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2024-08-31-accounts

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

Registered Charity Number 1127749

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Church Office Benfleet Methodist Church 67 High Road Benfleet Essex SS7 5LH

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

CONTENTS

Page
Index 2
Trustees’ report 3 - 11
Financial statements 12 – 19
Declarations and scrutiny 20
Basis of Independent Examiner’s Report
and Independent Examiner’s Statement 21
Appendix– Church Council membership 22

2

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Introduction

This report has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the SORP applicable to charities. In order to have a better understanding of the nature and activities of the Church readers are advised read the Annual Review which covers all the activities in considerable detail..

Aims and organisation

Our Mission

Our mission is to be a powerful spiritual influence in the community and a visible expression of God’s inclusive love.

OVERVIEW OF THE YEAR

The past year has seen a period of consolidating activities that all got back up and running post Covid and this was their second year of being back to normal. Probably the most significant addition last year was the opening up of the Welcome Area in the winter months as a Warm Space and mini-foodbank. This was supported by Church members and outside friends and relatives and provided a much needed resource to many in the community. There is a detailed report in the Annual Review.

We have five strands to our activities at the Church as follows:

Fellowship

Sunday Church services numbers have been holding up well especially taking into account the conflicting demands on everyone’s time with families and other commitments. However, there is a good hard core of members and friends who come along each week.

The Bible Study group continues to meet, albeit small in number, and the monthly Light Worship service attracts a small but regular gathering, followed of course by the Light Lunch.

Pastoral visitors keep in touch with their allocated members either by visiting or telephoning or seeing them in Church, and they continue to bring any concerns to the attention of our Minster or the Stewards. Worthy of note is the 8.30 am Communion Service held monthly – this service has increased its numbers in recent months which is encouraging

.

Especially on a summer’s morning when the sun shines and the world is peaceful it is a beautiful time for gentle meditation and partaking in Holy Communion.

Messy Church

Starting again after the summer – further details are given in the Annual Review.

3

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Worship Academy

Each month Benfleet hosts the circuit Worship Academy. Ministers, local preachers, worship leaders are invited to attend but anyone is welcome.

It has been meeting now for over ten years. Each year there is a program with some very interesting speakers. Some speakers attend physically while some months there is a link up on zoom, thus folk who cannot come to Benfleet they have the opportunity to attend via zoom.

All the churches in the Circuit are very grateful to Benfleet for the use of the church and also to Doreen and Shelagh for their super meals.

Youth Work

Fusion and Fusion+

For children and young people has met for most of the year and still attracts high numbers. There is a detailed report on its activities in the Annual Review.

Uniformed Groups

Rainbows, Brownies and Guides are all back in operation and there are full reports given in the Annual Review.

Little Bunnies Playgroup

This new group which only started in early 2022 is already filled to capacity. Further details are given in the Annual Review.

Benfleet Youth Counselling

A new venture about to start under Janet’s guidance – see more details in the Annual Review.

Social care

Music Man Project

The music therapy group – returned to regular meeting during term time and continue to provide remarkable support and development for the folk who come to this – their numbers seem to be growing as demand for this kind of help increases. Special mention must be made of the staff and helpers who support this work – they are just amazing.

4

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

OACS Counselling

This organisation goes back a long way in the life of the Church through the Benfleet Open Door Services, and it is very much an integral part of the Church mission and life. There is a more detailed report given in the Annual Review

Headway Essex

Headway opened their Day Centre (Tuesday to Friday) and numbers have increased over the past year.

This is a very valuable activity and there is a more detailed review from the Headway team in the Annual Review.

Hope Group

This group continues to flourish providing social and recreational activities for many who otherwise might be at home on their own. Further details are given in the Annual Review

Sunday lunches

Providing food for the body and friendly company for those who live alone or simply want to share a meal with other people.

Whitechapel Mission

We still receive large quantities of clothing which is regularly taken up to the Whitechapel Mission.

Food bank and Warm Space

We are now operating the mini-food bank throughout the whole year on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays and there is a strong demand from the local community. There is a fuller report on this activity later in the Annual Review.

Recreational and sporting activities

Badminton – both the Church Club and the U3A Group continue – further details are given in the Annual Review.

Yard Arm Folk Orchestra – this group continues to flourish and provide musical entertainment during the Church Christmas Bazaar which is greatly appreciated. There is a report from them in the Annual Review.

5

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Wesley Art Group – the group is valued by those who attend but sadly the numbers are small. We encourage anyone to come along and see what goes on – see fuller report in the Annual Review.

Wives Club, Women’s Fellowship and Ladies Thursday Club – all three groups continue to provide social, spiritual and recreational activities for ladies. Fuller reports appear later in the Annual Review.

The Welcome Area

The first phase of our redevelopment completed in 2005 saw the creation of the Welcome Area – the Church’s window to the world - and the chance for the world passing the Church to see life and activity taking place.

The area is used very extensively by a whole range of groups, as well as being open every day between 10.00 am and 12 noon for tea and coffee and most importantly the chance to meet someone and engage in conversation.

This is part of our Ministry of Hospitality and Welcoming and is at the heart of the fellowship with the worshipping community being at the heart of all we do.

Plans for 2024/25

2024 represents 147 years since the first Methodist Chapel was built in the Endway (now called School Lane) and we have a rich history of achievement. We need to plan for the next three years to take us up to 150 – a sesquicentennial – so there is a challenge to all members and friends to play their part in the maintenance and growth of Benfleet Methodist Church – the living heart-beat of South Benfleet.

Income trends

All groups using the premises have paid their dues. Fund raising continued on a regular basis and grants were received from the District towards the Youth Work.

Expenditure trends

Expenditure on utilities was well controlled although costs will increase once the current contracts expire in 2025. The premises have been well maintained to a very high standard but with increased use brings increased wear and tear.

Fund balances

As at 31 August 2024 the net current assets of the Church available for general purposes amounted to £56,683 since the greater part of the accumulated funds are invested in the premises. Cash at bank and on deposit at the end of the year amounted to £56,683, down from last year reflecting the deficit incurred in the year.

6

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Basis of preparation and legal framework

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective from 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).

7

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Full name of charity Benfleet Methodist Church Registration Charity Number 1127749 Date of registration 28 January 2009 Main communication address Benfleet Methodist Church 67 High Road Benfleet Essex SS7 5LH

The members of the Church Council are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders and representatives appointed by the church council and the annual church meeting. The full membership is shown in the Appendix A to this report (Page 22)

Church Ministers and officers

Minister Rev Zena Smith Church Stewards Ms Rosalind Klass Mrs D Norton Mrs V Windsor Mr John Stokes Mr Rob Macdonald Church Council Secretary Mr Richard Reeves Church Treasurer Mrs Val Ryall Chairman Property Committee Mr Andy Keyes Chairman Finance Committee Mr Richard Reeves Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Bankers CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Independent examiner Mr G W Dorrington 43 St Marys Road Benfleet Essex SS7 1NN

Mr Richard Reeves FCA acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the church during the year.

8

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Aims and organisation

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

The organisation and resourcing public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.

The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.

Taking religious assemblies in local schools.

Provision of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions.

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 Church is the Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act (1976).

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 church is undertaken by the Church leadership team along with the Church Council and the Church Committees.

Trustee Training

A range of guidance produced by the Methodist Connexion to support effective running of the circuit, especially the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all Church Council members as induction to their role a trustees.

Related parties

The Church is part of the Southend and Leigh Circuit which is a part of the Beds, Essex & Herts District. Internal organisations which are accountable to the Church Council are Wives Club, Women’s Fellowship, Badminton Club, Wesley Art Group, Fusion Youth Group, Ladies Thursday Club, Little Bunnies Playgroup, OACS.

Risk Management

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Property Committee 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.

9

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

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:

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy for the Church is to hold a minimum of six months average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on the premises and/or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the required income.

Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are required to prepare financial statements each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Church’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees have:

Selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently;

The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Church and enables them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and hence for taking steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

10

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

So far as each of the trustees is aware there is no relevant information that has not been disclosed to the independent examiner and each of the trustees believes that all steps have been taken that ought to have been taken to make them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the independent examiner have been made aware of that information.

Signed on behalf of the Church Leadership team

Rev Z Smith Minister

Mr R Reeves Church Council Secretary

Mrs V Ryall Church Treasurer

Mrs Diane Norton Church Steward

9 October 2024

11

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

Financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2024

Index: Page
Statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024 13
Statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2023 14
Balance sheet as at 31 August 2024 15
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 16– 19
Declarations and scrutiny 20
Independent examiner’s report 21
Membership of the Church Council (Managing Trustees) 22

12

Benfleet Methodist Church

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024

Notes to
the ac-
counts
Income
1 Offerings
2 Donations
13/1
3 Gift aid
4 Interest and investment income
5 Income from investment properties
6 Internal organisations
7 Other charitable income
13/2
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Circuit assessment or share
10 Grants and donations
11 Property maintenance
12 Insurance,utilities etc
13 Depreciation
14 Office expenses
15 Other expenditure
13/3
16 Internal organisations
17Total charitable expenditure
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20Net income/(expenditure)
21 Transfers between funds
22 Other gains/(losses)
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds brought forward
25 Total funds carried forward		 General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
Re-
stricted
Funds
2023-24
£
£
£
27,371

27,371
9,555

9,555
7,252

7,252
2,997

2,997
-

0

22,718
22,718
53,493

53,493
100,668
22,718
**123,386 **
43,512

43,512
-

0
30,280

30,280
14,484

14,484
2,726

2,726
1,249

1,249
21,580

21,580

24,634
24,634
113,831 24,634
138,465


0


0
-13,163 -1,916
-15,079


0


0
-13,163 -1,916
-15,079
1,744,547
18,078
1,762,625
1,731,384
16,163
1,747,547

13

Benfleet Methodist Church

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2023

Notes
to the
ac-
counts
Income
1 Offerings
2 Donations
3 Gift aid
4 Interest and investment income
5 Income from investment properties
6 Internal organisations
7 Other charitable income
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Circuit assessment or share
10 Grants and donations
11 Property maintenance
12 Insurance,utilities etc
13 Depreciation
14 Office expenses
15 Other expenditure
16 Internal organisations
17Total charitable expenditure
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20Net income/(expenditure)
21 Transfers between funds
22 Other gains/(losses)
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds brought forward
25 Total funds carried forward		 General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
Restricted
Funds
Total
2022-23
£
£
£
27,480

27,480
9,573

9,573
7,806

7,806
2,584

2,584
-

0
-
21,312
21,312
61,839

61,839
109,282
21,312
**130,594 **
44,400

44,400
-

0
24,134

24,134
14,475

14,475
3,036

3,036
2,468

2,468
19,301

19,301

10,914
10,914
107,814
10,914
118,728


0


0
1,468
10,398
11,866


0


0
1,468
10,398
11,886
1,743,079
7,680
1,750,759
1,744,547
18,078
1,762,625

14

Church No

Benfleet Methodist Church

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
Notes to
the
General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
Accounts
£
Fixed Assets		 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
Notes to
the
General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
Accounts
£
Fixed Assets		 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
Notes to
the
General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
Accounts
£
Fixed Assets		 Totals 2024
£
1,674,702
0
0
1,674,702
5,460
55,268
19,793
80,521		 Totals 2024
£
1,674,702
0
0
1,674,702
5,460
55,268
19,793
80,521
General
Fund (Unre-
stricted)
£		 Restricted
Funds
£		 Totals 2024
£		 Totals 2023
£
Churchbuilding and otherproperty 13/4 1,674,702 1,674,702 1,673,588
Investment properties 0
Investments 0
Total fixed assets 1,674,702 0 1,674,702 1,673,588
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments 13/5 5,460 5,460 6,662
Loans by the Churches 0
Investmentswith TMCP 0
Central Finance Board Deposits 55,268 55,268 68,799
Cash at Bank and in hand 3,630 16,163 19,793 17,990
Total current assets 64,358 16,163 80,521 93,451
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year) 7,676 7,676 4,414
Grants payable within 2022-23 0
Total current liabilities 7,676 7,676 4,414
Net current assets/liabilities **56,682 ** 16,163 72,845 **89,037 **
1,747,547
0
0
0
1,747,547
1,731,384
0
1,747,384
16,163
0
1,747,547
Total assets less current liabilities 1,731,384 16,163 1,747,547 1,762,625
Long term liabilities
(due after more than one year)
Grants payable after 2022-23 0
Loans to the Church 0
0
Net assets 1,731,384 16,163 1,747,547 1,762,625

**Funds of the Church **
General Fund (Unrestricted) 1,731,384 1,731,384 1,744,547
DesignatedFunds (Unrestricted) 0 0
Total Unrestricted Funds **1,747,384 ** 1,744,547
RestrictedFunds 16,163 18,078
EndowmentFunds 0 0
Total Funds 1,731,384 16,163 1,747,547 1,762,625

15

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024

1. Basis of accounting and accounting policies

i Accounting standard

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) effective from 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).

ii Public benefit entity

Benfleet Methodist Church meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below.

iii Basis

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments (including properties) are shown at their market value at the end of the year. The accruals basis has been used and trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Church’s financial position and activities.

iv Content

The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £ sterling, rounded to the nearest pound.

v FRS 102 SORP 2015

These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with FRS102 SORP 2015. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable charity law in England, this being the Charities Act 2011 and SI 2008/629 *Charities accounting and Reporting Regulations) and, pending the making of replacement Regulations specific to SORP 2015 in accordance with Reg.8(4)(d) of SI 2008/629, the charity trustees have departed from the requirement of Reg.8(5) by following SORP (FRS 102) instead of SORP 2005 to the extent necessary to give a true and fair view in the circumstances.

vi Going concern

Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2024, the trustees believe that the Church is a going concern.

vii Income recognition

Income is brought into account when there is entitlement and the amount is reliably measurable once it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcoming. Individual amounts categorised as Other income in the SOFA will be shown separately if they are considered material.

In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further information on this matter is provided in the Trustees’ Annual Report. If goods are donated, a value will be shown in the SOFA or Notes where the value is considered material.

16

vii Expenditure

This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, where the amount is reliably measurable and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit.

ix VAT

Since the Church is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.

x Tangible fixed assets

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000

The freehold property is shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost representing each property’s gross carrying value as at 1 September 2015, being that property’s cost as far as the redevelopments are concerned and an internal valuation of the original premises remaining after the redevelopment plus any additions thereafter at cost.

No depreciation is provided because the trustees have maintained the buildings such that their values have been maintained.

The Church has made use of the deemed cost option on transitioning to FRS102 as outlined above.

xi Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash (Basic Financial Instruments)

Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Church or prepaid. Creditors are initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where normal credit terms apply. Subsequently creditors that are current liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit fund balances are shown at their realisable values.

xii Funds

The trustees have adopted a policy for all unrestricted reserves which is attached as a separate document.

2. Payments to trustees

The Church policy is to reimburse members of the CLT and other trustees for expenditure properly incurred in carrying out their duties, including where appropriate travelling expenses, or where they have been requested to undertake certain activities for the Church. The Minister and officers fulfil the primary executive roles within the Church. None of the trustees is an employee of the Church nor was in receipt of any payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Church, other than reimbursement of appropriate expenses incurred on behalf of the Church. During the year the sum of £nil was reimbursed in this regard to trustees (2023 - £nil).

3. Premises

The freehold premises comprise the church and the ancillary halls and facilities. The equipment comprises furniture and fitting acquired at the time of the redevelopment plus addition at cost. Depreciation is provided on a straight line basis over five years commencing in the year after acquisition.

4. Debtors and Prepayments

All sums shown as Debtors at 1 September 2023 were received during the year 2023-24. All sums paid in advance at 1 September 2023 were for activities that have been held during 2023-24. It is expected that payments in advance at 31 August 2024 will be expensed during 2024-25

5. Central Finance Board (CFB) and Bank Balances

Monetary balances held at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and at CAF Bank are all available on demand without loss of interest.

17

6. Creditors, Accruals and Income in Advance

It is expected that all sums accrued at 31 August 2024 will be paid during the year to 31 August 2025.

7. Funds

General Fund (unrestricted)

The purpose of this fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Church and which have not been designated for other purposes. Some 95% of this fund is held as a freehold property, being the church and ancillary premises

Restricted Funds

These represent funds of Church organisations who report to the Church Council together with other accumulated minor funds.

8. Related Parties

Church trustees, being members of the Church, make regular freewill offerings to support the work and activities of the Church. These are made through regular standing orders, weekly envelopes or cash put into the collection plates. It is neither practical nor appropriate to attempt to segregate these amounts that are given voluntarily.

Related parties include the Methodist Conference, the BE&H District and Churches within the Circuit, other Methodist Districts in Great Britain, CFB and TMCP.

9. Volunteer Contribution

Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit and Church) within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of the Church. In the Church the principal contribution is by serving on committees of the Church that deal with the mission, property, finance, policy, training and safeguarding. We are grateful to all of them for their help and commitment. No attempt has been made by this Church to value the non-monetary contributions to the Church in monetary terms.

10. Capital commitments and contingent liabilities

There were no capital commitments or contingent liabilities at the year-end (2023 – nil)

11. Lease commitments

The Church has no lease commitments

12. Independent examiner

No fees are payable to the independent examiner.

18

13 FINANCIAL ANALYSIS

2024 2023
13/1 Fund raising and donations
Fund raising 9,555 9,573
Donations 0 0
9,555 9,573
13/2 Other charitable income
Use of premises 43,493 42,839
Other 0 0
Grants 10,000 19,000
53,493 61,839
13/3 Other expenditure
Youth Work 19,820 18,826
Website 427 427
Sundry 917 200
Performing rights licence 416 352
21,580 19,805
Equip-
13/4 Fixed assets Church ment Total
building
Cost or valuation
Balance brought forward 1,667,550 74,449 1,741,999
Additions 3,840 3,840
Disposals 0 0 0
1,667,550 78,289 1,745,839
Depreciation
Balance brought forward 0 68,411 68,411
Released on disposal 0 0 0
Charge for year 0 2,726 2,726
0 71,137 71,137
Net Book Value
31 August 2024 1,667,550 7,152 1,674,702
31 August 2023 1,667,550 6,038 1,673,588
13/5 Debtors and prepayments 2024 2023
Circuit assessment paid in advance 3,626 3,626
Use of premises 986 1,007
Other 435 72
Prepayments 414 1,657
5,461 6,362

19

BENFLEET METHODIST CHURCH

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.

Signature of Treasurer Mrs V Ryall

Date 9 October 2023

Name and address of Treasurer

Mrs V Ryall 14 Orchill Road Hadleigh Essex SS7 2LS

Presentation to the Church trustees

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on 9 October 2024

Signature of the Chair of the meeting

Rev Zena Smith Name of the Chair of the meeting Rev Zena Smith

Date 9 October 2024

20

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Benfleet Methodist Church

Charity Number 1127749

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Benfleet Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 11 to 17. As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Benfleet Methodist Church

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I 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:

I 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.

I 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 G W Dorrington

Name of independent examiner Mr G W Dorrington

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner

Address 43 St Marys Road Benfleet Essex SS7 1NN

Date 9 October 2024

21

APPENDIX

Church Council Membership

Rev Zena Smith (Chairman) Mrs Doreen Bartlett Mrs Sue Downer Mrs Janice Gray Mr Rob Gray Mrs Stella Holden Mrs Daisy Humphreys Mrs Caroline Huggett Mr Andy Keyes Mrs Ann Keyes Mrs Rosalind Klaas Mrs Diane Norton Mr Michael Otchere Mr Richard Reeves (Secretary) Mrs Marilyn Robinson Mrs Val Ryall Mr John Stokes Mrs Shelagh Stokes Mrs Val Windsor

22