High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DR
Tel: 01761 410450 e-mail: info@msnmcc.org
Annual Charity Report for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
The Church was established in April 1990 by the joining together of the pre-existing Methodist Societies in the town and is a member of the North East Somerset and Bath Circuit in the Methodist Church, Bristol District as from September 2008. There has been Methodist witness in the town dating to the middle of the eighteenth century.
In order to comply with the Charity Commission’s requirements, the Church, comprising the work and assets in Midsomer Norton, was registered as a separate charity on 4[th] March 2009, No 1128385. Prior to that date, the Church being part of the Methodist Church in the UK was exempted from registration under Statutory Instrument No 1598.
The Church Council is the Legal and Administrative body of the Church and usually meets quarterly. Day to day matters are delegated to the Church Stewards (as listed) and other church officials as appointed by the Church Council.
| Minister: | Rev Christine Coram |
|---|---|
| Church Council Members: (as at 31stAugust 2024) | |
| Revs Christine Coram, Simon Topping. | |
| Lay members: Helen Green, Lydia Hinton, Sally Brick, Simon | |
| Knight, Hanna Beven, John Mander, Mike Evans, Judith | |
| Knight, Hilary Mander, James Roberts, Marjorie Gilson, | |
| Lorraine Evans, Kathy Dymond, Jenny Hillman, David Lewis | |
| Church Stewards: | Helen Green, Lydia Hinton, Sally Brick, Simon Knight, Hanna |
| Beven, | John Mander |
| Treasurer: | Helen Green |
| Bankers: | National Westminster Bank, Midsomer Norton |
| Charities Aid Foundation | |
| Central Finance Board of Methodist Church, London | |
| Independent Examiner | Browning Ltd, Chartered Accountants, Midsomer Norton |
All official correspondence should be sent to the Minister/Secretary/Treasurer at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, High Street, Midsomer Norton, Somerset, BA3 2DR
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Report of the Church Council for the year ended 31[st] August 2024
Aims and Objectives
The aim of the Church, as contained in its Mission Statement, is to reflect God’s love in everything we do so that others may be drawn to faith in Christ. Regular Sunday Services and weekday activities welcome all.
The Church Council is charged with overseeing everything that takes place in the name of the Methodist Church in Midsomer Norton and maintaining the building in good order. Community groups are encouraged to use the facilities when available. During the year various events have taken place including the Holiday Club ‘NFest’ in conjunction with another local church.
Risk Management
The Church Council has regularly considered the major risks to which they as Trustees are exposed and have regularly reviewed those risks and systems along with procedures to manage those risks.
Volunteers are checked (including where appropriate under the Disclosure and Barring Service) and a policy statement prepared under the Health and Safety at Work 1974 legislation incorporating risk assessments. Training is given in kitchen procedures and the Methodist Church’s Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults policies adhered to.
General Review of the Year
Rev Christine Coram was the Minister during this period and was supported by a team of Church Stewards who together form the Church Leadership Team. As a Leadership Team they oversee the life and work of the Church.
Membership was recorded at 98 with other people from the local community associated with the church and its activities.
Activities covering spiritual and social aspects of the church life have been held for the benefit of the public. Centre bookings by local community organisations have gradually risen and include self-help, fitness and lunch groups. The church runs a number of groups for the community such as a toddler group, lunch club and coffee morning providing company and conversation as well as a warm space during the winter.
The church has continued to offer pastoral care to people both within and outside the church, visiting those who are sick and infirm, and supporting the bereaved.
We continue to oversee ongoing maintenance of the premises which increases as the building ages and demands considerable finance to remain in its current good condition. The church continues to base its life on its Vision Statement:
Our mission is to reflect God’s love in everything we do, so that others may be drawn to faith in Christ
Financial Review of the Year
The Church Council continues to be grateful to members and friends for their generous support and financial offerings. Regular giving is slightly down on the previous year and the income from lettings, is gradually improving. The overall Church Reserves remain satisfactory.
There were some forward financial commitments at the year-end which included the Church’s on-going commitment to the Circuit and to continue to maintain the suite of premises.
Public Benefit
We continue to serve the community of Midsomer Norton and surrounding areas with a variety of activities and services for all ages. Such services and activities offer a breadth of opportunity for help and support.
We are keen to offer a warm welcome to all no matter what age, background, ethnicity or
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faith (including those with no faith).
We also work in partnership with other agencies in the Town such as Local Churches, the Town Council, Foodbank, local schools and other voluntary and charitable organisations. We continue to seek new ways of responding to the variety of needs in the area.
Trustees’ Responsibilities
Charity law requires the Church Council, as Trustees, to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Church and of the results of the Church for that year.
In preparing those financial statements, the Church Council is required to select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; to make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume the Church will continue.
The Church Council is responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Church. It is also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Church and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Agreed at Church Council Meeting held on 17/09/2024
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Reply to." Midsom¢r Norton Our Ref. RNBISDHF Browning Limited Your Ref.. Chartered Accountants Date.. 24 Febnjary 2025 Mrs l.Ielen Grecn, Hon Treasurer Midsomer Norton Methodist Church Centre High Strect Midsomcr Norton BA3 2DR Dear Helen, MIDSOMER NORTON METHODIST CFIURCH CENTRE NDEPENDF,NT FXAMINATII)N FOR TIIE YEAR TO 31 AUC.USI' 2024 Thank you for Ictting me have the records to complete thc Siandard Form of Accounts and compl¢tc an independent cxamination thcrcof. I havc plcasurc in enclosing thc accounts and complctcd certificate for the year. As in the Previous years. we have found no major irrcgularilics however I would make the following commenls. l. Wc have agrccd that Restricted fimd balanccs at thc cnd of the year should bc as follows: Benevolcnt lund Church Workcr Salary fund 1.932 7,768 £9.700 2. Thcrc were 2 adjustments requircd io be made to ihe accounts, which as this is your first year as trc&8urcr is good going. Thcsc have been listcd bclow: A transaction for repairs to a radialor was posted in fCbruL 2023 instcad of February 2024. 1 o COect this plew post the following.. DR iii.00 CR 2220 Property, Repairs & Maintenance Zol.. Starting balances iii.00 124 High Street, Midsomer NoTlon Bath, BA3 2DA T.. 10176114104144 . F..1017611411670 7 Northurnbedand Buildings Bath BA12JB T..1012251422183. F.. 1012251464626 21A M8tet Place. Warrninster Wiltshire BA12 gAY T.. 1019851213130. F'.1019851219480 aThEngk4ndth.IIWI& kewtv•dOtkn H¥h$1reeL MthmwP4crft*ft.EèTh. AA3 7D Dfrth A N PA{HW}FCCA FfA tsFF
b. The incom¢ and ¢xp¢nditur¢ for the Tue&lay Greet and Eat w&$ not posted the internal organisations accounts. As a result to correct this the following adjustment should be made.. N/Code Narative DR 1306 2629 1902 2902 Rcccipts from Church Groups Kitchcn supplies & catering eXnSeS 198.33 Internal Org. Tuesday Greet & Eat Internal Org. Tuesday Cjreet & Eat 1,204.12 3.340.45 3. Insurance documentation. We have vouched paymenls being made which, of course. implics insurance cover but unfortunately the insurance documentalion for the period of examination was noi provided io us. However curr¢nl insurance documentation has bccn scen and vouchcd. We would recommcnd all insurancc documcnialion be available and included within the folder of inforniation provided lo us. Our cxamination of ihc rccords found no irregularities or queries on th¢ sample or transactions selecled. I'"inally, I cnclose a nole of my finn's charges. which, as usual I havc hcavily discounlcd to refl¢ct our ongoing commitment to the Church and local community. Yours sincerely ROIIIN N BR()WNING BA(HONS) FCCA FCA FAIA BTr P Enc.
CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Midsomer Norton Methodists Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2024 Northeast Somerset and Bath 713 Reglstered Charlty - Charity Registration number If not a r8gistered charity HIS Majestys Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered chaiity number in tems of evidence of charitable stalus and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wshing lo see evidence of the organisation's charitable stalus. Methodist charities in England and Wales thal are not registared charities are excepted from registration under Ststutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1128385 Minister. ReverarKI Christs'ne Coram Church Stewards: Sally Brick Lydia Hinton Simon Knight Vlrgie Lvwis Treasurer. Helen Green Aco)unts for year end 31.8.24- PGO Updated 1of5
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Midsomer Norton Methodists Church UnYMtiictod Rsl¥kt¢d Totsls thi• Funds Fund$ Totsls last year SECTION A a1 RECEIPTS Noto Offerin s arKI Tax recovered Bank 8nd CFB interest and Investment income TT.850 77.850 59.387 a3 4.375 31 4.406 2.34e 3.912 8.274 73,921 a4 Lettin 9.137 10.601 101,964 9,137 10,601 101.995 a5 Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS a8 31 la71 SECTION B b1 PAYMENTS b2 Circutt Assessment ¢y Share 48,000 48.000 48,000 2.000 b3 Donations 2.129 2,129 airs and Maintenance Ulililies Ilnsurances, water char es, heabn hlin 24.041 24.041 b5 12.549 b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS 8,539 93.714 20 6,383 93,734 4,710 81,824 b8 20 Ib91 SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR c1 a64 8.260 Total funds brought fordrd from la81 year ¢2 84.251 9.690 93,941 c6 101844 c3 Sub totsl c1+c2 9,701 102 202 Transfers and ad'u8lmenl c7 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR Ic3+¢41 92.602 9.700 102.202 Ic81 93.941 Ic61 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts are not to be Includ In totsl recel nts figuwes •bov•l d1 Balance brou hl fOnard from last d2 sIGlfts. e1Ved for extemal 3.317 3,888 d3 OfferingslGifts - passed to gxlemal ¢ygani$ations 3.886 d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID d1+d2431 (291 2of5 Accounts for>uremd 31 8.24- pcul1
Midsomer Norton Methodists church SECTION E ofan InIttn bè Rutrf(•y bty•Js rIt$S it£¢+1 41tr4cDJbJ b•%MèJ This 9erthn wst attwnlnoANDA DIFFERENT FORM musl be Ltyed Its (seeMeIhLTAbl. Puei•fqrb)thÈ•kn tronsfgts bomwn INYÈR14AL ORGANISAnONS Or••t•Trd •At B•b T¢ddl•rn 720 W•6n•8d Alk•rnDon Grnu 712 712 162 FloweYGvo ¢7 ub to¢+ Inm niulknl funda 585 911 Chur¢h Ilowl brobghl loTrv•rd Irom p•9• 2-tot•h ,734 l¢n 93,941 102.202 BY CHURCH to7. 103112 itn•Geuary4n¢ rI Ihv TOTAL RECEIPTS TOTAL SECYION F L08ty4G ÈALAN¢EB HURCH. FUND8HELD •¢ 31 C•¥h in h•nd 20 CAF ¢•ih contr Fth•fW 8¢•nl OthwfLmd• 21 8VB TOTAL.¢hur¢h •ccourt TOIAI Inknl (v b11cO toWfr• •kn•l {•12) 102 202 585 911 TOTALCASH FUIIDS NELD BY CHUItc 94.526 (x) 103.112 SECMON G OTHERASSETg LWLrnES 31 Aullu 2•24 Land & Ieee r• InALWVJ OtherAIts Othèr tl¢ t4 IrUde QrfyFus Iwld althe ctraI FirwKe Board IS Irthè held èt Ttustws forP4eitsJdi>l CkAxth 3clS
Name of Church . . Mklsonwr tlorton Methodist Church 1128386 Declarations and Scrutiny I confirni that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they indude all funds under the control of the Church trustees. Signature of treasurer ..-.......-. lozs Name and address of treasurer ....... Su88n Green 75 Chikompton Rood Midsclnaf Norton R8d$tock Post Code.. .BA3 2PL Presontatlon to the Church trustses I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 wereMill be. presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on . Signature of the Chair of the meetin9 Name of the Chair of the meeting Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of the .. MKlsom•r Norton method Church Charity Number . 1128385 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the . for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages .1. to 3. As the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of Ihe accounts in accordan 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 Dut my examination, I have foll¢ed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. delete or circle as appropriate AcrAILmts fr¢yearwd 31 8.24. UpJ* 4of5
Name of Church................. . MKlsomer Norton Methcdist Church 1128385 Independent Examiner's Ststement I have completed my examination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disck)sed 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 accounting records. I have no conMS 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 havelWAfj*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 eXsS of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner FCCA . FCA:Fll&A . QFP Name of firm (where appropriate) P G Owen Limited Chartered ACUntantS & Fin8nci81 A¢fvisors Address 124 High St. Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 2DA Tel: 01761410444 Post Code Date delete or cirde as appropriate Accounts for year end 31.8.24 - PGO Updated 5of5