eileen and Nigel Fletcher who gave us a quiz to test us on our knowledge of the Queen, her family and royal residences - a good fun evening. On another evening, they came to tell us about their visit to‘The Cathedrals of the Fens”. Bob Mapp came along one evening to share with us some of his vast collection of old photographs and postcards of Old Swansea. We also welcomed Murray Davies who showed us slides of a family visit to New York which included views of all the iconic sights of the city and, to _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **12** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 lighten the mood, Murray finished the show with beautiful scenes from a visit to Switzerland. Thank you all so much - we really appreciate your help with our programme. At our AGM before the summer break which was attended by 30 Guild members, Marian, our treasurer did not wish to remain in post. My sincere thanks to Marian for all her hard work and also to Pam who has decided to retire from the post of Guild secretary after 21 years. So, at present, we are without a treasurer and secretary as no member is prepared to take on the roles. August was a very proud month for the Llewelyn family, Morgan Llewelyn-Jones being the grandson of Anne Llewelyn, a Guild member. On August 1st, Morgan was accepted into the Gorsedd (white robes) at the Tregaron National Eisteddfod after winning the Richard Burton Memorial Award at the Eisteddfod in 2019. _Thank you all so much Gwynneth Prestwood , Leader_ A little later, in October, we celebrated the 90th birthday of our much loved and respected Guild leader who has worked tirelessly for almost 30 years to make our Guild as it is now, organising speakers, trips and lunches as well as numerous other events. It was the Guild members’way of saying a big Thank You to her. At Gwynneth’s request, we invited the Llanelli Ukulele group to entertain us. We all sang along to popular songs of the 50’s & 60’s and our most senior member (in age), Jane Riseborough, was first up to dance. **----- Start of picture text -----**
Gwynneth celebrating her 90th Birthday
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Members donated plates of cakes and savouries and Guild provided wine, the birthday cake and a beautiful floral arrangement for the‘Guest of Honour’. Murray Davies was on hand to take photographs. _Pam Davies_ **----- Start of picture text -----**
Easter Day flowers
on the Font
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_Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **13** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Mothers’ Union - Branch Leader’s Report 2022** ## **Theme for the year was: -“Transformation Now”** In January 2022 I began my 14th year as Branch Leader. At the beginning of the year we had 36 members (including those who had joined us from the former Sketty MU Branch). We were sad to hear that Margaret Harris, a former member, had died. We will also really miss Margaret Jones, one of our branch members for 46 years who died recently. Due to Covid restrictions our 2022 AGM was conducted by phone calls and emails. All documents were approved by our vicar, Canon Phillip Gwynn. I would like to thank all the members for supporting me after my knee replacement operation and hand surgery. Our Wave of Prayer service in February was held in our own homes and we prayed for our links with our prayer partners in Argentina, Bondo, Freestate – South Africa, Offa, Ogbia, Uruguay and Swansea and Brecon. After Easter we resumed our MU meetings in our Parish Centre. We were still very aware of Covid rules and risks involved when meeting together. It was a pleasure to chat with other members, listen to interesting speakers, enjoy cakes, chocolates and raffles etc. Our Platinum Jubilee afternoon tea was delayed in June due to Covid but when we were able to celebrate together in July we enjoyed a splendid buffet listened to 50s music and watched a DVD of Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. There were two Diocesan Council meetings held at Penllergaer Hall which I attended. A few of us attended the Diocesan Festival in Brecon in May and our banner was displayed in the Cathedral. It was a pleasure to meet Bishop John. I would like to thank Babs Roberts for her support at our Archidiaconal Eucharist at St Mary’s Swansea and Rev Tim Williams for conducting the service and Alan as Eucharistic assistant. This year Rev Robert Davies Hannen has led our MU Eucharist in St Hilary’s. He has been so helpful and encouraging – thank you. Our excellent speakers were a pleasure to listen to. Thanks to Alan for his helpful advice with technology regarding films, music etc. Diane Holohan has been so supportive with our hall bookings and Marian with St Hilary’s church bookings. I am delighted to say that Alan has transferred money raised through raffles and careful budgeting to our MU Diocesan Treasurer, Heather Price - £108 for“Make a Mother’s Day”, £127.15 for Women’s Safe Houses and Family Centres from profit on our Jubilee tea and £75 from our Action & Outreach boxes organised by Gwynneth Prestwood. A further £64 was sent for Safe Houses and Family Centres from the proceeds of the raffle at our Christmas lunch at the Black Boy. We paid Diane Holohan, church treasurer £50 towards the Parish Centre hire. _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **14** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 2022 was a special year for a number of our members. Betty Nutt celebrated 65 years membership of MU, 6 members celebrated 90th birthdays and 3 members had birthdays of 90 years plus. Pat Davies, a former MU member arranged some beautiful flowers at St Hilary’s on behalf of our branch for Christmas Eve.Thank you, Pat. _Carole Pickard was delighted to present Betty Nutt with her long service membership certificate of 65 years signed by our MU President_ I would like to thank all members for their support, the committee for attending extra meetings but especially Alan for all the emails, typing etc etc. Thank you everyone who helps Sue in the kitchen, us to move furniture or just your advice and guidance – gratefully received. Thank you, Simon and Marian (churchwardens) for the help you have given our branch. Thank you, Ken Ellis, for inspecting and approving our accounts. Finally, a great big thank you to Enid Rotheram, who has retired as Registrar/Assistant Treasurer, Sandra Banks who has retired as Secretary and Pat Stratton for all of her support over many years. Our beloved Patron, Queen Elizabeth II died in September. We give thanks for her having been our Mothers’Union Patron for many years and for her commitment and devotion to family life and her great concern for communities and all people – may she rest in peace. _Carole Pickard, Branch Leader_ _Retirement celebrations: farewell lunch for Canon Phil and Sian at Clyne Golf Club on Thursday April 21st_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **15** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Mission and Outreach** _Committee members:_ _Eileen Fletcher (Chairman), Simon Gwynn, Simon Davies, Marian Williams, Sian Parkhouse & Nigel Fletcher._ Simon Davies led the event with appropriate readings and prayers, including an alternative rhyming version of that day’s gospel, The curate of Gowerton & Waunarlwydd gave the blessing. The committee met a number of times during 2022. An informal afternoon Harvest Praise service was held on Sunday 9th October, with members of St Hilarys and visitors singing 6 modern versions of popular hymns, including Shine Jesus Shine and Majesty, Martin Draisey played keyboards accompanied by electric guitar maintaining an upbeat tempo throughout. A number of lessons were learnt from the event and it was agreed to repeat this style of service in 2023. A Mums & Tots group was started on a Monday morning. The numbers have steadily grown with up to 8 mums and over 10 children attending. The group provisionally had both an outdoor carol service and children’s tea party due to take place in December, but due to circumstances beyond its control both events could not take place. ## **St Hilary's Bowls Club** ## _(Short mat, indoor bowls)_ It’s amazing it’s that time of the year again for reporting on another year of…”.conversations,” of which there have been many , ….as well as spending some time playing bowls! Seriously we have enjoyed another year of bowling (after Covid) as well as arranging birthday and anniversary celebrations each time a member’s birthday or special occasion occurs. It’s a happy group and we have been in existence since 1998….some 25 years. short mat bowls and at the time of writing we have 24 members, so currently we have _‘closed the books’_ for new members, however, we can take names to go on the waiting list. We meet in the main hall of the Parish Centre each Friday Hopefully you’ll have been evening mostly term-time, ‘bowled over’by this latest however, we meet on a Saturday report! evening whenever there is a _Mike Powell (Chairman)_ blood collection on the _Gill Genco (Treasurer)_ preceding Friday. We have two _Marian Williams (Secretary)_ _St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **16** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Parish Choir** Somehow it feels as if we are only just getting back to normal after the“Covid Years”but the Choir remains as enthusiastic and loyal as ever. Sadly, in April we mourned the death of a most faithful, valued and highly respected member of our choir. Eric Thomas had been a part of St Hilary's choir for over 50 years. He led the tenor section with such enthusiasm. The Choir attended his funeral and we sang the‘Nunc Dimittis’to the chant by Lloyd as Eric left his Church. He is sorely missed and will never be forgotten by his fellow choristers. This has been a quiet year as once again we begin to meet normally, without masks and without social distancing. Fortunately we have been able to welcome a new choir member - Gillian Hutchinson, who is a most happy addition to the soprano section. When all the Choir are present we can now boast the following numbers: 6 sopranos, 1 alto, 1 bass and 3 tenors. We would dearly love to add to our numbers in all sections and from both churches. Don’t be shy! If you can sing the hymns, you will be most welcome. It is not an onerous commitment - come and sing when you can! Finally, we say a huge“thank you”to our loyal and talented organist, Huw Thomas. He and wife Janie, one of our choir members, have not had an easy year but thankfully maybe can both now smile again. After our Sunday services , why not stay a while and listen as Huw plays some music to set you up for the day! ## _Barbara Roberts_ _Parishes Platinum Jubilee celebrations at the Parish Centre_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **17** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 ## **Music Society** This year our society lost two faithful, loved and respected members. In April, Eric Thomas passed away. He worked tirelessly for many years for the society. He took on the dual role of Secretary and Treasurer and was always there to give advice and support. He will be sorely missed by us all. In December, a long-standing member, Margaret Jones, passed away. Margaret was a faithful supporter of the society for many years. At every meeting she always enjoyed whatever entertainment was provided and was always willing to help in any way. We will miss her company and her smiling face. The year began with a covid cancellation of our annual lunch which was postponed until July. Fortunately, the AGM was able to go ahead in - February, observing all the covid regulations. More covid problems meant two more cancellations by our entertainers, but those dates were successfully filled. - The sad death of Her Majesty the Queen meant another last minute cancellation. However, our September entertainers, the Rockerleles, were rebooked for December. - In spite of a few hiccups, this has been a successful year for the Music Society with excellent attendances and several visitors along with the members. We meet on the second Monday of every month in the Parish Centre. We would welcome new members and visitors. Membership is £5 per annum, £2 per visit for visitors. For the programme for 2023, please contact Babs Roberts (Tel: 299160). _Barbara Roberts_ _The Rockerleles, a mixed group of men and women who played ukulele, bass guitar, drum and piano_ _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 2022 ## **Lay Worship** It has been a busy year for the lay worship leaders. We are a group of 5 Gareth, Babs, Ken Mike and myself and I must, first of all, thank each of them for their work, support, and guidance over the year. As we are in an interregnum there have been more services that the group have covered and a special thanks to Ken, who with the congregation at All Souls hold ‘private prayer’and‘our favourite hymns’services to fill the gaps that would usually have a Eucharist. We have also amended the service book to include the Beatitudes and the Ash Grove Gloria. At St Martin's, we have seen the return of the community carol service and this year it saw the inclusion of children from Pen Y Fro school, and we are happy to say that the school took part in the family service in March. From a musical perspective, our young organist Milly King is expanding her repertoire. I must also thank Julie Lambert for stepping in when Milly or Martin have not been able to play for us. In St. Hilary's Mike and Babs have been slowly returning to the style of service that we had before covid by inviting schools and guests to come into the service to talk to the congregation. This has included guests from Matt's Place, Sketty Foodbank and one of the local primary schools. Following a meeting in February, we will be looking to alter this service the trying to encourage more people to attend and make it easier to follow when we have guests in the congregation. Overall it has been a challenging year for the five of us and especially when some of us are working or on holiday. Can I take this opportunity to say a massive thank you once again to the four other worship leaders and to put a call-out for anyone who thinks they can help us during the services either by reading the prayers or if you wish to undertake the training joining us and becoming a worship leader any help is gratefully received. _Simon Davies Lay worship leader coordinator_ _Hope and Hospitality...._ _Jill Erridge representing Sketty Foodbank and Thom Lynch, the Project Director of Matthew’s House being presented with a cheque for money raised at our Harvest Service in St. Hilary’s_ _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 2022 ## **Envelope and Gift Aid Scheme** As Gift Aid Officer, I am responsible for recording all contributions by envelope or standing orders direct to the Parish. There are currently 42 people using envelopes and 12 people who pay by standing order or bank transfer each month. At the end of each quarter, I submit our claim to HMRC for Gift Aid in respect of all tax paying contributors. We can also claim a smaller proportion of Gift Aid for non tax payers and cash collections which all helps to pay our way The amount claimed during 2022 amounted to £6362.33. 34 people make Direct Giving payments which go straight to the Church in Wales where Gift Aid is claimed automatically and credited to our account on a monthly basis. In 2022, £4472.17 was received in respect of Direct Giving contributions. This is a total of £10834.50, which is, of course, a very welcome boost to our income. Thank you to everyone for your support throughout the year and especially to Diane Holohan who keeps me updated on a regular basis and supplies me with any information I need. If you wish to join the envelope scheme or make payments by standing order or join the Direct Giving Scheme, please contact me. Also, if you no longer pay tax due to a change in circumstances, please let me know so I can remove you from my Gift Aid claim. _Geraldine Rees Envelope & Gift Aid Officer (Tel: 01792 207916)_ ## **Electoral Roll** There were 119 people on the electoral role of the Parish of Killay 2022 _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 2022 ## **Accounts for the Parish of Killay For the Year ending 31st December 2022** This year, the accounts show a surplus of £16,429, compared with a surplus last year of £29,004. Last year’s seemingly good fortune was largely due to generous grants received from the diocese which reduced our 2021 Parish Share to £33,070. This year, we received exceptional income in the form of bequests which totalled £14,770. This has helped to boost reserves needed for the planned Parish Centre refurbishment and repairs to the Lych Gate. At the end of 2022 we began to see a rise in maintenance costs, largely due to an increase in utility charges. The rise in gas and electricity prices will affect us far more in 2023 and this thought, coupled with the news that we did not qualify for any aid via the Winter Charity Discount Relief Scheme, leaves us with much food for discussion moving forward to next year. Other positive factors to note this year are the increase in the Parish Centre letting income and the increase in Fundraising Income thanks to the incredible work and drive of our Social and Fundraising Committee (and enthusiastic parishioners’willingness to join in). The closing balance across all accounts was £133,049 divided in the following way: ||Current Account|Gold Account| |---|---|---| |Restricted|£0|£21,725| |Designated|£0|£81,210| |Unrestricted|£30,101|£13| The Restricted Funds are divided as follows: |The Restricted Funds are divided as follows:|| |---|---| |St Hilary’s Building and Fabric|£1,046| |St Martin’s Building and Fabric|£2,952| |Parish Centre|£1,555| |Graveyard and Grounds|£15,536| |Altar Flowers|£233| |Miscellaneous|£387| |Tots|£16| |The Designated Funds are divided as follows:|| |Sale of Parsonage to Parish Centre Refurb|£71,210| |Bequest to repair of Lych Gate|£10,000| I would like to thank Mr Ken Ellis and Mr Alan Pickard for their patience, advice and support this year while I have been endeavouring to learn the ropes. Grateful thanks and appreciation also go to Mrs Geraldine Rees and Miss Marian Williams. Geraldine has worked diligently in the background to ensure that the Parish gets from HMRC every penny that it is entitled to receive. Marian, in addition to her numerous other church activities has organised the Petty Cash Float and Weekly Income records. My thanks also go to the Independent Examiner, Ms Sian Coppock. Sian is a qualified accountant who has kindly given her time to scrutinise the accounts. Her hard work, freely given, is very much appreciated. _Diane Holohan 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 2022 ## **Parish of Killay Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ending 31 December 2022** **----- Start of picture text -----**
THIS YEAR LASTYEAR
2022 2021
RECEIPTS £ £ £ £
Direct Giving
i. Planned Giving 41,788 47,638
ii. Open Plate 1,586 43,374 1,655 49,293
Indirect Giving
HMRC Charities 12,927 12,431
Special Collections
World Church and other Good Causes 901 0
Magazine
Advertising and Sales 661 172
Money Raising
Fetes, Raffles, Outings, Socials,
Fund Raising Group Events
(incl.Monthly Draw) and Sponsors 6,574 3,900
Exceptional Income
Legacies & In Memoriam 14,770 248
Donations and Gifts 1,028 1,412
Other including Grants, Insurance Claims
and Loans 15,798 9,880 11,540
Other Income
Funerals and Burials - Restricted 4,784 6,457
Funerals - Unrestricted 1,008 664
Weddings/Baptisms 450 1,458 720 1,384
Photocopying, Flowers etc.. 80 640
Bank Interest 415 9
Parish Centre Income
Letting 19,195 12,504
TOTAL RECEIPTS 106,167 98,330
**----- End of picture text -----**
_St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church_ _Diocese of Swansea and Brecon_ _**Parish of Killay**_ **22** Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2022 |**PAYMENTS**|THIS YEAR
2022
**£**
**£**|THIS YEAR
2022
**£**
**£**|LASTYEAR
2021
**£**
**£**|LASTYEAR
2021
**£**
**£**| |---|---|---|---|---| |**Mission and Outreach**||||| |Local
World|967
0|967|2,107
0|2,107| |**Maintenance of the Ministry**||||| |Parish Share and Locums||61,330||33,090| |**Maintenance of the Churches**||||| |Heat, Light,Water and Insurance
MaintenanceandRepairs(incl.Grounds)|5,209

3,755|8,964|3,990
5,375|9,365| |**Maintenance of Services**||||| |Altar Requisites, Organist, Choir, Organ||2,286||3,715| |**Parochial Expenses of Clergy**||||| |Travel, Books, Courses,
Vicarage incl.Telephone (Proportion)||829||1,075| |**General Parish Expenses**||||| |Stationery, Printing, Photocopying,
Sundries, Licences, Petty Cash, Bank||2,273||814| |**Cost of Money Raising**||835||858| |**Parish Centre Outgoings**||||| |Heat, Light,Water, Insurance,
Maintenance, Cleaning Supplies|4,425
4,886|9,311||7,796| |**Exceptional Costs**||||| |**HMRC refund, transfers etc**||2,943||10,506| |**TOTAL PAYMENTS**
**NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT)**
1st January Bank Balances
1st January Cash Balances
31st December Bank Balances
31st December Cash Balances|116,510
110|**89,738**
16,429
**116,620**|87,511
105|**69,326**
29,004
**87,616**| ||133,049
0||116,510
110|| |||**133,049**||**116,620**| _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 2022** www.parishofkillay.co.uk **Accounts for the Parish of Killay For the Year ending 31[st] December 2022** This year, the accounts show a surplus of £16,429, compared with a surplus last year of £29,004. Last year’s seemingly good fortune was largely due to generous grants received from the diocese which reduced our 2021 Parish Share to £33,070. This year, we received exceptional income in the form of bequests which totalled £14,770. This has helped to boost reserves needed for the planned Parish Centre refurbishment and repairs to the Lych Gate. At the end of 2022 we began to see a rise in maintenance costs, largely due to an increase in utility charges. The rise in gas and electricity prices will affect us far more in 2023 and this thought, coupled with the news that we did not qualify for any aid via the Winter Charity Discount Relief Scheme, leaves us with much food for discussion moving forward to next year. Other positive factors to note this year are the increase in the Parish Centre letting income and the increase in Fundraising Income thanks to the incredible work and drive of our Social and Fundraising Committee (and enthusiastic parishioners’ willingness to join in). The closing balance across all accounts was £133,049 divided in the following way: **----- Start of picture text -----**
Current Account Gold Account
Restricted £0 £21,725
Designated £0 £81,210
Unrestricted £30,101 £13
**----- End of picture text -----**
The Restricted Funds are divided as follows: |The Restricted Funds are divided as|follows:| |---|---| |St Hilary’s Building and Fabric|£1,046| |St Martin’s Building and Fabric|£2,952| |Parish Centre|£1,555| |Graveyard and Grounds.|£15,536| |Altar Flowers.|£233| |Miscellaneous|£387| |Tots|£16| The Designated Funds are divided as follows: Sale of Parsonage to Parish Centre Refurb £71,210 Bequest to repair of Lych Gate £10,000 I would like to thank Mr Ken Ellis and Mr Alan Pickard for their patience, advice and support this year while I have been endeavouring to learn the ropes. Grateful thanks and appreciation also go to Mrs Geraldine Rees and Miss Marian Williams. Geraldine has worked diligently in the background to ensure that the Parish gets from HMRC every penny that it is entitled to receive. Marian, in addition to her numerous other church activities has organised the Petty Cash Float and Weekly Income records. My thanks also go to the Independent Examiner, Ms Sian Coppock. Sian is a qualified accountant who has kindly given her time to scrutinised the accounts. Her hard work, freely given is very much appreciated. Diane Holohan, Parish Treasurer ## **PARISH OF KILLAY, SWANSEA RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2022** |**RECEIPTS**
**Direct Giving**
Planned Giving
Open Plate
**Indirect Giving**
HMRC Charities
**Special Collections**
World Church and Other Good
Causes
**Magazine**
Advertising and Sales
**Money Raising**
Fetes, Rafes, Outings, Socials,
Fund Raising Group Events (incl.
Monthly Draw) and Sponsors
**Exceptional Income**
Legacies & In Memoriam
Donations & Gifts
Other including Grants, Insurance
Claims and Loans
**Other Income**
Funerals and Burials - Restricted
Funerals - Unrestricted
Weddings/Baptisms
Photocopying, Flowers etc.
**Bank Interest**
**Parish Centre Income**
Letting|**THIS YEAR**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
41,788
1,586
43,374
12,927
901
661
6,574
14,770
1,028
0
15,798
4,784
1,008
450
1,458
80
415
19,195|**LAST YEAR**
**2021**
**£**
**£**
47,638
1,655
49,293
12,431
0
172
3,900
248
1,412
9,880
11,540
6,457
664
720
1,384
640
9
12,504| |---|---|---| ||14,770
1,028
0|248
1,412
9,880| ||1,008
450|664
720| |||| TOTAL RECEIPTS 106,16 98,3 30 ||**THIS**|**THIS**|**YEAR**|**LAST**|**YEAR**| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |||**2022**||**2021**|| |**PAYMENTS**|£||£|£|£| |**Mission and Outreach**|||||| |Local||967||2,107|| |World|||967||2,107| ||0|||0|| |**Maintenance of the Ministry**|||||| |Parish Share and Locums|||61,330||33,090| |**Maintenance of the Churches**|||||| |Heat, Light, Water and Insurance|5,209|||3,990|| |Maintenance and Repairs (incl.|3,755||8,964|5,375|9,365| |Grounds)|||||| |**Maintenance of Services**|||||| |Altar Requisites, Organist, Choir,|||2,286||3,715| |Organ|||||| |**Parochial Expenses of Clergy**|||||| |Travel, Books, Courses|||||| |Vicarage incl. Telephone|||829||1,075| |(Proportion),|||||| |**General Parish Expenses**|||||| |Stationery, Printing, Photocopying,|||||| |Sundries|||2,273||814| |Licences, petty cash, bank|||||| |**Cost of Money Raising**|||835||858| |**Parish Centre Outgoings**|||||| |Heat, Light, Water, Insurance,|4,425||||| |Maintenance, Cleaning supplies|4,886||9,311||7,796| |**Exceptional Costs**|||2,943||10,506| |**HMRC refund, transfers etc**|||||| |**TOTAL PAYMENTS**|||89,738||69,326| |**NET SURPLUS / DEFICIT**|||16,429||29,004| |1stJanuary Bank Balances|116,51|||87,511|| |||0|||| |1stJanuary Cash Balances||110||105|| ||||116,62||87,616| ||||0||| |31stDecember Bank Balances|133,04|||116,51|| |||9||0|| |31stDecember Cash Balances|0|||110|| ||||133,04||116,620| ||||9||| Parish of Killa Accounts 2022 The income and expenditure for 2022 on the working file is all present ènd correct as follows.. Entry Starting book balance Debits Credits Closirbg balance Date 01101122 01101122- 31101/22 01101122- 31101/22 31112122 Amount £28,990.88 £105,600.30 £107,075.11 £30,465.69 Having examined all receipts, payments and evidence, and I can confirm that it is in agreement with the books and records of the Parish. Sian Coppock ISO 9001'.2015 11 St David Drive l o Cn Q¢cc. LFl*l LJ Killay SA2 7EN