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2024-12-31-accounts

Annual Report

Incorporating Examined Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31st December 2024

Charity No. 1205038

MOUNTAIN AND MARSH MINISTRY AREA

CHARITY INFORMATION

Charity Name The Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area Registered Charity Number 1205038 Principal Address St Mary’s Church Church Lane Marshfield CARDIFF CF3 2UF Contact Details Tel: 01633 309691 Email: pa@mountainandmarshchurches.org.uk Website: mountainandmarshchurches.org.uk

Charity Trustees

Ex-Officio

The Revd Ross Maidment (Chair) The Revd Matthew Sellers (Team Vicar) Mrs Jan Sainsbury (Warden) Miss Esther Moody (Warden)

Elected

Mr Wayne Barnett Mr John West Miss Pauline Jenkins Mr Peter Whittaker Mr Neil Johnson Mrs Jennifer Richardson Mrs Janet Williams

Co-Opted

Mr David Simpson (Treasurer) Mrs Annette Parkes (Co-Chair) Miss Cheryl Chrisoffersen (Secretary) Mrs Claire Fitchie (Safeguarding Officer)

Independent Examiner

Janet Philips ACCA Lewis and Co 85 Commercial St Risca Newport NP11 6AW

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees have pleasure in presenting their report and financial statements for the Charity for the year ending 31 December 2024.

Objectives and Activities

The objectives of the Charity are achieved by promoting throughout the Ministry Area the whole mission of the Church, pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical within our parish. Simply put, we are a diverse bunch of people who love Jesus and want to walk closely with Him. We seek to do this in the following ways:

The Trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. Our worship, pastoral offices, community activities, heritage access, and educational work are open and accessible to the public and are delivered with a view to advancing the Christian faith and promoting community wellbeing.

Achievement and Performance

The Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area, formally established by decree of the Bishop of Monmouth on 11th September 2022, brings together the historic parishes of Bedwas, Machen, Marshfield, Michaelston-y-Fedw, Rudry, St Brides, and Trethomas. Now in our second full year, we give thanks for continued signs of life and growth across our churches. Despite ongoing challenges, there is a tangible sense of momentum and vision. What follows is a summary of particular highlights and achievements from 2024, and an opportunity to recognise God’s faithfulness and grace in our shared life together.

Ministry Team

Finance and Governance

Building Projects

Liturgy and Worship

Community and Schools

Church Attendance and Life Events

Structure, Governance, and Management

The Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area legally unites eight churches from southeast Caerphilly to west Newport: St Barrwg’s, St Bridget’s, St James’, St John’s, St Mary’s, St Michael’s, St Michael and All Angels, and St Thomas’. The Ministry Area Council (MAC), formed in 2023, continues to provide shared oversight, with elected representatives from each church. The MAC is registered with the Charity Commission and acts as the Parochial Church Council and Charity Trustees for the Area. Trustees of the Ministry Area are responsible for reviewing risks, managing assets, and ensuring robust systems are in place for the care of buildings, finances, and people.

The Ministry Team in 2024 comprised:

Revd Ross Maidment (Ministry Area Leader)

Revd Matthew Sellers (Team Vicar, from April 2024)

Revd Audrey Jenkins, Revd Glyn Jenkins, Revd Arthur Parkes, Revd David Kellen (Permission to Officiate)

Hilary Williams and Gay Holywell (Licensed Lay Ministers) Jan Sainsbury (MA Rector’s Warden) Esther Moody (MA People’s Warden) Izzy Bromilow (Administrator/PA, appointed in 2024)

Each church continues to be served by local wardens, a treasurer, and committee. Worship, administration, and mission are supported by volunteers who offer their time and gifts in countless ways. The trustees are grateful to all who have contributed so faithfully to the flourishing of the Ministry Area in 2024.

Safeguarding Statement

The Trustees are committed to the Church in Wales safeguarding policies and procedures. All relevant workers and volunteers undertake safer recruitment, training, and DBS checks as appropriate. Any safeguarding concerns are managed in line with national guidance and diocesan oversight.

Fundraising Statement

The Charity does not employ professional fundraisers or commercial participators and received no fundraising complaints in the year. All fundraising activities comply with relevant Church in Wales and Charity Commission guidance.

Finance Review

The Board of Trustees are grateful to Lewis and Co for examining the Charity Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2024.

Income for the year is £602,467, of which £335,072 is restricted and £267,396 is unrestricted. Within this year’s income is £223,929 of exceptional income which is grant funding for the tower repair project at Lower Machen.

Income streams for 2024 are made up of:

Donations 19%
Grant Funding 61%
Other income 20%

Expenditure for the year is £630,324, of which £326,759 is restricted and £303,565 is unrestricted.

Excluding exceptional costs, the largest expenditure in 2024 was Ministry Share, which is our contribution to the Board of Finance towards the cost of ministry. Our contribution was paid on time and in full.

We are extremely grateful to all who support our work, particularly individual donors who account for the majority of our income.

Our accounts are prepared on a going concern basis. The policy of the Ministry Area Council is to make use of restricted funds wherever possible, particularly in relation to expenditure on the maintenance, repair and development of church buildings and other property. Over the ling term, the trustees aim to return to a surplus budget and increase the charity’s unrestricted reserves, which can be made available to deal with any unforeseen or unplanned events as and when they arise.

Historical legacies and bequests made to the churches are held in the form of shares in the Representative Body of the Church in Wales Common Investment Fund. According to the investment policy of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales, these are couched in a balanced range of investments, in order to achieve a healthy and secure return. These investments are held for the long term to use in accordance with the requirements of the original donations.

Key risks considered by the trustees include:

  1. Financial sustainability (income volatility and inflationary costs);

  2. Fabric risk (unexpected building failures and compliance);

  3. People risk (volunteer capacity, recruitment, and wellbeing);

  4. Safeguarding and reputational risk;

  5. Governance systems (data protection, financial controls, and reporting).

Mitigations include consolidated banking and controls, phased capital planning, scheduled fabric inspections, safeguarding training, and regular MAC oversight.

Priorities for 2025 include:

  1. Completing banking consolidation and embedding consistent financial reporting across all churches;

  2. Progressing St Mary’s, Marshfield reordering through the next stages (faculty, funding, delivery planning);

  3. Re-opening Trethomas Church Centre and developing eco-installations as funding allows;

  4. Marking St John’s, Machen 170th anniversary with mission and heritage engagement;

  5. Developing ALT and other invitational worship/discipleship pathways;

  6. Continued schools and community partnerships, and growth of the Community Choir/ Choristership Scheme.

Closing Remarks

2024 has been a year of steady growth, deeper partnership, and faithful generosity. We have taken major steps to strengthen our governance and finances, invested in buildings for future mission, and welcomed many new faces into worship and community. None of this would be possible without the prayer, service, and giving of so many. Thank you. As we look ahead, we do so with confidence in God’s grace and a clear commitment to sustainable ministry across every church in our Area.

The Revd Ross Maidment Area Dean and Chair of Trustees

Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area
Proft & Loss Extended
Year ended 31st December 2024
Ministry Area St Barrwg, Bedwas St Bridget, St Brides Wentloog St James, Rudry St Mary, Marshfeld St Michael, Machen St Michael, Michaelston-Y-Fedw St John the BapLst, Machen Totals
Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr
Planned Giving Income 635.00 13,041.75 5,602.47 11,763.88 11,102.80 10,173.70 5,700.00 58,019.60
Loose Collections Income 169.00 2,177.03 337.50 2,025.62 2,532.72 850.47 4,443.60 12,535.94
Donations Income 179.55 7,575.00 479.30 50.00 1,775.33 7,497.12 8,800.05 26,356.35
For Mission Income 100.00 19.10 119.10
Tax Refunds - GIFT Aid Income 167.02 5,394.48 2,461.83 3,775.68 1,424.60 1,043.50 507.50 14,774.61
Tax Refunds - GASDS Income 819.53 1,056.07 1,875.60
Legacy Gifts Received Income 4,000.00 10,000.00 14,000.00
Grants Income 84,045.97 19,099.75 260,358.40 2,000.00 365,504.12
Charitable Activity Fees Income 1,646.80 3,091.55 931.80 2,916.80 6,431.47 4,895.50 3,590.67 23,504.59
Other Money Raising Activities Income 14,548.70 4,318.98 5,030.09 694.28 25,625.43 15,425.46 10,372.34 76,015.28
Investments Income 293.01 217.80 823.74 801.59 5,743.51 1,000.93 8,880.58
Other Income Income 880.85 880.85
101,685.05 35,698.79 15,060.79 22,869.53 72,812.79 317,924.58 36,415.09 602,466.62
Cost of Money Raising Expenditure 88.75 184.26 4,754.75 77.04 7,244.50 12,349.30
Parish Share Expenditure 28,192.59 19,325.08 4,173.56 12,873.00 15,722.72 13,294.50 8,529.95 102,111.40
Parochial Expenses of Clerics Expenditure -599.05 581.45 -39.12 2,175.31 2,199.28 4,407.31 8,725.18
Other Ministry Support Expenditure 50.00 50.00
Maintenance Of Services Expenditure 460.43 282.50 330.00 15,762.43 2,814.41 2,409.33 22,059.10
General Parish Expenses Expenditure 7,202.49 1,361.00 326.64 1,856.87 20,635.33 34,226.40 2,096.00 67,704.73
Maintenance Of Churches Expenditure 1,879.45 2,806.29 2,313.86 2,700.88 11,279.71 269,195.87 4,102.42 294,278.48
Maintenance Of Other Property Expenditure 500.75 409.00 1,730.00 4,694.43 17,056.39 24,390.57
Exceptional Expenditure Expenditure 79,745.97 9,410.00 89,155.97
Misson - Parish Expenditure 596.07 84.00 4,134.79 4,814.86
Misson - Home/World Expenditure 200.00 95.00 240.00 4,029.84 120.00 4,684.84
0.00
Capital Payments Expenditure 0.00
117,566.70 25,057.07 7,793.20 30,830.06 79,473.44 340,694.45 28,909.51 630,324.43
117,566.70 101,685.05 25,057.07 35,698.79 7,793.20 15,060.79 30,830.06 22,869.53 79,473.44 72,812.79 340,694.45 317,924.58 28,909.51 36,415.09
Proft/(Loss) -15,881.65 10,641.72 7,267.59 -7,960.53 -6,660.65 -22,769.87 7,505.58 -27,857.81
Income Totals Loss for the year
Expenses Total
Lewis and Co have completed an independent examinaCon of the
accounts and no material maGer have come to our aGenCon:
Name Janet Phillips
Date 27/10/2025

1

Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area
Proft & Loss Extended
Year ended 31st December 2024
Ministry Area General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St Barrwg, Bedwas General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St Bridget, St Brides Wentloog General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St James, Rudry General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St Mary, Marshfeld General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St Michael, Machen General Funds Designated Funds
Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr Dr Cr
Planned Giving Income 635.00 -425.00 1,060.00 13,041.75 13,041.75 5,602.47 5,602.47 11,763.88 11,313.88 450.00 11,102.80 11,102.80 10,173.70 10,173.70
Loose Collections Income 169.00 169.00 2,177.03 2,177.03 337.50 337.50 2,025.62 2,025.62 2,532.72 2,432.72 100.00 850.47 850.47
Donations Income 179.55 -170.00 350.00 -0.45 7,575.00 1,325.00 6,250.00 479.30 479.30 50.00 50.00 1,775.33 1,653.87 72.55 48.91 7,497.12 100.00 5,717.18
For Mission Income 100.00 100.00 19.10 19.10
Tax Refunds - GIFT Aid Income 167.02 -230.85 397.87 5,394.48 5,394.48 2,461.83 2,461.83 3,775.68 3,775.68 1,424.60 1,424.60 1,043.50 1,043.50
Tax Refunds - GASDS Income 819.53 819.53 1,056.07 1,056.07
Legacy Gifts Received Income 4,000.00 4,000.00 10,000.00
Grants Income 84,045.97 79,745.97 4,300.00 19,099.75 19,099.75 260,358.40 23,411.74 3,017.29
Charitable Activity Fees Income 1,646.80 -260.00 831.80 1,075.00 3,091.55 3,091.55 931.80 491.80 440.00 2,916.80 765.80 2,151.00 6,431.47 2,283.62 332.85 3,815.00 4,895.50 1,045.00 2,624.00
Other Money Raising Activities Income 14,548.70 4,424.94 10,123.76 4,318.98 1,800.98 2,518.00 5,030.09 5,030.09 694.28 694.28 25,625.43 21,075.41 4,550.02 15,425.46 11,900.41 55.25
Investments Income 293.01 293.01 217.80 217.80 823.74 823.74 801.59 658.04 143.55 5,743.51 157.11 4,939.77
Other Income Income 880.85 880.85
101,685.05 83,378.07 17,232.43 1,074.55 35,698.79 26,930.79 0.00 8,768.00 15,060.79 14,620.79 0.00 440.00 22,869.53 19,394.79 0.00 3,474.74 72,812.79 44,631.06 24,298.72 3,883.01 317,924.58 49,738.00 17,234.34
Cost of Money Raising Expenditure 88.75 88.75 184.26 184.26 4,754.75 2,932.17 1,822.58 77.04 77.04
Parish Share Expenditure 28,192.59 28,192.59 19,325.08 19,325.08 4,173.56 4,173.56 12,873.00 12,873.00 15,722.72 15,722.72 13,294.50 13,294.50
Parochial Expenses of Clerics Expenditure -599.05 -599.05 581.45 581.45 -39.12 -39.12 2,175.31 2,175.31 2,199.28 2,199.28
Other Ministry Support Expenditure 50.00 50.00
Maintenance Of Services Expenditure 460.43 228.00 232.43 282.50 282.50 330.00 330.00 15,762.43 710.60 15,051.83 2,814.41 2,158.45 125.00
General Parish Expenses Expenditure 7,202.49 -27.01 7,229.50 1,361.00 1,361.00 326.64 326.64 1,856.87 1,856.87 20,635.33 12,377.77 8,257.56 34,226.40 11,685.11
Maintenance Of Churches Expenditure 1,879.45 1,508.46 10.99 360.00 2,806.29 2,806.29 2,313.86 2,313.86 2,700.88 2,700.88 11,279.71 11,279.71 269,195.87 36,185.86 9,203.03
Maintenance Of Other Property Expenditure 500.75 500.75 409.00 409.00 1,730.00 1,730.00 4,694.43 354.00 4,340.43 17,056.39 8,297.61 4,460.00
Exceptional Expenditure Expenditure 79,745.97 79,745.97 9,410.00 9,410.00
Misson - Parish Expenditure 596.07 -500.18 1,096.25 84.00 84.00 4,134.79 2,432.36 1,702.43
Misson - Home/World Expenditure 200.00 200.00 95.00 95.00 240.00 240.00 4,029.84 45.00
Capital Payments Expenditure
117,566.70 108,548.78 8,657.92 360.00 25,057.07 25,057.07 0.00 0.00 7,793.20 7,793.20 0.00 0.00 30,830.06 19,690.06 0.00 11,140.00 79,473.44 48,248.61 26,884.40 4,340.43 340,694.45 71,698.57 13,833.03
117,566.70 101,685.05 -25,170.71 8,574.51 714.55 25,057.07 35,698.79 1,873.72 0.00 8,768.00 7,793.20 15,060.79 6,827.59 0.00 440.00 30,830.06 22,869.53 -295.27 0.00 -7,665.26 79,473.44 72,812.79 -3,617.55 -2,585.68 -457.42 340,694.45 317,924.58 -21,960.57 3,401.31
Proft/(Loss) -15,881.65 -15,881.65 10,641.72 10,641.72 7,267.59 7,267.59 -7,960.53 -7,960.53 -6,660.65 -6,660.65 -22,769.87
Income Totals
Expenses Total
Lewis and Co have completed an independent examinaCon of the
accounts and no material maGer have come to our aGenCon:
Name Janet Philips
Date 27/10/2025

1

Restricted Funds St Michael, Michaelston-Y-Fedw General Funds Designated Funds Restricted Funds St John the BapLst, Machen Totals
Dr Cr Dr Cr
5,700.00 5,700.00 58,019.60
4,443.60 4,443.60 12,535.94
1,679.94 8,800.05 8,800.05 26,356.35
119.10
507.50 507.50 14,774.61
1,875.60
10,000.00 14,000.00
233,929.37 2,000.00 2,000.00 365,504.12
1,226.50 3,590.67 2,401.67 1,189.00 23,504.59
3,469.80 10,372.34 3,847.34 6,525.00 76,015.28
646.63 1,000.93 1,000.93 8,880.58
880.85
250,952.24 36,415.09 28,701.09 6,525.00 1,189.00 602,466.62
7,244.50 864.50 6,380.00 12,349.30
8,529.95 8,529.95 102,111.40
4,407.31 4,407.31 8,725.18
50.00
530.96 2,409.33 2,409.33 22,059.10
22,541.29 2,096.00 2,096.00 67,704.73
223,806.98 4,102.42 4,102.42 294,278.48
4,298.78 24,390.57
89,155.97
4,814.86
3,984.84 120.00 120.00 4,684.84
0.00
0.00
255,162.85 28,909.51 22,529.51 6,380.00 0.00 630,324.43
-4,210.61 28,909.51 36,415.09 6,171.58 145.00 1,189.00
-22,769.87 7,505.58 7,505.58 -27,857.81
Loss for the year

2

Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area
Balance Sheet Extended
Year ended 31st December 2024
Ministry Area St Barrwg, Bedwas St Bridget, St Brides Wentloog St James, Rudry St Mary, Marshfeld St Michael, Machen St Michael, Michaelston-Y-Fedw St John the BapLst, Machen Totals
Fixed Assets
Investments 4,451.55 63,585.47 62,825.00 130,862.02
Current Assets
Cash At Bank and In Hand -
11,698.31
31,718.78 31,122.81 80,280.88 72,143.71 72,728.88 36,417.80 14,767.06 327,481.61
Liabilities
Net Current Assets less Current Liabilities
Total Assets less Current Liabilities
Liabilities
Total Net Assets less Liabilities -11,698.31 31,718.78 35,574.36 80,280.88 135,729.18 135,553.88 36,417.80 14,767.06 458,343.63
Represented By
Unrestricted
General Funds -
18,406.76
15,762.71 32,261.86 9,764.94 35,491.34 13,243.40 544.85 8,358.46 97,020.80
Designated
M and MMA Administator Salaries -
5,245.40
-
5,245.40
St Barrwg's 900 Anniversary Fund 699.00 699.00
St Barrwg's General Fund -
454.50
-
454.50
St Bridget's General Fund 121.74 121.74
St James General Fund 3,627.66 3,627.66
St John The Baptist General Fund 530.50 530.50
St John 's Improvement Fund 2,119.42 2,119.42
St Mary's General Fund 10,375.60 10,375.60
St Michael MYF General Fund 339.30 339.30
Machen Church Hall Administration Fund 114.49 114.49
St Mary's Investment Of Parochial Moneys 143.55 143.55
St Mary's Music & Worship Mission & Scholarship 7584.04 7,584.04
St Mary's Church ALT Service Development 1618.21 1,618.21
St Mary's Youth Mission Fund 8859.46 8,859.46
St Michael's Reserve Fund 31694.26 31,694.26
St Michael's (Michaelston-Y-Fedw) Phoenix Fund 145.00 145.00
Restricted
General Graveyard Fund 6408.6 6,408.60
St Barrwg's Churchyard Fund 81.00 81.00
St Bridget's Churchyard Fund 528.00 440.00 968.00
St James Building Fund -
2,360.00
62,211.15 59,851.15
St James Yard Maintenance -
2,000.00
8,304.79 6,304.79
St John The BaptisT Graveyard Fund 194.00 6,408.60 6,602.60
St Michaels MYF Yard Fund 271.55 6,858.55 7,130.10
Bedwas 900 Fund 12,993.07 12,993.07
Parish Of Bedwas 2,963.00 2,963.00
St Bridget's Sid's Memorial Fund 522.50 522.50
St Bridget's Event Fund 850.00 850.00
St Bridget's Headley Trust Grant 1,500.00 1,500.00
St Mary's Chancel Repair Fund 18,993.60 18,993.60
St Peter Chancel Repair Fund 7,186.44 7,186.44
Sir George Forestier Walker Legacy Fund 5,710.76 5,710.76
Investment Of Parochial Moneys 19,972.58 19,972.58

1

St Mary's Building 902.00 902.00
Parish Of Peterstone - DBF Investment Fund 11,722.09 11,722.09
St Mary's Yard Fund 16,877.11 16,877.11
St Mary's Organ Fund 668.00 668.00
St Michael's Mary Eileen Adams Fund 10,000.00 10,000.00
St Michael's WHR John New Graveyard bequest
Fund
9,148.71 9,148.71
St Michael's Miss Ovi Sutton Legacy Fund 62,825.00 62,825.00
St Michaels MYF Bells Fund 4,174.40 4,174.40
St Michaels MYF Phoenix Fund 6,788.44 6,788.44
St Michaels MYF Tower Fund 17,906.56 17,906.56
-
11,698.31
31,718.78 35,574.36 80,280.88 135,729.18 135,553.88 36,417.80 14,767.06 458,343.63
Lewis and Co have completed an independent examinaCon of the
accounts and no material maGer have come to our aGenCon:
Name Janet Philips
Date 27/10/2025

2

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