TAFF RHYMNEY MINISTRY AREA CIO INDEPENDEIYT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2024 Responsibilities and basis of report The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the Accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities A¢1 2011 (The Act). We report in respect of our examination of the Charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of The Act. and in carrying out our examination we have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of The Act. Independent examiner's statement The Charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 and we are qualified to undertake tILe examination by being a qualified member of ACCA. We have completed our examination. We confirm that no material matters have come to our attention in connection with the examination giving us cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records are not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of The Act. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forrn 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. We have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be draNw] in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. J LS * Co A CC£)uo*kn fvLkA JLS & Co Accountants Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 112 Gilfach Street Bargoed CF818LQ Dated 11 (J cb&tst 202S
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Statement of Financial Position as at 31st December, 2024 Nores Unr¢strÉctcd Restricted Total thls runds funds ytAr Tolal last year Fixed assets Tangjble assets Invcsiihents Toirilfix¥dasyel 890,000 53,163 943,163 890,000 53,163 943,163 Current assets Oili¢r Debiors Cash ai bank and in hand Torulctsrr¢iitHSsels 1.320 102,395 103,715 lJ20 169,096 170,416 6(?,700 66,700 Creditor&: Amounts falling due Jvithin onc ycar Jo 121,442 121,442 Nel curreiil fissei&l(liobililiJ 117,7271 66,700 48,974 Tolul tsssets les5 crrelli11blllie 925,436 66.71)0 992,136 Credltors: amollnts falling due after one year ToialNel o55els or liobllirl*s 925,436 66.700 99Z,136 Funds of the Charity UiJr¢siricied funds R¢siricted fuiids Revaluation Tes¢Tve Toi&lluiids JJ 35.436 35.436 66.700 890.000 992,136 66.700 8CJO,000 925,436 6Q700 Slgntd on behalf of the Trll$t¢C5'. Susan Rivers. Lay Chair Dale Anocla Trchwne, S¢¢relary Dat¢
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Statement of Finaneial Aetivities for the Year to 31st December, 2024 TDlal funds Prior ier fuDds Nrtes Unrestricted Restrictod fund$ fund5 Incoming resources Income and endowmont5 from: Donations and legacies 197.813 13.329 56.397 4.764 28.390 3.066 20 226,203 16,395 56,417 5,655 Investment5 Scparat¥ maicrjal item of iiicotnc Other Income 3.464 275,768 3,404 30&133 32.366 Interesi GTL¥SS ResoLErces epended Expertdltur¢ on: Kaisinbi fuiids Charitable aclivilie5 Separate maierial iiem ofexpens¢ Oihcr Expenditure Totol 84? 205,252 189,510 10,521 406,125 189.510 392,009 et incomellexpenditurel before Investment gain5111055e$l slllossesl on invcstments Fet Intomellexpenditure} Extr&ordin#ry it¢m$ Trartsltrs btiween funds Other recognisod gainslllosSQsI= Ciaitts llnd losses on revaluation vf fixed assets lor the chaTIty 5 own use Oiher bainslllossesl Nei nJovenJLJiii iJifund5 1116,2411 18,250 197,9921 1116,2411 18.250 197,9921 5.174 890.000 3.263 782,196 890.000 3.263 79S,272 13,076 Rccon¢ili8tion of funds: Tot31 funds brots¥ht forward To¢alJMiJ&f cttrpi¢dforwor 143,?40 925.436 53,6?4 66,700 196,865 992.136
Taff Rhymney Mlnlstry Are& CIO Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year to 31st December, 2024 l Basis of preparation 1.1 Basis of Aecollnting Thc5c accounts havc bl prq>ared ynd¢rth¢ hi4twic&I tosi convention wiih ilen15 Rcognised •1 or irAnsaciion vdh)E ¢¥pl for¢¥rtain iicms of fixed asseis as staicd below. Th¢&ccouilts have been prepared in accordance wiih.. The StsieTr3ent of RecoNimendl PrJcli¢el50RP}." Ateouiltlns and ReIll11g by ChaTiiie5 prwrin$ th¢ir&¢eounts iii 7Kcordance wilh the Finanripl Rworting Siandaid yppli¢ubl¢ in tlic UK and R¢public ol'lTcland (FRS 1021 issued on IC7 July 2014.. Thc Finallcial RL¥oriillg Stsindavd opplirabl¢ in Unilcd KiDtslom and RcpublK of Irelalld (FR5 1021: And with th¢ Charili¢s Arl 2011. The chariiy consiiiiiies a public beNefii LNlityas dcfin¢d by FRS IO• Trtn2d>Et Fixed A$stts TanbTibl¥ fixed Jss¢15 are iniiially measiired at hisiotical cogi and all cosis inciirred io brinir ji IV Il5 working condition arc Includcd in Ili ¢osI. ThL r¢v&lulltion m¢ilid is $ for subsequent nieasurcmcni of th¥ fiAI'd a$s¢i Ihrough reco110 of r¥valuulion5 Sains I losses less depreciation and ilnPAirmeiii charges. CliiiKlI buildings and Chuieliyard& arc Vebted in ilie Repr¢senialivr body ol'tlic Cliurch in Wales and do nol ordiTrarily fotm p4rt of th¢ fixvd y55¢1s of thc Ministry Arca. Moi'eable Chu¥¢h ¢onL¢nts arc inalienllble property and requirt a faculty for diswsal. Many ale hisiorhc forwhich no r¢liabL ¢oSt or valuation bAses exjsi. They are not rcwgniscd the Balanccslieci nor 1151ed. to rcdiicc Iliorisk of thcll and Vdndalk%in. DcprcciatiD DeprLriaiion Is cliarged to Wri-Off a fixed 855cV5 rJrrying amourtt over its useful life io its CSiiTnad re$idual vallle. usinga niethod ihai bE5I rLll¢ris lh¢ palt¢iD In which tli¢ a$sti'$ eionomic benefiis are Conlmed by Ihc Charity. Non-rtsideniial buildin¥s a[c&13j on # siruight IIKC basis ai the rllie of 1.5¢/ fillancial year. Jtom Dcprcciation Method AveraE¢ Useful Lift Non-rcsi¢kniial Buildings Siraight Lin¢ 50 yeari Since all vHluaiioiis weEe perfornied soon aftrr ihe 31 Der¥irtber2024 year end dale. no dqxeciaiion ha5 b¢¢n ¢harged in this year. Op¢ttlDg Bllk8nt¢$ Tliis is the fiysi sei ot annual tinancial staremcn15 for the ClI2rily gineo lis Yegisiraiion as a clianb]e inCOr[ed organisaiionlcIOI aiid Iherefore all OPBning balance& are from Ihe individual rhur¢hts ihai PODled rcsourLes into the fortnalion ofihis Lmtnistry Area. 1.2 Going Concerll The Tllte¢s liai'c considcrcd whethcr tlie Miiiisliy ArrJ ¢ontlDUls io bc a &koingconcem and are satisfied ihai ihere are suificieni funds 2 A£cD4nting PDIi<i¢5 2.1 IDCfjtDc Rtcognition of Én¢ome Thesc are ineluded tlie Ststeineni of finDncial Aciiviiics (SOFA) wh¢n'. Ihe cliariry becoine5 ¢iiiiiled io ihe resource5-. it 1% more likely than not iliat Ihc I1%tLes will ttteive tl?e resoiirce%,' and th¢ moneryVaIyC¢&n be meo$ured with sutricienl reliability. Offsetting Thcie has beeii no offs¢ttittB of sets and liabilities. or iiicoHicana expenses. uiilcss rcquired OT pertnitted by the FRS 102 SORP or FIiS 102. Grnnfs atsj donatio are only iH¢luded in the SOPA wlieij ihe geiieral Inrome re¢ogniti¢n triteyia Are met 15.10 10 5.12 FIIS102 SORPI.
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Iyotes to the Financial StxtemenÉs for the Year to 31st December, 2024 IAgA£lt5 Legacic5 arc iD¢ludcJ in thc sofA ivhcn receipt Is probablc. thai 1$. M'h¢n thC has bccn S71 of PTobatt. Ihe cxeeutors have eStablisd that thttL'are siiificicni asscts in Ihe esiaie and any condilions dllHchcd io thc leycy br¢ uihrr iviihirt thc conirol ofihc chaniy or liavc bcen Govtrnmcnt grants The Ch&rity Teecived Erdnis from the Caerphilly B¢riweh Couneil during ihe year. T9x rcclaims on d¢Jnalioui %ilts Gift Aid receivable is included in income whcn ih¢ donor has expressly consciiied for thr claiiiiing ofgift aid tax rclieflrcfund from th IIMR('. oll tlie donaicd aniounl. Any CTItI Aid atTrwilt Yccovcrcd on a doDaDon 1% considcrcd to bc part of tliai gifi and is [rled as an addilioth io the same fund as the iniiial donati< unless ihe Ihe ienns of ihe appral havc 5wificd otherwis Re5CTves Policv The Ministry Aren is commiiied 10 mEiiiiiaiii unrL'siiiricd r¢birYC& Siillicieiii io covcr basic MlnlblryA eXpditUre Costs ol'ih¢ChJrily includig staff aLwJ r¢dundCY L¢$L% for a pctiod ofthrLr Inonihs. help Thc valuc ol'8ny volNnt8ry h¢lp rceeivcd is noi incliidcd in lh¢ accounts bui is deKrib¢d in thty annual rew. Intomt from Interest. royaltie5 dividEnd5 This is in¢lud¢d irt thcaecounis WI11 rcccTPt ]% PTobable attd t1 amouiii receivabl¢¢an be me2siircd reliably. SotllcmentofinsurAnr¢ ¢1oims InsurAnce claims ase only Iiicliidcd in ihL' SOFA whw ihc general Incomc rccognilion eriieria are Inei (5.10 ID 5.12 FRSIO? SORPI and ar¢ includ1 as ali item of Oler iii¢oill¢ in tlic SOFA. IVestmEnt g¥ln5 gnd lo¥ses 11s Iiicludcs any rrJli5cd oi YDr¢Jli¢d gains or105scs on ihc 5alc ofr INv¢sbn¢nts and any 8aTn OT lo&* resllltmg from re571uin8 inve5nneiits lo m2rkoL valuc at thc end of thc year. 2.2 Expcnditurt Liabiliti¢$ Liability rc<o2nition Liabiliiics are rccowiiscd wher¢ li is mort likelythan 01 ihat ihcrc is a l¢8al th eonsiruciivc obligation ClTrTniniiiing ihe chayity io payoui rc50il£& Jnd lh¢ 4moiini of ihc ¢bligaiion cun be tnBa5111¢d iviih [ollable cemaiiiiy. RcduTrdaDry c05t The charity madc no r¢dun(lan¢y paymenis during tlie reponiii¥ peritri. DoforrÈd ltteomo No mJicrial ilrm ofd¢f¢rt¢d imcomc has bccn Incliidcd in thE a¢¢oilttl$. Crodltors Thr chllTlty h8s CrL1t0rS whieli are measured ai SClllctncDI Jmoumis less aiiytradc disrowits. Provisions for liabilitics A liability is nicasurLMI on rccogniiivn at its h1¢&1 c(pSi and tlieji subscquciiilymusur¢d Ai ilie bc5t e51im)Ic of th¢ amDuMt requird io scttlL Ilie thli¥diion ai tlic rcpomng daic
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year to 31st December, 2024 2.3 Assets Taniiblt Ilxod as5eis for use by rh4rit)' These ar¢capilalis¢d if ih¢y ¢ttrt bc iisd for tnw¢thartone aT. ¢ost ai leasi £l.000. T ar¢ ittiiially measured usiiig ihe hIslea1 cost mtwjcl and subs4uLIIY in¢surtd u51ng the rcvaluation model. '[1 dcprecialioii ral¢s Ih¢ilicth uscd iE re d15¢10$ in note l. Invcstment$ Fixed assei inv¢51m¢nLs in quthed sliare%, bond& and similpr invesimcnis arc valu¢d Ai iniiially at¢osi and subseqully at fair valu¢ (Ihcir Iiiadtci valucl at the yrdr¢nd. Ib¢ Mmc iyrdtiiicni 1$ applied to unlisi¢d 1nvcsiiniS unlcss fairvaluccannot bc m&isurcd rcligbly in vhich ease ii is incasiir¢d ai eosi IS iinpaiitneni. IiiVe51cls hcld for resale or pcnding Ihcir%ak and cash and ¢4sh e4uivdlenis With a maluriiy dair oficss ihan l yEaFare ireaied a5 currcnl asset invesmlents. Debtors Debtors Iin¢luding iradc debiors aiid loan5 retÈivablel aTe iii¢Jsured on initial rL'co£nilion ai seitlcineni amount after aAy irndc discounls or amouilt advanced bytlie cliariiy. SbSequentIy. thcyar¢ musurcd at ih¢ ¢a$h ar other con5idLYaiioii expectrd to be received. Currcn¢ $$et lJhV¢$tDJQiits The chariiyh35 inveslini& ¥vhieh li liol& forr¢sale or tnding Ilicir saic and cash a1 eash equivalthts with a maiurily dale less thdn onc r. Tli¢sc irtclllde 5h on deposit artd ca7 equivalent$ witli 8 iiiaturitydate of less than one yQttr held for inve$¢ment Pllrposcs rather than to mtti sljon *rni rommiimeiii& as ihcy fall duL. Thcy are valued at fairvaliic CAccpI whcrc they qualify 8$ b2sic finanri•l insirumenLS. Unrcstrictcd funds Rosiricted futtds Total fund$ 'ior year funds 3 AthAlysls of Incon DonatLOHS & l•ega¢iQS DDnalion5and Glfts GIftAid Lcgacies Generaigrants prowded bygoveinmenflothei Othe[ Income 153.462 18.508 27,760 181,221 18,508 25.84-, i.464 201,177 630 26.473 3,464 229,667 28J90 Cknarltahlt Aetii'iticy Fees 13.3?9 13,329 3.066 3,066 16.395 16,395 Other Tridlng Acrlvltie5 56.397 20 56.417 Renia15 Oih¢r 56J97 20 56,417 from InYcstmÈiblS Diwdend51investrnentlnCDme BaTrkand building50ciety inierest Reni from YestlIad or buildiiigs 4,050 (173 4.0Sti 1,564 41 5.055 308,133 890 4.764 275.7fy8 890 32.366
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year to 31st December, 2024 4 A£1}$ of Exptndituro Tbls Ytar [.451 Yr3r Unrtstrietod Restricted funds rund$ Unrostrlctod RcstTlried fllnds Total lunds Tot1 fund$ E%pondllurLi ra15ing lund5 842 licr 842 842 Charitablc uftivj¢re5 General P3rlsh Expenses Mainienanceol Churches Parochi81 Expensesolclerics other Ninistry Support Maintenanceof SerM¢es MaintÈn8nce Df Olherproperty Expectional Expenditure 29.0(12 72.007 10.670 55 6.360 29.062 85.993 10,670 55 6.360 53,902 14,561 13.986 4.648 OlherExpenditure 10.521 214.773 201.657 Separate ma¢trial iltm of¢xpen$c Diocesanshare 189,511k 189.5111 189.510 Other Oilier 392.009 4111125 5 PAid EEnploytt$ Tbls Ytar Last Yr 5.1 Siaff Costs Salurie5 gnd W#g¢4 SalJrics &nd wogcs Social securiryc05ts Pcnsion Id¢fincil contribuiion schen} Oihcrctnployw b¢n¢fiig 5.2 AveruEC heHdcovnt in tht This Year La$t Y¢ar Charitable AciivitiC5 Siipciidiaryclcrgy Jr¢ appointed and siippoNcd by ilic I)io¢cgo of Llandaty. Coniiibution% JfL iiiade by ilie chaniy 10 Ilie Diorcsc. wliiclj arc PLN)Icd Und Vscd to p&y elcrgy and ollicr Costs acr05S the Dioce5C. Tn1$¢5 tyr¢ voluntQCts and receive no remiin¢rdiiQrt paymcNts fium Ihe chariiy beyond TCitnbiir%ed expciiscs I7re e[C nv tran$¢iion% with Trnstecs orrelai¢d partlcs In tlieycar
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year to 31st December, 2024
FTc¢hold
14Jkd &
buildings
Other land &
bulldln
Fixturo4
rittinO$
èqulpment
6 Flxed Assets
rhiThtry
and motor
TotAI
6.1 C•st or Vthluatloii
Al tlir bcgihiiing of thcye4r
Additions
Revaluaiions
Disposals
Al of th¢ year
6.2 Dopre
Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Notes to the Financial Statetnents for the Year to 31st December, 2024 Blan£c5 brou¥ht forward Balan¢e5 rarri¢d forward 11 Chllrily Fuods Ineome Eypendlturc Tran5feTS Gainsl1055CS Current reporting ptriod Unre51rkied Si Aidan. Wiyrnncy Bridge Si Gwltsdys. Bargioed Parisli ofTrch11 rri8 Si M4ry and St Andrtw. Focliriw 1.304 474 33.481 15791 138.746) 152.2521 12.4641 124.8081 1.199 308.345 102.205 131)01 300.000 90.0 2.061 21.752 66.9?? 12.035 43.T16 {17,2271 7.536 73.016 7.335 200,iN)D 300.000 2n4.42 358.05? Holy Trinily. Yslrad Mynach Si Catwg. Gclligacr Si Margaret. Giifa¢h TalTR111lCY- ccntral Iloly Triniiy. Ysirlld m)a¢ll i&icl?en Fund St Gwladys Church 14all St Caiwg's Chiirch Repairs Elimination uf InterLonipany cnlNBS 16.9681 ?5.ffl0 I57.24) 188.876) (88.8761 10.000 795 21.LKK) 10.000 42.039 144.8071 300 21,000 3.263 143,Z4Q 275,767 1392,0081 5.174 893,263 925,436 Restricted Churcli Repairs chu11yFd Mainltnan¢L Futt HolyTriniiy Chiirch Yoi Si Caitsvs'5 and 51 MarÈrttets Restri¢kd St Tyf2eloB Rcstrieied St Margard% Wiiidow Rcpair% St MrPar¢I,S Resioraiion Fund 21.000 577 7.018 559 17.227 6.968 {?5.OWI 17.674 113.9861 41.448 17.008 610 19.089 2.458 5J,624 J2,366 15.1741 6&7110 PurpD5e ¥NI Rt$irlctlons St Catiwg's Cliur¢h Repllir5 ThLY fiinds havc b¢¢ll ¢ami8rkcd for thcChiiKh T¢pairs Ai St calS'S chvT¢ Churchyard MoiTht¢Datt¢È Fund Th15 fund iva$ owied with an express intEllti¢n io Ihe mainietsancc eosis iu the ChuhyTd ai St Mary's and Si AndrNv'$ Church in focliriw a£ 51aied to donurs tu Ihis fund from iniCPliOn. Htylw Tylnlty Churchvird This fund was seiup su linaDri'ihL' maintenance cos15 of IhcChur¢hyllrO ai Floly Trinily Chuych in Ysirad Myna¢h. St Catmg's and St IMargllre¢'$ Re$trS¢ted Re51rici 10 T¢p#irg and mainienancc ai Sl CaltW8'% aiid Si Maigam'8rhur¢h¢s. Sl Tyfackng Rcstrirlcil Rcsincied 10 Ttpairs and rnainnunce al Tyfaelo&t church St MgrEIITel's Window Ropairs The donorio Ihis fuiid lias CXPTCS51y siaied thoi shc des Ilial lh¢ fund k used stslely in CaY18 uui wiiidow ieptirs ai Si Margaret Cliurch in Gilfa¢h. St IMarg8Tet'5 Rt5tfyrJiion Fund R¢siri¢t¢d to eaicr forrcpairs and Inaintenancc eosis ai Si MarsJrCi Cljurch
The Taff Rhymney Ministry Area CIO Report and Statement of the TTUStees Year ending 31 Decembor 2024 The members oflhe MinistryArea Council (hereafter MAC}. who are also Trustees of the charity, present their report with financial statements of the Charily for the year ending 31 $1 December 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordan with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011. Accounts and Reporting by Charities.. Slatement of Recommended practice {SORP) and the Church in Wales Accounting Regulations. REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity Number 1208522 Registered Charity Address The Vicarage, Cedar Way, Yslrad Mynach. CF82 7DR Trustee Details.. The Trustees and Members ofthe MAC during the year were as follows.. Clergy The Reverend Sluart Tanswell (Ministry Area Leader) The Reverend Gary Powell The Reverend Gareth Coombes The Reverend Darren Lynch Church Wardens Mrs Sue Hankins Mrs Louise Lynch Treasurer Jane Gibson {August 2024) Secretary Angela Treheme (August 20241 Ministry Area Lay Chair Edward Williams-Price (until July 2024} Sue Rivers (August 2024) Trustees Emma-Jane Gummet-Preece Jeff Hankins Gaynor Middleton Arlene Samuels Vicky Morgan Pam Morgan Carolyn Corbin
Linda Bartlelt Sarah Sleadman (resigned September 20241 Sue Rivers lunlil July 20241 Lorraine Batten {Augusl 20241 Susan Mills (August 2024} Independent Examiner JLS & Co Accountants Limiled 112 Gilfach Street, Bargoed. CF81 8LQ. 01443 838501 Governing Document and organisational Structure The Church In Wales is a Province within the Anglican Communion and seeks to advance the Christian ligIOn though a worldwide mission. The MinistryArea ofTaff Rhymney was created by decree in 2021 and is part of the Diocese of Ll8ndaff. Taff Rhymney MA has 10 Churches.. st. Tyfaelog's Church, Ponyloltyn, St. Aidan's Church. Butelown, St Mary & StAndrew's Church Fochriw, Pentwyn, St Matthias Church, Treh8rris. Sl Mabons Church, Llanfabon , Sl Johns Church Nelson , Sl Gwladys Church Bargoed. St Catwgs Church, Gelligaer, St Margaret's Church, GiSfach Bargoed and Holy Trinity Chur¢h. Ystrad Mynach. MAC members are appointed for 1 year. Additionally, Wardens and the Lay Chair are appointed by the Bishop of Llandaff for terms of 3 years. Clergy are automatically members of the MAC. Induction and Training of New Trustees Trustee roles and responsibilities are comrnunicated verbally and through relevant do¢umenl8tion from the Charity Commission. All undertake Church in Wales Safeguarding Training. Whilst there is no formal induction training, Trustees are already members of the Church and so are aware of the goals and aims of the Church. Several are already Trustees for other organisalions. Objectives and Aims The objectives and aims of the charity a the promotion of the whole mission of Ihe Church, pastoral, evangelistic. social, and ecumenical in the Ministry Area {hereafter referred to as the MA}. Short lerm plans and objectives are agreed with the Diocese. It is the sponsibl11tY of the MAC and the Clergy to work together and co-operate in all matters of concern and importance lo the MA for the promotion of the objectives and aims. As required by the Charitie5 Act 2011, the MAC has given due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in respect of the operation of the public benefit
requirement. The actSvilies undertaken fulfil the MAC'S purpose for the public benefit, as described hereunder. Charitsble Activities and Maln Achievements The Ministry Area The main activities of the MA during the year have been to promote the mission of the Anglican Communion and spread the Gospel to the people of our communities. The MA provides pastoral care. including visiting the sick and local schools. and carries Out the usual weddings, baptisms, and funerals. The 10 churches of the MA are grouped in 5 Districts. Both the MAC and the District committees met regularly through the year. During the year the original model for the MAC struclure saw a change in the Trustee Board with the appointment of Sue Rivers as MA Lay Chair, Angela Treherne and MA Secretary and Jane Gibson as MA Treasurer in August 2024.The establishment of a Ministry Area Executive (comprising the Lay Chair, MA Leader, MA Treasurer, MA Secretary, Cler9y and MA Wardens) to formulate the agenda for MAC meetings and deal with key items to bring to the MA Council's attention. MAC meetings are now held every two months (formerly every quarter), meeting at venues around the MA to ensure fair and equal visibility to all our congre9ations. A number of Policies were adopted by the MAC in November 2024, namely= Social Media Policy., Complaints Policy., Conf5ict of Inleresl Policy; Whistleblowing Policy.. Equality and Diversity Policy., Trustee Expenses Policy- Heamh and Safety Policy (as laid down by Ecclesiastical Insurance is adopted by the Ministy Areal., The Church in Wales Safeguarding Policy is adopted by the Ministry Ar8a The MA works tirelessly to cover DBS security Ghecks across Communities. The process of ensuring all who n8ed to be screened is now in place with the appointment of a MA safeguarding Lead. The Rev Stuart Tanswell, MA Leader, announced that he would be moving to Swansea & Brecon Diocese in the new year and the process began lo find a replacement wf(h the assistance of Ihe Diocese. Financial Management and Revlew In 2024, we succeeded in finding 8 Treasurer who managed to bring District Treasurers together to gain an insight of the financial status across the MA. A number of changes were introduced. Firstly, a Central MA bank account was set up to meet common expenses. Secondly, the Diocese provided the services of Rev Peter Watson. Diocesan Finance Advisory Officer. together with a Bookkeeping and Accounting service to help the Treasurer in their role. Much of this was achieved by the end of 2024. Thus far, the Finance team has been successful in meeting the needs of the Minislry Area by managing on a District basis.
Over the year the income in each district saw a decline and this reflects the fall in congregation numbers and the reslricled incomes of individuals as the increasing cost of living continued to bile. The largest cost for Ihe Ministry Ar8a is the contribution to Ihe Diocese to meet costs of clergy and central costs such as safeguarding and training. The MA struggled lo meet this commitment, but the Diocese has been very supportive and is working with the MAto balance ils budget going forward. including a review of the level of contribution that Ihe MA can afford. Bringing the MA together remains challenging as movement outside the original parish structure saw people remain strongly loyal to their"lo¢al" church, but is moving in the right direction as people adjust to this significant change. The flow of food to local Foodbanks has been maintained in ongoing challenging lime5 experienced by our communities. Remembrance Sunday was marked at several locations. Some of the Remembrance were broadGasl lo a wider audienc8. The MA collaborated with the Diocese lo prepare an ongoing plan for future activities across the MA communities. The plan has reviewed through the mechanism of an Archdeacons visitation programme. In 2024 an evangelical plan has been created and lodged with the Diocese, a statement noting the condition of all the buildings and potential use of such buildings has similarly been lodged with the Diocese under the Archdeacons visilalion process. Our collective mission noted in our ongoing plan set in 2024 for 2Q25 onwards will be subject to regular Archdeacon's visitations. Fabric Review and Tasks Undertaken in Year. Maintaining our buildings remains a constant duty dealt with, and particularly the historic building5). The needs of each church are noted at MAC meetings and where possible and finances in place, faculties are agreed. A Monitoring and Compliance visit lo all churches in the Ministry Area had been completed in October 2024 by the Area Dean, with all aspects of church record keeping and re9islers conducted. The outcomes were good with a few items identified which have been addressed. During 2024 work has continued in respect of the Fabric of our Churches, churchyards and church halls. There have been no major works undertaken in the year. Minlstry Area- Main Achievements and Successes The Ministry Area IMA) has made significant contributions in both worship and community life over the past year. Alongside vibrant parish ministry, it has extended support lo several local foodbanks, providing a considerable weight of much-needed supplies for families in crisis. Below are highlights of achievements and aclivilies across our churches: St Gwladys Church. Bargoed Worship & Fellovtship.. Weekly Sunday Eucharist at 10.'OO am. wilh a monthly lay-led 'Morning Praise.
Thursday 10=00 am Eucharist, followed by coffee morning in the hall. Mothers, Ur)ion12nd Wednesday}, Tuesday prayer gatherings. Known for vibrant and enthusiastic worship, despite fluctuating attendance. Community Connections.. Strong partnerships with the British Legion (Remembrance Setvicesl and St Gwladys Primary School Ivisils. festival ¢elebrationsl. Church Hall- Community Hub.. For over a decade, hosted wide-ranging activitie5= SUPPOrt groups. charity evenls, clubs, and health initiatives. Current programmes include Fairshare food distribulion, craft and art groups, dance classes, coffee momings, and healthlweight ioss groups run by outside agencies. Upcoming.. Family Fun Day Ihalf-terml and new mother & loddler group. St Catwg's Church. Gelllgaer Building Renewal.. Refurbished Vestry., restored church floor. tower window, and exterior masonry. School Links.. Clergy and Reader serve as governors, lead assemblies, and welcome schools for HaNest and Christmas services. Pastoral Ministry.. Annual Candle lo Remember service offers comfort for bereaved familie5. Pilgrimage.. District group joins Glastonbury Pilgrimage annually for spiritual renewal. Community Hall- Neuadd St Calwg seNes both church and wider community, available for parties, meetings, and events. St Margaret's Chur¢h, Gilfach Bargoed Building Adaptations.. Window renovations planned.. pews replaced with chairs to improve flexibility. Community Engagement.. Weekly Community Dance Group. Bargoed Communiiy Choir (30 members), supported by Head 4 Arts and grants, led by soprano Ms. Ali Shone with repertoire spanning Mozart lo ABBA. St Tyfaelog's Church, Pontlottyn Services.. Regular Eucharists on Sundays and Wednesdays, plus seasonal servlces. Schools & Youth: Strong connections with local schools,. recent Bible-based activities for teenagers. Ecumenical Links.. Growing partnership wilh Elim Church, including a joint Christmas event. st Mary & St Andrew's Church. Fochriw. Pentwyn Small. faithful congregation Monthly Eucharist services remain a cherished Iradilion. St Aidan's Church, Butetown. Rhymney Bridge
Revival Story-. Reopened after Covid closure through passionate community petition. Worshlp.. Monthly non-Eucharislic services with new. diverse congregants. Mission Opportunity., Whole village engaged in preserving and growing the church. St Matthlas Church. Treharrls Worship & Music.. Welcomes congregations from Trelewis and Bedlinog,. maintains a strong choir tradition. Communlty Use of Hall.. Mental health support group. Food bank. 1st Merthyr Cubs & Beavers (youth developmenll. St Mabon's Church, Llanfabon Grade11 listed. with roots back to the 11 th century, a landmark of historic and spiritual significance. Hosts lfftdilional serVeS and unique events such as the Blessing of the Well. St John's Church, Nelson Worship.. Modern Catholic tradition-, Eucharist-centred. SeNices broadcast online. Community A¢tivities'. Tuesday coffee morning5,' Friday seasonal lunches. Environmental initiatives-. church tower home lo bam owls. hedgehog house and bird boxes installed. Social Action.. Hosts Taff Bargoed Foodbank {part of Trussell TnJst}- Runs St John's Food Co-operative & Community Larder. Partnerships: Supported by Nelson Rugby Club through fundraisers. Community Life-. Popularquiz nights at the Nelson Inn.. ongoing commitment to restore service pattems. Holy Trinity Church, Ystrad Mynach Worship.. Strong Anglo-calholic tradition. Weekly Said Eucharist. Sung Mass, and Evensong., weekday Eucharist on Wednesdays. Services (except early Sunday) live- streamed. Chur¢h Llfe.. Active committees and Mothers, Union. Refurbishments include new heating, lighting, sound system, live-streaming, disabled access, and new sealing. Facilities.. All Saints Room {adapted former crypt}- Large Churchyard with garden of remembrance. Church Hall.. Hosts community cinema club. schools, and organisations,. well- equipped with stage, kilchen, and modern facilities. Conclusion Across the Ministry Area. our churches continue to offer worship that is bolh traditional and innovative. while serving their comrnunities with compassion and creativity. From foodbanks and school partnerships to music, dan, and environmental initiatives, each congregation contributes to building the Kingdom of God in its own distinct way. Despite financial and
demographic ¢hallen9es, the commitmenl of clergy, volunteers. and local partners ensures that our churches remain vibrant centres of worship, outreach, and community life. Public Beneflt The benefit lo the public is a feeling of spiritual stability and freedom within the MA for the benefit of all God's people. This is exercised through the provision of regular public worship and pastoral work, including visiting the sick and bereaved-, the leaching of Christianity through Sermons. films, and small groups, plus the taking of Assemblies in local schools-, the promotion of Christianity through special services where possible. All of this is across ten weekly open and active Churches. Signed on behalf of the Board of Trustees: Susan Rivers. Lay Chair Dale .