Ardal Weinidogeth De Cwm CyrK>n The Ministry Area of Cynon Valley Swth IMPACT REPORT Z023 Our Ministry Area Council 4 ## table of CONTENTS 2 Our Story So Far 3 An introduction from our Ministry Area Leader Aberaman & Cwmaman 6 Abercynon 7 Cwmbach 8 Mountain Ash 9 Penrhiwceiber, Matthewstown & Ynysboeth 10 Finances 11 The Year in Pictures 13 2 ## AN INTRODUCTION FROM OUR MINISTRY AREA LEADER **2023 was very much a year of challenge and change for us here in Cynon Valley South.** During 2023 we saw many changes in the Ministry Area from Rev Peter and his family leaving us to take up a new post in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon and the retirement of Canon Michael Jones. I would like to thank Fr Stuart for his continued support and care during the year and also our committed retired priests, Fr Robert, Fr Bernard, Fr Malcolm and also Rev Sue from Cardiff who have given so much time to help celebrate the sacraments and support the pastoral care of the Ministry Area. Our lay chair, Tanya Bennett, has continued to support the clergy team and overseen the Ministry Area Council (MAC). I wish to extend my thanks to her for her confident and wise leadership. Each of our congregations is encouraged to deepen connections with the community, with warm hubs set up, connections with all our primary schools made, new Messy Church and Sunday schools and new Study and prayer groups and the continuation of well established social projects. We welcomed delegates from a ministry area in the Lutheran Church of Sweden in May for them to see experience how our MA works and how different communities in the MA are able to come together. Our ministry area website continues to be a focus for communication, supported by facebook pages and other social media platforms. Supporting one another with the new data systems used to capture information, we created a robust system for a new central account to deal with clergy expenses, Gift Aid, Fairer Share, joint photocopying and projects we are undertaking together. Similarly, our safeguarding procedures were integrated, with the appointment of Tina Williams as our Safeguarding Officer and the introduction of the My Church People data base which will be used for the integration of safeguarding training and checks. Despite the natural challenges from our congregations recognising the changes in our structure we are celebrating our new approaches to working together and sharing in God’s mission. It is a privilege to be Ministry Area Leader for communities that have placed God’s love, compassion and inclusivity at their heart. I am constantly reminded that God is good, and he continues to do good things here in Cynon Valley South. Every blessing, Fr Matthew Gibbon, Ministry Area Leader 3 ## Our Story So Far The Mission Area of Cynon Valley South (Registered Charity No: 1198411) is part of the Anglican Diocese of Llandaf serving communities in Aberaman & Cwmaman, Abercynon, Cwmbach, Mountain Ash and Penrhiwceiber, Matthewstown & Ynysboeth. It was officially formed in January 2022 by merging five former parishes. The Cynon Valley South Ministry Area is made up of six individual churches- St Margaret of Antioch in Aberaman, St Donats and St Gwynnos in Abercynon. St Mary Magdalene in Cwmbach, St Margaret of Scotland in Mountain Ash and St Winifred’s in Penrhiwceiber. Each church has its own identity and culture, but we are committed to growing God’s kingdom through mutual support and the sharing of resources. 2023 was a challenging year for our Ministry Area as our former Ministry Area Leader, Rev Peter Lewis, moved on to a new post outside the MA, and Fr Michael Jones retired following a period of ill health. Fr Matthew and Fr Stuart worked tirelessly to ensure that, despite difficulties, worship and ministry here have continued and flourished. ## Our Mission StatEment Empowered by God's grace and guided by our heritage, the Ministry Area of Cynon Valley South is committed to serving the communities of Aberaman and Cwmaman, Abercynon, Cwmbach, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber, Matthewstown and Ynysboeth with compassion, humility, and unwavering faith. We strive to create an affirming, loving and welcoming sanctuary where all can find solace, support, and spiritual nourishment. Through prayer, worship, and acts of love, we seek to uplift and empower individuals and families, fostering a sense of belonging and hope. Rooted in the teachings of Christ, we endeavour to be a beacon of light, bringing God's transformative love to every corner of our community. 4 ## our MINISTRY AREA COMMITTEE Clergy MEMBERS Fr Matthew Gibbon (Ministry Area Leader) matthewgibbon@churchinwales.org.uk Fr Stuart Ghezzi Vacancy stuartghezzi@churchinwales.org.uk 5 # our MINISTRY AREA COMMITTEE LAY MEMBERS **Lay Chair** - Tanya Bennett **Vicar’s Warden** - Alun Jones **People’s Warden** - John Harman ## **MAC Members** **Aberaman & Cwmaman** - Jennifer Close and Diane Jones (Secretary) **Abercynon-** Jill Bowen and Lynn Landeg **Cwmbach** - Marion Allen and Catherine Evans **Mountain Ash** - Rhys Evans (Treasurer) and Vacancy **Penrhiwceiber, Matthewstown and Ynysboeth-** Andrea Harvey and Karen Morgan All these elected members and ex officio members are trustees of the Ministry Area. 6 ## Aberaman & CWMAMAN 2023 proved to be an exciting year for us in Aberaman and Cwmaman as St Margaret’s celebrated 140 years at the heart of the community in Aberaman. We celebrated this milestone with a week long exhibition celebrating our past, present and future, as well as series of lunchtime prayer sessions led by local schoolchildren, a Pet Blessing service, and a service of Thanksgiving led by Bishop Mary. We were delighted to welcome Bishop Mary to Aberaman for our Confirmation Service, when Jacob, Isaac, Harvey, Louis, Ellis, AlfieJohn, Lily Mae, Noah, Garyn, Lilly-Gwen, Morgan, Ellis, Logan and Joseph made the next step in their faith journey, supported by our newly formed team of Catechists. Our ministry with young people has been concentrated around our Monday evening Mass which continues to grow. It has been a privilege to share the Mass with so many children and young families who are discovering, or rediscovering, their faith. It was an absolute joy to welcome some of the young people to read at our Christmas Carol Service. Throughout the year we have had many fundraising events from the summer and winter fayres to a Pentecost picnic, bingo, barbecues, and afternoon teas. Throughout the Winter we operated a Warm Hub in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taff Council, and the Brunch Club continues to meet on the first Monday of the month. The Linen Guild has also played a very big part in fundraising by spending a great deal of time making different items to sell at Christmas and Easter. They have also spent time in carefully restoring lots of the vestments and frontals for church. We are so incredibly grateful to them for all their hardwork, talent and creativity. The Community Art Group have continued to meet in the crypt through the year, with some of the beautiful art work proudly displayed in the crypt during our Anniversary Celebrations. We once again have a serving team, thanks to Dave, SJ, and Ruby. In 2023 we also achieved a Silver Eco Church Award in recognition of our efforts to take care of the environment. We continue to be indebted to Fr Robert Donkin, and would like to acknowledge how much we have valued his support and love during the recent Ministry Area vacancy. 7 ## Abercynon Ministry and mission has continued at St Donat’s and St Gwynno’s throughout the last twelve months. Following the departure of Rev’d Peter Lewis as Ministry Area Leader and Vicar with responsibility for these congregations, a change to service times was made. Holy Communion is now at a uniformed time in these two churches: 9am each Sunday with the first Sunday at St Gwynno’s. During this year, St Donat’s Church celebrated the 125 th Anniversary of Consecration. Archdeacon Michael Komor presided at a celebration of the Holy Eucharist as the Bishop’s representative as she was unable to attend due to diary conflicts. A full church gathered as we worshipped God and gave thanks for the last 125 years. Many of our Ecumenical brothers and sisters also came along to support us. This has enabled those who find winter afternoons difficult to join together to worship earlier in the day. Numbers attending following the change have maintained previous levels. At the start of this year, friends from the Diocese of Upsalla visited the Ministry Area as we work towards re-kindling our links with them. This culminated in a Murder Mystery evening with three course meal held in St Donat’s, which showed off perfectly the flexibility of the new kitchen and café area. Much laughter and enjoyment was had at this event as people from across the Ministry Area joined together. Messy Church has taken a break during the Autumn and Winter months and we look forward to re-launching this in around Pentecost 2024 as we seek to build upon foundations laid in previous years. Work with schools has continued with pupils from Abercynon Primary school coming to the Experience Easter and Advent events, learning about the build up to Christmas, Jesus’ birth and of his Death and Resurrection. Social Hour, Youth Group and Foodbank continue to be run from St Donat’s Church, giving an opportunity to help and support our local community. 8 ## CWMBACH Over 2023 it has been great to welcome people back to church, to once again take part in the life of the congregation. It has been wonderful to celebrate the church’s year through our worship. The Eucharist is celebrated twice a week and we thank Fr Matthew, Fr Stuart, Fr Bernard and Fr Malcolm for their continued care and love. It has been lovely to reestablish a good link with Cwmbach Church in Wales Primary School, and to welcome them to church for various festivals and their Year 6 Leavers’ Eucharist in July. It was also lovely to welcome them to Experience Easter workshops in church. We meet weekly for our coffee morning and Mothers’ Union continue to meet on a monthly basis. Throughout the year we have had many fundraising events such as the Summer and Autumn Fayres. We have welcomed the community action group in to use the church hall many times through the year and have continued to support and be involved in their events. We have also continued our support of the Salvation Army food-bank. There is also a good connection between other community groups who use the church hall. We have been encouraged some new families and young people attending church and some of the young people have begun to read during the service. We may be a small congregation but we are committed to ensuring our continued place within the community we serve and within the Ministry Area. 9 ## Mountain Ash 2023 saw the retirement of Canon Michael following a period of ill health, and we would like to express our gratitude to Fr Matthew, Fr Stuart and all the retired clergy who have worked tirelessly to allow us to continue our worship twice a week, celebrating the Eucharist and all relevant Festivals. The Mountain Ash branch of the Mothers Union continues to meet monthly. We have hosted several fundraising events including a Fashion Show, Cheese & Wine quiz, Garden Party, Christmas Fayre, 100 Club, Bonus Ball, and the Smarties Challenge. We would like to thank everyone who has organised and supported these events. We also hosted our annual Service of Remembrance. The church hall continued to be used by several local organisations including the Kickboxing Club, Mountain Ash Choral Society and the Saint Margarets Brownies. Local Primary Schools joined us for Experience Easter events and their Christmas carol services. Once again we hosted Mountain Ash Choral Society’s Annual Concert, as well as concerts from RCT Music Service, Saint Albans Brass Band, Cor Meibion Abercynon, Cwmbach Male Voice Choir, Phoenix Singers and Laura's Drama Showcase. A faculty was obtained for regilding of the reredos and next year we will seek a quinquennial report and consider repairs to the church hall and the church external doors. We are very much looking forward to building on the successes of 2023. 10 ## Penrhiwceiber, Matthewstown & Ynysboeth As usual this year has proved a busy one for this congregation. Services continue with Mass said on six days each week (one still continuing in the Feel Good Factory each Thursday). Sunday school meets each Sunday morning at 11am and continues to see good numbers each week. Pilgrimages were made to Glastonbury and Walsingham, and as part of our 140th Anniversary programme, a walking pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady in Abercynon was made. It is hoped this will become an annual event. Mothers’ Union continues to meet for Mass and their meeting on a monthly basis and this has now been moved to the church to prevent those less mobile from having to negotiate the steep hill into the Church Hall. Links with local schools continue with gusto. Pupils from Penrhiwceiber and Ynysboeth Primary schools attended the Experience Easter and Advent Events. In June, St Winifred’s celebrated its 140th Anniversary of Consecration with a week of events. The church was open with displays throughout, a wonderful concert with the Phoenix Singers and Bois Goetre Hen and a celebratory Sung Mass with preacher Fr. Dominic Cawdell, the vicar of Holywell (the place of Winifred’s Well) in the Diocese of St Asaph. Penrhiwceiber, Pengeulan and Perthcelyn Primary schools have visted to mark both Harvest and Christmas and these are always joyful events. Fit and Fed continues to be run in conjunction with Lee Gardens’ Pool which also makes use of the Church Hall during the wetter, colder months for these activities. A band of volunteers from the church ensure that each child is provided with a hearty, seasonally appropriate meal at each event. Socially, the calendar has remained fully packed this year and we continue to receive great support from those who live in the village and surrounding areas. Once more this year we were awarded the Green Flag for our Churchyard and we were also successful in achieving a Silver Eco Church Award. Baby Basics continues to be run from the Church and numbers of requests for Moses Baskets have increased substantially throughout the year, as have requests for Hygiene packs that are given to those in need in the community and through our local Primary Schools. The Hey Girls! Stall continues to be stocked weekly and well received by those who are in need of products. Work to stabilise and repair the East Wall was completed just before Christmas making the wall once more structurally sound and watertight. This was a huge achievement ensuring that the church is able to stand for many years to come. 1 1 ## FINANCES THE MINISTRY AREA OF CYNON VALLEY SOUTH STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023 12 Lloyds bank Ttt&suttrs C04>por&ti%e Bank C￿￿p¢￿tiVe Bank c'u￿Crtl aL'LOlltti 9.336.10 147.38 11.347.91 33.517.70 5.715.66 4.105.11 40.676.40 30.fi37.93 19.5112.35 171.2110.25 3.119.72 47.4?8.46 14.135.84 1.1146.33 51.M66.IM) 11.39M.47 4X?341.61 Lloyds bAnk Tre&surers Virgift Mor Lloyd% Biisimess BAnk In%iBmg cAMbt￿sL Bttd couniies fixed rnte J )T fYAod rnie bond Lloyds BAnk lrtsiatti Lluwd5 Bank In&t- SpeLithI projeets Lloyds Husints% Bank. lttsiamt NS & I In%'¢4inKni 8C4iWDI LI￿YdI hnk T¥tasyrm skn CAIé Proj¢ Fixod 4WL% B*1 e4h mi.IM'r 21 y1￿1b1¢ 63,264.47 C"A5h )rMI b*nk 417.230.Xl 419.077.14 4X2.341.61 btou¥kn fonwvd Surpiw of inc(￿￿ Trvcw ¢xpr￿j11￿* Y4.864.7 4X2.141.fi1 otes to Ihe accounts Tr iXLd a%%LI 511466.(11) 17XIITr.I I 69h76.1 DLI?rLLiiiliL)n 6411.()4 6411.64 I I AYX.47 ()l?1)4.47 13 ## 2023 - A Year of Farewells, Fellowship and Fun! We said farewell to Fr Michael who retired, and Rev Peter who took up a new post in the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon. We continued to support our local Foodbanks We celebrated the Coronation of King Charles and Queen Camilla 14 We welcomed visitors from our link diocese in Sweden. Saint Winifred’s was presented with the Green Flag Community Award for the second year in a row. 14 young people from across the MA were confirmed by Bishop Mary Registered Charity No: 1198411 ## FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK @CYNON VALLEY SOUTH MINISTRY AREA ## VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.CYNONCHURCHES.CO.UK ## **THE MINISTRY AREA OF CYNON VALLEY SOUTH** **Annual report and accounts for the year ending 31 December 2023** ## **Charity no. 1198411** Young and Phillips Limited Inspiration House Williams Place Cardiff Road Upper Boat Pontypridd CF37 5BH ## **CONTENTS:** |Charity information|1| |---|---| |Independent examiners report|2| |Statement of financial activities|3 - 4| |Balance sheet|5| Independent Examiner's Report to the Members of the Parochial Church Council I report on the account5 of the Ministry Area of Cynon Valley South For the year ended 31 December 2023 which are set out on pages to Respectlve responslbilities of the Parochial Church Councll and Examiner: The Parochial Church Council IPCCI are responsible for the preparation of the accoLtnts. The PCC considers that an audit is not required under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. It 15 my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act- to follow procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charitv Commi55ioners (under section 1451511bl of the 2011 Actl- and to State whether particular matters have come to my attention Basis of Independent Examinerfs report.. My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Direction5 given by the Charitv Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Parochial Church Countil and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in tbie accounts and seeking explanation5 from you as Parochial Church Council members concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit opinion and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view, and the report Is Ilmited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examiner's Statement: Isince the gross incomefor the year exceeds the amount provided in sertion 14513) of the Act, I confirm that l om qualified act a5 Independent Examiner under the provisions of thot section of the Act ond thot my quolificution is as shown below- delete if incorne less than £250,OOOJ In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: 111 Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements to keep accounting record5 in accordance with Section 130 of the 2011 Act,. and to prepare account5 which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met,. or 121 To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Independent Examlner: Signature: Date: 16 April 2024 Narne: Young and Phillip5 Limited Qualification: FCCA Addre55: Inspiration House, Williams Place, Cardiff Road, Upper Boat, Pontypridd. **Charity name:** The Ministry Area of Cynon Valley South **Charity Number:** 1198411 |**Trustees:**|||**Appointed**| |---|---|---|---| ||Tanya Bennett|Chair|09 February 2022| ||Rev Stuart Ghezzi|Trustee|11 May 2022| ||Andrea Harvey|Trustee|03 April 2022| ||Rev Matthew Gibbon|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Jill Bowen|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Karen Ann Morgan|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Jennifer Magaret Close|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||John Harman|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Alun William Jones|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Rhys John Evans|Trustee|09 February 2022| ||Diane Francis Jones|Trustee|09 February 2022| |**Accountants:**|Young and Phillips Limited| |---|---| ||Inspiration House| ||Williams Place| ||Cardiff Road| ||Upper Boat| ||Pontypridd| ||CF37 5BH| 1 ## **THE MINISTRY AREA OF CYNON VALLEY SOUTH** ## **STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES** ## **FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023** |**Income**
Donations and gifts
Legacies
Fundraising
Generated funds
Rental income
Publication sales
Fees receivable
Parish share rebate
Sundry Income
Grants receivable
Insurance claims
Investment Income
Total Income
**Expenditure:**
Diocesan share
Clergy Expenses
Maintenance of service
Vergers, organist & choir
MA/LMA
Music & performance
Youth activity
Publications
Mission and evangelism
Parish Mission
Fundraising costs
Church Sundries
Heat and light
Water
Telephone
Broadband
PSA
Website
Office sundries
Equipment lease
Insurance
Subscriptions
Professional fees||**Total**
143,870.58
38,078.20
22,977.19
913.69
12,473.00
115.00
10,486.39
17,025.00
2,219.76
9,455.49
25.39
3,968.99
261,608.68
154,318.75
4,289.19
4,093.96
280.00
2,076.78
269.00
367.59
233.71
6,707.65
1,677.25
1,552.12
1,482.50
46,970.76
4,786.98
2,456.75
-
2,132.92
-
1,459.83
5,199.43
11,911.61
211.17
13,095.72||**Restricted**
13,160.03
12,420.25
1,888.00
3,540.00
31,008.28
2,267.75
186.79|**Unrestricted**
130,710.55
25,657.95
21,089.19
913.69
12,473.00
115.00
10,486.39
17,025.00
2,219.76
5,915.49
25.39
3,968.99| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||230,600.40| ||||||154,318.75
4,289.19
4,093.96
280.00
2,076.78
269.00
367.59
233.71
4,439.90
1,677.25
1,365.33
1,482.50
46,970.76
4,786.98
2,456.75
-
2,132.92
-
1,459.83
5,199.43
11,911.61
211.17
13,095.72| |Accountancy
Licences
Cleaning
Repairs
Property compliance
Security
Yard maintenance
Equipment repairs
Bank charges
Charity support
Depreciation
Total expenditure
Surplus of income over expenditure
Opening reserves
Closing reserves|1,440.00
-
473.86
40,397.38
75.00
-
4,042.61
5,178.67
-
4,101.02
2,849.62
324,131.83
(62,523.15)
544,864.76
482,341.61|19,201.79
21,656.33
9,351.95
203,654.53
213,006.48|1,440.00
-
473.86
21,195.59
75.00
-
4,042.61
5,178.67
-
4,101.02
2,849.62
-| |---|---|---|---| ||||302,475.50| ||||(71,875.10)
341,210.23| ||||269,335.13| ## **Represented by:** |Lloyds bank Treasurers account
Co-operative Bank
Co-operative Bank
Current account
Lloyds bank Treasurers account
Virgin Money
Lloyds Business Bank Instant
Cambridge and counties fixed rate 3 yr fixed rate bond
Lloyds Business Bank Instant
Lloyds Bank Inst - Special projects account
Lloyds Business Bank Instant
NS & I Investment account
Lloyds bank Treasurers account
Shares
Café Project
Fixed assets|9,336.10
6,147.38
11,347.91
33,517.70
5,715.66
4,305.11
40,676.40
30,637.93
19,582.35
171,280.25
3,119.72
47,428.46
34,135.84
1,846.33
51,866.00
11,398.47| |---|---| ||482,341.61| ## **THE MINISTRY AREA OF CYNON VALLEY SOUTH** ## **Balance sheet as at 31st Decemeber 2023** |Fixed assets
Tangible assets
Current assets
Investments
Cash and bank
Reserves brought forward
Surplus of income over expenditure
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds|1,846.33
417,230.81|63,264.47
419,077.14| |---|---|---| |||| |||482,341.61| |||544,864.76
(62,523.15)
| |||482,341.61| |||213,006.48
269,335.13| |||482,341.61| 5 ## **THE MINISTRY AREA OF CYNON VALLEY SOUTH** ## **Notes to the accounts** ## **Fixed assets** |Fixed assets
Depreciation||**Café**
51866.00|**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
17810.11
6411.64|**Fixtures &**
**Fittings**
17810.11
6411.64|**Total**
69676.11
6411.64| |---|---|---|---|---|---| ||||||| |||51866.00||11398.47|63264.47|