Addoli Duw Tyfu’r Eglwys Worshipping God Growing the Church
Caru’r Byd Loving the World
Adroddiad Festri Blynyddol 25ain Mis Mehefin 2025 25th June
Annual Vestry Report
Rhif Elusen / Charity Number 1181120
Yn yr adroddiad hwn: // In this report:
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Edrych ymlaen // Looking forward
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Addoli Duw // Worshipping God
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Tyfu’r Eglwys // Growing the Church
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Caru’r Byd // Loving the World
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Cenhadaeth // Mission
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Adeiladau // Buildings
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Cyllid // Finance
Dolwyddelan Churchyard Summer 2024
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The Annual Vestry Report focusses on the work in our Ministry Area of Bro Gwydyr within the three elements of our Diocesan vision and charitable objectives:
Worshipping God. Growing the Church. Loving the World.
We know not where we will be from one year to the next, and with the current political situation around the world one wonders if it is even possible to say where we shall be one week to the next. Any yet, 'Ry'n yma o hyd'. Or 'There go I, but for the grace of God'. I began a recent sermon with words attributed to GK Chesterton: 'Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly'. Clever use of words for the 'messengers' of God with that double meaning in 'lightly'. I wonder whether we might take heart from such a saying for our life together as Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area? Perhaps in a few ways: taking ourselves lightly, rather than being 'flighty as Angels'; Light footed on this earth? Or - Not being overly concerned with trivial matters might be another way to suggest it. Some things might simply need a 'light touch' rather than pages of planing. The emphasis here would be letting go, at least a little, of our control and allowing God's timing to take the front seat. Sitting lightly with God might be another lesson to learn from Chesterton's cheeky phrase. I remarked to a friend the other day that it would be much easier to be Quakers - far fewer words - but I'd miss the music of course. We don't need complicated prayers, but we do need to sit lightly with them, not asking so much as waiting. An obvious way to take this phrase would be for ourselves, not
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taking ourselves too seriously. The old Yiddish joke suggests that in order to make God laugh one only need tell God our plans! I've certainly learnt a great deal from studying again that through our wealth of Theology the greatest thinkers, those whose insights have lasted the test of time, were those who were not weighed down with too much concern for 'getting it right', so much. Rather, they were concerned to be able to say something of which they felt conviction and something which felt right and appropriate for their time. Even those whose ideas have come and gone, some of whom history regards as heretics, had not set out to get it wrong or to say something that would be regarded as heretical, they were simply engaged in the pursuit for appropriate language and understanding of the divine life. Thankfully we're not engaged in quite the same level of theological working out that those of the early centuries after Jesus' death and resurrection were. We do though have to pay serious attention to our own witness to the reality of God's plans working out in our midst. Looking back over the year 2024 many of the things we've been involved within Bro Gwydyr have been 'joining in'. This collaborative way of witnessing to God in our communities can be far more messy and unpredictable, but also reactive to opportunities and people. This work needs a commitment to allow God's plan to 'unfold'. It also needs a robust organisation behind it. - That's you, as the people of Bro Gwydyr, who have been part of this, and for the many times that you have offered your time, talents and creativity, my heartfelt thanks. Stuart
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Addoli Duw Worshipping God
Tyfu’r Eglwys Caru’r Byd Growing the Church Loving the World
Celebration seems the appropriate word for much of work in worshipping God. Early in 2024 we recorded a service of 'BBC Radio Wales Celebration' from the Island Reach vessel moored in Conwy. Though unsure of a date for departure to Madagascar at that time, it was a true celebration of the work achieved. Little did we know then that the boat would be a feature through the year in pilgrimage trips aiming for, but not quite reaching the Island of Enlli.
Opportunities for gathered worship in our area have continued Sunday by Sunday, and faithful weekday prayer opportunities are much appreciated and very important. Thanks to the dedicated teams in each community Some highlights this year were the Candlemas celebration in Dolgarrog. A 24hr prayer event in Llanrhychwyn. The St. Gwyddelan's day folk celebration. Beer and Hymns. All Saints and Souls event with Lanterns and beautiful Cello music.
The huge Angel Lantern created for the All souls event was destined for the Trefriw Christmas Carols and Tree Lighting night, however, the storm cancelled almost every event that weekend. She returned for Midnight Mass! We did manage to celebrate the 'Light up a Life' event with St. David's Hospice at the Garden centre in Betws-y-Coed. The community Christmas Carol service in Betws-y-Coed took a different form this year as 'Baban Betws' took over the morning service following the work with the local school and decorations made during the warm hubs.
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Addoli Duw Tyfu’r Eglwys Caru’r Byd Worshipping God Growing the Loving the World Church
Growing the Church includes all work to increase the reach of Bro Gwydyr into our communities. A wide variety of events took place in 2024 including the work to secure the UKSPF grant to create a community garden in Dolgarrog so that this space can be used for events and a much requested growing space for the community.
Other opportunities in our Ministry Area have included more traditional events such tabletop sales Penmachno The Lenten lunches every Wednesday in Betws-y-Coed The popular Open Gardens event in Dolwyddelan. Supporting the Caru Betws Summer Festival 2024 which included the 'Bells' community consultation and a return of our popular 'Ceilidh' events.
New connections and links were created supporting Caffi Dotti in Trefriw. Working with Debbie Baxter and local groups for the Art Competition and exhibition in Betws-y-Coed. Open Doors took a very different direction this year with a Dance Collective using the church as their inspiration, they offered an evening of their work. This led to a further evening with Dance and local band VRi. A Session at Caerdroia 'Step into Nature' with Louise Cook was warmly received supporting people from a wide area.
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Addoli Duw Tyfu’r Eglwys Caru’r Byd Worshipping God Growing the Church Loving the World
Our work in Loving the World includes all of our commitments to sustainable living which often go unnoticed. All churches in Bro Gwydyr continue to use renewable electricity and green gas contracts. Our telephone and internet systems are with the Phone Coop to be as ethical as possible.
The churchyard in Dolwyddelan continues to be maintained as a natural space with minimal intervention. Members of Dolwyddelan church community were instrumental in the refurbishment of the Cwt Hers in the graveyard 'Bryn y Bedd'.
A new burial of ashes area was agreed with the Penmachno Community Council who care for the churchyard. The first burial of ashes took place this year.
The UKSPF project in Dolgarrog took an ecological turn due to the presence of Bats in the (old) Belfry which was falling down. This was eventually removed to prepare the space for the new garden.
Funds were raised across the Ministry Area for our Easter offering in 2024 which paid for an operating table for the Island Reach vessel. Finally in September we were able to wave off Jeremy and the intrepid crew on the boat's journey to Madagascar where she will be an immense blessing to the people of that Island.
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Cenhadaeth Adeiladau Cyllid Mission Buildings Finance
Our new Mission Plan has been accepted by the Ministry Area Council.
For the next five years, our Local Church goals will be:
Encourage each other to gather for prayer and discipleship as the basis for all we do.
Caring for people, offering opportunities to promote healing and nurturing, and helping to develop and sustain supportive networks in our communities.
Making our worship services as accessible to all as is possible, and offering a pattern of ‘gatherings’ with a wide appeal.
Engaging with and communicating what we are doing, to our local communities in ways that are accessible to all.
Promoting low-carbon, sustainable lifestyles, and aiming for Gold ECO award for all our churches
Continuing with ongoing building maintenance as per our EZRA reports. Both keeping the buildings safe for the future and open where possible, in collaboration with local communities.
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Raising funds through small and large fundraising / grant funded opportunities to do things we must do, and things we want to do.
To meet these goals, individual churches will:
Ensure that there are opportunities locally for communal prayer and discipleship. Commit to a regular corporate prayer practise and offer discipleship opportunities.
Hold congregational meetings to create and review their local version of the plan based on the goals above. The plan can grow and evolve through a process of trial and error, year on year.
Engage with local communities, or use recent local community plans that have included community consultation, to understand local activities, needs and preferences. Use this information to determine which of the goals above are a priority and what actions, would help best meet local needs. Then act and build local community engagement and participation.
Publicise information about the Church so that it reaches the local communities. This would include regular updates on church notice boards.
Provide two brief updates a year to the MAC on activities undertaken and progress towards goals identified in each local community.
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Cenhadaeth Adeiladau Cyllid Mission Buildings Finance
Thanks are due to Diocesan property advisor Paul Skeet who has helped to provide Faculty approval for the guttering works at Penmachno, also to aiding the preparation of grant applications to the National Churches Trust 'Cherish' Grant scheme. As per the terms of this grant we acknowledge 'a big thank you to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and to the National Lottery players who have helped to make Cherish possible.' Further works to the roof in Llanrhychwyn were prepared during this year made possible by a grant from the WG Roberts Fund. This work began towards the end of the year replacing a large slipped coping stone, repointing and replacing lead work.
Faculty permission was also granted this year for the replacement of the windows, flooring and electrics in Dolgarrog Church.
The project to receive a ring of eight bells took a step closer to reality this year as the Faculty was granted for their removal from Porthmadog funded by the Keltec Trust, Also for their installation to St. Mary's Betws-y-Coed. The bells arrived at the hall in St. Mary's at the beginning of October.
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Minutes of the Vestry Meeting 2024, Sunday 5 May St Gwyddelan’s Church, Dolwyddelan
Attendance: Stuart Elliott, Diana Pierce, Ruth Houston, Deirdre Southgate, Sarah & Phil Baskerville, Emma Richardson, Cathy & Richard Griffin, Jim Boughton, Susan Welsh, Ann Williams, Ann Dwyer, Nita Scrase, Keith Wadcock, Pam Burton, Sue Thompson, Richard & Rachel Parsons, Ann Jones, Amanda & Gareth Stirzaker, Susan Bosworth, Abigail Henderson (Secretary)
Welcome
Apologies: Anne Jones, Maggie & Nick Freeman, Marian Horton, Bill & Carrie Clarke, Mariette Lawrance, Digby Wilding, Helen & Glynne Jones, Alistair Minton, Carrie White, Wil Edwards, Liz Green, Rachael Evans
Minutes
NS proposed minutes from 2023 as correct, JB seconded, all in favour.
Approval of Annual Report
RH proposed to receive the Annual Report as a true reflection of the church year, SL seconded - all in favour.
Election of Wardens and Ministry Area Council Members
Ministry Area Warden
Carrie White Local Wardens (nominated and confirmed) Nita Scrase – BYC Ann Dwyer - BYC Ann Jones - Dolgarrog Digby Wilding – Dolgarrog Rachel Parsons – Penmachno Richard Parsons – Penmachno Sue Layland – Dolwyddelan
KW proposed the wardens, DP seconded - all in favour.
Those nominated as Ministry Area Council Members
Stuart Elliott - Chair Diana Pierce – BYC Nita Scrase – BYC Ann Dwyer – BYC Susan Welsh - BYC Ann Jones - Dolgarrog Digby Wilding – Dolgarrog Sue Layland - Dolwyddelan Bill Clarke – Dolwyddelan Keith Wadcock – Penmachno Sue Thompson – Penmachno Rachel Parsons – Penmachno Richard Parsons – Penmachno Pam Burton - Penmachno Carrie White – Ministry Area Warden Abigail Henderson - Secretary
JB proposed, RH seconded the appointment of the Ministry Area Council members. All in favour.
DP not standing for warden role this year, many thanks for all the work she has done over the years, since Father Clive was vicar. Presented and thanked with gifts (including a large chocolate cake).
Ardal Weinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area
Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Registered charity number 1181120
Ardal Gweinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area Registered Charity number 1181120 Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Independent Examiner's Report to the Members of Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity ("the Trust") for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
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The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair' view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
………………………………………………………………
Owain Ap Elfed FCCA on behalf of Williams Denton Cyf Chartered Certified Accountants / Registered Auditors
Glaslyn Ffordd Y Parc Parc Menai Bangor Gwynedd LL57 4FE
Date: ...............................................
Ardal Gweinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area
Registered Charity number 1181120
Statement of Financial Activities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
Receipts and Payments Account
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Total Total
Receipts General Funds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 2024 2023
Donations and legacies
Planned Giving 17,232 - - 17,232 14,455
Loose Collections 13,685 - - 13,685 5,382
Legacy Gifts Received 5,000 - - 5,000 -
Donations 14,665 - - 14,665 15,081
For Mission 3,095 - - 3,095 2,753
Tax Refunds - Gift Aid 2,248 29 - 2,277 3,417
Grants 60,596 16,780 - 77,376 20,349
Income from charitable activities
Fees 2,849 194 - 3,043 3,410
Income from Trading Activties
Fund Raising 63,791 - - 63,791 72,150
Income from Investments
Investment Income 4,609 - 59 4,668 6,729
Other Income
Other Incoming Resources 3,070 - - 3,070 -
Total Receipts 190,841 17,003 59 207,902 143,726
Payments
Raising funds
Costs of Raising Funds 5,800 - - 5,800 6,400
Charitable Activities
Parochial Expenses of Clerics 4,534 - - 4,534 2,079
General Parish Expenses 13,834 - - 13,834 14,511
Maintenance of Churches 20,309 8,390 - 28,699 20,468
Maintenance of Other Property 15,446 134 - 15,580 16,281
Other Ministry Support 641 177 - 818 167
Mission:Parish 435 - - 435 5,236
Maintenance of Services 3,990 - - 3,990 6,113
Mission:Home/World 107,668 - - 107,668 20,288
Parish Share 65,200 - - 65,200 65,000
Other Expenditure
Capital Payments - - - - 3,345
Total Payments 237,855 8,701 - 246,556 159,887
Net Receipts/(Payments) for the Year (47,014) 8,302 59 (38,653) (16,162)
Cash at Bank at 1 January 2024 37,273 28,507 - 65,780 81,942
Transfers Between Funds 24,314 (24,314) - - -
Cash at Bank at 31 December 2024 14,573 12,495 59 27,127 65,780
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In accordance with the terms of engagement of Williams Denton Cyf, we approve the accounts for the period ended 31 December 2024 which comprise Receipts and Payments Account and the Statement of Assets and Liabilities. We acknowledge our responsibility for the accounts, including the appropriateness of the accounting basis, and for providing Williams Denton Cyf with all information and explanations necessary for their compilation.
Signed: ................................................
Signed: ...............................................
Stuart Elliott Trustee Name …....................................... Chair
Trustee Name …....................................... Susan Thompson Bro Gwydyr Treasurer
24/10/2025
Date: ...................................................
Date: ................................................... 24 October 2025
Ardal Gweinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area
Registered Charity number 1181120
Statement of Assets and Liabilities For The Year Ended 31 December 2024
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Cash Funds Unrestricted Endowment Total Total
Restricted Funds
Funds Funds 2024 2023
Bank Accounts
Bro Gwydyr Current Account (225) 9,287 - 9,062 10,872
Bro Gwydyr - Car Park Account 6,816 40 - 6,856 11,845
AG Bro Gwydyr MA Current Account (2,962) 3,050 59 146 35,130
Bro Gwydyr - Deposit Account 10,951 - - 10,951 7,823
PT3718 Cash Account (8) 119 - 111 111
Dolwyddelan Current Account - - - - -
Betws y Coed Churchyard Account - - - - -
Cash in hand - - - - -
Total Cash Funds 14,573 12,495 59 27,127 65,780
- -
BDT Bro Gwydyr General 1,305 1,305 19,510
BDT St Rhychwyn Fabric Fund 688 - - 688 655
- -
BDT Churchyard RES 3,185 3,185 3,031
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Mrs Dorothy Brennnd Legacy 4,126 4,126 3,912
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CCLA COIF St Gwyddelans Church 9,589 9,589 9,304
Miss E M Evans Legacy - 822 2,449 3,271 3,102
Arfon Roberts Bequest 2,265 4,783 25,717 32,765 31,064
Fabric Fund Shares 227 776 3,658 4,660 4,418
Fabric Fund Income Accumulation Shares 1,698 11,602 - 13,300 12,222
- - - - -
Rev'd Thomas Richard Hughes Legacy
- - - - -
Ms Mnnie S Chorley
Total Investment Assets 23,082 17,983 31,824 72,889 87,217
Total Assets 37,655 30,478 31,882 100,016 152,997
Liabilities
Agency Collections 182 191 - 373 550
Total Liabilities 182 191 - 373 550
Total Net Assets 37,474 30,286 31,882 99,642 152,446
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Ardal Gweinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area Registered Charity number 1181120
Notes
1. The financial statements of the Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments Basis in line with Charity Commission guidance.
2. Grants Received
The Grants Received during the accounting period are as follows: Conwy County Borough Council £60,096 Shepherd & Weddeburn Hobart £500 WG Roberts Grant £16,780 Total £77,376
3. Diocesan Share In 2024 the amount of the ministry area donation paid (Diocesan Share) was £65,200 as agreed with the Diocesan. (£65,000 in 2023) 4. The purpose of the restricted funds are as follows:
Churchyard Fund
The Churchyard fund was set up to use money from burials at the Church grounds for churchyard maintenance
Fabric Fund
The fabric fund was set up to restrict grant money received for building maintenance.
Bro Gwydyr Restricted Fund
The Bro Gwydyr restricted fund was originally set up to restric fund for specific purposes, however as of this year the funds are unrestricted.
Car Park Fund
The Car Park Fund relates to monies from the car park revenue spent on the car park maintenance, is now avaialble to use for the whole ministry area. Stripe Funds
The Stripe fund relates to historical monies received via Stripe, which is now available for the whole ministry area.
Revaluation Reserves
This fund relates to historci revaluations of investments which are now unrestricted.
Ardal Gweinidogaeth Bro Gwydyr Ministry Area Registered Charity number 1181120
Accounts for the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Restricted Funds Movements
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Restricted Funds Movements Opening Balance 01/01/2024 Net Movement in Receipts and Transfers Gains and Losses Closing Balance 31/12/2024
Payments
Bro Gwydyr Restricted Fund 951 (177) (774) - -
Churchyard Fund 8,577 60 734 - 9,372
Fabric Fund 12,496 8,419 - - 20,915
Car Park Fund 23,474 - (23,474) - -
Stripe funds 39 - (39) - -
Revaluation reserves 3,220 - (3,220) -
Totals 48,758 8,302 (26,773) - 30,286
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Cwrdd Blynyddol Festri
2025
Annual Vestry Meeting AGENDA
Croeso Welcome
Ymddiheuriadau Apologies
Cofnodion y cyfarfod diwethaf (2024) Minutes of the last meeting (2024)
Adroddiad y Flwyddyn 2024
2024 Year Report
Etholiad Wardeiniaid
Election of Wardens
Etholiad Aelodau’r MAC
Election of MAC Members
Enwebiad archwiliwr yr cyfrifon Nomination of examiner of accounts
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