2024-08-31-accounts - Saltash Wesley Methodist Church

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Saltash Wesley Methodist Church

Annual Church Meeting

Annual Reports 2024 – 2025

Sunday 2 March 2025, 12 noon

SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH (Charity Number 1127542) MEMBERS OF THE CHURCH COUNCIL

		Date elected.
MINISTER:	Rev Jonathan Budd
CHURCH COUNCIL SECRETARY:	Caroline Hambly	07/03/21
CHURCH TREASURER:	Anita Thompson	01/05/15
CHURCH STEWARDS:(Senior Steward)	Joy Amies	13/03/22
	Elspeth Nicolls	01/05/19
	Rosemary Witts	07/03/21
	Sandra Kowalski	12/03/23
	Bob Austin	17/03/24
	Jo Lambourne	17/03/24
CIRCUIT STEWARDS:	Julian Langston	26/04/23
CIRCUIT STEWARD REPRESENTATIVE:	Linda Eastlake	13/03/22
MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE:
Chairman	Bob Austin	01/01/24
Representative	Roger Thompson	13/03/22
MISSION COMMITTEE:
Representative	Elspeth Nicolls
PASTORAL COMMITTEE:
Secretary	Gill Matthews
FAMILY AND YOUNG PEOPLE:
Representatives	Robert Hambly	01/05/15
MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS:	Craig King
MBARE/SALTASH PARTNERSHIP:
Representative	Marguerite Smith
SAFEGUARDING:	Catherine Noakes
DIRECTOR OF MUSIC:	Phil Taylor
CHURCH COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES:
Kirsten Riches – 01/05/12
Peter Clements – 01/05/14
Don Phillips – 01/05/14
David Lambourne – 01/05/17
Steve Tait – 01/01/24
Derek Holley – 17/03/24		Oct 2024

Introduction from the Minister

Another year has come and gone in the life of our church, 2024 being a year which brought many surprises and changes and for many difficulties, but we continue to move on together. Once again, it is my pleasure to write an introduction to the annual church meeting reports add to thank all those who've contributed to the reports but also, of course, all those whose work these reports represent. Wesley has a broad and varied programme of activities which reach into our local community as well as serving those who are part of our worshipping congregation. In these reports you will find a reflection of that.

A year ago, I wrote to you as we were preparing for a press launch of our newly decorated areas in the foyer and Room 3. Over the past twelve months the change in those spaces has proven a huge boost to our welcome, and people enjoy being in them. With such a large footfall through the building and many opportunities to offer hospitality and host groups, this is one part of our life that is going from strength to strength (and if you have any doubts about that, just walk past on the Tuesday morning when the Little Fishes toddlers and their parents are enjoying tea and toast served up by our volunteers!)

The change of circuit into a new expanded group has seen new people around leading our worship, and in September we were able to host a magnificent launch service for the South East Cornwall Circuit. The presence of the chair of district, Revd Dr Dan Haylett, who preached, and several District ‘Mission Leads’ and numerous ecumenical and community guests gave us a great start together and I know the way Wesley hosted the event was widely appreciated.

Practical considerations continued to be dealt with by the stewards, the management committee, our very able treasurer, our Pastoral secretary, and others. One change upon us now is in administration, and you will know that Joanna Couch who has served us as Wesley administrator for over a decade is moving on from that position to work full time for the circuit. We will say our thanks at the annual church meeting, but it will be very hard to sum up how much Joanna has been able to help us achieve as a church, and the hugely positive impact she has had as the welcoming, pastorally sensitive and responsive presence in the office day by day. Very much a hard act to follow in that role, nevertheless we are hoping soon to appoint someone to fill the post. Meanwhile, our volunteers will help keep things ticking over.

In the morning service before our Annual Church Meeting, we will be thinking about the story of Philip ‘the Evangelist’ from the Book of Acts. Philip was a person chosen to serve a very practical need in the early Jerusalem church, of organising food distribution among a part of the community that had been neglected. He was chosen, says the Bible, because he was full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom. He served at tables but went on from that important ministry to become a tremendous a witness for Jesus much further afield. It strikes me that as a church we will always need people to fill roles, but the greatest qualification for the Christian servant is to have the life of God evident in them as they offer their service. Work and witness go hand in hand and always have

done in the life of church. And we never know what God might have in store for us in the future, new roles, new opportunities.

As I close this introduction, I want to pay tribute for a moment to members who have ‘passed into glory’ in 2024. Among them, Mel Wallis, for example, was someone who understood being servant and having a godly heart, being practical and seeking God, and along with the others we miss him and continue to pray for Dot and all who feel acutely the absence of a loved one, recently or long since departed.

As circumstances change and life moves on, being willing to move where God spirit is leading and adapt is essential, and maintaining our spiritual fitness is a priority, even as we look for more to help join the work. We all have a part to play, and we thank God for those who have helped us to where we are. In faith, we look for what is next.

With love in Christ, Jonathan Revd Jonathan Budd, Minister.

Report from the Senior Steward

It was good that we started our year with six stewards. It was sad to see Derek leave us, although he has been a great support for me this year in many ways. We were pleased to welcome Jo Lambourne as a new steward. Jo had been my vestry steward, and we work well together, so I was especially pleased that she agreed to be a Steward.

We have had new people join both the 9.15 and 10.30 services. Thank you for welcoming them. I often go to speak to them only to be told that they have been welcomed as they came in, or by the person next to them. It is lovely to see new faces, and hopefully you will all get to say hello to them all too. There is an opportunity to meet at the 10am services when it is ‘All Church Together’ service.

Our church has had a makeover both outside and inside. The refurbishment of Room 3 was celebrated with an event attended by congregation, and visitors with links to the project, and the mayor came too. The Foyer also had some refurbishment, including a new carpet which must be taken up as a fault has appeared. However, the Lounge is now going to have a makeover and some of the good carpet will go in there.

Our Church has hosted various events SEA Environment Day, Hustings for the Election, and the towns Lantern Parade. Wesley was the venue for the Launch of SE Cornwall Circuit Service. As well as the various, Clinics, Concerts, Music Festivals and our Annual Carol Service. The feedback from these events this year has been very positive, not only on the facilities offered, but the friendly welcome received. To extend this welcome we have produced a welcome card, which can be given to anyone who would like to know more about us, and to leave their details if they would like to be contacted by us.

Both Harvest and the Advent Services were well supported, both with attendance, and gifts of food, toys and money. We would like to acknowledge the generous giving over the last year to various causes. Your gifts have been greatly received. Also, to the generous amount of time you give to Wesley Church, not just on a Sunday, but during the week. I could fill a few pages with a list of things that are supported by you the congregation. Just know that we, as a group of Stewards, do appreciate what you do, and thank you. It is your actions that help make Saltash Wesley Church the Church it is. That just leaves me to thank, my Stewards for their support this year, we each have our strengths, and together we have covered each other’s weaknesses. It has been a great team to work with alongside Jonathan. To my Vestry Stewards Jo and Ann, and all the vestry stewards, they are often overlooked but highly valued. Thank you to Elspeth and the ex-Stewards for their advice, and guidance. To my team of non- stewards who have helped me in many ways, especially those who have looked for things for me in the loft, and brought them down, or took them back up!

It is a privilege to be voted to be a Steward by the congregation, thank you for your support over the last 3 years and your continued support for Saltash Wesley Church. I know you will support Bob Austin as he takes my place.

Joy Amies

Pastoral Report

In the past year I’ve taken over the role of Pastoral Secretary.

The membership numbers have increased slightly during the year and now stand at 109. This is due to people moving into the area. However, Revd Jonathan is planning to run membership classes later this month as there has been some fresh interest expressed, particularly since the covenant service, so hopefully this should lead to a further increase in the numbers.

We now have ‘Welcome to Wesley’ cards which invite new people attending the church to complete if they want to know more about church activities. They are available at the church and can also be given out by Links when visiting if appropriate.

We are still looking for new Pastoral Links, to keep the group sizes manageable, especially as membership increases, so if this is something you think that you might like to do, please contact me. We have a strong tradition of pastoral care at Wesley and would like to encourage more people to be involved. Gillian Matthews

9:15 AM – Services at Wesley

Over the past year, 09:15 Worship has continued weekly at Wesley, enjoying the 10 o'clock All Church Together services too. We have been ‘on tour’ at Landrake each quarter, and the worship there is well attended both by 09:15 usuals and those from the village. Given enough notice, St Michael’s join for those services too, and the chapel then is full. We’ve also had a couple of testimony services which have been so positive.

This time last year we were in the middle of our lent series on the ‘I am’ sayings of Jesus. Between Easter and Pentecost we learnt about different aspects of the Holy Spirit. This was followed by a dip into the Old Testament, on the ups and downs of David. After a break for August, we began a longer series on the Methodist Way of Life, a refresher on all those things we do as individuals and as church as we follow Jesus. We had an Advent interlude finding ‘calm and bright’ aspects in the stories of different nativity characters. More recently we’ve looked at Peter, Stephen and Paul from Acts, as a lead into a lent series on the book of Colossians.

It has been really encouraging to see the children’s work developing particularly and I am grateful to those who co-ordinate and help the young people learn each week. The band continues to help us learn new songs and we’ve gained a guitarist recently too.

Three band members are training to be Worship Leaders, and the course is a big undertaking - they will value your prayers as they progress.

A big thank you to Caroline, Paul, Robert & Michael for regularly serving breakfast and clearing up too – it’s a big sacrifice, and the breakfast team is looking for new members!

Fiona Budd – 09:15 Coordinator

Café Church

Since the last Annual Church Meeting Café Church has taken place at 5 p.m. on the 2[nd] Sunday of each month except August.

We have had guests on 10 occasions, and they have either given us a presentation or been interviewed. They were: Penny Whitell; Louise James, Callington Methodist Church Child and Family worker; representatives from Storybook Dads; Rev Darren Middleton, on the Methodist Church ‘New Places for New People’ ; Phil Jordan; Simon Privett, of Epilepsy Action; Rev Laura Bushell Hawke, of Saltash Church of England Team Ministry; Penny Bishop, Head of Newton Ferrers C of E Primary School; Kennedy and Tendai Mutesva, of Eagle Healthcare; Rev Stuart Reed.

In addition, in December The Mustard Seeds Choir gave us a rendering of ‘The Inn Crowd’.

From the donations received at the tea we have made donations to Storybook Dads, Parkinsons, Epilepsy Action, and Wesley Gift Day.

During the year we mourned the loss of Mel Wallis, who was instrumental in the original setting up of Café Church and had been responsible for inviting many of our guests over the years.

Bob Mahy

Mbare/Saltash Partnership

The Partnership Committee continues to meet bimonthly to share and publish news from Mbare, to promote the links between Saltash Wesley and Mbare Methodist Church, to organise the monthly prayers, to arrange fundraising events and to send much-needed help to Zimbabwe.

We have continued to send money to Mbare three times a year for food and health relief and for school fees for the children, and an extra amount for food parcels just before Christmas. We do receive regular reports from Mbare on the Partnership ‘WhatsApp’ about how the money has been used, with videos of the recipients and illustrative photographs.

This has been made possible by the very generous regular donations made by many members of Wesley. Also, we have organised several fund-raising events during the year, and these have been most enjoyable social occasions and have involved people from the Saltash community.

We also support the Matthew Rusike Children’s Home in Harare, which has been going through a very hard financial time. For example, they have had to cut down the number of children they support and have not been able to pay the staff for several months. Our main fund-raiser for this being the Christmas Card in the foyer, and we give thanks to Lily Couch for designing the card displayed at Christmas. We have also allocated to the Home some of the money raised at events.

We are now due to send a group from Wesley to Mbare in 2026. We are hoping that this will give the opportunity for anyone to understand the reality of the Partnership – and have a very exciting experience!

Ruth Mahy

Little Fishes- Baby and Toddler group

Little Fishes parent/carer, baby and toddler sessions are busier than ever, with 25-35 children each week. About half these families also regularly enjoy Tea and Toast upstairs before the session.

The monthly Saturday morning Coffee, Cake and Play sessions are becoming more popular and it is lovely to see so many past and present Little Fishes families attending.

A couple of our church families are regular attendees of Little Fishes, and it has been good to see some other Little Fishes families attending the carol service and the 9.15. service.

Thank you as always to everyone who enables Little Fishes to be such a valuable part of Saltash Wesley. A special thank you to Table Tennis club for putting the mats, tables and chairs out each Monday evening, the great team of volunteers who help with tea and toast, drinks and fruit preparation, planning, setting/ clearing up and, of course, all who help within the sports hall during the sessions.

Little Fishes Team

Tuesday Youth Group (11-18yrs)

We meet every week during term time, 6:30 – 8:00 PM, in the Sports hall and coffee bar at Wesley. We currently have up to 6/7 young people aged 15-17.

Our aim is to create a safe space where young people can hang out, socialise, and have fun. Through our Christian focused activities and discussion time we encourage the young people to look beyond their own worlds, past what is comfortable, and into a world of faith, challenge, and following Jesus.

Summer Beach BBQ

The session starts with sports in the hall or playing games and pool in the coffee bar. We then share a meal of pizza, chips, cakes, and fruit. After the meal we have a short time of Christian focused activities and discussion time, usually finishing with a prayer.

Youth Group Team

Holiday Club (4-11yrs)

Holiday Club We have been working in partnership with the Time2Move holiday Club initiative through Cornwall Council. This aims to provide a limited number of spaces completely free, to children who are eligible for free school meals, aged 4 – 11 years. This year we have had an Easter, Summer holiday and Christmas Kids Clubs, with an average of 40 children attending per session. We usually have 20 paid spaces (open to everyone) and 20 funded spaces for FSM children.

This is a great way to build links with our local community and help to support local families in need. At each Kids Club we provide sports activities, games, arts and crafts, a hot nutritious meal for lunch, stories and singing, all with a Christian based story and theme. Thank you to our amazing Children’s work team for all that they do!

Wesley Children’s Work Team

Holiday Club – summer 2024

Tuesday Lunch Prayers

Every Tuesday at 1 PM we have a WhatsApp group video call of currently up to 6/7 people, we usually have quick catch up and think about our focus for the prayers, then we have a timed 10 minutes of prayer. This group was originally set up to pray for the 9:15 AM service, for growth and a deeper understanding of the Christian Faith. If you would be interested in joining this group call, please contact the Wesley Church Office.

Wednesday Morning Prayers

12 individuals or couples pray at home every Wednesday morning between 8.30 AM and 9.00 AM (or as near to that time as they can). Every Tuesday an email is circulated suggesting prayer topics, starting with Wesley and the Circuit, going on to national and international situations, and ending with names of individuals in particular need of our prayers. If you would like to join us, please let me know, and if you would like us to pray for you or someone else, please contact me.

Bob Mahy

Thursday Bible Study

One of several house groups and Bible studies that run at the church, our Thursday morning online bible study continues. In December we completed 18 months working through the Acts of the Apostles and have now moved into the Gospel of John. We meet twice per month (usually on 1st and 3rd Thursdays), and if you would appreciate some good discussion and learning about scripture you would be very welcome to join in, even if you feel you are a real beginner with the Bible. You will find the Zoom links often on the weekly notices or contact a Church steward for more information. We meet from 10-11.30 AM.

Wesley Community Coffee Shop and Warm Spaces

The Wesley Community Coffee Shop is open to the whole of our community Monday to Saturday from 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Since the refurbishment of the foyer area attendance has increased with many regulars who meet to enjoy hot drinks, pastries and biscuits, conversation and fellowship.

We prioritise sourcing Fairtrade products and continue to purchase our filter coffee from Indigo Coffee, an ethical, sustainable and carbon neutral supplier. We also try to ensure that products purchased locally from Waitrose or Co-op are Fairtrade. It has been great to again open our church premises for longer hours this winter by offering freshly cooked nutritious soup and a warm crusty roll on Wednesdays and a Jacket Potato Lunch with a variety of fillings on a Thursday. Most weeks we are also able to provide cakes and occasionally fruit which has been well received. The lunches

have been well supported by both our congregation and many in our community who may otherwise be lonely or in need. Attendance has risen compared to last winter, with over 70 participants recorded over the two days in the last week of January. It's delightful to hear the buzz of lively conversations following the meal.

Once again, we were grateful to receive a grant from National Grid via Local Giving towards our energy costs owing to the extended opening hours. We have also been able to work in partnership with Saltash Foodbank to whom we are most grateful for the provision of fresh vegetables and our local Co-operative store who have been able to provide surplus bread, rolls and occasionally vegetables and fruit which may otherwise have gone to waste. Without the support of these organisations our Warm Spaces lunches may not have been able to continue. The lunches operate on a pay as you are able basis, so that no-one feels excluded. Remarkably during the winter of 2023-24 we received surplus donations totalling £1,367 which have been allocated to our Benevolent Fund to assist those in need.

Through our Warm Spaces project we are continuing to support disadvantaged individuals in our community, particularly those facing homelessness. This year there has been a demographic shift because Cornwall Council now utilise the Travelodge and the Croft as temporary accommodations, significantly reducing rough sleeping on the streets. However, these individuals often lack cooking facilities making our provision of hot breakfasts featuring bacon or sausages, eggs, beans and toasts with a hot drink vitally important. We can also offer sandwiches, pasties, cup-a-soup or pot noodles to take away.

We are committed to developing connections with various support agencies, including St Petrocs, With You (a charity aiding those experiencing drug and alcohol addiction), council housing officers and mental health support professional officers enabling us to effectively signpost those in need. We are grateful to the members of our congregation and community who have provided clothes and shoes which are passed on to the needy when required.

This past year we were honoured to be invited to become a Warm Welcome Champion Space which involves participating in online meetings with other organisations engaged in similar initiatives to share ideas and experiences. It was particularly encouraging to read in the Warm Welcome online publicity recently a quote from one of our regular attendees which states:-

"It's nice to come here, knowing there are people in the community that can help. Most of all, I think the best part about Wesley church is the friendly atmosphere and the willingness to help people that are disadvantaged”.

We were also fortunate to receive a £1,000 grant from Warm Spaces, which allowed us to purchase a coffee machine, new coffee flasks, mugs, latte glasses, cappuccino cups, and soup plates. As a result, we can now provide a selection of specialty coffees. Finally, we would not be able to run our coffee shop and Warm Spaces project without the support of our dedicated team of volunteers for whom we are immensely grateful. Some of team are elderly and facing health challenges, so if you would be able to spare about 2½ hours of your time once a month to help it would be very much appreciated.

Please continue to support our coffee shop so we can continue to reach out and welcome the whole of our Saltash community into our building. This outreach is especially valuable to the needy members of our society including those who are currently homeless, lonely or disadvantaged and is a significant aspect of our Church’s mission and outreach.

The Warm Spaces Team

S.T.A.R.T Ecumenical Men’s Group

We are an ecumenical group of Saltash Christian Men who

meet on a social basis. Our membership at the end of 2024

was 24 with an average monthly attendance of around 13. We

have very diverse set of Christian faiths amongst us which

always make for a good conversation piece during our times together.

During the winter months, we tend to meet for inside events

such as museums, talks and most importantly “eating out”. The Summer months we go out and about. We then finished off the

year with a Christmas meal. We always meet on the 3rd Friday

of each month.

My thanks to all those who arranged these visits – it is our ploy for members to arrange

twelve meetings per year between us. We had our AGM in January 2025 meetings were arranged.

Our programme is as follows: -

Date Meeting & Activity Time Organiser 17 Jan 25 Lunch @ Ploughboy Inn - AGM @ Wesley 1200hrs Bob A

21 Feb 25 Lunch @ Community K - Dr Phil Jordan @ Wesley 1200hrs Bob A 21 Mar 25 Lunch @ Saltram House - Visit House & Gardens (NT card)1200hrs John W 25 Apr 25 Visit Strawberry field Farm Lifton (Wesley Car park) 1200hrs Geoff M

16 May 25 Red Bus @Wesley to Engine House Kit Hill -View Dartmoor1200hrs Bob A 20 Jun 25 Saltash Station Train to Looe with pasty lunch 1200 ish Don P

18 July 25 No 2 Bus to Mount Batten — Lunch @ Mountbatten Inn 1200 ish David L

15 Aug 25 Train to Bere Ferris - Visit BF Station with Bruce Hunt 1200 ish Bob A

19 Sep 25 Trip up the Tamar by boat 1200 ish Don P

17 Oct 25 Lunch @ Community Kitchen - Talk by Sue Hooper 1200 ish Bob A

21 Nov 25 Devonport Market - Lunch @ William Yard 1200 ish Bob C

17 Dec 25 Christmas Lunch with Probus @ China Fleet club 1200 hrs Roger R

Gentlemen. If you feel this is for you and you would like to join us then please contact Bob Austin (Chairman) 01752 844666

Wesley Table Tennis Club

Wesley Table Tennis Club continues to meet on a Monday evening from 7.00 until 9.00 pm in the Sports Hall. Our membership remains steady, and we have recently welcomed a new member to our group from our Church congregation. Although we are getting older and may finish a little earlier or take longer for a coffee and a chat, our enjoyment of table tennis remains strong. At the end of the evening, we also prepare the Sports Hall for Little Fishes for the following morning. We invite you to join us if you want a fun evening - no equipment is required.

Roger Thompson

Bible Study/Home groups at Wesley

Bible Study/Home groups can enrich our spiritual life and provide a supportive community where we can grow, learn, and encourage one another. It’s an opportunity to experience the beauty of Christian fellowship and apply biblical truths to everyday living.

Life can be challenging, in a home Bible study group, you can find encouragement, prayer partners, and friends who walk alongside you during difficult times.

Here at Wesley, we have different groups that meet on different days and times. If you would like to join a small group, please contact one of the leaders listed below for more information.

Most house groups meet every other week or twice in a month: Monday, 10:00 AM, at 430 New Rd – Bob Mahy – 01579 351311 Wednesday, 10:00 AM, at Wesley – Linda Eastlake - 07711389125 Wednesday, 7:30 PM, on zoom – Noel Morgan – 01822 832952 Thursday, 7:30 PM, various homes – Fiona Budd – 01752 842788 Thursday, 10:00 AM, on Zoom – Revd Jonathan Budd – 01752 842788

PALS

Those of you who have started attending Wesley more recently may not have heard of PALS. This group was originally set up many years ago as a social group to enable the young adult members of the church to meet together, with some of the older members offering their babysitting services. Now many of us are grandparents ourselves, but the group is still thriving. We like to think that we remain nimble of brain even if not necessarily of body!

To this end, we meet fortnightly on Wednesday evenings, although now most of us are retired we sometimes hold our events earlier in the day. In July we compile our programme of events for the following year – these can range from inviting speakers to our meetings (often from Heritage or various charities), Desert Island Discs, enjoying

meals out together, quizzes (keeping it simple), games evenings, visits to gardens and local places of interest. We try and make good use of the lighter summer evenings and both the annual Treasure Hunt and the croquet/summer nibbles evening at Cotehele are always highlights. The group is open to all and there is a copy of our programme in the corridor. We will also be advertising forthcoming events via the church notice sheets, so please come and join us. We are a friendly bunch – speak to Bernard Melling or myself, to find out more.

Jo Lambourne

Property Report

Yet another year of good work by our helpers who ensure that our church and property are kept clean, tidy and in good repair ……. thanks to everyone.

We have the benefit of several skilled technically competent volunteers amongst us who are also able to carry out improvements and risk assessments which not only enhance our surroundings but also ensure they are a safer place for everyone, be they very young, visitors through to the aged and those with disabilities.

Noteworthy items this year include the resurfacing of the car park, roof repairs, major work to the kitchen dishwasher, upgrading of the central heating controls and upgrade to sports hall showers and washing facilities (for the homeless). Wesley has also had its Quinquennial (5 yearly) Inspection of the premises carried out by the Circuit’s independent Surveyor. We again, passed with flying colours. Well done to all concerned!

David Lambourne Property Steward

TREASURER’S REPORT ANNUAL CHURCH MEETING 2 MARCH 2025. Accounts year ended 31 August 2024

The Management accounts for the Saltash Wesley Methodist Church for the fiscal year ending 31 August 2024 were presented to the Church Council during the meeting held in October 2024. These accounts were subsequently consolidated with those of the Internal Organisations and presented at the February 2025 meeting, receiving approval from the Church Council. I am pleased to report that the accounts have now been thoroughly examined and signed off by our auditor, David Trill. David has diligently fulfilled this important role for well over 15 years and has expressed his desire to step down. On behalf of Saltash Wesley and personally, I extend our thanks to him for his unwavering commitment and dedication in ensuring that our financial records are meticulously maintained to ensure they are accurately filed with the Charities Commission on an annual basis.

Turning to the accounts, one of our primary sources of income comes from offerings which totalled £38,304 reflecting an increase of £649 compared to £37,655 in the previous year. In addition, donations received from individuals on Gift Day amounted to £4,479, while contributions from church organisations totalled £3,227 , bringing the overall donations to £7,706 . However, this represents a decrease of £545 from the previous year’s income of £8,251. Our donations are significantly enhanced by our Gift Aid claim which in the year to 5 April 2024 amounted to £10,874 compared to £13,081 in the year ended 5 April 2023. It is important to note that we did not receive the Gift Aid Small Donations claim for the year ended 5 April 2024 of £1,990 until September 2024 which will be reflected in next year’s accounts. Furthermore, the previous year’s figures included £742 of GASDS for 2021/22. Taking these factors into account the actual claim for 2023/24 amounted to £12,864 compared to the actual figure of £12,338 for the year 2022/23.

The other significant source of income comes from room hiring which amounted to £30,614 compared to £24,546 in the previous year, reflecting an increase of £6,068. We now enjoy regular bookings from various NHS clinics, including Diabetic Eye Screening, Covid Vaccination Clinics, the Respiratory Clinic, Podiatry Assessment and Diabetes Prevention courses. Additionally, we have hosted several classical concerts organised by Salt Arts. We extend our gratitude to Joanna for her dedicated efforts in securing high-quality bookings from the current hirers using our premises. Weekday coffee mornings have experienced a rise with total income emerging at £4,086 up from £3,484 in the previous year, reflecting an increase of £602. Sunday coffee income also increased by £144 and reached a total of £846.

Income from investments and bank interest amounted to £4,976 comprising £3,270 received from the investments with Brewin Dolphin which manage the Henwood Trust funds, £1,490 from TMCP and £216 from the Central Finance Deposit fund. This

represents a decrease from the previous year’s total of £6,385. The significant decline is attributed to the Management Committee's decision to cease income withdrawals from Brewin Dolphin investments from April 2024, opting instead to capitalize any dividends.

The solar power payback amounted to £4,599 a modest increase of £9. Given the inclement weather experienced last summer, it is remarkable that any increase occurred at all.

We were blessed to receive a bequest towards the end of the year as stipulated in the Will of Mrs. Brenda Taylor deceased amounting to £50,000 for which we are very grateful.

I am also pleased to report that our application for a grant from the Cornwall Council’s Community Levelling Up Programme was successful resulting in a total award of £33,592. This amount was entirely expended on the redecoration and refurbishment of the foyer and room 3. We have received numerous positive comments relating to the outcome of this project.

Additionally, our application for a grant of £8,500 from National Grid towards our energy costs was successful, significantly alleviating our concerns in being able to meet our utility costs while energy prices remained exceptionally high . A grant was also received of £1,000 from Warm Spaces with which we were able to purchase a coffee machine, new coffee flasks, mugs, cups and other crockery items.

Income was also received by our Internal Organisations totalling £ 18,026. Thus, our total income for the year ending 31 August 2024, as reported in the Standard Form of Accounts, reached £209,515 , a significant increase from £129,262 in the prior year, mainly owing to the bequest and the grants received.

In terms of expenses, our primary expenditure was the Circuit assessment, amounting to £48,689, which reflects a decrease of £1,319 from £50,008 in 2023. Utilities totalled £14,121 which includes water rates of £1,208 (2023 - £1,021 ), electricity costs of £5,668 (2023 - £3,721 ), gas £3,320 (2023 - £2,351 ) and insurance £3,925 (2023 - £3,765 ) overall this reflects an increase of £3,263. During the year we invested significantly in the maintenance, redecoration and refurbishment of our building which overall amounted to £49,887. The primary expenditure was on the foyer and room 3 which accounted for £33,653 . Additionally, we undertook various roof repairs costing £1,383 , plumbing necessitated by leaks - £2,253 , re-rendering exterior walls £2,350 , replacement of front fascia boards £727 , repairs to back door £466 , repainting the cross £1,480 , cleaning debris from gutters £200 and cleaning solar panels £195 . It is now 35 years since our church premises were constructed, so we anticipate higher repair costs in the future.

The repairs and maintenance costs encompass various equipment-related expenses amounting to £4,781 (£5,790 for 2023). Significant expenditure in this category includes boiler repairs and servicing - £1,406 , sound desk - £1,291 , fire extinguisher servicing - £544 , carpet cleaners - £334 , cordless lawnmower - £240 new shredder £140 , renewal of parts for the defibrillator - £156 , and underlay and fitting for the office carpet £180 . Additionally, the office photocopier was replaced at a cost of £2,021 , although payment for this expense will occur in the current year. The cost of organ and piano repairs and tuning emerged at £1,280 compared to £564 in 2023. The increase was attributed to the necessary remedial works on the capture system and the corrosion affecting the circuit boards of the organ.

The total expenses for the year reached £133,352 , an increase from £95,872 in the previous year. This rise is primarily attributed to the expenditures on the foyer and room 3.

The total surplus of income over expenditure for the year ending 31 August 2024 amounted to an impressive £76,163. However, it is important to note that without the bequest, as well as the National Grid and Warm Spaces grants, the surplus would have been £16,663 , which is still remarkable.

Total funds held in the Management account and the Designated accounts as of 31 August 2023 and 31 August 2024 were as follows: -

General account HSBC Designated accounts bank TMCP 2 accounts Central Finance Board Designated accounts cash Total	2024 £37,340 £25,526 £25,986 £100,216 £423 £189,491	2023 £68,924 £17,849 £25,835 - £568 £113,176

In addition, the restricted Endowment Fund valuations as at 31 August 2023 and 31 August 2024 amounted to:-

Henwood Bequest TMCP 2 accounts Total	2024 £245,656 £14,146 £259,802	2023 £222,123 £13,038 £235,161
		£

Our total funds as at 31 August 2024 (excluding those held in the Mbare/Saltash Partnership and the Music Foundation amounted to £449,293 compared to £348,337 at the end of the previous accounting period, an increase of £100,956. This is made up of the total surplus of income over expenditure of £76,163 , the accumulated income on one of the TMCP accounts of £152 and the unrealised gains on the Henwood Trust money and the two endowment funds with TMCP amounting to £24,641.

The value of land and buildings at £4,938,563 and other assets £249,574 disclosed in the Standard Form of Accounts are based on the insurance valuations prepared by a representative from Methodist Insurance as shown in the insurance renewal documentation in September 2024.

Turning to our current position for the first 5 months of the current financial year, the total income passed through the general account excluding internal organisations, restricted funds and the amounts passed through the bank accounts for the Circuit, amounted to £41,401 compared to £36,908 in the comparable period last year.

Expenditure totalled £ 36,816 up from £30,705 in 2024.

Thus, the net surplus of income emerged at £4,585 a decrease from £6,204 in the same period in the previous year.

It is encouraging to note that our offertory in the period to January 2025 amounted to £18,322 reflecting an increase of £2,233, and demonstrates our congregation’s ongoing commitment and generosity. However, the loose cash collections in the period decreased by £690 compared to the previous year. On a positive note, hirings increased by £565 and emerged at £12,556 up from £11,991 in 2024. It was disappointing to learn that Cornwall Council has recently notified us of their inability to continue funding the Link into Learning courses held in room 1 over the past seven years. This hiring significantly contributed to Wesley’s income and the Management committee is actively seeking ways to replace this lost revenue.

Turning to expenses water rates emerged at £598, reflecting an increase of £162 from the previous year. Our electricity costs totalled £1,722 a decrease from £2,445 in 2024 resulting in a saving of £723. This reduction can be attributed to the lower electric prices negotiated under the new contract, which took effect in August 2024, dropping from £0.3495 to £0.2367 per kWh. Gas charges rose to £1,178 , up from £1,030 the previous year, marking an increase of £148 . Please note however our application to National Grid for a grant this winter was unsuccessful, which we believe was mainly because one of the criteria this year required applicants to provide warm packs, such

as energy saving light bulbs, electric blankets and advice to the community regarding energy saving tariffs and not specifically to assist the applicant’s energy costs. We have however received a total of £18,500 from National Grid over the last two years, which significantly alleviated our energy costs whilst prices were extremely high. We have however recently received notification from the SW Peninsula Methodist District that our application for a Warm Spaces grant of £1,000 was successful and this was received in February 2025.

Equipment additions and servicing in the period emerged at £3,455 which mainly related to the purchase of the new office photocopier and printer at a cost of £2,021 and a new loft ladder at a cost of £546 . The cost of building maintenance totalled £6,913 , which included £4,500 spent on re-tarmacing a section of the car park, £525 on the parking white lines, £983 on repairs to the west elevation roof and £391 on part of the roof over room 1.

The Circuit assessment amounted to £12,172 (paid in advance to 28 February 2025) and currently remains at the same rate as in the previous year.

As at 31 January 2025 there was a balance of £68,281 held at HSBC of which £39,238 related to the General Fund and £29,043 to Internal Organisations. Separately a total of £103,303 was held in the Central Finance Board Deposit Account.

Whilst we are extremely fortunate to have a surplus of cash available at the present time, there several major projects being considered by the Management committee with a view to ensuring that any decisions and expenditure align with the best interests of Saltash Wesley Methodist Church.

Finally, we have recently received notification from the late Revd. Jake Watson’s family that he has left a bequest to Saltash Wesley Methodist Church. Jake and his wife Margaret were much loved and respected members of our congregation, and we are truly blessed that he chose to remember us in this way.

I would like to express my gratitude to our Church family for their remarkable generosity and unwavering commitment—spiritually, practically, and financially to the ongoing work at Wesley, within our local community and the broader Circuit. Additionally, I appreciate their continued financial support for the charities we endorse each year, as outlined in the accompanying list of charitable donations.

Anita Thompson Church Treasurer

SALTASH WESLEY mHoDIsT CHURCH SCHEDULE OF DONATIONS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Actlon fc Chlldren 127.33 Chrlstmas Day Collon 304.29 ColltIOn Boxes Action for Children Saltash F(MxJbank 303.25 COlltIon Covenant Setvi Matthew Ru5ike Children's Home 282.40 st. Eustachius Church Tavist(Kk Matthew Ru5ike Children's Home 358.32 Hollevs 2024 Cream Tea 235.(X) Plant Sale Matthew Ru5ike Children's Home Matthew Rusike Children's Home 140.41 Wesley Christrnas Card 238.50 Line Dance Mbare MetlKxIist Relief Fund Mbare Meth)Jlst Rellef Fund 971.07 Coffee MornlThJ5 317.50 st. Eustachlus Church Tavlstock 1,224.74 Personal Donatlons 383.(X) Christmas Card Gift5 Mbare metIJ15t Rellef Fund Mbare Metrthist Rellef Fund Mbare MetTrKxJist Relief Fund Mbare MetTrKxJist Relief Fund 269.(x) Table Top Donations 124.95 Carol Semce CollectK>n Mbare MetTrKxlist Relief Fund Mbare MetTrKxlist Relief Fund 7.89 J. Allen Cards arKI Reci5 358.33 Hollevs 2024 Cream Tea 160.00 Film Night 110.55 Qulz Nlght loo. Traldcraft 587.25 Gift Ajd Mbare MetlKxlist Relief Fund Mbare metlIst Relief Fund Mbare Meth)Jlst Rellef Fund Mbare MetlKJlst Rellef Fund Mbare Metrthist Relief Fund Mbare MetTrKxJist Relief Fund l.(M)O.(M) Transferr from Visit FurKJ 3.860.54 Personal tk)nations 100.(X) Traidcraft Mbare kh(x>l Fees Fund Mbare Sch(K>l Fees Fund Mbare h(M)l Fund 225.(X) Table Top Donations 54.10 Coffee Morni Mbare h(m)I Fees Fund Mbare Schwl Fund Morocco Eartlwuake Appeal Morocco Earthquake Ap1 Cash (1. Gift Ald £86.25) parki[nS S88. Glft Ald So. Table Top 486.25 Retlrlng Collectlon 60.1N) Cafe Church parkin5 20.(X) Pals Saltash Hertiage st Petrocs (1[. Gift Aid £77.50) st. Petrocs 40.00 Pals 520.50 Retiring Collection 50.(X) Table Top loo. Cafe Church 75. Cafe Church st. Petroc5 story Pk Dads Waterald 310.75 Lent Collectlon Boxes Womens Wodd Day of Prayer 208. ColltIOn TOTAL £ 14.351.92

CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 SALTASH Clrcult Clrcult no. 12122 R•gl8t•r•d Charfty - Charlty R•gkntrntlon numbor 1127542 11 not a registered chafty HIS MaJMty'• Rov•nu• and Customs Gfft Ald numbw (rhe HMRC number is equNalent to a registered charity number in terns of evKlence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing io see evidence of the organisation, charita0 status. Meth¢xli8t charities in England and Wal•s that are not registered charities are excepted from reoistration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) Minister. Rev'd Jonathan Budd Church Stewards: Mrs. Joyce Amies Miss Elspeth Nicolls Mr. Derek Holley Rètired 30.4.2024 Mrs. Rosemary Witts Mrs. Sandra Kowalsi(i Mrs. Jo Lamboume Appointed 1.5.2024 Treasurer. Mrs. Anita Thompson SFA year ended 31 ALWSt 24.X1S 1of5

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENOED 31 AUGUST 2024 SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST Church SECTION A RECEIPTS Off•rin $ and T•x r•cov•r•d Bank and CFB int•r•$i •nd Investrnent income 49.178 49.178 50.736 1.452 3.524 4,978 30,614 30,614 124,747 209,515 24.548 Olh•r r•cipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 18.026 18.026 43,092 46,616 47.595 129,282 144.873 1•71 secMoN 8 b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circurt Au•$sm•nl or Shr• 48,889 b3 Donabons 1.045 R• ir¥ and Maint•A utiiikn•¥ (In8tw•n¢••. W•l•r charge6, heating & lighllngl 14,913 34.974 49.887 10,235 b5 9,071 14.121 10,857 b7 12.448 IS.121 2.883 3,920 4.279 44.J03 19.110 133.332 23,912 95.872 TOTAL PAYMENTS Ib91 SECTION C NET RECEIPT81PAYMENT8 FOR THE YEAR c1 59.752 14.098 2,313 78.183 33,3 Tot•1 fundi bfh1 10Th1 from last •r 18,235 181 113.176 ¢6 79.702 8ub tot•1 ¢1+¢2 154.512 2,494 189.339 113,092 Trnn$f•rn •ThJ 8.9981 62 152 c7 TOTAL FUND8 AT END OF YEAR l¢J+e41 .335 189,491 leBI 113,176 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY.. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL lth•M lmounth •rn not to b• Includ•d ln tOlAI rn¢•lpi d1 Balar• b lorwrd frcffl last 8.187 Off•rf GIfts. r1Ved lor exknmal 28.1(6 25.270 offeringGIftS . pais•d to •xtqm•l ¢)ry•niMbons 27,788 25,571 8ALANCE 3TILL TO BE PAID Idi+d2431 8.226 2015 SFANartyO131

SALTASH WESL METHODIST . tye¢iTh E INTERIINL 1.514 4.$85 3.1S6 i•J 1S2 113.178 1•9,491 1J4•11 14n4 15Z 117,761 IXJ 192,647 TOTAL RECEIP TOTAL PAYMENT• 8ECTThI F 41 CIIVRCN.¢I•M MELDat31 42J 80 773 02, 11&1n 189A•1 knol{•12) 3,166 ToTAL¢A IUND• HeLDWCHURCH 117,781 192.847 235,181 259.802 4,7eo.837 4.928.se3 241.eJ)3 249.574 •ty•vwKJ

Name of Chwch.. SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Declarations and Scrutiny I confi that these Receipt and Payment basod aCCtt$ for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Churc and that they indude dl funds undef the control of the Church trustees. A .(ll¥kn................................. Data...l.s.. 10 Swjnalwe of tr•asur•r ... . . .. .. Name and •Jdrnss of treasurnr ...MRS.ANITA THOMPSON............................ Postc0de...f.II Pr•unt•tlon to th• Church tru•t• l ¢onfimi that the annual rewt and accAntS lor yoar 31 Auwst 2024 vMr&W b8. presented to the maethig crfthe Church tNstees hèld on 13 Fow 24................. sn8lure of tho Chw'r of tho rreting ... Name of Ihe Chwr of Ihe me8tirrfJ'. Rovd. jonath 8Id..................... Independent Examlnefs Report to the Trustoes of th• SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH Charfty Numb•r 1127542 RPOn81b1ll1l•8 •rKI ba•1• of rnport I rep)rt to the trustees on my examinallcKt ol the accountg of Saltash Wesley Melhtslist Church for Ihe year WKled 31 August 2024 sot c¥Jt on pago$ 1 10 5 As Iho Church's tfttsleas, you are responsible for the prepAralw)n of th• accL¥Jts in 8ccordarK4 ith the reemtt8 of tho Charit• Ac 2011 l'tr Act,) I report in r•sp8ct ol my &xamM)alM)n crt the Churrh's 8ccfAmts earriad (xrt urthr Section 145 of the Act and, in cafrying rxrt my examinakn"on, I have fol au the applKat)le Directhns gNen by the Charity commi$SK under seclwjn 145(51(b) of thg Act. ' delet8 or cd• as oppropnate SFAwm*J31W 4of5

Narne of Church.. SALTASH WESLEY METHODIST CHURCH No.. 12r22 Independent Examinef8 Ststement I have completed my examination. I confirni 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.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with the accounts'ng records. I have no concems 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 8 proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I have1h0¥A@tr" obtained independent venfication 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 Name of independent exarniner ....MR. DAVID TRILL Relevant professional qualffication of independent examiner .........ACIB Name of fimi (where appropriate) Addr8SS ..35 Mountwise Crescent.......................................... .. .Plymouth.................................................... Postcode PL14TJ............ Date delete or arde as appropriate ?Isf SFA year ended 31 August 2024.xls 5of5