THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
ANNUAL REPORT Year ending 31 August 2025
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH HORSFORTH, LEEDS Registered Charity No. 1129305
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH- Annual Report Ending 31stAugusl 2025
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH HORSFORTH, LEEDS
Town Street, Horsforth, LS18 4RJ
The Annual Report of the Managing Trustees and Financial Statements for the year ending 31[st] August 2025
Email: mo@lswmethodists.org.uk Web site: www.grovemethodist.chessck.co.uk
Registered Charity No. 1129305
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Contents:
Page: Managing Trustees Annual Report 5 - 18 Statement of Financial activities 18 Report of Independent Examiner 19 Financial reports 21 - 22
Introduction
The Trustees of the Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth, present the annual report and financial statements for the year September 2024 to August 2025. Following concerns across the previous year about the financial viability of the church and a need for a very tight budget with careful oversight of expenditure, this year has seen the church in a reasonably more comfortable position with a predicted small surplus as it enters 2026. Consequently, whenever possible the church has sought to undertake financial activities as outlined in the financial accounts in line with its mission statement. Response has been made by the church and its associated groups to appeals and charities across the year as . listed throughout the report
The accounts provide details of major transactions for the year 2024 – 2025. This includes payment of the full Circuit Assessment for the church, which was £61,966 together with an additional voluntary donation to make the paid amount up to £65,000. This is a major and ongoing expenditure for sustaining and supporting the ministry and work of the Leeds South and West Circuit of which The Grove is one of eighteen constituent churches.
This Annual Report outlines the widespread range of events and activities that the church has striven to provide across the year. These would not have been possible without the very many hours of dedicated service and voluntary help that have been given by members and adherents.
The Trustees would like to thank all volunteers for their interest, time and energy that has enabled the church to respond in such a positive way to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ within this community.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2025
Administrative information:
The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth, is a registered charity number 1129305. It is governed by the Methodist Church constitution set up by Act of Parliament and by the Constitutional Practice and Discipline (CPD) of the Church as amended from time to time by the Methodist Conference.
Correspondence for The Grove Methodist Church should be addressed to Rev. Mo Onyett, The Grove Methodist Church, 15 Edward Close, Pudsey, Leeds, LS28 7FG.
The Managing Trustees are the unpaid members of the Church Council and for the year ending 31st August 2025 those who have served on Church Council are as follows:
Kath Ashby, Ann Bailey (GDPO), Barbara Buckley, David Buckley, Judith Chaplin, Eric Douglass, Rev. Mo Onyett (Chair), Carol Hoyle, Graham Hoyle, Gill Jewell, Philip Maud, Janette Mawson, Peter Mawson (Secretary), Barry Martin, Christine Martin, Jean Orton (to 25.02.25), David Quick (to 25.02.25), Janet Taylor (Circuit Representative), Paul Thompson (Treasurer), Caroline Turner (to 25.02.25), Michael Wallis , Andy Walker, Helena Watkins, Keith Whitham, Trish Whitham, Sally Wolfe (Safeguarding Officer).
Independent Examiner: Rachel Harrison (Chartered Accountant; Head of Academic Support for Kaplan Inc.) Bankers: Virgin Money, Pudsey
Structure and management:
The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth is a registered charity operating with the charity number 1129305. As stipulated in The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church (vol. 2, para. 38a), being a Local Church in Great Britain it forms part of the Methodist Church as a member of Leeds South and West Circuit (27/01) and of Yorkshire West Methodist District.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
As such, the purposes of the church are in tune with those of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.
The church operates within the Charitable Objects of the Methodist Church, the purposes of the Methodist Church being and being deemed to have been since the date of union* the advancement of - (a) the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church; (b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church; (c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church; (d) any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.
*DEED OF UNION (1932) AND METHODIST CHURCH ACT (1976)
Managing Trustees:
The Council is composed of the church minister, church stewards, treasurer, secretary of the Pastoral Committee, secretary of the Council, up to 15 representatives elected by the General Church Meeting (9 across the year), up to 15 additional persons appointed by the Council (11 across the year) to cover all areas of the church's life, and one circuit steward appointed by the circuit stewards.
Members of the Church Council are voluntary charity trustees and so act within the duties placed upon them under charity law. They operate within five agreed rules: To act; in the best interests of the charity; in accordance with the law and the charity's governing documents; with reasonable skill and care; prudently and responsibly; and collectively.
Appointments and training:
The Grove Church adheres to the Safer Recruitment Policy, Procedures and Guidance from the Methodist Church. This is designed to identify suitably experienced , skilled and interested people for voluntary positions including the trustee role and to deter anyone who could be a potential risk to children, young people or vulnerable adults. The system is
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
designed to be transparent and used for every role in the church, its complexity varying with the role.
Part of procedures involves steps to induct, mentor and monitor those appointed to positions. On going training is provided when necessary as is support for any volunteer needing advice on their selected role.
Volunteer appointments:
This Annual Report outlines the widespread range of events and activities that the church has striven to provide across the year 2024 – 2025. These would not have been possible without the very many hours of dedicated service and voluntary help that have been given by members and adherents.
The Trustees would like to reiterate their thanks to all volunteers for sustaining the church in its response to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ within this community.
Data Protection:
To ensure compliance with necessary requirements, the Church has a Data Protection Policy that follows UK and Methodist General Data Protection specifications and is informed by Charity Commission guidance (2018). To ensure this is followed an appointed General Data Protection Regulations Officer is an important role in the church and has a vital part in working with the Trustees to ensure that every person using personal data does so in a secure and lawful manner that does not infringe the rights of those with whom we work. The currently appointed General Data Protection Officers are Ann Bailey and Ruth Symons.
Safeguarding:
Recognising that every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of human beings in God’s own image and likeness, the Church recognises its duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. In line with Methodist Church requirements, The Grove has necessary safeguarding policies and other guiding documentation to ensure that adopted systems and procedures follow best practice. A Church Safeguarding Officer has
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
been appointed who works independently but, when needed, also in partnership with other church officers to ensure correct safeguarding procedures are publicised and followed by the church. Annual reviews of policy and risk assessments are undertaken by the trustees. The currently appointed Church Safeguarding Officer is Sally Wolfe.
Purpose Statement:
Across the year The Grove Church has followed its aim, agreed by the congregation, that is in line with the stated calling of the Methodist Church. Its intention has been rooted in the desire to see communities in which the church is involved, transformed for the good of all. Its purpose is summarised in its mission statement.
AIMS AND ORGANISATION
The aims of the church are set out in its Mission Statement as follows:
The Grove Methodist Church is called to respond to the Gospel of love in Jesus Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship, service and mission.
In seeking to live out our mission statement we are committed to :
Worship - which takes into account the needs of the whole church family, preserving all that is good from the past while being open to the new.
Fellowship - which seeks to make all welcome, builds up our faith and enables us to care for one another.
Spirituality - believing that Bible Study, Prayer, Worship, Giving and Service are vital, we seek to order our lives on the pattern of Jesus.
Serving God in the World – by seeking to live out our faith where we work and live, witnessing by word and deed in the local community, fostering interest in world affairs, engaging in world-wide mission and seeking to enhance the lives of those in our neighbourhood.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
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Working together committed to the whole Church of God and seeking greater awareness of, and co-operation with, other faiths and denominations within our community.
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Evangelism sharing our faith in Jesus Christ with others and bringing them into fellowship.
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Secure Foundations ensuring that we have a sound working base, ce since our commitment to worship, fellowship, spirituality and servi requires us to provide premises that are structurally sound, well maintained and underpinned by effective finance.
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The church seeks to carry out its stated aims and objectives through:
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Sunday services and other acts of worship.
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Various meetings for prayer, fellowship, Bible study and outreach.
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Membership of 'Leeds (South & West) Circuit (16/01)'
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Membership of Horsforth Churches Together and support of its activities.
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The Church Council and its appointed Committees, which act under its direction.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Review of progress and achievement across the year
Following a very difficult year in 2022 – 2023 The Grove had an estimated lifespan of 12 – 18 months before funding ran out. Immediate and effective action on the part of the Trustees involved making difficult financial decisions that enabled the church to survive in a challenging medium term situation. Whilst this was being managed the Trustees had the foresight to start planning for the longer term future so that once The Grove was beyond that demanding period there was an expectation that it should begin to return to a stronger position where reserves could be gradually rebuilt.
By the start of this year (2024 – 2025) the financial summary was much better than the previous year. The church had achieved an overall decrease in the deficit, increased expenditure and was near refurbishment of its attached cottage for letting that was successfully managed across the year.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
As the report indicates by the end of 2025 a small financial surplus was expected, although it was also anticipated that this might be affected by a project to take action on the church roof. To achieve this aim, over the year the church has benefitted by donations given, regular and one-off, that have made an enormous difference and enabled the church to achieve a stable financial footing.
Alongside the anticipated benefits of action taken to strengthen church finances, a major proposal for the year was maintenance of the building and, in particular, rectifying the state of the church roof. Bad weather had resulted in leaks in the kitchen and activity room areas and it was clear to Trustees that this could not continue long term as matters were getting worse. With an improving financial base, action was planned to raise £105,000 through the combined resources of a bequest, church fund raising efforts and grants from third party donors that would fund the planned work.
An indication of the church's increased economic strength across the year was completion of the project baring attention to the down flow pipes and guttering outside the main kitchen, which is on line to be addressed early in the coming year. As it seemed opportune, an additional intention was added to plans to erect solar panels with funding raised as an extension to the original roof target figure. Planning proceeded during the year, however, the requirement for planning permission has delayed the installation of the solar panels, that have become scheduled work in 2025 – 2026.
This has also been designated a Year of Reflection. At set points in the year the congregation spent time reflecting upon and considering aspects of its mission that might be achieved whilst building improvements were being undertaken. Key focus areas included: film ministry, community communication, prayer and developing spiritual confidence. These positive aspects are complemented by continued on - going achievements in each area of its mission to public benefit as summarised below.
Peter Mawson Church Council Secretary
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Performance within main mission areas
Worship
Worship has been the church's response to the unbounded, transforming love and grace shown to us by God
God-centred worship remained at the heart of the church's response to its mission as a strong and underpinning foundation to the effective provision of a structural rhythm of church veneration. Numbers have been sustained at post COVID levels with an average of 60 attending Sunday morning worship, supplemented by an additional 6 – 10 zoom worshippers. In addition congregation members participated in Circuit worship through evening zoom services, attending fortnightly Encounter services or making personal use of weekly written services.
At key times the church brought together individual and communal devotion around shared special service opportunities, including the annual November Remembrance Sunday service, Christmas worship, Easter celebrations and local community Civic worship.
Complementing this, throughout the year the church has provided a point of spiritual contact for those in the neighbourhood who have identified their own personal or family needs. In this connection The Grove was open for anyone wishing to celebrate family occasions and there were conducted 2 baptisms, 1 wedding, 7 funerals and 6 acceptances into membership
Fellowship
In reflecting the love of God the church has continued to show and provide opportunities for care and concern for God, for other people and for oneself.
The watchful oversight of individual welfare including members and regular adherents through Pastoral Groups led by Church Visitors, is a significant part of the bond of fellowship. Keeping in touch with all those who have chosen to be linked to The Grove starts from Pastoral Visitors but, to meet considerable pastoral needs amongst all members and
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
adherents, use has also been made of telephone, social media, letters and cards. In addition, groups such as Tuesday Bible Fellowship, Ladies Group and Uniformed Organisations organised systems for regular links to members.
The welcome and fellowship provided by the church has been open to anyone coming onto the premises whether or not they chose to become active members. Monday Luncheon Club, Tuesday Coffee Morning, monthly Friday Grove Cinema, Saturday Family Films and Sunday Messy Church are amongst opportunities for members of the wider community to find warm hospitality. A successful new initiative has been provision of open picnic lunches and Sunday buffet lunches at set times in the year.
In order to secure a safe environment for all premises users the Trustees have continued to take a keen interest in safeguarding matters, receiving feedback on the Annual Risk Assessment and Check List and reviewing the Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy. Updated training has been accessed by appropriate office holders. In addition trustees accepted and agreed to Access and Environmental audits.
Spirituality
To complement the connections created by religious aspects of church provided through ritual, tradition and hospitality, across the year the church recognised a desire for deeper connections with someone or something to help individuals travel their own path and discover the God who is with us. Spirituality has been another important aspect of the church's activities open to church and community and achieved through prayer, study and meditations and retreat.
The Trustees decision to use 'Prayer' as the spiritual focal point for church and individual development was continued into this new church year. The Grove began the Autumn Quarter by sustaining and completing this planned focus on prayer. Regular prayer activities were available based upon the commitment to a Methodist Way of Life involving daily prayer. Activities were open ended in terms of time and covered a range of ways of deepening connections with God, oneself, and the world, through body, nature, people, contemplation, craft and scripture. These in turn led towards a whole-church opportunity to deepen spiritual awareness on a church retreat day open to everyone. Although seen as a culmination of
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
this chosen priority area, prayer was on-going throughout the year as an important aspect of church life.
Special prayer activities like the creation of a prayer area for quiet contemplation, reflection for Disability History Month and a focus on peace building in South Sudan, complemented continuation of the more usual events including individual and group study and reflection held at appropriate times in the year including Advent, Lent and Easter, specific times of reflection like Week of Prayer for Christian Unity and, for younger members, themed Messy Church. Guided reading and study of St John's Gospel became the church's chosen theme for Bible Month.
Serving God in the World
Like any religious or secular organisation ,and particularly following the impact of COVID, the church could not be oblivious to numbers. However this is not its primary concern. As many people regard the church as irrelevant to everyday living, the Trustees were mindful that transformation of individuals and communities begins when the church meets need by serving its near and wider neighbourhoods. To this end, across the year, the church sought to be a place of welcome, hospitality, service and kindness to all.
In the year 2024 – 2025 The Grove provided many opportunities to help people in need whatever their setting. Traditional church outreach groups including Weekend / Weekday Walkers, Women's Fellowship, Monday Luncheon Club and Grove Ladies Group remained strong. The development of Friday cinema into regular Saturday family events proved successful in meeting community wishes, as did retention of Tuesday Coffee Morning as part of Warm Spaces provision and collections for Horsforth Community Pantry. The church made successful efforts to enhance town events particularly the Walk of Art, Horsforth Gala, and Christmas lights switch on; bringing the neighbourhood onto the site through the Christmas Angel Festival, Christmas card distribution, Tots and Tykes and providing a base for Scouting / Guiding Uniformed Groups.
Successfully following its mission focus it supported those on the edge of the community with food bank gifts, refugee clothes and gift box collections and financial appeals for a range of local, national and international charities including Horsforth Town of Sanctuary, Christian
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Aid, Action for Children, Mission Aviation Fellowship, Baby Bank and Woodhouse Moor Community Centre.
Working Together
Ever mindful that maximum impact is often achieved by working with other groups, Trustees sought to encourage co-operation and connection with other faiths and denominations and community groups.
It should be apparent from what is already reported that over the year the church took seriously its commitment to challenge injustice and eradicate poverty whenever it could and often as part of a joint venture with other like-minded groups.
Amongst effective commitments were co-operation with the Circuit and its churches, Horsforth Churches Together and neighbouring closing churches. New ventures involved backing, on several occasions, for Horsforth Climate Action so as to promote care for creation and a united approach towards the climate emergency situation, and, along with other national churches, raising awareness of the fragile situation in Bethlehem and the Middle East. Each partnership was aimed at mutual understanding that all are part of creation, enabling joint concern for the world we live in and encouraging all people to flourish.
Evangelism
The Trustees have been committed to the growth of the church but not through a hard sell policy. In each aspect of the church's mission they have encouraged an on-going experience of God's spirit active in lives that creates a space for God to be at work amongst individuals and communities.
The effectiveness of the church in its worship, spirituality, fellowship and service, as noted above, has created a relational church that has continually striven towards being a place of welcome, hospitality and safe space. The church is open to all who have chosen to come onto the site. Its success in these areas is a mark of the effectiveness of The Grove across 2024 – 2025 and has been a witness in such a way that through engagement in appropriate activities and the creative ways of presenting
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
the church's intentions, it bears the fruit of all those who have been drawn to participate and appreciate the experience provided.
Secure foundations
As noted above, the church has successfully built upon the previous year of challenge and ensured provision of a sound financial and building base from which to operate across 2024 - 2025.
The report highlights the effectiveness of steadily strengthening financial affairs to end the year in a positive position. Evidence of this is that alongside financial efforts, the Trustees have managed building matters effectively.
Achievements include efficient running of The Grove through the work of relatively newly appointed key officers, Church Caretaker, Booking Secretary, Church Treasurer and Gift Aid Supervisor, successful letting of the attached church cottage, closure of roof fund to cover all Centre roof expenses, and miscellaneous building repairs and improvements to ensure that the premises is fit for use and hiring. The success of actions taken is testified to by the full calender of church and community group lettings.
Additional information on achievement and performance
: Position by end of year
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The church successfully weathered the financial challenge brought on by the impact of COVID and its aftermath through careful oversight of church finances and is beginning to build back its reserve funds.
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Maintaining a level of attendance across the year, the church has sustained income levels that have enabled it to cover running costs and undertake events and activities in line with its stated Mission Statement.
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Once again, savings have enabled the church to produce sufficient finances to undertake necessary improvements, and, together with its organisations, to make donations to outside charitable bodies as noted above .
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In accordance with Charity Commission regulations, Trustees continue to be mindful of best value when it comes to premises' use
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
and so have maintained fees for use of the premises and parking areas in line with market expectations.
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In order to comply with Methodist Insurance requirements a detailed inventory of all church equipment has been maintained. As part of
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safety regulations the Trustees accepted the Annual Risk Assessment and Check List.
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Trustees are regularly kept informed about the state of the premises through submission of the Annual Return, formerly known as Schedule A with accompanying notes and the Health and Safety Return, as well as Quarterly Reports from the Property Committee to Church Council.
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In ensuring that the building provides the safe and secure base that is needed for furthering the Mission Statement and working in the community, regular maintenance and improvements are made. Annual PAT testing of electrical equipment has been carried out and, as appropriate, organisations and groups have been required to
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undertake their own risk assessments when needed.
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Given the improving state of church finances, major works of improvement have been undertaken and closely monitored.
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Having experienced leaks from a small expanse of flat roof
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ineffectively relaid at the time of the refurbishment of the Community
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Centre some twenty years ago, the church has worked on a solution to the problems and achieved completion of improvements so as to ensure the premises remain sound and secure.
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The church organ is 85 years old and, recognising that in recent years there have been a number of organ failures, before the start of this year, the church undertook restoration work at a cost of £15,000 but has been constantly aware that at some point in the future full restoration incorporating modern day standards might be needed. The expense has been estimated at between £60,000 and £100,000.
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Moves have been made to sustain the church's environmentally friendly approach. The Environmental Audit was updated and in consequence the Centre ceiling lights continue to be changed for LED lighting. This action has meant the successful reduction in power consumption from 3420 watts to 335 watts. In addition, draught seals have been fitted around all external doors and windows. As previously noted, plans are in hand for construction of solar panels.
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A data protection review has been undertaken to update the church data map.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Other public benefits from special projects and responses to important events
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Toilet Twinning: As part of the church's mission to improve the living situation of people suffering from inadequate conditions, the church embarked upon a special project to twin each church toilet with an equivalent facility in a developing country that needed improvement. With the help of church groups and individuals, during the year the seven church toilets were matched financially to facilities in seven chosen countries including Uganda, Nepal and Malawi. The success of the project contributed to improved hygiene as well as to the safety of women and children in the chosen country.
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Church Christmas services, at which £731 - 41was collected, were used to raise funds for the national charity Action for Children.
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On Good Friday The Grove sought support from across local denominations to raise £281- 47 in aid of its on-going charity work with Mission Aviation Fellowship.
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Traditional church support for Christian Aid projects continued during the year and £519 - 00 was donated to the charity's work.
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Throughout 2024 – 2025 the church sustained its interest and activity in several organisations aimed at benefitting society in general, and specific minorities in particular, including Dementia Friendly Church, Fairtrade awareness and Horsforth Live at Home Scheme. a special project aimed at decreasing social isolation and loneliness by supporting the independence of elderly people in their own homes.
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Refugee support: In a bid to make a difference, support was provided in response to appeals for the collection of men's clothing given to the HCT Migrants' Support Group to help 120 male asylum seekers (mostly African) currently housed in a nearby Leeds hotel. At Christmas the church responded to an appeal for Christmas presents of socks and toiletries and for provision of gift boxes for newly arrived refugees. In June the church responded to an appeal for men's summer clothes.
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The church has always had an interest in working with pupils and students in educational organisations. Complementing
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
input for Open the Book in local Primary schools, The Grove provided support for a newly appointed worker for the Christian Charity 'Fusion' that is providing fellowship and assistance to students in higher education.
- As noted above a new church focus has been community communication. The church was active in 2024 – 2025 organising several initiatives aimed at making additional contact with the local community. Large amongst these were activities surrounding Susannah's Table, a project aimed at providing people in nearby streets with a warm welcome, free food and fellowship. Initial success resulted in repeated events across the year. A second key initiative was providing resources for Horsforth Chaplaincy to continue the employment of a liaison worker with local refugees temporarily settled in the area.
Value of the church not in monetary terms
- The range of activities and services outlined above is evidence of the church’s particular impact on its immediate locality and its residents, whether they are Methodist members and adherents or non-church neighbours. This outline of the scope of the church’s interest and support also indicates a positive, if less direct, influence at national and international levels in a wide number of areas.
- The church continues to offer a welcome place of traditional and varied worship, geographically placed at the heart of Horsforth. Our well-maintained and attractive premises are extensively used by church groups and the wider community throughout each week whenever possible.
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The church community has carried on providing the opportunity for spiritual growth to young and old alike, pastoral care to one
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another and those outside the church, and continues to explore new ways to reach out in mission.
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Above all it seeks to provide a pattern for living that responds to the gospel of God’s love in Jesus Christ by following a life of
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discipleship through worship, service and mission.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Financial Review by The Church Treasurer
2024/25 saw us finally put the church on a stable footing from a financial perspective. After several years hard work our normal expenditures are now more or less matched by the income we receive from regular giving, donations and hiring out the church halls.
This, together with a generous donation from the estate of Jack Myers, has enabled us to commit to some major property work in replacing the Centre roof and installing solar panels. We are half way through this project, and have already reached our fund raising target of £105,000, meaning we have money in the bank to pay for the remainder of the work in 2026.
I would like to again thank the many individuals and groups who by their regular giving and tireless efforts with fund raising activities have allowed us to strengthen the financial foundations of the church for the future.
Paul Thompson Church Treasurer
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Grove Methodist Church, Horsforth
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
Reserves Policy
The General Fund comprises the unrestricted reserves of the Church. Whilst still being built up, it aims to accumulate the equivalent of six months potential expenditure, currently estimated as between £80,000 to £85,000.
Approved by The Grove Church Council on 23[rd] February 2026 and signed on its behalf by Peter Mawson, Secretary to the Church Council.
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH, HORSFORTH
BALANCE SHEET as at 31st AUGUST 2025
| ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | ||
| £ | £ | |||
| TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| At Insurance Value: | ||||
| Freehold Property: | Church | 7,185,459 | 6,981,444 | |
| Cottage | 283,596 | 275,335 | ||
| Organ | 806,793 | 778,007 | ||
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| 8,275,848 | 8,034,786 | |||
| At Cost less Depreciation: | ||||
| Fixtures and Fittings | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| 8,275,848 | 8,034,786 | |||
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Sundry Debtors | 2 | 20,828 | 20,510 | |
| Bank Accounts | 3 | 70,239 | 26,525 | |
| ------------- | ------------- | |||
| 91,067 | 47,035 | |||
| Less: Sundry Creditors | 4 | 1,305 | 1,128 | |
| ------------- | ------------- | |||
| 89,762 | 45,907 | |||
| ------------ | ------------ | |||
| TOTAL NET ASSETS | 8,365,610 | 8,080,693 | ||
| ========= | ========= | |||
| FUNDED BY: | ||||
| Restricted: | Prop Valuation Reserve – | Church & Organ | 7,992,252 | 7,759,451 |
| Cottage | 283,596 | 275,335 | ||
| Benevolent Fund | 980 | 980 | ||
| ---------------- | ---------------- | |||
| 8,276,828 | 8,035,766 | |||
| Designated: | Trust 18633 Manchester | 31,569 | 12,269 | |
| Organ Fund | 617 | 787 | ||
| Property Fund | 2,083 | 2,083 | ||
| Projects for Young People | 3,414 | 3,414 | ||
| Roof replacement fund | 14,990 | 2,251 | ||
| Unrestricted: | General Fund | 36,109 | 24,125 | |
| --------------- | --------------- | |||
| 8,365,610 | 8,080,693 | |||
| ========= | ========= |
The allocation of assets to the various funds is shown on page 5 of the full independently examined accounts available from the Treasurer
The notes on pages 7 to 10 of the full independently examined accounts (available from the Treasurer) form part of these accounts
Approved by the Grove Church Council on23rd February 2026 And signed on its behalf by:
Peter Mawson (Church Council Secretary and Trustee)
Paul Thompson (Church Treasurer and Trustee)
Page 1
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THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH – Annual Report Ending 31st August 2025
THE GROVE METHODIST CHURCH, HORSFORTH
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
for the YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2025
| --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| This year | Last year | |||||
| Other | 2024-2025 | 2023-2024 | ||||
| General | Funds | TOTAL | TOTAL | |||
| Note | Fund | (Inc A/C paid out) | ||||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| INCOME | ||||||
| Collections & Pledged Giving | 57,038 | 2,963 | 60,001 | 62,045 | ||
| Tax Refund - Gift Aid | 17,050 | 0 | 17,050 | 14,417 | ||
| Hire of Rooms / Car Park / Cottage | rental | 57,496 | 0 | 57,496 | 50,764 | |
| Use of Rooms by Church Orgs | 5,600 | 0 | 5,600 | 4,800 | ||
| Donations | 6,628 | 34,500 | 41,128 | 25,567 | ||
| Bank Interest | 1,290 | 0 | 1,290 | 539 | ||
| Other Income | 0 | 0 | 0 | 751 | ||
| Weddings & Funerals | 2,446 | 102 | 2,548 | 1,120 | ||
| Choir | 0 | 0 | 0 | 55 | ||
| FR Events | 1,299 | 69,614 | 70,913 | 1,321 | ||
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| 148,847 | 107,178 | 256,025 | 161,378 | |||
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| EXPENDITURE | ||||||
| Circuit Assessment | 61,966 | 0 | 61,966 | 58,848 | ||
| Subscriptions / Donations | 480 | 1,747 | 2,227 | 2,815 | ||
| Organ (Maint & Music) | 517 | 690 | 1,207 | 975 | ||
| Sundry Expenditure | 6 | 1,206 | 0 | 1,206 | 1,250 | |
| Admin, Print & Stationery | 1,593 | 0 | 1,593 | 1,772 | ||
| Planned Maintenance | 7 | 3,094 | 0 | 3,094 | 3,567 | |
| Property Maintenance | 5 & 8 | 59,786 | 3,540 | 63,326 | 99,405 | |
| Outreach | 5,597 | 0 | 5,597 | 0 | ||
| Costs of Weddings & Funerals | 71 | 0 | 71 | 199 | ||
| Choir | 0 | 0 | 0 | |||
| FR Events | 2,552 | 0 | 2,552 | 2,189 | ||
| Project Expenditure | 0 | 69,330 | 69,330 | 0 | ||
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| 136,863 | 0 | 75,307 | 212,170 | 171,020 | ||
| --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| Deficit / Surplus for the Year | 11,984 | 31,871 | 43,855 | -9,642 | ||
| Transfers between funds | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||
| Unrealised property gains | 241,062 | 241,062 | 195,908 | |||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| Net movement in funds | 11,984 | 272,933 | 284,917 | 186,266 | ||
| Funds Br/Fwd: | 24,125 | 8,056,568 | 8,080,693 | 7,894,427 | ||
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ||||||
| Reserves Carr/Fwd: | 36,109 | 0 | 8,329,501 | 8,365,610 | 8,080,693 | |
| -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
Prior year comparitives for each fund are shown on page 4 of the full independently examined accounts, available from the Treasurer
The notes on pages 7 to 10 of the full independently examined accounts (available from the Treasurer) form part of these accounts
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