REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1129523 

**NORTH ...** TheMethodistGhUrC~~ **BEDFORDSHIRE . .** W$e **s .CIRCUIT** 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES AND 

UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

FOR 

NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

|||Page||
|---|---|---|---|
|Report of the Trustees||to|`10`|
|Independent Examiner's Report||`11`||
|Statement of Financial Activities|`12`|to|`13`|
|Balance Sheet|`14`|to|`15`|
|Notes to the Financial Statements|`16`|to|`26`|





## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2021. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019). 

## OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES 

## Objectives and aims 

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

The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church 

Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution or subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church; Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. 

In setting our objectives and planning our activities the Circuit has given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit and in particular to its supplementary public benefit guidance on advancing our objectives as set out above. 

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the Gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. We will use the Circuit's resources to: Increase awareness of God's presence and celebrate God's love; Help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care; Be a good neighbour to people in need and challenge injustice; Make more followers of Christ. 

In all of the above we will seek to work ecumenically wherever possible. 

We will follow the Holy Spirit who is calling us to: 

LOVE God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength; LOVE one another, as Jesus loved his followers,; LOVE all others, even enemies, as God does and; be DISCIPLES OF JESUS, becoming like Christ, behaving like Christ, bringing others to meet and follow Christ working for GOD'S KINGDOM that God's will be done in the Church, and on earth for all, as it is in heaven. 

We seek to put our Mission Statement into action in the following ways: Resourcing worship in each church, as required, week by week and also by worshipping together as a whole Circuit to celebrate particular special occasions within the Circuit; Exercising ministry ecumenically with a number of ministerial colleagues from other denominations with whom we are in partnership to varying degrees; Ensuring a presbyter is part of the chaplaincy team at Bedford Prison, covering one session per week; Involving Supernumerary (retired) ministers in leading worship and other aspects of Circuit life as far as they wish and as their circumstances permit; Continuing partnerships with Methodist charities and other agencies and charities; Supporting chaplaincy within the MHA Care Homes within the Circuit; Providing regular communication of useful information and links on relevant issues: Providing practical and prayer support to churches to enable them to resource their local mission. 

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NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE 

## Circuit strategic plan 

Following the initial findings of the strategic review which started in the previous connexional year to ensure that the Circuit would be able to continue to carry out its missional objectives in the future, an outline plan was agreed at the Circuit meeting in September 2020. This included a reduction in stationed ministers from seven to five by 1 September 2022. 

The meeting also agreed to ensure that all manses continued to be suitable with reference to their location and CPO requirement which would result in buying and selling manses for stationed ministers and renting out those not required for housing those ministers until such time funds were needed to buy a new manse and or house a minister once again. 

Following a subsequent review of the manses by the Circuit Stewards, which included commissioning energy efficiency reports where appropriate, it was agreed to sell the Oakley manse and replace it with a brand new build in the Biddenham area and to rent out the Putnoe manse in reaction to stationing requirements for September 2021.lt was also accepted that the Kempston manse was permanently surplus to requirement with regards to the housing of ministers and is therefore classed an investment property. 

In July 2021 Rev Dalwyn Attwell died leaving Trinity, Beeston and Sandy churches without a minister.lt was agreed to go in to stationing for September 2022 for those churches plus Priory church which will need a replacement due to Rev Andrew Hollins leaving the circuit at the end of the 21-22 connexional year. 

The sad and untimely death of Rev Dalwyn Attwell meant that the circuit reduced the number of stationed ministers to five by September 2021. 

The Strategic Working Group continued to meet during the year nd feed back to the Circuit meeting. 

## Property matters 

The Circuit meeting approved a property scheme at Trinity which was to repair the church hall roof. The meeting approved a loan of £2,040 to be repaid on receipt of a VAT refund. They also approved a property scheme at Trinity to resolve issues with the internal wall of the church. 

The Circuit meeting approved a property scheme at London Road church to repair the vestibule roof. 

The Circuit bought a manse in Biddenham for £549,995 having received loans of £240,000 from two churches within the circuit. 

The manses at Shefford, Biggleswade and Coles Close Bedford were deemed to not meet CPO requirements and would therefore be sold by the circuit when funds are required to purchase replacement manses. 

Quinquennial inspections were completed on the Oakley, Coles Close and Putnoe manses together with Wilstead and London Road churches. 

The Oakley manse was put up for sale once vacated. 

Following the energy efficiency review of the Wootton manse the Circuit meeting agreed to ensure it met the minimum requirement of a C rating by approving the fitting of solar panels to its roof. 

## Covid-19 

Despite the changes in legislation in July 2020 regarding the use of church building during the covid pandemic, not all churches were able to arrive at Covid-secure arrangements to re-open their doors for use by the worshipping congregation and/or the general public for external lettings. 

Zoom and other similar digital means continued to be used for both circuit and church meetings either exclusively or in a hybrid way, ie some people attending in person whilst others attended via the internet. 

Following a rise in covid cases nationally in December 2020 and Bedfordshire being put in to Tier 4, the circuit leadership team took the decision to mandate all churches to cease worship in person. The decision was reversed as the situation improved and churches were once again able to make their own decisions on whether to commence worship in person from April 2021. 

## Ecumenical Matters 

It has continued to explore local ecumenical partnerships at Cardington. 

The Superintendent Minister serves as the Methodist District ecumenical officer for Bedfordshire and chairs churches together in Bedfordshire. 

## Worship 

The Circuit continued to encourage churches in the diversity of their worship and helped to resource this through the preaching plan. 

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## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

The Local Preachers and Worship Leaders Meeting continued to meet regularly, exercising oversight over accredited and trainee Local Preachers, plus commissioned and trainee Worship Leaders. 

## Safeguarding 

The Circuit continued the monitoring of DBS requirements (including renewals) and the delivery of Creating Safer Space training for all appropriate people working with children and vulnerable adults. The District introduced on line training during the year. 

A part time safeguarding was employed from 1 November 2020. 

## Other Circuit matters 

The Circuit magazine continued to be published quarterly alongside the quarterly Preaching Plan. 

Meetings of Church property stewards and treasurers were held to ensure all churches were supported and informed about their current obligations and responsibilities. 

## FINANCIAL REVIEW 

## Financial position 

The Mission Resources Mission Stream (MRMS) continued to meet throughout to consider the resourcing issues of matters such as property, finance and human resources including requests from churches and make recommendations to the Circuit meeting where applicable. 

The Circuit meeting approved the budget for 20-21 and review and considered draft budgets for the five years up to 24-25. The budgets from 21-22 onwards assumed a significant reduction in circuit assessments (share offers) which were based on conversations had with church treasurers about their expected future finances. 

The Circuit meeting approved a reduction in share offer from Trinity and agreed to defer repayment of the loan to Willington church which was due for full repayment by 31 August 2021. Both were due to cash flow issues as a result of Covid. 

It also approved the share offers received from churches for the connexional year 21-22 whilst acknowledging that these were significantly reduced from pre pandemic years. It was accepted that the Circuit would therefore need to reduce staffing, as per the strategic plan, and continue to receive rental income on properties no longer required to house ministers. 

## Principal funding sources 

## General Fund 

The principal source of income for the Circuit is the share offers paid by the Churches. The Circuit continues to have a policy of asking each Church to decide how much they can afford to pay given their own funds and together with the Circuit's financial requirements. Church treasurers meet on at least an annual basis to discuss the issues before making recommendation to their individual church councils. Each church council is asked to agree an amount which is then included in the following year's Circuit budget which is approved by the Circuit meeting. Circuit share offers are due quarterly in advance. Total share offers amounted to £378,306 which is a significant reduction over previous years. This reflects the current state of finances in individual churches which have been, in most cases, significancy negatively impacted by the restrictions imposed by Covid. This situation is unlikely to be reversed in the the foreseeable future. 

The principal revenue expenditure of the Circuit is the payment of Circuit staff which amounted to £272,747. Whilst Ministers are appointed by the Connexion they are paid for by the Circuit according to rates agreed by Methodist Conference. 

## Circuit Model Trust Fund (CMTF) 

The principal source of income for the Circuit Model Trust Fund is the sale of properties and associated investment income of those resulting funds. There were no such sales in the year. 

Total District Levy was £12,234 which will be used to further mission work within the Connexion. This continues to reduce year on year as funds held dwindles. 

## Grants were awarded out of the Circuit Model Trust Fund (CMTF) as follows: 

Grant to Belief for £500. A grant of £150 previously given to an individual to support them in their mission work was returned as the project was cancelled due to Covid. 

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NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## FINANCIAL REVIEW 

## Reserves policy 

The Circuit Model Trust Fund (CMTF) has arisen as result of the sale of manses and church buildings no longer required within the Circuit. The use of these funds is determined by CPO and are therefore recognised as being designated funds. 

As at 31 August 2021 the fund was in deficit to the amount of £188,671. This deficit has arisen due to the timing of the purchase of the Biddenham manse and the sale of the Oakley manse. The deficit reflects the loans of £240,000 needed due to lack of Circuit monetary funds at the date of completion. It is anticipated that these will be repaid as soon the sale of Oakley is completed which is expected by early 2022. At that point funds will also be transferred to ensure the full cost of the manse purchase is funded from the CMTF. At the year end only £473,775 had been transferred out of the total cost of £556,687 ie a further £82,912 will be transferred when funds become available. 

The general reserves policy is to maintain adequate funds to meet the day to day expenditure of the Circuit. This was reviewed during the year and set at a level of six months of general expenditure. 

The General Fund as at 31 August 21 amounted to £3,099,433 of which £2,987,349 can only be realised on the sale of fixed assets comprising predominantly of seven manses and one investment property meaning there was £112,084 of funds available to meet the day to day financial requirements of the Circuit. This is equivalent to approximately three months of normal expenditure.The general fund is low this year partly due to the purchase of Biddenham manse which will be funded from the CMTF. However funds were not available to be fully transferred by the year end. Had funds been available in the CMTF to fully fund the purchase of the manse within the current year the general fund would have been £194,996 readily available to meet the day to day needs of the Circuit. This represents five months of general expenditure. 

Unrestricted funds also includes £28,000 designated for the manse repair costs where these are over and above expected annual costs. There were no movements on this fund during the year. 

## FUTURE PLANS 

The strategic working group (SWG) continues to meet to consider the strategic plan and offer advice to the Circuit Leadership Team (CLT) who reports to the Circuit meeting. 

A decision has been taken to cease worship at Wilstead Methodist Church was accepted by the circuit at the September 21 circuit meeting. The Circuit has therefore taken on the responsibility of the building and will be selling is in due course. The funds will augment the CMTF. 

Several churches are exploring "being church" which includes working with other chuiches within the Circuit and or ecumenically within their local area. 

Meetings are expected to take place within the spring of 2022 between groups of churches to establish how each church is able to continue with its mission and or help others to do that. 

A minister has been appointed for stationing from 1 September 2022 to Priory and TSB comprising of Trinity, Sandy and, Beeston. In the meantime the work required in TSB is being covered by the existing ministers within the Circuit. 

A new manse in the Biggleswade area is currently being purchased which replaces the Baulk which is currently on the market. Net sale proceeds of the Baulk are expected to exceed the purchase price of the new manse. Any surplus will be used to help fund the purchase of the the Biddenham manse which exceeded the net sale proceeds of the Oakley manse. 

The Putnoe manse has now been let. The Kempston manse also continues to be let. there are no immediate plans to sell either of these properties. It is likely that the Coles Close manse will also be let when it becomes vacant in September 2022. 

The general fund budget for 21-22 was approved at the September Circuit meeting which anticipated a deficit of £32,441 despite expected rental surpluses of over £27,000. This includes £6,000 for the installation of solar panels on the Wootton manse which will be ultimately funded from the manse designated fund. Budgets prepared for future years, based on estimated circuit assessments, suggest that this trend of deficit budgets is not going to be reversed given the anticipated level of expenditure. However, funds are expected to be received in to the CMTF on the sale of Wilstead church although this may not be for some time. Having reviewed the existing method of calculating circuit assessment which is through share offers, is expected that a new method will be implemented for amounts due for the connexional year 23-24. Consultations will take place during 21-22. 

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## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 

## Governing document 

The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust and constitutes an unincorporated charity. 

The North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit was formed on 1 September 2011 from the merger of the previous Bedford South and Ampthill Circuit, the Biggleswade Circuit and the Bedford North Methodist Circuit. The charity number was carried forward from the old Bedford North Circuit. It is part of the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire District which in tum is part of the Methodist Connexion in Great Britain whose constitution is governed by an Act of Parliament. 

The Circuit is governed by the Deed of Union (1932) and the Methodist Church Act 1976 as amended March 2011. Overall control of the Circuit rests with the Methodist Conference. The Connexional Office implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of ministers in individual Circuits. Connexional decisions are passed to the Chair of the District and the appropriate Officers of the District for regional implementation. The District passes the control down to Circuit level for local implementation by the Superintendent Ministers, ministerial staff and Circuit Stewards via the medium of the Circuit Meeting. 

The membership of the Circuit Meeting is laid down in the Constitutional Practices and Discipline of the Methodist Church. 

## Charity constitution 

In simple terms the Circuit Meeting is made up of: Circuit Ministers; Circuit Stewards and other office holders undertaking Circuit roles; Circuit lay workers; representatives from the churches within the Circuit (being the church Treasurer, church steward plus one other elected member per 100 members of the church); other Methodist Ministers (including Supernumeraries) residing within the Circuit wishing to take up appointment and Authorised Ministers working with Methodist churches within the Circuit who wish to take up appointment. The voting members of the Circuit meeting are the Managing Trustees of the Circuit. 

Certain matters, principally those relating to property issues, must be referred to the District and the Connexional office - through the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP), acting as Custodian Trustees, but most matters are determined by the Circuit meeting itself. 

## Recruitment and appointment of new trustees 

Whilst the appointment of the managing trustees is determined in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church we aim to ensure members of the Circuit Leadership Mission Stream and the Circuit Stewards include a broad range of experience and expertise including pastoral, financial and property matters. 

Funds are allocated within the Circuit and also accessed via the District to provide training for ordained and lay members of staff. The District offers training for all new Circuit Stewards. 

All members of the Circuit meeting are encouraged to read the leaflet" The Role of a Trustee in the Methodist Church". 

## Organisational structure 

The Circuit Stewards together with the Superintendent Minister, other Ministers and Probationers are responsible for ensuring the decisions of the Circuit meetings are upheld and acted upon. 

Both the Circuit Stewards and the Circuit Leadership Team meet on a regular basis to review the work within and/or policies of the Circuit and to make recommendations to the Circuit Meeting. They also have an overview of the Circuit Mission Streams who coordinate the varied aspects of the Circuit's work and are as follows: 

The Strategic Working Group meets as directed by the leadership team to review the strategic plan and make recommendations on how to implement it. It is made up on minister and steward representations. 

The manse committee meets twice a year. This meeting is responsible for implementing the agreed maintenance programme for the manses and consists of the circuit property and finance stewards and manse stewards and secretaries. 

Mission resources mission stream - responsible for the overview and management of all resources including property and finance 

Worship mission stream Evangelism & Discipleship mission stream Children & Young People's mission stream Social Action mission stream 

The management of the Circuit is supported by paid, part time lay workers who are the administrator/PA to the Superintendent Minister, safe guarding officer and finance officer. 

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NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT 

## Risk management 

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. 

In accordance with the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Circuit, through the Circuit Leadership Team 

- (CLT), has carried out a review of our policies. The Circuit has: 

- Identified the need to produce a written Health & Safety Policy - Reviewed its insurance cover and sums insured to ensure they are appropriate for the current environment - Reviewed and updated (where • necessary) the Circuit Safeguarding 'or policy _I .1_ 

_ 

The Trustees for Methodist Purposes (TMCP) 

, The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes hold the Circuit's Model Trust Funds. From these funds they deduct a levy, proportional to the funds held, which goes towards the running of the Methodist Church nationally. They act as Custodian Trustees holding the title to the eight properties (Manses) in which the Ministers live. The Circuit, acting as Managing Trustee, is responsible for the day to day management of the properties and has the right and obligations of exercising power or discretion over them. - 

The individual church buildings are the responsibility of their Church Councils. 

## REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1129523 

Principal address 

c/o Willington Methodist Church Station Road Willington MK443QH 

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## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

Trustees The Circuit Meeting comprises the following trustees and non-voting members 

|Circuit<br>Ministers||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Rev Andrew<br>Hollins||-|Superintendent||||||Minister and chair of Circuit meetings|||
|Rev Gill Baalham|(to 31|||August 21)||||||||
|Rev Caroline Weaver|||(to 31|||August 21)||||||
|Rev Lorna Valentine||||||||||||
|Rev Silas Wood||||||||||||
|Rev Dalwyn Attwell||(died|||10|July 21)||||||
|Rev Michael Giles|(from||||1 September||||20)|||
|Rev Chris Sandy|(from|||1 September||||21)||||
|Circuit<br>Stewards||||||||||||
|Michael Carr||||||||||||
|Anne Foley (to 23|December|||||21)||||||
|Nicholas Guy||||||||||||
|Jane McVey||||||||||||
|Alan Davis||||||||||||
|Circuit<br>Finance<br>Steward||||||||||||
|Suzanne Goodson||||||||||||
|Circuit<br>Property<br>Steward||||||||||||
|Richard Ward (non|voting||||member)|||||||
|Circuit<br>Safeguarding||Officer||||||||||
|Stephanie<br>Field (appointed|||||1|November|||20.|voting from 23 December|21)|
|Circuit<br>Meeting<br>Secretary||||||||||||
|Mary Millar||||||||||||
|Local<br>Preacher<br>Meeting||||Secretary||||||||
|Janet Watts||||||||||||
|Supernumerary<br>Ministers||||||||||||
|Jeremy Arthem||||||||||||
|Kathryn Pawlett (to 31|||August 21)|||||||||
|Wendy<br>Evans Wood|||(to 2 July 21)|||||||||
|Methodist<br>Ministers||resident||||in Circuit||||||
|Rev Cass Howes||||||||||||
|Rev Clive Larrett||||||||||||
|District<br>Synod<br>Representatives|||||||(DSR)|||||
|Margaret Olney||||||||||||
|Maryan Pateman||||||||||||
|Alison Baalham||||||||||||
|Jenny Snelson||||||||||||
|Roz Addington||||||||||||
|Church<br>Representatives:||||||||||||
|Ampthill||||||||||||
|Brian Kerr||||||||||||
|Patsy Aston||||||||||||
|Helen Brooke (to|8|March 21)||||||||||
|Beeston||||||||||||
|Sonia Butler||||||||||||



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**NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

Jennifer Sutcliffe Cynthia Dent **Clapham** Rosemary Isaacs Helen Gadsden Carolyn Maynard **Clophill** Anne Cooper John Errick Fraser Wood **Cranfield** Paul Lowe Stephen Hobbs Pat Davies **Flitwick** Janet May (died 28/11/20) Angela Brydon **Haynes** Mervyn Barden Glennis Barden Margaret Braybrook **Henlow** Susan Watson Brenda Ballantine Pat Larman **Howard Memorial Church (Cardington)** Roz Addington (to 23 May 21) Brian Addington (to 23 May 21) Ruth Caves Ken Oliver (from June 21) **Kempston East** Roger Skipper Rosemary Simms Barbara Tipping Phillip Timms (to 1 May 21) **Kempston West** Peter Smith Lynda Smith Jean Prettyman **Langford** Jenny Broadbridge Gwen Arnott Stephanie Barker **Lidlington LEP** Tim Mason Jonathan Pea II (Non voting member) Joseph Peall **London Road** Andrew Constant John Caves (DSR) Julie Constant (appointed 1 May 21) **Oakley** Jeanette Letch Graham Follett Noel Evans **Park Road** Clive Kirkman Ruth Johnson Paul Lowe (appointed 19/10/20) 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

Priory Tony Johnson Carmen Rowe Keith Gaunt Liz Little Lynne Gound Putnoe Heights Jenny Snelson Sue Allen Andrew Dennison Sandy David Germany Andrea Thorpe Jane Germany Sharnbrook Mike Bonney David Barnes Marian Blyth Shefford Derek Willows Mairi Perks Andi Pepper Stewartby Elaine Sullivan Judy Hemery Trinity (Biggleswade) Owen Williams Hazel Hitch (to 21/10/20) David Harrison (appointed 21/10/20) Heather Harrison (appointed 21110/20) Upper Caldecote Paul Cooper (to 1 May 21) Jan Cooper (to 31 August 21) Kim Curtis Jon Payne (from 1 May 21) Willington Keith Lilley Paul Phipp Jeanette Pearce Wilstead Sylvia Chesters (died June Cooper (to 14 September 21) Alan Chesters (to 14 September) Wootton David Goodson Brian Pawlett (to 31 August 21) Thea Lea 

Independent Examiner Louise Tunley Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales Steve Monico Limited 19 Goldington Road Bedford MK403JY 

Page 9 



## **NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

## **REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS** 

## Surveyors 

Cube Building Consultancy Franklin House 

2 Steppingley Road Flitwick Bedford MK451AJ 

Bankers 

National Westminster Bank Pic 81 High Street Bedford 

Central Finance Board 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PE 

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ 

## **EVENTS SINCE THE END OF THE YEAR** 

Information relating to events since the end of the year is given in the notes to the financial statements. 

## **ENDOWMENT FUNDS** 

The Circuit has Endowment Funds which have arisen as a results of bequests in favour on the Circuit. In accordance with Standing Orders these monies are held by TMCP who manage them on its behalf. 

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 22 June 2022 and signed on its behalf by: 

## A Hollins - Trustee 

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## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of North Bedfordshire Methodist Circuit (the Trust) for the year ended 31 August 2021. . 

## Responsibilities and basis of report 

As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

Independent examiner's statement Since your charity's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a listed body. I can confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a registered member of Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales which is one of the listed bodies. 

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or -, 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and ./ fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. 

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. 

Louise Tunley Institute of Chartered Accountants England & Wales Steve Monico limited 19 Gofdington Road Bedford MK403JY Date: 2-4 June 2022 

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## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

|Notes<br>INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS<br>FROM<br>Charitable<br>activities<br>4<br>-,<br>Work of the Circuit<br>Other trading activities<br>2<br>Investment<br>income<br>3<br>,.<br>'..•..<br>:<br>Total<br>EXPENDITURE<br>ON<br>;<br>,<br>~~-.<br>Raising funds<br>5<br>Charitable<br>activities<br>6<br>"<br>Work of the Circuit<br>"1.•...<br>_<br>Total<br>Net gains on investments<br>;<br>I,.<br>NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)<br>Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>.....'..<br>19<br>. -'-,<br>-Net movement<br>in funds<br>RECONCILIATION<br>OF FUNDS<br>Total funds<br>brought<br>forward<br>TOTAL<br>FUNDS CARRIED<br>FORWARD|Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>CMTF<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>378,306<br>16,259<br>590<br>'879<br>395,155<br>879<br>4,372|
|---|---|
||431,939<br>13,291<br>436,311<br>13,291|
|||
||178,000<br>.2,577<br>136,844<br>(9,835)|
|||
||473,775<br>-<br>(473,775)<br>610,619<br>(483,610)|
||2,488,814<br>294,939<br>1,321|
||3,099,433<br>- (188;$71)<br>1,321|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 12 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

|Endowment<br>fund<br>Notes<br>£<br>INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS<br>FROM<br>Charitable<br>activities<br>4<br>Work of the Circuit<br>Other trading activities<br>2<br>Investment<br>income<br>3<br>Total<br>EXPENDITURE<br>ON<br>Raising funds<br>5<br>Charitable<br>activities<br>6<br>Work of the Circuit<br>Total<br>Net gains/(Iosses)<br>on investments<br>2,385<br>NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)<br>2,385<br>Transfers<br>between<br>funds<br>19<br>Net movement<br>in funds<br>2,385<br>RECONCILIATION<br>OF FUNDS<br>Total funds<br>brought<br>forward<br>12,990<br>TOTAL<br>FUNDS CARRIED<br>FORWARD<br>15,375|31.8.21<br>31.8.20<br>Total<br>Total<br>funds<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>378,306<br>408,419|
|---|---|
||16,259<br>23,097|
||1,469<br>4,636<br>396,034<br>436,152<br>4,372<br>8,831|
||445,230<br>438,690<br>449,602<br>447,521|
|||
||182,962<br>(485)<br>129,394<br>(11,854)|
|||
||129,394<br>(11,854)|
||2798064<br>2809918|
||,,<br>,,<br>2,927,458<br>2,798,064|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 13 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## BALANCE SHEET 31 AUGUST 2021 

|Notes<br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Tangible<br>assets<br>13<br>Investments<br>Investments<br>14<br>Investment<br>property<br>15<br>CURRENT<br>ASSETS<br>Debtors<br>16<br>Cash at bank<br>CREDITORS<br>Amounts<br>falling due within one year<br>17<br>NET CURRENT<br>ASSETS/(LiABILITIES)<br>TOTAL<br>ASSETS<br>LESS CURRENT<br>LIABILITIES<br>NET ASSETS|Unrestricted<br>Restricted<br>funds<br>CMTF<br>funds<br>£<br>£<br>£<br>2,537,349|
|---|---|
||16,613|
||450,000<br>2,987,349<br>16,613<br><br>|
||18,552<br>11,413|
||180,830<br>23,479<br>1,321<br>199,382<br>34,892<br>1,321<br><br>|
||(87,298)<br>(240,176)|
||112,084<br>(205,284)<br>1,321|
||3099433<br>(188671)<br>1321|
||,,<br>, <br>,<br>3,099,433<br>(188,671)<br>.<br>1,321|



The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 14 

continued ... 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## BALANCE SHEET - continued 31 AUGUST 2021 

|Endowment<br>fund<br>Notes<br>£<br>FIXED ASSETS<br>Tangible<br>assets<br>13<br>Investments<br>Investments<br>14<br>15,375<br>Investment<br>property<br>15<br>15,375<br>CURRENT<br>ASSETS<br>Debtors<br>16<br>Cash at bank<br>CREDITORS<br>Amounts falling due within one year<br>17<br>NET CURRENT<br>ASSETS/(LiABILITIES)<br>TOTAL ASSETS<br>LESS CURRENT<br>LIABILITIES<br>15,375<br>NET ASSETS<br>15,375<br>FUNDS<br>19<br>Unrestricted<br>funds<br>Restricted funds<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>TOTAL<br>FUNDS|31.8.21<br>Total<br>funds<br>£,<br>2,537,349<br>|31.8.20<br>Total<br>funds<br>£<br>2,252,662<br>|
|---|---|---|
||31,988<br>450,000<br>3,019,337<br>29,965<br>205,630<br>235,595<br>(327,474)<br>(91,879)<br>2,927,458<br>2,927,458<br>2,910,762<br>,<br>1,321|27,026|
|||2,279,688<br>|
|||35,534|
|||580,705<br>'<br>616,239|
||||
|||(97,863)|
|||518,376|
||||
|||2,798,064|
||||
|||2,798,064<br>2,783,753<br>1,321 .|
||15,375<br>2,927,458|12,990<br>2,798,064|



The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 22 June 2022 and were signed on its behalf by: ~ 

A Hollins - Trustee 

S M Goodson FCA - Trustee 

The notes form part of these financial statements 

Page 15 



NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES 

## Basis of preparing the financial statements 

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), the Charities Act 2011, and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. 

The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair view'. This departure has involved following the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. 

The financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost convention. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charity and rounded to the nearest £. 

The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below. These policies have been consistently applied to all years presented unless otherwise stated. 

## Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions 

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland': 

## the requirements of Section 7 Statement of Cash Flows. 

## Income 

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. 

## Expenditure 

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

Grants offered subject to conditions which have not been met at the year end date are noted as a commitment but not accrued as expenditure. Grants for property schemes are recognised when they have been fully approved, it is likely that the schemes will go ahead and the total costs can be estimated with a degree of certainty. 

## Tangible fixed assets 

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. Provision is made for depreciation to ensure the cost less residual value is written off over their useful economic useful lives on a straight line basis. 

The useful lives of fixed assets are: 

Plant and equipment 4 years Freehold property 50 years 

No depreciation is charged on freehold property as they are maintained to a standard to ensure their residual values exceeds their costs. 

Manses are classed as freehold property whilst their intended long term use is to house ministers. They are reclassified as investment properties once a decision has been taken that their use will change on a permanent basis from housing ministers to being rented out to generate income. 

Page 16 

continued... 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES - continued 

## Investment property 

Investment properties are properties which have been identified as unsuitable to house ministers but which the circuit wishes to retain in order to generate income needed to meet the operational requirements of the circuit, 

Investment properties are measured at fair value at each reporting date with changes in fair value recognised in 'net gains _I_ (losses) on investments'in the SoFA. 

## Taxation 

The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities. 

## Fund accounting 

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. 

The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted and is therefore shown as a material designated fund. 

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. 

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements. 

Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits Retirement benefits to presbyters are provided by the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme and the assets are held separately from those of the Circuit. 

Presbyters are not legally employed by the Circuit but they are treated as employed by the Methodist Connexion with their total remuneration being charged to the Circuit only whilst they are stationed within it. The MMPS is therefore treated as a defined contribution scheme and the contributions recognised as they are paid each period. 

The Circuit operates a defined contribution pension scheme for all other employees. Contributions payable to this are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate. 

## Debtors and creditors receivable/payable within 1 year 

Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure. 

## Judgements 

No judgements (apart from those involving estimates) have been made in the process of applying the above accounting policies. 

## Going concern 

The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the charity to be able to continue as a going concern. 

continued... 

Page 17 



NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

Page 18 

continued ... 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 7. GRANTS PAYABLE - continued 

Grants are paid out of the Circuit Model Trust Fund. 

## 8. SUPPORT COSTS 

||||Govemance|
|---|---|---|---|
||||costs|
||||£|
|Work|of the|Circuit|1,860|



## 9. AUDITORS'REMUNERATION 

31.8.21 31.8.20 £ £ Independent Examiner's fee 1,860 1,788 

## 10. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS 

Presbyters and Deacons (ministers) are automatically members of the circuit meeting and are therefore trustees. All ministers receive remuneration by way of a standard stipend which is approved at The Methodist Conference on an annual basis. Superintendent Ministers also receive an allowance of 7.5% of the standard stipend. 

No other trustees received any remuneration. 

Trustees'expenses 

Presbyters and the Circuit Outreach Development Enabler are reimbursed for their travel and subsistence whilst carrying out their duties. This includes to and from meeting in their capacity as trustees. 

During the year the Circuit paid expenses to no trustees (2020: 3) in addition to the above. 

## 11. STAFF COSTS 

The use of the word staff should be taken to include both Presbyters and Deacons who are legally not employees but office holders. Whilst their relationship is technically with God and the Connexion, their stipends are funded from Circuit funds. 

The Circuit Mission Development Enabler received remuneration for services done in this post rather than for being a trustee. 

The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: 

||31.8.21|31.8.20|
|---|---|---|
|Ministers|7|6|
|Administrative support|2|2|
|Circuit Mission Development Enabler||1|
||9|9|



No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 

continued... 

Page 19 



NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

|12.|COMPARATIVES<br>FOR THE|COMPARATIVES<br>FOR THE|STATEMENT<br>OF FINANCIAL|STATEMENT<br>OF FINANCIAL|ACTIVITIES||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||||Unrestricted|||Restricted|Endowment|Total|
||||funds|CMTF||funds|fund|funds|
||||£||£|£|£|£|
||INCOME<br>AND||||||||
||ENDOWMENTS<br>FROM||||||||
||Charitable<br>activities||||||||
||Work of the Circuit||408,419|||||408,419|
||Other trading activities||23,097|||||23,097|
||Investment<br>income||2,078||2,558|||4,636|
||Total||433,594||2,558|||436,152|
||EXPENDITURE<br>ON||||||||
||Raising funds||8,831|||||8,831.|
||Charitable<br>activities<br>Work of the Circuit<br>Total<br>Net gains/(Iosses)<br>on||408,703<br>417,534|29,987<br>29,987||||438,690<br>447,521|
||investments||||(252)||(233)|(485)|
||NET||||||||
||INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)||16,060|(27,681)|||(233)|(11,854)|
||RECONCILIATION|OF|||||||
||FUNDS||||||||
||Total funds<br>brought|forward|2,472,754|322,620||1,321|13,223|2,809,918|
|||I|||||||
||TOTAL<br>FUNDS CARRIED||||||||
||FORWARD||2,488,814|294,939||1,321|12,990|2,798,064|



Page 20 

continued ... 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 13. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS 

|TANGIBLE<br>FIXED ASSETS||||
|---|---|---|---|
|COST<br>At 1 September<br>2020<br>Additions<br>Disposals<br>Reclassification<br>At 31 August 2021<br>DEPRECIATION<br>At 1 September<br>2020<br>Eliminated<br>on disposal<br>At 31 August 2021<br>NET BOOK VALUE<br>At 31 August 2021<br>At 31 August 2020|Freehold<br>property<br>£<br>2,252,662<br>556,687<br>(272,000)<br>2,537,349<br>,.\<br>2,537,349<br>2,252,662|Fixtures<br>and<br>fittings<br>£<br>1,188<br>|Totals<br>£<br>2,253,850<br>556,687<br>|
|||(629)|(629)|
||||(272,000)|
|||||
|||559<br>1,188<br>(629)<br>559|2,537,908<br>|
||||1,188|
|||||
||||(629)|
||||559|
|||||
||||2,537,349<br>2,252,662|



The Trustees for Methodist Purposes act as Custodian Trustees holding the title to the seven properties (Manses) in which the Ministers live.' . - _. 

## 14. FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS 

Included in Fixed Asset Investments is an amount of £15,375 (2020 £12,990) representing two Endowment Funds both of which are invested in the TMCP Mixed Managed Fund. 

The Trustees for Methodist Purposes act as Custodian Trustees holding the title to the property. 

The fair value has been estimated by the trustees based on Zoopla and their experience of buying and selling property. 

continued ... 

Page 21 



17. 

## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS _continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 15. INVESTMENT PROPERTY _continued 

## Fair value at 31 August 2021 is represented by: 

|Valuation<br>Cost|in|2021|£|
|---|---|---|---|
||||178,000|
||||272,000|
||||450,000|



## 16. DEBTORS 

|Amounts<br>failing due within one year:<br>Trade debtors|Amounts<br>failing due within one year:<br>Trade debtors|31.8.21<br>£|31.8.20<br>£|
|---|---|---|---|
|Other debtors||212|4,608|
|||19,003|20,176|
|Amounts|falling due after more than one year:|19,215<br>=|24,784|
|Other debtors||||
|||10,750|10,750|
|Aggregate|amounts||=|
|||29,965|35,534|
|||=|=|



Aggregate amounts 

Other debtors includes '£10,750 (2020: £10,750) of loans to 3 (2020:3) churches to enable them to carry out property schemes. None have fixed repayment terms except that they are interest free and must be paid in full _within_ five years of draw down. Repayments of £NiI (2020: £4,750) were received during the year. 

## CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR 

## .. 

## 18. 

|31.8.21<br>£<br>Trade creditors<br>2,728<br>Other creditors<br>324,746<br>327,474<br>LOANS|31.8.20|
|---|---|
||£|
|||
||2,466<br>|
||95,397<br>97,863|



## An analysis of the _maturity_ of loans is given below: 

|Amounts<br>falling due within one year on demand:<br>Other loans|31.8.21<br>£|31.8.20<br>£|
|---|---|---|
||240,000||



The loans will be repaid the earlier of on demand or on _receipt_ of the sale proceeds from the Oakley manse. 

Page 22 

continued ... 



## NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

continued ... 

Page 23 



NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 19. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued 

## . 

## Comparatives for movement in funds 

||||Net||
|---|---|---|---|---|
||||movement|At|
|||At 1.9.19|in funds|31.8.20|
|||£|£|£|
|Unrestricted|funds||||
|General fund||2,444,754|16,060|2,460,814|
|Circuit Model|Trust Fund|322,620|(27,681)|294,939|
|Manse repair|costs|28,000||~8,000|
|Restricted<br>funds||2,795,374|(11,621)|2,783,753|
|Circuit training fund<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>Endowment<br>Fund||1,321<br>13,223|(233)|1,321<br>12,990|
||||||
|TOTAL<br>FUNDS||2,809,918|(11,854)|2,798,064|



Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: 

|,|Unrestricted<br>funds<br>General fund<br>Circuit Model Trust Fund<br>Endowment<br>funds<br>Endowment<br>Fund<br>,|Incoming<br>resources<br>£<br>433,594<br>2,558<br>436,152|Resources<br>expended<br>£<br>(417,534)<br>(29,987)<br>(447,521)|Gains and<br>losses<br>£<br>(252)<br>(252)<br>(233)|Movement<br>in funds<br>£<br>16,060<br>(27,681)<br>(11,621)<br>(233)|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
||TOTAL<br>FUNDS|436,152|(447,521)|(485)|(11,854)|



Page 24 

continued ... 



## **NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT** 

## **NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021** 

Details on agreed expenditure from the Circuit Model Trust Fund can be found within the Other Financial Commitments note to these financial statements. 

The deficit on the CMTF will be reversed on the sale of the Oakley manse which is expected to be in early 2022. 

## **Transfers between funds** 

Amounts were transferred between the CMTF and the general fund on purchase of the manse which is to be fully finance from the CMTF. The amount transferred during the year represent those source of funds used. The balance will be transferred once the sale has been completed. 

continued... 

Page 25 



NORTH BEDFORDSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT 

## NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2021 

## 20. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES 

Transactions between the Circuit and its member churches 

The Circuit received share offers of £378,306 (2020: £408,419) from the churches within the circuit. 

The Circuit awarded grants totalling £Nil (2020: £860) for property schemes. 

They received no loan repayments fr6m churches. See debtors note for further details 

Transactions between the Circuit and the Beds, Essex and Herts District (BEH). The Circuit paid BEH £19,344 (2020: £16,831) in district assessment. They also paid them £12,234 (2020: £13,897) by way of levies on the net sale of properties and or the balance on monies held in the Circuit Model Trust Fund at start of the financial year.. 

Transactions between the Circuit and Connexion 

The Circuit paid Connexion £68,596 (2020: £68,757) in assessment which is collected by BEH. 

## 21. POST BALANCE SHEET EVENTS 

The Oakley manse was sold for gross proceeds of £517,000. 

The Baulk (Biggleswade manse) was sold for gross proceeds of £581,631. 

The circuit is in the process of buying a new manse in Biggleswade at a purchase cost of approximately £523,700. 

A decision has been taken to close Wilstead Methodist Church and therefore the Circuit now has responsibility for maintaining and selling the property. 

## 22. FUNDS RECEIVED AS AGENT 

During the year the Circuit received funds from 17 (2020: 18) churches within the Circuit amounting to £ 11,521 (2020: £11,837) which were fully paid over to other Connexional funds. 

Page 26