2025-08-31-accounts

a Circuit ea aN id Accruals Accounts2024-2025

THE METHODIST CHURCH

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Alderley Edge and Knutsford Circuit

Registered Charity - Registration number

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Ministers eee OY Aa BANC Y eee
Rev Nick Thompson
Circuit Stewards nn 000,
Mrs E Hall
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ee nn Gn eS NameofCircuitAlderleyEdgeandKnutsford ee ee ee Statement ofFinancial Activities (SOFA) fortheyearended 31	ee nn Gn eS NameofCircuitAlderleyEdgeandKnutsford ee ee ee Statement ofFinancial Activities (SOFA) fortheyearended 31	ee nn Gn eS NameofCircuitAlderleyEdgeandKnutsford ee ee ee Statement ofFinancial Activities (SOFA) fortheyearended 31	ee nn Gn eS NameofCircuitAlderleyEdgeandKnutsford ee ee ee Statement ofFinancial Activities (SOFA) fortheyearended 31	ee foreNot eeee August2025 ee	ee foreNot eeee August2025 ee	ee foreNot eeee August2025 ee	ee foreNot eeee August2025 ee	ee foreNot eeee August2025 ee
Notes to the General Fund —__fatcounts	(Unrestricted)	(Unrestricted) Leenaeee		e Income _ 1 Donations andlegacies	2_Income from monetaryinvestments_ £2,899 3Incomefrominvestmentproperties	= i		CircuitModel
4Assessments on Churches 5 Capital Receipts_ ee 6 Grantsreceived es ee 7 Othercharitable income S	SSS 8Total income i	£236,203 £18,000 £40,894 £297,997	£22,252		£0		£0
Expenditure								__ —
9 Grantsanddonations								_—«O
10Salaries and associated costs ; 11Propertymaintenance + 12Connexional assessment& model trustlevy—_ 13 District Assessment&Levyy	14Depreciation Z 15 Office expenses 7 16Otheroutgoings	17Total charitableexpenditure		18 Gains/(losses) on monetaryinvestments	£184,320 £18,127 £66,663 £9,524 £6,031 £284,664	£27,139 £27,139		£0
19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20Netincome/(expenditurey =		£13,333		£4,887			£0)
21 Transfers betweenfunds								iO
22 Other gains/(losses)
23Netmovementinfunds	24Total funds broughtforward_	£13,333 £1,379,791	£4,887 £491,614		£0		£0

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Name of Circuit: Alderley Edge and Knutsford

No 1/1

Declarations and Scrutiny

| confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit meeting.

Signature of treasurer ne ENE) ccccertintntreteeeeDate,.... Ot! 20846. Name and address of treasurer 11 Rowley Way, Knutsford, WA16 9AU

Presentation to the Circuit meeting

| confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 will be presented to the Circuit meeting held on: 19/03/2026 Signature of the Chair of the meeting: eset he Name of the Chair of the meeting: Rev Alan Bradley Date ae ee et .

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Alderley Edge and Knutsford Circuit

Charity Number 1127258

Responsibilities and basis of report

: | report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Alderley Edge and Knutsford Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 1 to 3. As the Circuit's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

| report in respect of my examination of the Circuit's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

• delete or circle as appropriate

Name of Circuit Alderley Edge and Knutsford

No 1/14

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Independent Examiner’s Statement

[The Circuit's gross income exceeded £250,000 and | am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member 0) al ces F

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• e the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or e the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or

• e the accounts do 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 *

• e the trustees’ annual report is not consistent with the accounts *

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

| Tave/have not* obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner 1.. > Name of independent examiner: BRIAN STARCER cece

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner: ...... AXTD.AL bes tee eee eeeeueees

Nameoffirm (where appropriate): so eneasuttttatann eevessesuivuesietteseteeisvettesisseeeeee Address: ......209.,... GROVE. (FARR occ cose ccccescesces costes vescestesestestescessesevesveseee cocci SRMUTS FORD, CHESHIRE Post Code: WAI, EQR PL Date: ceed DT OORRCH BOWS

• delete or circle as appropriate

Alderley Edge and Knutsford Methodist Circuit Circuit Reserves Policy 2024-2025

The Circuit seeks to use all its assets for its charitable purposes, whilst continuing to secure and maintain the Circuit's financial viability. It seeks to set a balanced revenue budget, in order that the ongoing normal costs of ministry, mission and management are met from investment income, grants and donations, and Circuit Assessment.

In order to meet its ongoing financial obligations - including the payment of stipends and of District and Connexional assessments quarterly in advance - and to meet unforeseen circumstances, the Circuit needs to maintain sufficient free reserves. These reserves would enable the Circuit to maintain its mission and : ministry in the short term if, for whatever reason, individual Churches encounter difficulties in paying their assessments.

1. General reserves

At 31st August 2025 general reserves totalled £580,562 which include funds held in the Co-operative Bank, Central Finance Board, CMTF (see 2), Model Trust Bequest (see 3) and Endowment Funds (see 4). This includes the benefit of the additional canital receint from the sale of Over Peover Methodist Church and land at Mobberley. Funds held with TMCP are neither designated nor restricted so are included in our reserves.

Our policy is to maintain 3 months of general expenditure in reserves. Expenditure in 2024/25 was £284,664 thus requiring a reserve of approximately £71,166. In addition, we have three manses which need to be maintained and always carrya risk of significant repair or needing significant renewal. Whilst there is an allowance in the budget for this, Circuit Meeting have agreed the use of CMTF for significant works. Allowing for £125,000, which Circuit Meeting have agreed is for use by Mobberley Methodist Church, Circuit held funding for 19 months in reserves.

2. Circuit Model Trust Fund

This totals £450,798 and represents a further unrestricted fund, held with TMCP. It was agreed by Circuit Meeting that Mobberley Methodist Church have access to a part of these funds as they were from the sale of the tennis court adiacent to the manse. Their portion of CMTF currently stands at anoroximatelv . £125,000 leaving the Circuit £325,798. Each year, total funds attract a District levy which amounted to £25,541 for 2024/2025.

3. Model Trust Bequests

These funds total £35,929

4. Endowment funds

These funds total £711

2024/2025

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Alderley Edge and Knutsford Methodist Circuit Trustees’ Annual Report 2024-2025

Circuit Mission Statement

Growing healthy Churches which are rooted in Christ

Alderley Edge and Knutsford was formed as a new Circuit in 1864 growing out of the Macclesfield Circuit and has been enabling the mission of the Methodist Church in the local towns and villages ever since. Situated in a rural area of North East Cheshire, the Circuit comprises churches in Alderley Edge, Knutsford and in the villages of Mottram St Andrew, Mobberley and Plumley. The Circuit is part of the North West District.

Our Purpose:

The Alderley Edge and Knutsford Circuit exists to nurture and grow healthy Churches which are rooted in Christ, to reflect the love of God to all people so that we may all be transformed by knowing and following Jesus.

Our Vision:

We believe the Christian faith is fostered in communities of love where Christ is at the centre. We have a desire to work with God’s Spirit to see our Churches grow, to foster new communities of faith, to enable passionate worship, intentional faith development, loving service, and caring mission.

Our Way of Working:

• e To develop and encourage teams across the Circuit.

• "Provide weekly staff prayer for all Circuit employees, * Ensure regular ministerial staff meetings. "Hold regular CLT meetings anda retreat day each year. " Host quarterly Local preachers meetings. * Circuit finance group, Property Stewards Group and Treasurers meetings as required.

• e To communicate in an open, transparent and encouraging way.

• We will utilise the quarterly magazine to share news, encouragement and events.

• " Seek to develop web site and Facebook page as a resource, to promote what is going on across Circuit.

• =" Share ideas and opportunities within the CLT and across the Circuit to identify key areas for growth.

• =" Encourage participation in Circuit meetings.

• e Toseek to share and develop resources to fulfil our vision.

• " Discern people’s gifts, encourage and equip them for ministry. * Provide training for worship leaders, house group leaders, local preachers etc. * Begin conversations aroundfewer church councils and new ways of sharing responsibility.

• " Provide teaching on generous and sacrificial giving.

• e To work collaboratively where possible, looking to develop ecumenical links and partnership working with other agencies.

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• = Review the opportunities for working together. " Ministers to actively work in churches together groups. = Engage with the new District Mission Plan and mission opportunities in Cheshire East.

• e Toensure safeguarding of all.

• = We are committed to our Safeguarding policy and will seek to share and monitor good practice, provide training, and respond well.

e To maintain good governance and financial integrity.

• "= We will train and equip members of the Circuit meeting and church council trustees in their responsibilities under CPD and Charity Law.

• " Instigate the clear policy on CMTF (Circuit Model Trust Fund) grants. " The Circuit will model good practise.

Charity Aims and Objectives

The Charity objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Alderley Edge and Knutsford for the Methodist Church:

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of:

• e The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church

• e Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church

• e Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

• e Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

Aims and objectives will be met by:

• e the organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike

• e the teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups

• e the resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved e taking religious assemblies in local schools

• e promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services

Financial Aims

• e Tosecure and sustain the Circuit’s viability and future e To give reassurances to the general public that the Circuit, which is a charity, intends to use all of the money coming into its care for the purposes of the charity

Financial Overview

The annual accounts include all funds held by the Circuit Meeting as Charity Trustees. Our Reserves Policy relates to our general (unrestricted) funds which are freely available to be used for any or all of the purposes of the Circuit.

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Other funds are also included for the sake of clarity and openness and to show that the Circuit has a policy for the management of all its money not simply those which are defined as reserves.

Income

• Circuit income is drawn from the assessment paid by the circuit churches and is used to provide for: e the ministerial oversight and pastoral care of five local churches in the circuit e the support of a ministry team of three presbyteral ministers and three lay workers: Circuit Administrator; Children and Families Worker; Pastoral Worker

• e the maintenance of the three Circuit manses e the maintenance of Over Peover graveyard e the maintenance of Snelson graveyard

Expenditure 2024/2025

• ¢ Stipend expenditure and salaries for Lay Workers increase each financial year in line with conference approved increases. Lay workers are paid the Living Wage

i The Charity Commission have agreed that it is appropriate for the trustees to set a policy for the management of funds held with TMCP. The policy is that these funds are to be used for general Circuit purposes: ministerial expenses, manse repairs and decoration, maintenance of the graveyard at Over Peover, promotion of the work of God in the Circuit. A Circuit Grants Committee, agreed at the Circuit Meeting and made up of members of that meeting, is now in place to assess requests for funding.

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard

Trustees

Appointment of Trustees

As at August 2025, there were 34 members of the Circuit Meeting made up of:

• e Presbyteral Ministers

• e Circuit Stewards

• e Circuit Officers

• and from each church in the Circuit:

• e the Senior Church Steward

• e the Church Treasurer

• e representatives appointed by each Church Council

Trustee Training

The leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church, provided by Methodist Connexion, is given to all new Circuit meeting members as an induction to their role as trustees. Training is ongoing

Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit

Structure, Governance and Management

The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)

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Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).

Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team.

Risk Management

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Leadership Team with professional advice taken as required.

There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.

Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:

• e the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults e the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable e the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

• e we will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

• e we will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

• e we will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

• e we will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

• e we will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

• e inall these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice

The Alderley Edge and Knutsford Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.

The Alderley Edge and Knutsford Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

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