High Street, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2DR Tel: 01761 410450 e-mail: info@msnmcc.org ## **Annual Charity Report for the year ended 31st August 2025** 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 2025)| ||Revs Christine Coram, Simon Topping.| ||Lay members: Susan Helen Green, Lydia Hinton, Sally Brick,| ||Simon Knight, Hanna Beven, John Mander, Michael Evans, Judith| ||Knight, Hilary Mander, James Roberts, Marjorie Gilson, Lorraine| ||Evans, Kathy Dymond, Jenny Hillman, David Lewis| |Church Stewards:
|Helen Green, Sally Brick, Lydia Hinton, Simon Knight, Hannah| |Bevan,|John Mander| |Treasurer:|Helen Green| |Bankers:|National Westminster Bank, Midsomer Norton| ||Charities Aid Foundation| ||Central Finance Board of Methodist Church, London| ||Some funds such as bequests are held by the Trustees for| ||Methodist Church Purposes| |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 Re port of the Church Council for the year ended 31st August 2025 ## 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. A bi-monthly group provides activities, Bible stories and a cooked meal. This is free and open to all. ## Risk Management The Church Council regularly considers the major risks to which they as Trustees are exposed and have reviewed those risks and systems along with procedures to manage them. Volunteers are checked (including where appropriate under the Disclosure and Barring Service) ``` 1 ``` 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 80 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. Reduced membership, attendance and, therefore, financial giving alongside the rising costs of running two large buildings has led to an on-going review of the Church’s work and priorities with a view to ensuring that it is able to sustain what is most important. The identified priorities are: worshipping God, prayer and following more closely to the teaching of Christ; creating a deeper Church community and reaching out into the wider community to those in need of both spiritual and social need. This work is on-going. ## 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 reduces year on year but the income from lettings, continues to increase. 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 Beneft 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 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 26/02/2026 ``` 2 ``` CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS Mldsomer Norton Methodlst Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025 Northeast Somersel and Bath Clrcult Règlstered Charlty - Charlty Reglstratlon number If not a registered charity HIS Majesty's Revenue and Customs Glft Ald number (Th8 HMRC number is equivalent to a r8gist8r8d charrty number in tenns of evidence of charrtable status and may be used to give to donors or granl funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitabl8 Status. Methodist Gharities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from regislration under Slalutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1128385 Minister.. R8verand Christine Coram Church Stewards.. Lydia Hlnton Hanna Bevan Simon Knight John Mander SAily Brick Treasurer- Susan Helen Green ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Midsomer Norton Methodist Church ￿n￿trI￿d Restrtcted Funds Funds Totsl$ th1¥ Totals last SECTION A a1 RECEIPTS Offerin s and Tax recovered Bank and CF8 inleresl and Investment income Lellin 91.440 91.440 77.851 a3 4.406 a4 9,895 13,246 118.697 9.895 13,246 118,697 a5 Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS 10,601 101.995 a6 187) SECTION b1 PAYMENTS Circuit Asse8smenl or Share b2 50.400 50.400 48,000 2.129 b3 Donation8 245 b4 Re airs and Maintenance Ulililies Ilnsurances, water cha es heatin hlin 17.989 17.989 b5 18,094 18.094 b6 b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS 6.601 94.954 6,601 95,199 6,559 93.734 b8 245 (b91 SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS c1 a64)8 245 23,498 Total funds brought forward from la81 year c2 92,501 9.700 102,201 c6 93.941 c3 Sub total c1+c2 9,455 125,699 102,201 Transfers and ad'uslment8 c7 c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR Ic3+¢41 116.244 9.455 125.699 102,201 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts arn not to be In¢lud•d In total recel tsl en¢s fi ures abov• d1 Balance brou hl foThvard from last ear 29 d2 Offerin sIGifts- received for extemal o anisalions 3,071 3,317 d3 OfferingslGifts - passed to extemal organisalions 3,337 3,346 d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID Id1+d243} 295) 29 2of5 PGO upJage& 25 LThurth.T¢¢thpJ*•)Ir￿ts-202s l) SECTJON E he Guidan com lete this SUmm8ry￿￿ehurch ror￿ yearend•J 31 Awust 2025aThS Irrt￿ lo Counuvchwth Nl22tillg. thallhe fwd5 of AND A DIFFERENT FORM 1018fKMlthp actCAYdslse8 kl8lxvA51w*t*A2). tr￿sIerS teN*een D&1￿1 and comecw Di$trtlOraari￿1&. INTERNAL oRGA14L￿TlONs bal￿¢ Gr¢ 747 744 162 16S Tvddl•vB 316 19 T10 Gr••tand 20 16 911 895 •12 Church •GGgunl• Itolals brou9htfowvd from pJg• 2. tDt41i columfil ¢9 118,697 95.199 Ibgl 23,498 l¢T) 102,201 125,699 ¢6 BY CHLIRCH 119,76Q 378 23,482 103,112 11 r*ei¥•rywd ￿n9 th totol¥ low•f TOTAL REceipTS TOTAL PAYf*FIrn SECTION F 4t-" OPENING B*LANCE$ CLOSING BALANCES CHURCH. CASH FUND8 HELD at)1 *•J uJt 2025 C4•h In h• 20 Barth Curr•ni*omi N•iw•*i CAF Csh kcounl 12.037 Cqntr* FITh￿¢0 Bc• Trusteelftr m•1W￿lc￿rt￿h Pu Oth•rfuTr 205 8Uè TOTAL.Chur¢h •cewl• Total fundi ho￿ ty Intwriai Or9arffjth bakqncetoial Ircmabo¥e}1012) 102,201 125 699 911 895 TOTAL CASH FVNOS HELD BYCHURCH 103 112 126 594 $E¢noN G OTHER￿seT$ •nd LIAgILbTIE8 31 Auguil 2026 In¥e&trMnt• Lgnd&8 L￿v￿$ f4 InrJLth * f*Cqntral IS IndudR orty Fur4Js *TnkSieeSt*A￿YthtC￿lth gl 8nyow*rlrNo$tyn￿ {i¥JlVwc8gh*8￿￿T￿cP MIknlS Name of Church . Mldsomer Norton Mfjthothst Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based aGcounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and Ihat they include all funds under the control of the Church trusteès. Signature of treasurer ............ . Name and addrass of treasurer .... Ft SR3..2.rL. Postcode...... Pre88nlation to the Church trustees I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 will be presented to the meetinq of th& Chur¢h trustees held on .. Ji lotr12P Signature of the Chair of the meets'ng Name of the Chair of the me&ting Independent Examlner's Report to the Trustees of the . Midsomer Norton Methodist Charlty Number. 1126385 Responglbllltles and ba818 of report I report to th8 trustee5 on my examinats'on ofthe accounts of the ........................ Church for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages ... to As the Church's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance vltlh th8 requirements of the Charities Act 20111.the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Church's accounts carrled 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)Ib) of the Act. delete or clr¢le as appropriate 4015 Name of Church .. . MKlsomer Norton Methcrtlist Church 1128385 Independent Examlnerfs 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 ￿SpeCt". the accounting records were not kept in accordan￿ with section 130 of the Act,. or the accounts do not accord with the accountinq records. I have no cOn￿mS and have come across no other matters in connection wrth 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 havelhave not. obtained independent verification of all investm8nts 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 examiner Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner ICAEW & Acca Name of firm (where appropriate) P G Owen Limited Address Chartered A¢eounl•n15 & Fin8nci81 Advisors 124 High St. Midsomer Norton Bath BA3 2DA Tel.. 01761410444 Post Code Date delete or circle as appropriate PGO upd?ted accs Aug 25 Chufth-receipls-and-paymerrtS-2025_No￿aI (version 11 5of5 Reply to. Midsomer Norton Owen Limited Our Ref.. RNBIGG Your Ref: Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors Date.. 7 April 2026 Mrs Helen Green, IIon Treasurcr Midsomcr Norton Methodist Church Centre High 8trcet Midsomcr Norton BA3 2DR Dear Helen. MIDSOMER NORTON METHODIST CHURCH CENTRE INDEPENDENT F.XAMINATION FOR THE YEAR TO 31 AUGUST 2025 Thank you for letting me have the records lo complctc thc Standard Forni of Accounts and complete an independent examination thereof. I have pleasure in enclosing the accounts and completcd certificate for thc ycar. As in the previous years, we have found no major irregulariti¢s however I would mak¢ th¢ following ¢omm¢nts. I, We have agreed that Restricted fund balances ai the end of the year should be as follows: Benevolent fund Church Worker Salary fund 1,687 7,768 £9.455 2. The Accountant's adjustin8 journals r¢latin8 to th¢ pr¢vious ycar's accounts werc cntcrcd incorrcctly with a datc of thc 20 Junc 2025 instead of 31 August 2024. 'fhesc have now been corrected as follows: r)raft Accs £18,100 £6,799 rinal Accs £17,989 £ 6,601 b4 Repairs and mainienance b7 Other payments Please note: you do not need to make any adjusting journals in your accounts to ¢orrcc¢ this. 3. It w&s noted that Receipts for th¢ Wcdncsday Group of £747 was included both in box el and also in IK)x a5 in thc ycar cnd accounts. We havc thcrefore removcd this duplicalion from box a5. 124 High Str8et. Midsomer Norton B8th 8A3 2DA T.. 1017611410444 msn@Pgtax ¢o.IAk 21A Market Pla¢e, Wamiinster Witshire BA129AY T.. 1019851213130 . warmtnster@pgtax.co.uk www.pgtax.co.uk Regther￿ in Irffjlor*f40 3164392 l DGillaTh*KAFCCAOipPFSgFP. ÈAlFkx￿1 Fc¢4F¢A¥￿A *Bl$t•r￿ v)c?Iry ¢ut4udrt workm IhEUK afftojvthorised lo-airy outthe reseTYedleg41 attivitvof non conlèntlQUSPfèDalÈ in England aiidi4'alè8 by Ibè InStrtUtè￿ tr￿rt￿rèdA￿O￿￿l>rtSÈ 1ftE￿￿4￿￿￿ &W&l 4. We have UFrtlated box "dl balance brought forward from l&st year. which was showing as nil, to disclose the correct brought forward balance of negative £29. 5. Wc havc also uwlated box 'f6 other funds closing balance, which was cmpty, to disclosc the correct closing balance as £295. 6. It wa5 noted that Admin Charges postcd to account 2608 at audit numbers 1005822 £197.04 & 1005823 £25.12 w¢r¢ entered with the dale 01109125 instead of 01109124. Since thcsc are immaterial amounts wc have not made an adjusting journal and these will therefore fall inio next year's accounts. You should therefore not make any fi￿eT adjustments in the accounts io correct this. In reviewing the Agency Collcctions account 6699 it was noted that a duplicate paymcnt was made to Macmillan in relation to the fijnd raiser monics bankcd on 02/10123. payments of £641.17 each were made on 3111123 and on 12111124. Helen has advised us that it was agreed by the committcc lo offset this against th¢ fund rais¢r monies generdted in November 2025 and you will suffer ihL shortfall this cr¢aies. I understand a minutc of this was not made by the cornmittce al the time and so it should be noted that all fulurc dccisions of this natur¢ should be agreed and minutcd by the commillee, so thal the all-important papcrwork trail is maintained. Our cxaminalion of Ihc rccords we found no irregulaTities or qucrics on thc sample of transactions sclcctcd and we can also agrce the amounls you have disclosed in your Reserves Policy Statemcnt. E.inally. I cnclosc a not¢ of my finn's charges, which, as usual I have heavily discounted to reflcct our ongoing commitment lo the Church and local communily. Unfortunately, we are now r¢quir¢d to apply V A"r to all our invoices. We appreciale this inLreases our costs to you without increasing our incorne! Howevcr, as a gcsturc of 8oodwill wc have decided to sharc this cost with you by applying a onc-off 5 % discount for you on this ycar's fee. which wc hope you will find salisfaclory. Yours sincerely ROBIN N BROWNING BA(HONS) FCCA FCA FAIA BFP Enc.