The Parish Trust is facing a significant transition as it prepares to vacate its headquarters at St. Thomas’ Church in Trethomas by 22nd December 2024. This move marks the end of a period during which the charity worked tirelessly to secure a permanent home. However, despite extensive efforts, The Parish Trust has been unable to complete the purchase of a freehold building to house its headquarters within the 12 month timeframe of the lease given to the charity by the Church in Wales.
Falling Through of the Freehold Purchase
The charity had entered into extensive negotiations in early 2024 to purchase a freehold property, which was intended to serve as the new headquarters for The Parish Trust and accommodate its growing operations. However, despite proactively working to secure completion, delays in the legal process meant that time was limited for the charity to both complete on the purchase and make the necessary building alterations required to enable The Parish Trust to move in.
In addition, a key funder who had initially agreed to support the purchase of the property withdrew their offer. This decision was made because the necessary expansion of the charity could not be achieved within such a short timeframe. With this financial backing lost, The Parish Trust faced further obstacles in securing the property and ultimately had to abandon the purchase.
Legal Situation and Lease with the Church in Wales
For several months, The Parish Trust has been in discussions with the Church in Wales regarding a possible extension to the lease at St. Thomas’ Church in Trethomas. While recognising that the original lease offered no promises or automatic right to an extension, the charity felt it was necessary to explore the possibility. Unfortunately, despite these discussions, the Church in Wales declined the request for an extension. This decision means that The Parish Trust must vacate St. Thomas’ Church by 22nd December 2024. As a result, the charity is now seeking alternative premises while continuing its search for a permanent home.
Securing a New Unit on Bedwas House Industrial Estate
In response to these challenges, The Parish Trust has secured the lease of a unit on Bedwas House Industrial Estate, which will now serve as the base for the CARE Project. This vital service, which supports individuals and families in need, will continue uninterrupted. The charity has secured an initial three-year lease for the unit, allowing time for the CARE Project to grow and develop. The move into the new space is expected to be completed by January 2025, ensuring a smooth transition for this important project. The Parish Trust is very grateful to the Landlord who confirmed the lease in a very timely manner and has been very accommodating to the charity.
Rev. Dean Aaron Roberts, CEO of The Parish Trust, remarked on this significant move:
“While it is disappointing that we couldn’t finalise the purchase of a permanent headquarters, we are incredibly grateful to have secured a unit at Bedwas House Industrial Estate to continue our CARE Project. This period of transition brings challenges, but we remain committed to serving our community and achieving the dream of reopening Bryn Hall. We deeply appreciate all the support we’ve received so far and will continue to communicate our progress every step of the way.”
Update on Bryn Hall
The Parish Trust will now focus on the renovation and reopening of Bryn Hall in Trethomas. This project has received overwhelming support from the local community and is essential for the charity’s youth, children’s, and community outreach programmes. In support of this project, The National Lottery has awarded The Parish Trust a £100,000 grant, money which they confirmed can be used to help fund the reopening of Bryn Hall. Although there is still considerable work to be done, this financial backing is a crucial step forward in making the project a reality. Further updates on the progress of Bryn Hall will be shared as the renovation continues.
What This Means for Our Projects
The Parish Trust is confident that many of its remote and online projects will continue without interruption, and the organisation is actively developing creative solutions to ensure the continuity of its in-person activities. While the move from St. Thomas’ Church will bring some changes, particularly for youth and children’s programmes, this period of transition is viewed as an opportunity for growth and innovation.
The Youth and Children’s team is already exploring new partnerships and venues to enhance the delivery of these important services. The Parish Trust remains committed to ensuring minimal disruption and will keep families and participants fully informed as these new opportunities emerge.
Mrs. Diane Brierley, Chair of Trustees, expressed optimism about the future:
“We are so grateful for the continued support from the community as we navigate this transition. While moving out of St. Thomas’ Church will involve effort, we see it as an opportunity to strengthen the organisation and expand our reach. We are confident that, with the creativity and dedication of our team and supporters, we can continue to grow and thrive. Thank you for your ongoing belief in our mission, and we look forward to sharing the exciting progress ahead.”
The Parish Trust remains dedicated to its mission and approaches this new chapter with resilience and optimism. With the support of the community, the organisation is confident in its ability to continue delivering impactful services while expanding and adapting to meet future challenges.
How You Can Help
As The Parish Trust prepares for this transition, volunteers and resources will be vital to ensuring a smooth move. The charity is asking for support in the form of time, skills, or resources to help facilitate the relocation process. As always, The Parish Trust is also seeking financial donations from anyone who is able. Donors can make their donation online at https://theparishtrust.org.uk/donate
The Parish Trust remains committed to its mission, and despite the challenges ahead, the team is optimistic about the future. Further updates on the transition, as well as key milestones and events, will be shared with the community as they happen.
For more information on how you can assist or support The Parish Trust during this time, please email office@theparishtrust.org.uk
