2023-12-31-accounts - The Parish Of Killay Parochial Church Council

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Annual Report

CHURCHES OF ST HILARY AND ST MARTIN

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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.

Priest in charge

Reverend Layfetta Masih The New Vicarage, 59a Victoria Road, Waunarlwydd, Swansea SA5 4SY ✆ 01792 410488 Mobile: 07414 268163 Email: LayfettaMasih@cinw.org.uk

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

St Hilary’s Church and St Martin’s Church

The following were appointed to serve as Wardens and as Church Committee members from April 2023

Church Officers

St Hilary’s Sub Warden Marian Williams St Hilary’s Sub Warden Mike Powell St Martin’s Sub Warden Roger Draisey St Martin’s Sub Warden Susan Dimblebee Treasurer Diane Holohan Church Committee Secretary Marian Williams

Church Committee members St Hilary’s

Church Committee members St Martin’s

Sandra Banks Sheila Betts Alan Clewett Roy Chapman Pam Davies Nansi Evans Eileen Fletcher Diane Holohan Alan Pickard Sylvia Powell Angela Reed Barbara Roberts Ian Dimblebee Margaret Draisey Julia Lambert Colin Williams

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Gift Aid Officer Geraldine Rees Safeguarding Officer Catherine Swain Church Magazine Editor Roger Rees Church Hall Booking Secretary Diane Holohan

MAC Representatives St Hilary’s Marian Williams St Martin’s Roger Draisey

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

St Martin’s Church

9th April with our 3 churches in the throes of the interregnum it was a privilege to welcome Arch Deacon Peter Brooks to St Martin's, to lead our congregation on a very important service EASTER DAY. His thoughts were on the empty tomb and how Mary with other women must have felt when they discovered the empty tomb. Our service was very uplifting with the hymns celebrating our risen Lord. This was our first intinction where we all came to the altar rail as one instead of one by one, during Covid. All felt in a joyful mood and left with an Easter Egg.

Following our Eucharist Service on 26th March, St Martin's held its first congregational meeting where the members voted to donate the surplus flower fund monies, to a local charity Bikeability.

May 6th saw our 3 churches come together to celebrate the Coronation of King Charles 3rd, which saw the Ukulele band entertain us. Babs Roberts then gave us a royal themed quiz, and then followed an enjoyable Buffet supplied by Tina Williams from the Dunvant Social Club.

St Cenydd's church Llangennith hosted us to celebrate the Licensing of our new Ministry Area, early in July.

July 30th saw the Licensing Service of the Rev Layfetta Masih in St Hilary's with the church welcoming Layfetta, her husband Nabeel and her 4 children Malachi, twins Joel and Joshua and her daughter Salomey, to their new Welsh home.

August 27th saw St Martin's welcome Rev Layfetta to her first Holy Communion service.

September saw the Quinquennial inspection highlight a few problems most notable, paint peeling in the ceiling with a small possibility of asbestos, which was quickly resolved within 5 days of inspection by Richard Hollocks.

Oct 1[st] , Harvest Sunday, a Red Letter Day for more than one reason as St Martin's got back to having a service every Sunday. This was a special occasion for Colin and Margaret Williams, as we saw them celebrate their 60th Wedding Anniversary, when Margaret bought Colin a gold wedding ring, as during his working life a ring would have been a hazard whilst working. Cake and wine followed. We also collected shoe boxes from Rainbows, Brownies and congregation, for the needy of Ukraine.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Members of St Martin's attended the Licensing of Rev Sarah Harris at St Cynog's Church Ystradgynlais. this was followed by a buffet and some time with husband Jeremy and some friends.

Martin's to enjoy the enactment of the Christmas story, with Layfetta, Sian Parkhouse and members of the congregation bringing the Nativity story to life.

November saw Layfetta begin Advent Reflections. Unfortunately 2 weeks later Layfetta had to visit her father in Jamaica due to his ill health. Alayne Jenkins stepped in to take the last reflection time.

Remembrance Sunday saw members of the congregation take part in a poppy parade where they placed their poppies in a wreath which was presented to Peter Phillips for a blessing, then laid at the foot of the altar. After the service Peter was presented with a bottle of red wine with a label St Martin's, as thanks for Peter and Judith ‘s services to St Martin's during the interregnum.

Next came our Candlelight Carol Service with all 67 seats taken and our Vicar began her first Community Candlelight Carol Service, with people from various positions within the community reading 5 Lessons, and of course pupils from Pen Y Fro School singing their Christmas songs. We ended the service with a Caribbean flavour singing the Calypso Carol which had many smiling faces, ending with sherry and mince pies.

Many thanks to our 2 honorary organists Julia Lambert and Martin Draisey who help keep down our running costs at St Martin's.

December 5th and 6th Open the Book for our Local School was started. Children then visited St

Roger Draisey & Sue Dimblebee Congregational Wardens St Martin’s

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Churchwardens’ Annual Report

What a momentous year 2023 has been! The Parishes of Killay and Tycoch were officially part of the Gower Ministry Area and were invited to write the lead article in the MA magazine to introduce themselves. The MA Forum meetings continued either online or in person and I was delighted to be invited to attend these. February 24th was an exciting day for Alayne, Roger and me, one warden from each church, each of us sworn to secrecy, as this was the day when Archdeacon Jonathan invited us to meet Layfetta, Nabeel and family. On March 19th, it was our privilege to announce that Bishop John had invited Layfetta to be Priest in the Gower MA with responsibility for the churches of St. Hilary’s, All Souls and St. Martin’s, and that she had accepted. The following week, we announced the appointment of Rev. Dr. Peter Lewis as Priest in the Gower MA, with responsibility for the six churches in SW Gower and to be Ministry Area Leader.

Our involvement in the MA continued to grow and we were invited to participate in the Walk of Witness at Reynoldston and lead Station 4. Preparations were underway for our Annual Vestry meetings where you elected Mike and me to serve as subwardens at St. Hilary’s and I was elected to the MA Council as St. Hilary’s representative. Coronation Celebrations were the order of the day on Monday May 8th soon followed by planning for the Licensing Service of the MA at Llangennith on May 31st, where each cluster contributed to the service and Mike led the intercessions.

Rev. Dr. Peter Lewis’ Licensing service was held in Reynoldston Village Hall on July 9th, which saw Pam Dennis and I acting as Ministry Area Wardens for the first time, having been elected at the MA Vestry Meeting in June.

Layfetta’s Licensing service was held at St. Hilary’s on July 30th. The church and both halls were full as everybody wanted to be part of such a joyful occasion. September 9th marked the Centenary of the Church in Wales at the Royal Welsh Showground at Builth Wells. St. Hilary’s was chosen to be one of the churches featured in the exhibition which is currently in Brecon Cathedral. Mike kindly offered to drive, and we thoroughly enjoyed our day in Builth, representing our cluster and getting to know new friends from the Gower MA. Later in September, Callum was confirmed at St. Illtyd’s in Ilston with 5 other candidates from Gower, another joyful occasion led by Bishop John and Archdeacon Peter.

On December 9th, the Reynoldston Stable Trail was held once again, last year this attracted over 300 families. I didn’t know what to expect but volunteered to help. This was the same day as our Christmas Concert led by the Gwalia Singers, one of our major fund-raising events, together with our annual raffle.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Congregational Committee Report

Our small ……. Social and Fund-Raising group has worked hard to endeavour to raise fun and funds! At the beginning of 2023, on the 6th January at the Clyne Golf Club, Mayals, 68 parishioners from our three churches enjoyed a sumptuous carvery in beautiful surroundings with much laughter and enjoyment. The raffle raised £141. Thanks to Sue Dimblebee, Sylvia Powell and Marian Williams for organising. Moving on to February 21st, we held a successful Line Dancing evening at our Church Hall and a lovely buffet. 65 ‘failures’ from Strictly enjoyed a good dance with the star of the show being twinkle toes Ron Horsey ( 97 years young) who danced beautifully with his new found partner who was also 90 years plus…he did throw her up in the air …..but forgot to catch her….but the last we heard was she was only in hospital a short while!! Seriously and jokingly apart it was a fun evening whilst making a profit of £228.45. Our Coronation social on 8th May was a resounding success launched by the Swansea u3a ukulele big band led by Andy Skilling and 28 musicians who played many foot tapping songs from the nostalgic 60’s and 70’s…. the audience sang along enthusiastically! This was followed by a royal quiz in a beautifully decorated, red, white and blue hall. A banquet fit for a King followed produced by Tina from the Dunvant workies. The event made an amazing £400 profit. The crème de la crème then followed on the day of Layfetta’s licensing on July 30th. A magnificent buffet provided by Dilly’s of Sketty was devoured by 140 folk. It was a lovely

afternoon enjoyed by all and again the hall was beautifully decorated and will stay long in our memories with such a lovely service led by Bishop John Lomas.

On Thursday 12 October came the bring and share Harvest lunch following the mid week service. Unfortunately, it was poorly attended. So back to the drawing board on the timing of that. Thanks are due to our Group namely: Sylvia Powell, Marian Williams, Babs Roberts, Angela Reed, Nansi Evans, Sandra Banks.

Last but not least, our Christmas Concert with the Gwalia Singers is part of our annual Christmas activities, once again a very popular and wellattended evening, thanks to Alan Clewett for organising this for us.

The refurbishment of the Church hall has long been an item on the agenda. Items identified in the snagging process were finally addressed and final payment made. Our thanks to Roy Chapman, Alan Clewett and Alan Pickard for all their diligence and expertise.

The possibility of installing a sound system and projector in the Minor Hall was discussed, a grant application was made to the Diocesan Mission Fund which was successful, thanks to Alan Pickard and Diane for driving this application process. Essential maintenance of the hall floors was carried out in July, they were sanded and repolished. What a difference that has made and

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

we have had regular bookings from The Gower Society, the Clyne Valley Community Project and the Wildlife Trust in recent months. There will be an advertising campaign in the new year.

Repairs to the lightning conductor on the church were completed prior to our Quinquennial inspection in September. We are still waiting for a surveyor to contact us regarding the repairs to the Lych Gate.

We were very concerned that the live streaming of our services had not been possible since April. Again, taking advice from Archdeacon Peter Brooks, we contacted Vaughan Sound who identified the equipment needed and installed it

for us. We were very fortunate to receive a second grant from the Diocesan Mission Fund to pay some of the cost. An IT group was set up to prepare and stream the services once more, special thanks to Roger Rees, Alan Pickard and Nabeel Masih. Thanks to Kes Seymour in Brecon for all his help with the grant applications.

So, it comes to us both as your Wardens to thank you all for the support you have given to our Church this year.

Marian and Mike Congregational Wardens St Hilary’s

In Memoriam 2023 We should like to remember the following members of our Church who we have lost this year. DAVID MICHAEL STEVENS GRAHAM ARTHUR TREW GWYNFOR ELLIS GRAHAM GEORGE THOMAS HEATHER DARNELL VALERIE PARRY MARY MCINNES PREECE RHONA SAMBROOK GLENYS PRICE VAUGHAN GRETA MARGARET COX May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

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 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 ….. over 25 years now.

We meet in the main hall of the Church hall each Friday evening mostly term-time. We tried meeting on a Saturday evening when the Welsh Blood Service was there on the preceding Friday but have decided not to do so in 2024 as Saturday evening was difficult for our members, many of whom had other commitments. We have two short mat bowls mats and at the time of writing have 26 members, 4 of whom have

joined us recently, so currently we have ‘closed the books’ for new members, however we can take names to go on our waiting list.

After 25 years as leader I decided my apprenticeship had come to an end! Cos Genco has now taken up the reins, with Gill remaining as treasurer and Spencer and Marian joining the committee. I haven’t given up bowling though!

Mike Powell (Chairman) Gill Genco (Treasurer) Marian Williams (Secretary)

Killay and District Lunch Club

The Lunch Club continue to meet the first Wednesday of every month for a fish and chip lunch. We now have 20 regular members and four hostesses who take it in turns to help every other month as well as the three Committee members. We also have a team of voluntary drivers who collect those members who do not have transport.

Members arrive at approximately 11am for coffee and biscuits to enjoy a chat with their friends and also have a go at the quiz. They also have a chance of winning a lovely raffle prize. Fish and chip

lunch arrives at 12pm which is followed by a dessert and cup of tea.

Our Christmas Lunch was held at Norton Hotel on 6 December which everybody enjoyed.

We have recently had two donations from Councillors to help with the cost of hiring the hall every month.

We have a few vacancies and would welcome any new members although our voluntary drivers are booked up at the moment.

Teressa Garner Secretary

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Mothers’ Union - Branch Leader’s Report 2023

Theme for the year was: - “Transformation Now”

In January 2023 I began my 15th year as Branch Leader. At the beginning of the year, we had 31 members. During the year Iris Jones, a former branch leader of St Paul’s, Sketty MU died. Iris was a lovely, friendly, helpful member of our branch. We miss her. Nell Pugh a former member of Sketty MU, also died during the year. During 2023 11 of our members celebrated special birthdays ranging from 90 – 97 years old.

Our January MU Eucharist was led by Canon Robert Davies- Hannen. It was a very meaningful service with several amusing moments in his sermon. Canon Robert joined us for refreshments, and he was the lucky person to win a box of shortbread at our raffle. We would like to thank Marian Williams for chairing our AGM in February.

Our Wave of Prayer service in February was held in St Hilary’s and led by me. We prayed for our links with our prayer partners in Argentina, Bondo (Kenya), Freestate – South Africa, Offa & Ogbia (Nigeria), Uruguay and the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. We lit candles and read prayers interspersed with some calming music provided by Alan.

We thanked Enid Rotheram, our former Registrar/ Assistant Treasurer, when she retired after many years of hard work supporting our branch. Alan

and I attended an MU Lenten Reflective morning in Penllergaer hall, and a Eucharist in St David’s Church led by Rev Glenys Payne. In May our MU banner was proudly displayed in Brecon Cathedral at our Diocesan Festival led by Bishop John.

Our coronation afternoon tea was excellent with members providing a super finger buffet. In June we sold 41 copies of the MU Diocesan Centenary cookbook, which included Babs Roberts recipe for “Blondies” and my recipe for “Bacon, Prawn & Pilau Rice”.

In July there was an MU Flower Festival at St Mary’s, Swansea. Our display featured; “Swansea Granted City Status 1969” Pat Davies designed a lovely flower arrangement for us. The closing service was also the Archidiaconal Festival for Gower Archdeaconry. Our splendid afternoon tea in July was enjoyed by everyone present.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Our branch was responsible for the Archidiaconal Eucharist at St Mary’s, Swansea in September. My grateful thanks to Rev Tim Williams, MU Chaplain, for leading it, Sandra for reading, Babs for the prayers, Alan, Maureen, Biddy and Pat for helping with refreshments. Our September eucharist in St Hilary’s was led by Rev Layfetta Masih who gave an inspiring talk on MU work overseas, especially in Jamaica.

We restarted our collection of useful items for Safe Houses/Women’s Refuges. There is a list on our notice board in the hall, of items needed. I am so grateful to our members and friends who have been so generous to these women and children in need.

We attended St Mary’s, Swansea in November for “16 days of Activism Service to raise awareness of domestic abuse and violence against women and girls”.

In December we had a splendid Christmas lunch in the Black Boy. We would like to thank Rev Layfetta, Nabeel, Mike, Sylvia and Marian for supporting us.

We send our best wishes to Heather Price who retired as MU Diocesan Treasurer. This year, due to raffles, members’ generosity and other fund raising, we have been able to contribute £691.25 to our nominated charities: Faith in Families, Keep us Running, Make a Mother’s Day, Safe Houses, and Overseas work etc. The above total included anonymous gifts of £160 and £60 donated by one former member and one current

member. We paid Diane Holohan, the Church Treasurer £150 towards Church Hall use.

I would like to thank all our branch members, Pat Stratton for visiting indoor members, Alan, our committee, Ken Ellis for inspecting our accounts, Susan Mapp for leading our refreshments team, our church wardens and especially our vicar Rev Layfetta for their constant support. It has been a pleasure to be Branch Leader during 2023.

We thank God for Mary Sumner who founded Mothers’ Union in 1876 and for MU being active in 84 countries across the world with 4 million members. This year I have been made aware of so many educational programmes that have been set up by MU members across the world. I am so pleased that young pregnant girls have had so much support when they have been rejected by their families. Keep up the good work – everyone.

Our meetings are open to everyone: male, female, married, single etc. We usually meet on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month in St Hilary’s Church Hall at 2 pm (There are some exceptions). We remember our MU members who have been unwell this year, some of whom have moved to nursing homes or spent time ill at home or in hospital. May God be with them wherever they are.

Carole Pickard Branch Leader

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Ladies’ Guild Report

(Final Meeting 6th December 2023)

The original name of Ladies’ Guild was “Young Wives” which was the the name given when the group was formed, at old Parish Hall in May1964, by three “Young Wives” Noreen Shapton, Mary Mainwaring and Barbara Thomas. The Vicar at the time was Rev. Llewellyn Jones and 50 Young Wives attended the first meeting. Following the official opening of the new hall in 1968, meetings were held here.

The vicar at that time was Rev. Hywel Hughes and his wife Mair became leader of what was still Young Wives. At that time Committee members only served for 2 years, which Carole Jenkins and Pam Davies did. Following the sad death of Mrs Hughes, Carol became leader, and Pam once again joined the committee. Canon Hughes retired in 1987 and was replaced by Rev. Brian Jones who retired in 2000. Around this time our

Parish Choir

For the choir, this year has been a combination of joy and great sorrow. It began joyfully with services being led by Rev. Peter Phillips. Then our wish was granted and we welcomed our new Vicar. We were so happy to meet Layfetta, Nabeel and their lovely children. We did not expect the tragic deaths of our loved and respected organist, Huw Thomas and his dear wife Janie, a faithful, valued member of our choir.

Curate was Rev. David Thomas who came to Y W most weeks and was a great favourite with members.

Rev. Tim Williams, a former Curate of the Parish, became our vicar in 2001, he suggested that the name “Young Wives” was a bit of a “misnomer” as few (if any) could claim to be “young” so the name was changed to “Ladies’ Guild”.

After Carole retired as leader, Gwynneth took the lead and has worked tirelessly until her recent illness, arranging very varied and interesting programmes. Sadly she is no longer well enough to continue and as Pam is not in a position take her place, and no one was prepared to take on these roles, Guild ended with the Christmas lunch on December 6th.2023.

Pam Davies

During the year, Huw and the choir were happy to embrace a new aspect of church music — the lively, interesting worship songs introduced to us by Nabeel. Some of the titles were Cornerstone, Way Maker, Blessed be your Name, 10,000 Reasons, Forever, Because He Lives. These are by a variety of composers and lyricists including Gareth Gilkerson, Chris Llewellyn, Josh Farro, Jeremy Riddle, Phil Wickham, Tim Hughes, Edward Mote.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

For these new songs the choir and organ were augmented by Nabeel on guitar, drums and Dr. Jim Proudfoot on the piano accordion. With the words on the big screen and a few rehearsals, I could see the congregation joining in too.

The deaths of Huw and Janie were so unexpected and a tragedy for their families and the church family. Huw was a superb organist, as was Janie although her main role with us was as a loved and valued choir member. We miss them both so very much. May they rest in peace and rise in glory.

Lay Worship

It has been a busy year for the lay worship team. We started the year with 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. We have ended the year however as a team of three, Ken has retired and Gareth has moved to Cambridgeshire.

Since the arrival of Rev Layfetta, weekly services have settled down with the All Souls ‘private prayer’ and ‘our favourite hymns’ services continuing.

At St Martin's I must also thank Julie Lambert for stepping in when Milly or Martin have not been able to play for us at the Lay Services. In St. Hilary's Mike and Babs have continued inviting

The choir members continue their faithful role in our church worship. We would dearly love to increase our number. If you have any sort of voice, please join us!! NO auditions!! Just TURN UP!!! It is not an onerous task — just come when you can!

Last, but certainly not least, our grateful thanks to Chris Samuel who has once again stepped in as church organist. His talent and willingness are truly appreciated by us all. Thank you, Chris!

Barbara Roberts

schools and guests to come into the service to talk to the congregation. Going forward there will be a change to the Lay Services

1st Sunday 11am St Hilary’s Service of the Word 2nd Sunday 10am St Martins Lay Led 3rd Sunday 9.30am All Souls Lay Lead

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

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Music Society

Before beginning the report for 2023, I must express our shock and sadness at the death of Huw and Janie Thomas. They were loyal and valued members of our Music Society. We will never forget the wonderful organ recital which Huw gave us in St. Hilary’s church. They will be sadly missed by our members and by the wider church congregation.

Every year we try to present a programme of varied music and entertainment. New entertainers are always welcome but we are happy to invite back our regular guests. Suggestions for possible musical entertainers would be gratefully received.

This year we began with our usual lunch in the Black Boy. This is always a happy, social occasion. The AGM followed in February. Our visitors during the year included the Revs Peter and Judith Phillips presenting their Desert Island Discs, our annual stalwart visitor the Rev Clive Williams, the Rev Tim Ardouin with his wonderful collection of flutes and didgeridoos, Lynne Novis and her Saxology Quartet, Lleisiau Gwyr Singers, the WNO’s Martin Lloyd and finally in December, the Rockerleles. Our membership has grown during the year and we are always happy to enrol new members. We are also happy to invite visitors to any meeting. We meet on the second Monday of each month at 7.30pm in St.Hilary’s church hall. Why not come along and enjoy a pleasant musical evening.

Barbara Roberts

Lynne Novis and her Saxology Quartet

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

St Hilary’s Sunday School

St Hilary’s current Sunday School began in October of 2023. A call for help with Sunday School went out and Becky Holohan and Angela Seaward presented themselves as leaders with Malachi Masih assisting with the youth. Together they have been a dedicated and consistent blessing to our children and young people and indeed to our church. The Sunday School is elemental in preparing the next generation of church leaders.

Sunday School takes place on the second and third Sunday of each month, starting with a free healthy breakfast at 10.15am. Since commencing, the children/youth and their

leaders have explored various bible stories, both read and in video form. They have sung and danced to many fun children worship songs, and expressed themselves creatively in art and craft activities. Becky and Angela have created a kind, nurturing and fun environment for our children. Malachi has also grown into his role with the youth. We continue to pray for the Sunday School and its leaders.

St Hilary’s Tots

St Hilary’s Tots was restarted in September 2023, having run successfully for a few years. We open our doors between 9.15am and 11am with lots of opportunity for play and relationships building for parents and Tots alike. As a church, our aim has been to provide a space where parents and carers can meet together, share life experiences and support one another, and where their children can play safely and meet their first friends. As a priest, it is also my privilege to pray for our Tots and to say a blessing over them.

It goes without saying, St Hilary’s Tots would not exist had it not been for the dedication of a core group of ladies (a partnership between St Hilary’s and St Martin’s churches) who turn up every week to be a light in our community. We have seen our Tots grow, develop and change so much in the space of a few months. We have also seen parents and carers relax into newfound friendships. We are pleased that Tots continues to be all we hoped it would be. We pray for our Tots, their parents and carers, and our volunteers, that they will go from strength to strength in the grace of God.

Rev Layfetta Masih

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

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 40 people using envelopes and 13 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 2023 amounted to £6856.97. 33 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 2023, £4175.56 was received in respect of Direct

Giving contributions. This total of £11032.53 is paid by HMRC to boost charities funding and is over and above our individual donations. It 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

The Electoral Roll was compiled in 2022. Since then we have unfortunately lost a number of church members and the number of people joining has been small.

The current number of people on the electoral roll for St Hilary’s and St Martin’s churches is 114. These consist of 21 for St Martin’s and 93 for St Hilary’s.

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

Accounts for St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches For the Year ending 31st December 2023

The 2023 accounts show a worrying year-end deficit of £44,035, compared with a surplus the previous year of £16,429. The 2023 deficit is made up as follow:

£31,117 Costs of refurbishment of the Parish Centre - planned expenditure using designated reserves.

£12,918 Overspend in Current A/c for the working year - covered by using our general savings.

We have been overspending by around £13,000 / £14,000 for several years but the situation has been masked by exceptional income received in previous years. In 2022, we were given legacy income totalling £14,770 and in 2021, as churches were emerging from COVID, a generous rebate on the Parish Share plus receipt of long overdue hall rent from the Welsh Blood Service helped to keep us in the black. We had no such good fortune in 2023 so our continuing overspend is apparent.

It is also unfortunate that our income from the Church Hall fell in 2023. This was due to a combination of fewer bookings, together with the cost of long overdue repairs to the hall kitchen and hall lighting that were all carried out this year.

I suggest that our way forward in 2024 will be to look at trying to increase our income, especially from hall bookings and to reduce spending wherever possible. Rises in gas and electricity costs hit especially hard in 2023 and this trend looks set to continue into 2024 and beyond.

The closing balance across all accounts was £89,014 divided in the following way:

	Current Account	Gold Account
Restricted	£3,798	£21,079
Designated	£0	£50,092
Unrestricted	£12,086	£1,959

The Restricted Funds are divided as follows:

The Restricted Funds are divided as follows: Restricted £3,798 Designated £0 Unrestricted £12,086
St Hilary’s Building and Fabric	£415
St Martin’s Building and Fabric	£2,952
Parish Centre	£607
Graveyard and Grounds	£19,887
Tots / Sunday School	£1,016
The Designated Funds are divided as follows:
Sale of Parsonage to Parish Centre Refurb	£40,092
Bequest to repair of Lych Gate	£10,000

I would like to thank Mr Ken Ellis and Mr Alan Pickard for their continued patience, advice and support this year. Grateful thanks and appreciation also go to Mrs Geraldine Rees, our Gift Aid Secretary and Miss Marian Williams, our Congregational Warden. Geraldine has worked diligently in the background to ensure that we get from HMRC every penny that we are entitled to receive. Marian, in addition to her numerous other church and Ministry Area duties has organised the Petty Cash float and Weekly Income records.

My thanks also go to our Independent Examiner, Ms Sian Coppock. Sian is a qualified accountant who has kindly agreed to examine the accounts. Her hard work, freely given is very much appreciated.

Diane Holohan Treasurer, St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches, Swansea Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ending 31 December 2023

----- Start of picture text -----
THIS YEAR LAST YEAR
2023 2022
RECEIPTS £ £ £ £
Direct Giving
Planned Giving 41,764 41,788
Open Plate 2,572 44,336 1,586 43,374
Indirect Giving
HMRC Charities 10,557 12,927
Special Collections
World Church and other Good Causes 1,384 901
Magazine
Advertising and Sales 1,344 661
Money Raising
Fetes, Raffles, Outings, Socials,
Fund Raising Group Events
(incl.Monthly Draw) and Sponsors 4,868 6,574
Exceptional Income
Legacies & In Memoriam 500 14,770
Donations and Gifts 1,623 1,028
Other including Grants, Insurance Claims
and Loans 6,568 8,691 15,798
Other Income
Funerals and Burials - Restricted 4,384 4,784
Funerals - Unrestricted 1,292 1,008
Weddings/Baptisms 301 1,593 450 1,458
Photocopying, Flowers, MA magazine etc.. 1,706 80
Bank Interest 1,614 415
Parish Centre Income
Letting 17,200 19,195
TOTAL RECEIPTS 97,677 106,167
----- End of picture text -----

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

PAYMENTS	THIS YEAR 2023 £ £	THIS YEAR 2023 £ £	LAST YEAR 2022 £ £	LAST YEAR 2022 £ £
Mission and Outreach
Local World	793 600	1,393	967 0	967
Maintenance of the Ministry
Parish Share, Clergy expenses, MA cost	s	60,960		61,330
Maintenance of the Churches
Heat, Light, Water and Insurance Maintenance and Repairs (incl. Grounds)	10,516 7,789	18,305	5,209 3,755	8,964
Maintenance of Services
Altar Requisites, Organist, Choir, Organ		3,891		2,286
Parochial Expenses of Clergy
Travel, Books, Courses, Vicarage incl. Telephone (Proportion)		0		829
General Parish Expenses
Stationery, Printing, Photocopying, Sundries, Licences, Petty Cash, Bank		3,363		2,273
Cost of Money Raising		3,039		835
Parish Centre Outgoings
Heat, Light, Water, Insurance, Maintenance, Cleaning Supplies	6,219 7,075	13,294	4,425 4,886	9,311
Exceptional Costs
Hall refurbishment, support costs etc		37,467		2,943
TOTAL PAYMENTS NET SURPLUS / (DEFICIT) 1stJanuary Bank Balances 1stJanuary Cash Balances 31stDecember Bank Balances 31stDecember Cash Balances	133,049 0	141,712 - 44,035 133,049	116,510 110	89,738 16,429 116,620
	89,014 0		133,049 0
		89,014		133,049

Diocese of Swansea and Brecon

St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

Annual Report for the year of our Lord 2023

www.eastgower.org

Accounts for St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches For the Year ending 31[st] December 2023

The 2023 accounts show a worrying year-end deficit of £44,035, compared with a surplus the previous year of £16,429. The 2023 deficit is made up as follow:

£31,117 Costs of refurbishment of the Parish Centre - planned expenditure using designated reserves. £12,918 Overspend in Current A/c for the working year - covered by using our general savings.

The closing balance across all accounts was £89,014 divided in the following way:

	Current Account	Gold Account
Restricted	£3798	£21,079
Designated	£0	£50,092
Unrestricted	£12086	£1959

The Restricted Funds are divided as follows:

The Restricted Funds are divided as follows:
St Hilary’s Building and Fabric	£415
St Martin’s Building and Fabric	£2,952
Parish Centre	£607
Graveyard and Grounds.	£19,887
Tots / Sunday School	£1,016
The Designated Funds are divided as follows:
Sale of Parsonage to building repairs	£40,092
Bequest to repair of Lychgate	£10,000

are entitled to receive. Marian, in addition to her numerous other church and Ministry Area duties has organised the Petty Cash float and Weekly Income records. My thanks also go to our Independent Examiner, Ms Sian Coppock. Sian is a qualified accountant who has kindly agreed to examine the accounts. Her hard work, freely given is very much appreciated. Diane Holohan

Treasurer, St Hilary’s and St Martin’s Churches

ST HILARY’S AND ST MARTIN’S CHURCHES, SWANSEA RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31[ST] DECEMBER 2023

THIS YEAR 2023 £ £ 41,764 2,572 44,336 10,557 1,384 1,344 4,868 500 1,623 6,568 8,691 4,384 1,292 301 1,593 1,706 1,1614 17,200 97,677	LAST 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 19,195 106,167	LAST 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 19,195 106,167
500 1,623 6,568	14,770 1,028 0
1,292 301	1,008 450

		106,167

THIS YEAR 2023 £ £ 793 600 1,393 60,960 10,516 7,789 18,305 3,891 0 3,363 3,039 6,219 7,075 13,294 37,467 14,1712 -44,035 133,049 0 133,049 89,014 0 89,014	LAST YEAR 2022 £ £ 967 0 967 61,330 5,209 3,755 8,964 2,286 829 2,273 835 4425 4886 9,311 2,943 89,738 16,429 116,510 110 116,620 133,049 0 133,049	LAST YEAR 2022 £ £ 967 0 967 61,330 5,209 3,755 8,964 2,286 829 2,273 835 4425 4886 9,311 2,943 89,738 16,429 116,510 110 116,620 133,049 0 133,049
10,516 7,789	5,209 3,755
6,219 7,075 133,049 0	4425 4886 116,510 110
		89,738
		16,429 116,620
89,014 0	133,049 0
		133,049

Parish of Killay Accounts 2023

The income and expenditure for 2023 on the working file is all present and correct. The result is as follows:

Entry	Date	Amount
Startingbook balance	01/01/23	£133,049.00
Debits	01/01/23 – 31/12/23	£‐44,035.00
Credits	01/01/23 – 31/12/23	£97,677.00
Closingbalance	31/12/23	£89,014.00

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

Killay SA2 7EN