2023-08-31-accounts - Aylesbury Methodist Church

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

Aylesbury Methodist Church and Centre ANNUAL REPORT 2022-2023 Thls Church Is God's House God loves and welcomes you, whoever you are, whatever your age, gender, mental health, physical ability, race, sexuality or financial situation. Whatever your circumstances, however much or little you wish to engage or whatever you feel about faith, you are welcome here. Buckingham Street, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP20 2NQ Minister: Rev. Richard AtkinsonT. 01296 339899 E: revr outlook.com Office: T: 01296 426526 E: office lesbu methodists.or Follow us on Facebook orx (Twitter) W: www.a lesbu methodists.or

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

CONTENTS WELCOME

		Pages
Welcome		2
Organisation		3
•	Leadership	3
•	Property	5
•	Church Stewards	6
•	Communications	6
•	Governance	8
Youth		10
•	Boys’ Brigade	10
•	Girls’ Brigade	11
•	J Team	11
•	Sunbeams	12
•	Youth Exchange	12
Activities		15
•	Banner Group	15
•	Bedgrove House Group	15
•	Community Centre	16
•	Flower Arrangers	19
•	Friday Feathers	20
•	Greeting Cards	20
•	Music Director	21
•	Music Group	22
•	Prayer Group	22
•	SOS Group	22
•	Tuesday Fellowship	23
•	Welcome Coffee Bar	23
Charities		24
•	Action for Children	24
•	Christian Aid	25
•	Karibuni Children	25
•	Link to Hope	28
•	MHA	28
•	Whitechapel Mission	29
Finance		31
•	Notes to the Accounts	31
•	Assets and Liabilities	32
•	General Fund	33
•	All Funds	34
•	Restricted Funds	35
•	Contact	36

==> picture [177 x 190] intentionally omitted <==

From Rev. Richard Atkinson (Re-invited to be our Superintendent Minister for another five years to 2029)

I write this at the end one of those weeks when all has been hectic, and everything seems to have taken more time than it should. Frustration has abounded and the battle to find time has been waged as I sit here on Sunday afternoon composing these thoughts having led worship in the morning. I am glad that this is Sunday because if it had been during the week my frustrations might have made it on to paper rather than being in response to the highlight of the week, where we have gathered, both in person and on the stream, to share in worship.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

Our coming together on a Sunday is for me the highlight of the church week, when our disparate community come together as one to offer of our hearts to our God. It is a reminder that all we do, all that is part of this report, is about the outworking of our faith. Everything, from the Monday night drop-in to Sunbeams, is part of the expression of our faith and the report, as always, offers insight into what is happening as part of response to the exceptional love of God seen in Jesus.

Our gratitude goes to Peter Green and others for pulling this together to allow us all to see something of love in action.

Blessings.

Richard

ORGANISATION

Leadership - Jennie Torpey

More new people are coming to church on Sundays and are encouraged to come round to the Hall for coffee and socialising after services. A successful afternoon Welcome Tea was held for newcomers. A Maundy Thursday evening service and meal were also very successful, with some new people attending; and a monthly Wednesday Lunch Club, open to all, is due to start on 4[th] October.

It now needs more of us to engage with our new congregation members, to ensure that they feel welcome and that they return to our church, and this is the responsibility of the whole congregation.

Leadership Team have discussed ways to share our Christian faith and our coming to faith, for example, by members of the congregation sharing their faith journey in services. An initial sharing by two members at Harvest Festival, was very well received. Recently, also, written accounts from members of other churches in our circuit have appeared in the weekly notice sheet.

Suggestions had been made of how to proclaim our faith throughout the church and community centre premises, and banners with a Christian message have been introduced by our Banner Group. However, it was felt that this needed to be extended, so a Statement of our Message has now been displayed in all areas of the building, including in the Welcome Space

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

and on the external notice board. Also, appropriate Bible verses with brief details of our services are now displayed throughout the building, being changed periodically.

==> picture [225 x 127] intentionally omitted <==

Richard is planning to run a new course, ‘Christianity Explained’, developed by Rico Tice and Barry Cooper and based on Mark’s Gospel. This will be suitable for new Christians and those wishing to learn more, as well as those who would like a refresher. It has already

been successfully introduced at Chinnor church.

After many years, Pauline Noble has resigned from responsibility for the overall ‘In Touch/Pastoral’ system, and Leadership Team have been asked to think about the future of the system: its aims; the changes needed because of the limited and reducing numbers of volunteers; and how the system might evolve.

Our Youth groups: Sunbeams Baby & Toddler Group, Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, and Messy Church are all doing well. J Team (Junior church) numbers continue to have a small number of regulars, and other children attending occasionally.

The Coffee Bar in the Welcome Space is becoming more popular, and is now open on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday mornings. The Welcome Space continues to host the AMC Foodbank, in association with the Trussell Trust, on Monday evenings, between 7.30 and 9.00pm, offering a listening ear, issuing food parcels, and serving hot drinks and left-over food donated by Wenzels and Greggs. A box for donations towards the foodbank is available in the Welcome Space during the week.

Safeguarding GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) posters are now in all rooms in the building, along with notices describing where the Church Safeguarding Policies can be found. The need to invest in improved building security over the next few years is still being considered, possibly with CCTV.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [207 x 139] intentionally omitted <==

Church Policies were reviewed and updated in May 2023. It was agreed that in future they will all be reviewed annually in September/October, and any changes ratified at the October Church Council meeting. A folder of the Church Policies is available in the Church office and on the website.

The recruitment of additional Leadership Team members would be beneficial, to allow and encourage greater strategic thinking and planning. It was also suggested that Leadership Team and Church Stewards meet regularly to work together. The first meeting was in June.

Membership of the Leadership Team this year has been Rev Richard Atkinson, Kevin Hardern, Vivienne Kemp, Gill Marks, Margaret Miskin, Albert Odro, Tim Olofusoye and Jennie Torpey.

PROPERTY – Kevin Hardern

Rainwater ingress has dominated the property team in the last 12 months. The leak in Room 4 continues to be an issue and the leak in the hall from the gutter has meant that we have not been able to redecorate that until it is fully dried out in the spring next year.

Having said that, we have now had clearance that we can incorporate the outstanding monies from the Welcome Space refurbishment into general funds, so are looking to hang some curtaining, in keeping with the new décor, which will hopefully stop any draughts.

The Property team continue to support Stoke Mandeville, which is taking more time as we are moving towards a refurbishment of the site. Circuit is aware of the issue – that we need to appoint a project manager before we can move forwards as we cannot cope with this as well as AMC.

Finally, some good news. We have received clearance from our insurers that our lightning conductor is in order. As usual, many thanks to the team for all their support, and a plea: we could do with more help, so if you are out there and willing, please get in touch.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

CHURCH STEWARDS – Gill Marks

At the moment the steward rota is working OK. Many thanks for help from members like former church stewards David Wilderspin, Sue Kirk, Steve Marks and Paula Gordon, all who have stood in to cover an odd shift. I wonder if the way forward is to have a list of members who are willing to stand in for the odd service, as opposed to committing themselves to a bigger stint.

The Readers’ List is also working well; it saves a lot of phone calls trying to find someone.

So, overall all is good with stewards at the moment, although we would always welcome any new volunteers willing to boost our numbers.

COMMUNICATIONS – Peter Green

==> picture [431 x 324] intentionally omitted <==

Streaming of our Sunday services is also a way of sharing our faith beyond the walls of the church. In August 2023, we had to change streaming provider. Rewind to 2018. We were then invited by The Sunday Service, part

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

of the multi-BAFTA award-winning CTVC, to be one of eight churches nationally to be in a pilot scheme to stream services. It was funded by The Joseph Rank Trust who saw an ageing population with decreased mobility and increased difficulty in getting to services in person. They believed that reliable internet and streaming platforms could provide a solution. So, the equipment was installed in our church and after some teething problems, we have been able to share our worship on various devices such as tablets, laptops, phones, and smart televisions.

COVID alerted other churches of the need to stream their services. So many are now doing this that Rank feels the need has been proved and are no longer funding The Sunday Service. Our website providers, Then Media, are now hosting us. It is already an improvement in that we will now be able to stream any additional service at any time. It also opens the potential to upgrade our equipment and improve the viewing experience in the future. The one downside is that the service can no longer be seen on smart televisions. As before, services are easily accessed via the Streaming button at the top of each page and kept on the website for about six weeks.

We have expressed our thanks to The Sunday Service and Joseph Rank Trust. Our thanks also go to Then Media for helping us through this transition and to Steve Kemp for reconfiguring our equipment so that the streaming can happen. Steve will also be giving any additional training needed by our much-appreciated Stream Team of Harry Darku, Albert Odro, Solmon Awadzi, Tim Rolls and Steve himself.

Also much appreciated is Margaret Smith, who continues to keep our well used website Calendar section updated.

The Leadership Team Report has already mentioned the use of interchangeable posters being used in all the rooms of our church and centre, as well as the external notice board, to help proclaim our faith to all who come here or pass by. The main message is shown on the front cover of this report.

“It now needs more of us to engage with our new congregation members, to ensure that they feel welcome and that they return to our church, and this is the responsibility of the whole congregation.” Leadership Team Report

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

GOVERNANCE – Peter Green

The Methodist Church was founded in 1784 by John Wesley. The issues he cared and wrote about then are the same issues that the Methodist Church cares about today.

These have been summarised as ‘John Wesley’s Manifesto’ , which is:

Reduce the gap between rich people and poor people
Help everyone to have a job
Help the poorest, including introducing a living wage
Offer the best possible education
Help everyone to feel they can make a difference
Promote tolerance
Promote equal treatment for women
Create a society based on values and not on profits and consumerism
End all forms of slavery
Avoid getting into wars
Share the love of God with everyone
Care for the environment

For Wesley’s actual words on these topics, see the Methodist Church

website: john-wesleys-manifesto-newdocx.pdf (methodist.org.uk)

==> picture [181 x 257] intentionally omitted <==

The annual Methodist conference agrees policy that is set out in The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church (CPD) , which can be downloaded from the Methodist Church website: CPD (methodist.org.uk).

This year’s conference also appointed our District Chair, Revd. Helen Cameron, as President Designate for next year.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [452 x 238] intentionally omitted <==

The local decision-making body in each Methodist church is the Church Council. The members, who are also the church trustees, were this year: Rev. Richard Atkinson, Roger Kirk, Gill Marks, Gill Nord, Frances Aylen, Elaine Hope, Sue Adams, Keith Wallace, Peter Green, Vivienne Kemp, Margaret Miskin, Albert Odro, Jennie Torpey, Arthur Sara, Pauline Noble, David Neville, Kevin Hardern, Joy Murphy, Sandie Steeden, Paul Ingram, Lynn Bernstone, Nick Aylen and Tim Olufosoye.

Our church Leadership Team is appointed by and reports to the Church Council and acts as their executive arm. Chaired by the minister, it seeks to co-ordinate and guide the activities of the church and community centre.

Church Stewards, who are represented on the Leadership Team, are also appointed by the Church Council. Their prime responsibility is to ensure the smooth running of the Sunday services and of being a two-way communications link between the congregation and minister.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

YOUTH

BOYS’ BRIGADE – Steve Kemp

Boys' Brigade numbers are generally steady and are even growing slightly - a difficult thing when there are so many demands on boys' time throughout the week. New members are always welcome and stem from siblings, friends or school.

We once again shared a joint Awards/Promotion Evening with the Girls' Brigade which gave parents and carers the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of boys and girls in the Brigades.

==> picture [255 x 372] intentionally omitted <==

We have been trying to do more things out in the community and amongst those activities we had a very successful litter pick in Aylesbury town centre with the older boys. They were shocked how much they collected in an hour or so, even when retrieving rubbish that was already in a bin was outlawed by the judges!

This year we have two parents who join us on a regular helpers’ rota which has been a great benefit. We also enjoy great support from the church here. My special thanks go to Arthur Sara, our chaplain, who is with us most weeks. As always, I am very grateful to all the officers and helpers and the continued engagement from all

The BB's town centre litter pick

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

parents and carers which enables BB to run. I truly believe we make a difference to the boys' confidence, outlook, and sense of community.

GIRLS’ BRIGADE – Dawn Wright & Sarah Davidge

==> picture [206 x 137] intentionally omitted <==

Table talk at the GB’s 50th anniversary.

At Girls’ Brigade we have had an exciting time over the last year. Back in October last year we celebrated the 50[th] Anniversary of 1[st] Aylesbury Girls’ Brigade. We were joined at AMC by around 100 guests from past and present at 1[st] Aylesbury. Captains and Officers from the past 50 years and people who had helped at GB or been

involved in various capacities. We had an afternoon tea in the hall where lots of stories were shared of Girls’ Brigade over the years and then followed this with a service led by our Chaplain, Arthur Sara. We were very proud that all the girls from our present company took part in the service either by singing, acting, or reading prayers they had written. It was a truly joyous occasion involving fun, chatter, and fellowship.

We also sent handmade congratulations cards to the King and Queen on their coronation. We were very excited to receive both a letter and a card from Buckingham Palace thanking us for our cards. If you are in the hall at AMC, then please look on the Girls’ Brigade board where we have displayed both the letter and card.

We continue to have about 20 girls of all ages on a Monday evening. We play games, make crafts, share bible stories, cook, and generally make lots of noise!

J TEAM – Vivienne Kemp

We have recently seen an increase in children in our younger age group (410), with sometimes as many as 8 children. This group gets involved in craft activities, games and bible stories. Our older children (10-16+) take a more contemporary look at the Bible, discussing how it is still relevant today and looking at the challenges we currently face as Christians.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

As the number of young people can fluctuate from week to week, I am very grateful for the support of the other J Team leaders who are getting used to adapting accordingly.

MESSY CHURCH – Margaret Miskin

==> picture [217 x 176] intentionally omitted <==

Messy Church re-started in September 2022 after a long absence, due to not having anyone to coordinate staffing and activities. We meet on the 1[st] Saturday of the month from 3:45pm – 6:00pm. There’s always lots of crafts, cooking, games, air hockey & various board games. Around 5:00pm everyone goes into the church for a bible story that was

linked to that day’s activities. Tea is served afterwards in the hall. Our numbers have been steady, ranging from 10 – 16 children per session plus their parents.

I have a fantastic band of helpers who come along to Messy Church, either by doing craft work or making the tea. Thank you one and all; Messy Church couldn’t run if it wasn’t for all your help & support.

SUNBEAMS – Margaret Miskin

Our numbers continue to be steady with new people arriving and some leaving to go to school. We have managed to buy new toys, craft items and small gifts at Christmas. It’s a truly wonderful group with lots of smiling faces and laughter. Everyone is welcome, so if you’d like to see us in action then please pop in on a Thursday morning and have a cuppa with us.

YOUTH EXCHANGE – Vivienne Kemp

60[th] Anniversary Celebrations – 3[rd] - 6[th] August 2023

Although we have not exchanged with our TuS Daun sports club partner in Germany since COVID, we were invited to Germany in early August to celebrate the Exchange. Who would have thought that our Exchange, started

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

in 1963 only 18 years after our two countries had been at war with one another, would still be going strong well into the following century!

==> picture [452 x 603] intentionally omitted <==

Celebrating the 60 years of our German youth exchange in the TuS 05 Daun clubhouse

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

As there were only 15 of us going for 4 days (6 former leaders and 9 former participants) we opted to go by train. We set off early Thursday morning by Eurostar to Brussels and then continued by train to Cologne. This proved to be very smooth and problem-free (more about the journey home later!) and we were met at the station by Matthias Kröffges, son of our long-standing driver Richie. It was wonderful to arrive in Daun, which seemed relatively unchanged since our last visit in 2018 and meet up again with old friends. That evening gave us a chance to eat with host families and to catch up on our news.

==> picture [224 x 300] intentionally omitted <==

Former Exchange leaders and participants on the Moselle

On the Friday we were taken to Cochem on the river Moselle where we explored and shopped. Then we took a trip down the Moselle Valley by boat to the beautiful historic village of Beilstein. The threatened rain never appeared, and we were able to enjoy the scenery and the prolific vineyards along the banks of the river. When we arrived in Beilstein, known as the Sleeping Beauty (Dornröschen) of the Moselle, some of our more adventurous members climbed up to the ruins of the Metternich castle. Others enjoyed a leisurely lunch in the restaurant next to the former Carmelite monastery.

That evening a reception was given by the TuS Daun trustees in our honour at the TuS clubhouse. We were very warmly welcomed, and Goddie Willems (leader in the 1990s) entertained us with anecdotes from former exchanges. We ate pizza and spent a delightful evening with former leaders, participants, and members of TuS Daun. They presented us with a booklet containing photos taken during the various exchanges. Some of these photos had been recently unearthed when Walter Haser (leader in the 1990s) had tidied out his attic. This booklet is currently being circulated, so please let me know if you’d like to see a copy.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

ACTIVITIES

BANNER GROUP – Brenda Horne

==> picture [452 x 340] intentionally omitted <==

Our latest banner, celebrating the music of the Church, is now up. It can be seen above the choir seats. Two more are nearing completion and two more are at the design stage.

We are now meeting more frequently again after lockdown. Sadly, one of our members is moving but a new member hopes to start in the New Year. Our meetings are held in Room 4 on the first and third Tuesdays from 2pm until 4pm.

BEDGROVE HOUSE GROUP – Rosemarie Bucknell

The September weather was delightful as we began our year with a coffee morning in the garden of one of our members, plus cake and biscuits of course! Our number remains at fifteen. November saw us gathering for

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

our AGM where we expressed wishes and ideas and put a programme together for 2023.

We celebrated the New Year together in January with a lunch out at the Crows’ Nest and in February we gathered together for a musical afternoon, organised by Derrick Matthews which was enjoyed by all. Arthur Sarah led our ‘devotional’ meeting one afternoon in March at a member’s house followed by tea and biscuits.

==> picture [254 x 191] intentionally omitted <==

Milton's Cottage

A coffee morning in April was followed by a trip out in May to Milton’s Cottage in Chalfont St. Giles. The weather was good as was the cottage and gardens. We welcomed previous members who joined us for the outing.

The beautiful weather in June saw a group of us who could ramble, explore College Lake near Marsworth, with all

members meeting afterwards for a pub lunch.

Our garden party in July was enjoyed by all although we were indoors because of inclement weather. We all accept that we are not as agile as we used to be but gathering together, even just for coffee as we did in August, is a good thing to do.

COMMUNITY CENTRE – Shirley Francis

We are pleased to report that the Community Centre is thriving and has welcomed several new groups. The users are extremely happy with the facilities. Comments received are that that the kitchen is well kitted out, the toilets are clean, and it’s a welcoming place that offers privacy.

We have the following groups that use the Centre either daily, weekly, monthly, or at other frequencies. They are:

Macular Society

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

Deaf Coffee Morning Club
Virtus Care ( was Sees the Day )
Casualties Union (a charity that provides training for volunteers in rescue, first aid and medication techniques to enable them to deal with real life emergency situations)
Child Contact Centre
Sun group ( a community support group run by Oxford NHS Trus t )
Buckinghamshire Gardens Trust
Indian Dance Class
Yoga
Choose2Lose ( a weight watching support group )
Diabetes Prevention ( run by the NHS )
Women’s Institute
Herts NHS Foundation Trust ( to help adults with varying physical disabilities find suitable employment )
U3A Local History Group
Neil Douglas Estate Management
Blood Unit ( NHS )
Fairhive Housing
Buckinghamshire Council
Private one-off hire for parties
Independent church groups
Musical performances ( Organ Concerts, Choral Society, Concert Band )

The above users bring in a steady income that helps to support the activities of the Centre and pays for its upkeep (heating, lighting, wear and tear, etc). There has been a slight increase in income on a year-by-year basis since the downturn due to Covid.

Regular Church group users of the Community Centre are:

Sunbeams Babies & Toddlers
Girls’ and Boys’ Brigades
Monthly Luncheon Club
Tuesday Afternoon Fellowship meetings
Tuesday Morning Prayer meetings
Banner Group

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

Messy Church
Badminton Club

There are still slots available to let, so hopefully this upward trend will continue.

FOOD CAFÉ – Karen Crussell

Our Food Cafe continues to thrive and become a happy place where, (they tell us), our guests like to be. We seek to create a welcome and accepting atmosphere in keeping with the name of our venue: the Welcome Space.

==> picture [452 x 339] intentionally omitted <==

Attendance averages around 18-20 guests, (going up to 25 on one or two occasions). The "pull" is the free Wenzels and Greggs food that is shared amongst those present towards the end of the session. Our guests gather and chat as they share toast, pasties, or cakes from our donors. They can collect a food parcel if they are in food crisis. On average we give out four food parcels a week. We place a four-page information sheet on each table

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

containing information about where individuals can go to get support for a range of issues around housing, benefits and helping services in Aylesbury.

We have a few homeless guests. Most are vulnerably housed living in HMOs. HMOs are houses of multiple occupation where the individual 'rents' a room and shares a kitchen, bathroom and living space with others. They tend not to be nice places to live. Standards are low, occupancy insecure and the behaviour of other occupants can be unpleasant.

Most importantly of all on a Monday evening, we make time to chat with our guests, listen to their stories, occasionally giving pointers to where they can get help or a different perspective. Sometimes guests ask to go into the church to pray or light a candle or simply to speak privately with one of the team. Sometimes we react in a difficult situation contacting other agencies to help our guests.

We have learnt a lot as we have grown. We have now devised a written code of acceptable conduct which we enforce firmly in a kind and God-like way. Our guests respect and appreciate this as one or two troubled souls can make life difficult. We have changed our opening times to reflect the new closing hours of Greggs (we open from 6.30 to 8.00 pm.) We are deeply grateful for Greggs and Wenzels for giving us their unsold food, after store closure, as are our guests. Trussell Trust do a great job providing us with the means to give out food parcels.

We have six members of the church community who regularly help out and about ten from outside the church. You can help by your prayers, giving to the food bank donation station in the Welcome Space, and volunteering. The more people we have from church the more the project becomes our own - though, of course, we are extremely grateful for the valiant body of non-members who help out on a Monday.

FLOWER ARRANGERS – Melanie Dean

Our team of Janice Matthews, Edith Awadzi, Ruby Darku, Sue Kirk and I continue to make floral arrangements for the Welcome Space and church each week. We are reducing our use of floral foam in the arrangements to ‘do our bit’ for the environment. One block is equivalent to 6 plastic bags!’

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

FRIDAY FEATHERS BADMINTON CLUB – John Miskin

==> picture [238 x 178] intentionally omitted <==

To attract non-church members, we decided to change our name from AMC Social Badminton Club to Friday Feathers. Although we attracted 3 new players to start with, they only stayed a few weeks. We have a steady group of 8 players of varying standards, but I’m pleased to say that the beginners that started two years

ago have all improved their games.

We managed to raise £963, which is divided between 3 church groups, Boys’ Brigade, Girls Brigade & Karibuni charity. We have also changed our times to 2:30pm – 4:30pm.

The cost remains the same at £4 per session. If you have never played badminton or only played it in the garden, you are more than welcome to come and join us. You even get a cup of tea/coffee and a biscuit.

Janice Matthews and Rosemarie Bucknell Greeting Cards –

==> picture [246 x 225] intentionally omitted <==

Attractive Hand Made Greetings Cards are available for purchase from the display stand in the Community Centre reception area. These are all at affordable prices, much lower than cards in local shops. In buying these, you not only receive good value, but you are also making a direct contribution to AMC funds.

Personalised cards can be made to order, please speak to one of us advising your requirements. You

will not be disappointed!

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

MUSIC DIRECTOR’S REPORT – Derrick Matthews

Most Sunday mornings, the Church Choir continue to effectively lead the congregation in the singing of our hymns. Choir Members receive advance notice of the chosen hymns together with selected tunes to enable preparation. New Choir members are always welcome; if you feel that you can provide an effective contribution, please speak to me or to a member of the choir.

Organ Accompaniment together with supporting voluntaries is provided by myself or one of my able assistants, David Brooker and William Parker, for whose service I am most grateful.

==> picture [452 x 339] intentionally omitted <==

Professor Ian Tracey at the 2023 annual organ concert

Following an enforced three-year absence due to the epidemic, the Annual Organ Concert resumed featuring the outstanding Concert Organist, Ian Tracey, Organist Titulaire of Liverpool Anglican Cathedral. Ian introduced and performed a pleasing programme planned to suit all tastes. The audience enjoyment was evident by the appreciable applause.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

MUSIC GROUP – Nick Aylen

Once a month, our morning service is accompanied by our Music Group. New musicians and singers of all ages are always welcome. Please contact Nick Aylen, Richard Atkinson , or a church steward if you are interested.

PRAYER GROUP – Ruby Darku

This year our prayer group has received requests quite regularly from the congregation, also requests made through Rev. Atkinson. Our numbers have increased by two and we would also like to encourage others to join, even if only for a few sessions. We meet on alternate Tuesdays, 10.45am - 12noon.

SOS GROUP - Lynn Bernstone

This year was a special one for the SOS Group. We celebrated the thirtieth anniversary of our first meeting that was held at the manse on King Edward Avenue. Fred Ireland brought the idea with him from two previous circuits, so he knew it was a winner! The SOS initials translate to ‘Sometimes On Sundays’. There were a number of people who had connections with the Rev. Fred Ireland who started it all! Church through their wives/husbands who for a variety of reasons did not or could not attend, and this was a way to reach out to them.

We have matured into a group of friends. We carry out fellowship through food with gatherings, roughly monthly, in one another’s homes. The only constants are a faith supper, wide ranging conversations in groups or individually and laughter. Also, we are always thankful for a variety of fruits, and the spirit in which they are given!

So, the SOS group is alive and well. It has been, and always will be, open to all, so please joins us as we set off for the next thirty years.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

TUESDAY AFTERNOON FELLOWSHIP – Coral Soulsby

Although the Fellowship is down in numbers, our members are enjoying sharing the fellowship and friendship now on the first and third Tuesdays in the months.

==> picture [219 x 219] intentionally omitted <==

Derek Adams was one of our speakers.

During the past year we have welcomed some very inspiring and interesting speakers, such as Derek Adams, who is fund raising by walking the coast of Britain, or three ladies from Age UK, who advised us on the help available in all areas of our age group.

Thank you for those volunteers who gave Rev Richard Atkinson their names to speak at future meetings. It is very supportive to us and encourages us to continue.

We are looking forward to next year to book fresh speakers, so please see if you can spare an hour or so to join us. You will find us a friendly group, open to the prompting of our Lord Jesus, to love one another as we love ourselves. God bless you all and please look out for the programme available in the Welcome Area.

WELCOME SPACE COFFEE BAR – Margaret Miskin

We are now open four days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. Virtus Care group do alternate Mondays and every Friday and for that, I’m extremely grateful. Other days are covered by the wonderful ladies of our church and a couple of gentlemen. Our footfall has increased this year and it’s wonderful to get to know other people while having a slice of amazing cake and a cup of tea.

Do come and join us whenever you’re in town.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

CHARITIES

ACTION FOR CHILDREN – Pauline Noble

Action for Children is the children’s charity supported by the Methodist Church. Many of our members have a Home Collecting Box, and although small change in our purses is now less than it used to be, this year we have collected over £300, which is a superb amount. This is an excellent way of raising small amounts of money, and new collectors will always be welcome.

We have three special church collections over the year: two at Christmas and one on Action for Children Sunday. This year, the three collections amounted to over £700, some of which was Gift Aided which allows the charity to claim a further 25% back from the government.

Our small committee has also managed to arrange other fundraising events. We

==> picture [221 x 295] intentionally omitted <==

Afternoon tea fundraiser at the Hardens

held a cake and plant stall after the service on Action for Children Sunday, raising a further £300, which included locally-produced jars of Wendover honey. Another event, enjoyed by many, was Afternoon Tea on a beautiful afternoon in August, held at the kind invitation of Elaine and Kevin Hardern. Besides the tea, we included a few games, and raised £316.64. Hopefully we will be able to arrange another in 2024.

We also hold our Toy and Gift Service at the beginning of December. There is no Action for Children facility suitable in Aylesbury, but instead we work with Della Holmes at Bucks Council. All the toys, and gift vouchers for teenagers, go to the Elmhurst Family Centre to be

distributed by the Family Workers to those children and teenagers in Aylesbury who otherwise would have very little to open on Christmas Morning.

Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the year.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

CHRISTIAN AID - Jennie Torpey and Maureen Tucker

Christian Aid are a partnership of people, churches and local organisations committed to ending poverty worldwide.

“We have more than 70 years’ experience of working in partnership to support communities to thrive. We tackle the root causes of poverty so that women, men and children the world over are strengthened against future knocks. And if disasters happen, we get people the help they want straight away.” Christian Aid website.

At Aylesbury Methodist Church, our collections for Christian Aid at the 2022 Carol Service and Midnight Communion totalled £363.17.

On Christian Aid Sunday, in May 2023, we watched a video - Esther’s Story. Esther and others in her community in Malawi, working with Christian Aid, are growing pigeon peas (more suited to the climate than other crops) and using them to bake bread to sell. For Esther and her community, pigeon peas are like “the tiny mustard seed, growing the hopes and dreams of their children and grandchildren:

to go to school
to start their own businesses
to help their friends and their neighbours.”

The retiring collection after the service amounted to £474.05 (with Gift Aid - £560.80). We were also given £200 for Christian Aid from donations for tea and coffee after Sunday services.

KARIBUNI CHILDREN – Joy Murphy

Kenya had a new President, William Ruto, in September 2022. Like all candidates he came in with huge promises to stop the rampant corruption, high prices, inequality, and so on. As elsewhere, those experiencing these things, the poorest, are still waiting – and many are even worse off! 2

Children at Tusaidie Watoto (Let us help the children), Kibra, Nairobi . Sugar, maize flour, beans, cooking oil and margarine, all basic ingredients of the Kenyan diet, have all doubled in price, and are beyond the means of

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

the families Karibuni is involved with. This is having a serious knock-on effect on Karibuni’s budget, as all the projects we are working with request extra funding to continue providing the children with nutritious food. The last thing we want to do is reduce the nutritional value to these children, who get little or no food at home. Despite the challenges the social workers and other staff continue to explore ways of raising funds in their own areas.

==> picture [455 x 220] intentionally omitted <==

Some of the children at Njoro

At Njoro , the project continues to sell the clean fresh water from the borehole for use in the project and are suppling fresh water to the nearby primary and secondary schools and some businesses, providing a regular income. They are exploring the feasibility of installing solar power – sun is never in short supply. The trustees are looking for external funds for this purpose. James, the caretaker, grew vegetables and fruit for the project, and has created tyre planters for this purpose. This enables vertical gardening when tyres are piled on each other, making watering, and weeding much easier.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [224 x 150] intentionally omitted <==

Fruitful times at Tharaka

At Tharaka , they continue to plant and provide fruit trees that were granted to the project by another organisation. The workshops built around the edges of the project are all rented out to local artisans and some of the project’s own young people who have qualified as dressmakers, beauticians, or carpenters. This brings income and independ-

ence to their families.

At Meru , among other initiatives, they have started a school uniform factory and in addition to their own young people being employed, local women are being trained. Mercy, the social worker is also employing several young people when they are on holiday from their studies, giving them work and business experience.

In the UK, Karibuni is struggling to raise the necessary funds needed. Churches, like AMC, are finding it hard to raise the funds necessary for their own costs, so fewer are inviting us to speak and raise money for the charity. We are having to reduce our support gradually each year, causing problems for the projects. We are continuing to support those children we have started with until they finish their education but taking fewer (or no) children into the pre-school. This is heart-breaking for the trustees, especially those who have been working with Karibuni since it started in 1995.

We do now have two Kenyan trustees with their deep personal knowledge of Kenya and the lives of many people there. Their insight and contributions are invaluable. It was Helen who suggested vertical tyre gardening to James at Njoro and Steve who is running in the London 10K with other Kenyans for Karibuni.

Earlier in November 10 of us from the charity were invited to the celebration of Kenya’s 6oth Anniversary of Independence at Buckingham Palace. Wow! What an exciting day that was. All of us met the King or the Queen.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

And even this committed anti-monarchist had a great time – and behaved well! The canapes were delicious too.

Thank you again for your faithfulness and love for the children in Kenya that we are empowering in our partnership. Please pray for Karibuni and its future and all those affected by cutbacks.

Link to Hope – Margaret Miskin

After 2021 being a bit of a disappointment for the number of shoe boxes coming in, I am pleased to say that in 2022 we amassed a fantastic total of 143 boxes, 57 from our church.

==> picture [195 x 147] intentionally omitted <==

Shoebox smiles!

As usual the many boxes were distributed in Romania, Bulgaria & Moldova, they even managed to get some into Ukraine to help the displaced families there. It’s a joy to see happy, smiley faces when they receive a shoebox. If you haven’t filled a box before, then perhaps you would like to give it a go next year. Thanks to all those who continue to support Link to Hope.

MHA – Jennie Torpey

==> picture [133 x 107] intentionally omitted <==

“As the UK's leading charity care provider dedicated to enriching the lives of older people, we are committed to delivering exceptional care, accommodation, and support services across Britain, ensuring the highest quality of life at every stage of later life.

Our story began in 1943 when compassionate members of the Methodist Church came together to establish our mission.

Today, we proudly serve and support:

3,896 older people living in our care homes, where we offer specialised dementia or nursing care to ensure their wellbeing

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

2,763 older people living independently in retirement living communities, enjoying access to various social and leisure facilities, with the added comfort of flexible care when needed
11,400 older people living independently in their own homes, empowered by our community services, that span across Britain.

We are driven by the desire to inspire the best care and promote wellbeing for every individual as they journey through later life. “

==> picture [207 x 138] intentionally omitted <==

Hillside Care Home, Aylesbury

Aylesbury Methodist Church has strong ties, traditionally, with the MHA Hillside Care Home, partly because of our close proximity, since AMC is more accessible for residents to attend our Sunday services, if they are able. Our Minister and others regularly hold a short communion service for the residents at the home.

The theme for MHA Sunday, on 11[th] June 2023, followed 1 Corinthians 12:12-27: ‘There is one body, but it has many parts. But all its many parts make up one body’. This explores how we need one another for our happiness, highlighting the importance of community and inclusion in making us stronger. A retiring collection at our MHA service this year raised £192.20.

WHITECHAPEL MISSION – Ruth Watkins

Tony Miller MBE, Director at Whitechapel, reports that need increases as more and more folk are hit by financial crisis. So, I am pleased to report that we have managed to keep up our support despite the price increases we all face.

The Easter Breakfast raised even more money this year - the wonderful amount of £482. My thanks for all who were involved in this event. Harvest giving was again very generous, an abundance of food and generous

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

amounts of new and used clothing. There was also an extra collection in memory of Peter.

Tony was very pleased to see all the goods waiting for him in the entrance on the Monday morning after our Harvest, and not a little surprised!

==> picture [457 x 242] intentionally omitted <==

Part of the Harvest giving for Whitechapel

Some of John Wesley’s words of yesterday with a resonance today…

Be ye ready to distribute to everyone, according to their necessity.
Wickedly, devilishly false is that common objection, ‘They are poor only because they are idle…. Find them work…. They will then earn and eat their own bread.’
How many are there in this Christian country that toil, and labor, and sweat… but struggle with weariness and hunger together? Is it not worse for one, after a hard days labour, to come back to a poor, cold, dirty, uncomfortable lodging, and to find there not even the food which is needful to repair his wasted strength?

See john-wesleys-manifesto-newdocx.pdf (methodist.org.uk) for more.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

FINANCE

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS - Roger Kirk

==> picture [147 x 196] intentionally omitted <==

==> picture [135 x 40] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Church Treasurer
Roger Kirk
----- End of picture text -----

Our accounts will be submitted, through the formal Methodist Channels, on the Accruals basis. This allocates income and expenditure to the year to which they relate rather than in which they were received or paid, thus providing a more meaningful picture of the accounts.

The year 2022/23 – General Fund

Our finances are being affected by the recent high rates of inflation resulting mainly from the war in the Ukraine. The full effect of these will occur in 2024/25 when there will be a large increase in the Circuit assessment and our current

three-year fuel contracts expire.

Income from members has remained fairly constant in recent years and an appeal is being made to encourage members to increase their contributions to match our rising costs now and in future years. Income from lettings has increased by £12,000 to £41,000 compared to the previous year.

The General Fund made a net surplus of £2,346, increasing our fund balance to £44,536 which is in line with our reserves policy of 33% of expenditure. The Benevolent Fund increased its balance by £284 to £717 during the year. The Welcome Area project fund had a balance of £3,393 at 31[st] August 2023 and as it is unlikely that any further payments will be necessary that sum will be transferred to the General fund during 2023/24.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Informal STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES on an accruals basis as at 31st August 2023

Note: The full accounts submitted to the Vale of Aylesbury Circuit will be found in an appendix to the Trustees Report.

==> picture [378 x 326] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Actual Funds balances at 31st August 2023 General Restricted funds Church Total
2021/22 fund Welcome Benevol- Endow- orgs. 2022/23
area ent ments
£ £ £ £ £ £
60,174 Liquid Funds per Income & Expend. accounts 44,536 3,393 717 3,434 11,196 63,276
1,015,720 Capitalised expenditure 1,015,720 1,015,720
1,075,894 Total funds 1,060,256 3,393 717 3,434 11,196 1,078,996
Represented by:
Assets:
Capitalised expenditure on fixed tangible assets:
1,015,720 Community centre improvements at cost b/f 1,015,720 1,015,720
- Welcome area improvements at cost this year - -
1,015,720 1,015,720 1,015,720
Current assets
Bank balances
10,834 HSBC current 5,132 5,132
8,896 HSBC deposit 6,945 6,945
2,599 Metro current 2,636 2,636
8,643 Central Finance Board 7,004 3,393 717 148 11,262
100 Imprest account 100 100
10,484 Held by church organisations 11,048 11,048
Endowment funds accounts
3,314 Stranks & Staley's bequests 3,224 3,224
210 Mead bequest (J Team and choir) 210 210
16,192 Debtors and prepayments 24,494 - 24,494
61,272 Total current assets 46,312 3,393 717 3,434 11,196 65,051
Current liabilities
600 Lettings deposits 100 100
498 Creditors and amounts received in advance 1,675 1,675
1,098 Total liabilities 1,775 1,775
60,174 Net current assets (current assets less liabilities) 44,536 3,393 717 3,434 11,196 63,276
1,075,894 Net assets (all assets less liabilities) 1,060,256 3,393 717 3,434 11,196 1,078,996
----- End of picture text -----*

*Held by Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

There are differences of up to £1, which are due to rounding up to the nearest £1 These informal accounts show the position as at 31st August 2023 before any charge for depreciation of fixed assets. The formal accounts will include provision for depreciation, yet to be approved.

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Informal income and expenditure account for the year ended 31st August 2023

GENERAL (UNRESTRICTED) FUNDS on accruals basis

Note: The full accounts submitted to the Vale of Aylesbury Circuit will be found in an appendix to the Trustees Report.

2021/22 £	GENERAL FUND	2022/23 £
	INCOME
83,428	Offerings & tax recovered:	82,671
68,040	Collection (services, standing orders and annual)	67,399
15,388	Income Tax refund	15,272
	Bank & CFB interest and investment income Lettings Other income,detail in shaded area below:
34		385

38,108		40,996

8,806		10,563
3,064	Fund raising	3,391
2,745	Donations and legacies	3,986
253	Government Job Protection Scheme re Covid 19	-
1,406	Weddings and funerals	1,675
1,338	Coffee Bar profits	1,512
-	Miscellaneous	-

130,376	Income Grand Total	134,615

	EXPENDITURE
86,724	Circuit contribution Donations and subscriptions Repairs & maintenance,detail in shaded area below:	84,372

520		2,003

22,165		19,007
3,816	Building maintenance	3,856
9,250	Cleaner's wages and supplies	9,976
9,099	Equipment maintenance (incl.organ & piano)	5,175
	Utilities & insurance,detail in shaded area below:
13,653		15,369
9,881	Heat, light, water and refuse	11,135
3,772	Insurance	4,232
	Other expenditure,detail in shaded area below:
9,769		10,602
2,766	Administration	3,257
5,258	Administrators - wages, less Circuit share	4,878
121	Layworker (last year only) and Young Leaders Scheme	-
4	Telephones	289
962	Church Activities	1,159
658	Publicity & miscellaneous expenses	1,020

132,831	Total Expenditure, excl. Welcome Area Improvements	131,353
( 2,455) 44,214 41,759 433 42,192 - -	NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) FOR THE YEAR accruals basis Balance brought forward 1/9/2022 Subtotal Net transfers between funds,excl. Welcome Area Fund Subtotal Welcome Area Improvements: Funds transferred from the Welcome Area Fund Above funds then expended on the Welcome Area and capitalised	3,262 42,191 45,453 ( 916)
		44,536 - -
42,192	GENERAL LIQUID FUNDS AT 31/8/23 C/ FWD.	44,536

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Informal Summary of Income and expenditure accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023 (on Accruals Basis)

ALL FUNDS

Note: The full accounts submitted to the Vale of Aylesbury Circuit will be found in an appendix to the Trustees Report.

Ac- tual 2021/ 22 accru- als basis £		Gen- eral Fund £	Re- strict- ed Funds £	En- dow- ment Fund s	Chur ch Or- gan- isa- tions £	Totals 1922/2 3 £
135,030 136,874	Income Expenditure, excl. Welcome Area improvements Net income/(Expenditure) Welcome Area improvements: Earlier years' expenditure capitalised Expenditure capitalised this year Change in value of investments Subtotal Net transfers between funds: Welcome Area Fund Other funds Subtotal Liquid Funds Balances b/fwd 1/9/2022	134,615 131,353	334 50	88	9,437 9,882	144,473 141,285
( 1,844) - - ( 209)		3,262 -	284 - -	88 ( 86)	( 445)	3,189 - - ( 86)
( 2,053) -		3,262 - ( 916)	284 - -	2 ( 92)	( 445) 1,008	3,102 -
( 2,053) 62,229		2,346 42,191	284 3,826	( 90) 3,524	563 10,633	3,102 60,174
60,176	Liquid Funds Balances c/fwd 31/8/23	44,536	4,110	3,434	11,196	63,276

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Informal income and expenditure accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 RESTRICTED FUNDS, ENDOWMENTS AND CHURCH ORGANISATIONS

Note: The full accounts submitted to the Vale of Aylesbury Circuit will be found in an appendix to the Trustees Report.

RESTRICTED FUNDS

2021/22		Welcome Area Fund	Benevolent Fund	Total 2022/23
£		£	£	£
38 -	Income Offerings Grants, donations, etc & tax recovered Total income Payments Other expenses Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) Earlier years' expenditure capitalised Transfers between funds Net income / (expend.) after transfers Balances brought forward 1/9/2022 Net income / (expenditure) Balances carried forward 31/8/2023	-	334	334 -
38		-	334	334
-		-	50	50
-		-	50	50
38 - -		- -	284	284 - -
38		-	284	284
3,788 38		3,393 -	433 284	3,826 284
3,826		3,393	717	4,110

ENDOWMENT FUNDS HELD BY THE TRUSTEES FOR METHODIST CHURCH PURPOSES

Totals 2021/22		Mead Bequest	Stranks & Staley's Bequests		Totals 2022/23
£		£	£		£
3,731 13 ( 11) - ( 209)		Restricted	Unrestricted
	Balances brought forward 1/9/2022 Income Paid to General Fund Paid to J Team and Choir Change in Value of investments Balances carried forward 31/8/2023	210 7 ( 7) - -	3,314 81 ( 85) - ( 86)		3,524 88 ( 92) - ( 86)
3,524		210	3,224		3,434
	CHURCH ORGANISATIONS
£	Income Offerings & tax recovered Investment income, etc Other income Total income Payments Other expenses (incl. external donations £300) Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) Transfers between funds Net income / (expend.) after transfers Balances brought forward 1/9/2022 Net income / (expenditure) Balances carried forward 31/8/2023 _ Excludes Endowment Mead Bequest Fund,_**			£ 9,437 9,437 9,882 9,882 ( 446) 1,008 562 10,633 562 11,195 *which is shown above.*	£
4,603					9,437
4,603					9,437
4,043					9,882
4,043					9,882
560 ( 422)					( 446) 1,008
138					562
10,495 138					10,633 562
10,633					11,195

==> picture [41 x 33] intentionally omitted <==

Accounts: Roger Kirk Auditor: Michael Foot Contact Roger Kirk, 77 Aylesbury Road, Bierton, Aylesbury, Bucks. HP22 5BT Tel. 01296 415312 Email: kirk.roger@yahoo.co.uk Registered Charity Number: 1129749 Production: Jennie Torpey Editor: Peter Green

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

A Registered Charity

ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

(ACCRUALS BASIS)

for the year ended 31st August 2023

Charity Registration Number 1129749

Belonging to Vale of Aylesbury Methodist Circuit - Circuit number 23/29

| Minister Rev. Richard Atkinson Church Stewards Gill Marks Frances Aylen Jackie Simpson - Tyda Elaine Hope Gill Nord Derek Adams Matilda Phiri retired 2022/23 Kaz Tyda retired 2022/23 Lusi Dirorimwe retired 2022/23 Treasurer Roger Kirk|
Minister
Rev. Richard Atkinson
Church Stewards
Gill Marks
Frances Aylen
Jackie Simpson - Tyda
Elaine Hope
Gill Nord
Derek Adams
Matilda Phiri
retired 2022/23
Kaz Tyda
retired 2022/23
Lusi Dirorimwe
retired 2022/23
Treasurer
Roger Kirk| |---|---| |Minister
Church Stewards
Treasurer|Rev. Richard Atkinson
Gill Marks
Frances Aylen
Jackie Simpson - Tyda
Elaine Hope
Gill Nord
Derek Adams
Matilda Phiri
retired 2022/23
Kaz Tyda
retired 2022/23
Lusi Dirorimwe
retired 2022/23
Roger Kirk|

1129749

Name of Church

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Church No

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

Income	Notes to the accounts	General Fund (Unrestricted) See Note 2 * £	Designated Funds (Unrestricted) £	Restricted Funds £	Endowment Funds £	Totals 2023 £	Totals 2022 £

1 Offerings		67,399 3,986 334 15,272 - 385 - 88 9,437 47,574 -				67,399	68,040
2 Donations,legacies &grants						4,320	2,783
3 Gift aid tax	3					15,272	15,388
4 Interest and investment income	4					473	47
5 Income from investmentproperties						-	-
6 Internal organisations	5					9,437	4,603
7 Other charitable income	6					47,574	44,169
8Total income Expenditure		134,616	9,437	334	88	144,475	135,030

9 Circuit assessment or share		84,372 2,003 250 50 19,007 - 15,368 15,843 8,424 2,181 - 9,632				84,372	86,724
10 Grants and donations	7					2,303	520
11 Property& equipment maintenance	8					19,007	22,165
12 Insurance,utilities etc	9					15,368	13,654
13 Depreciation	1c(v),*2					15,843	15,843
14 Office expenses	10					8,424	8,028
15 Other expenditure	11					2,181	1,741
16 Internal organisations activites	5					9,632	4,043
*17 Total charitable expenditure*	* 2	147,198	9,882	50	0	157,130	152,718
18 Gains/(losses)on monetaryinvestments	13	( 86)				( 86)	(209)
19 Gains/(losses)on investmentproperties						-	-
20Net income/(expenditure)	* 2	( 12,582)	( 445)	284	2	( 12,741)	(17,897)
21 Transfers between funds 22 Other gains/(losses) 23Net movement in funds 24 Total funds brought forward *25 Total funds carried forward*	14	( 916) 1,008 ( 92)				-	-
						-	-
		( 13,498)	563	284	( 90)	( 12,741)	(17,897)
		1,058,812	10,633	3,826	3,525	1,076,796	1,094,693
	* 2	1,045,314	11,196	4,110	3,435	1,064,055	1,076,796

*** Note 2 of Notes to Accounts shows division of the General Fund between unrestricted Funds and Property Reserve.**

Not included above: Money received for and passed on to external organisations. These are specified in note 25 Notes to the accounts

Page 1

Name of Church

Church No.

1129749

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2023

Fixed Assets	Notes to the accounts	General Fund (Unrestricted) £	Designated Funds (Unrestricted) £	Restricted Funds £	Endowment Funds £	Totals 2023 £	Totals 2022 £

Land and buildings	15	840,275				840,275	845,053
Welcome Space	15	83,990 76,513				83,990	89,590 81,978 0
Contents						76,513
Investmentproperties						0
Investments	16				3,434	3,434	3,524
*Total fixed assets*		1,000,778	0	0	3,434	1,004,212	1,020,145
Current Assets
Debtors andprepayments	17	24,494				24,494	16,192
Loans bythe Churches						0	0
Investments with TMCP						0	0
Central Finance Board Deposits	18	7,004	148	4,110		11,262	8,643
Cash at Bank and in hand	18	14,813	11,048			25,861	32,912
*Total current assets*		46,311	11,196	4,110	0	61,617	57,747
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year)	19	1,775				1,775	1,098
Grantspayable within 2023/24						0	0
*Total current liabilities*		1,775	0	0	0	1,775	1,098
*Net current assets / liabilities*		44,536	11,196	4,110	0	59,842	56,649

*Total assets less current liabilities*		1,045,314	11,196	4,110	3,434	1,064,054	1,076,794

Long term liabilities(due after more than oneyear)
Grantspayable after 2023/24						0	0
Loans to the Church						0	0
						0	0
*Net assets*		1,045,314	11,196	4,110	3,434	1,064,054	1,076,794

Funds of the Church

Funds of the Church
General Fund(Unrestricted)	20	1,045,314	11,196 4,110 3,434			1,045,314	1,058,812
Designated Funds(Unrestricted)			11,196			11,196	10,632
*Total Unrestricted Funds*						1,056,510	1,069,444
Restricted Funds				4,110		4,110	3,826
Endowment Funds					3,434	3,434	3,524
*Total Funds*		1,045,314	11,196	4,110	3,434	1,064,054	1,076,794

Page 2

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

1 Basis of accounting and accounting policies
a. Basis of Accounting

The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention, (except where noted below) and in compliance with the Standard of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), (effective from 1/1/2015) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)).

b. Public benefit entity

Aylesbury Methodist Church of Buckingham Street, Aylesbury meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. It is an unincorporated charity.

c. More on the basis of accounting, including departures from the historic cost convention.
i The accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis.
ii The accounts are designed to show a true and fair view of Aylesbury Methodist Church's financial position and activities. iii Quoted investments are shown at their market value, rather than cost. iv Tangible fixed assets values: `
- As the original cost of the church's land and buildings and much of the contents is not known, (apart from improvements and alterations carried out within the last 13 years), a deemed cost has been established. In the case of the land on which the church buildings stand, its estimated current use value has been used. As regards the buildings and contents, their deemed cost has been determined by using Discounted Replacement Cost (DRC) in place of actual cost. This method applies a discount, calculated by reference to the age of the building and estimated age of the contents, and their useful economic life, and applying the discount to their sum insured values.

This does not apply to additions to fixed assets aquired since 1st September 2017, where cost stated is actual cost.

v Depreciation policy:

Assets held at 1/9/2017

Land upon which the church stands

The church building, including community centre

Contents

Not depreciated

Over 140 years on a straight line basis Over 20 years on a straight line basis

Assets acquired since 1/9/2017

Modernising church foyer ('Welcome Space')

Over 20 years on a straight line basis

These expected useful lives, which represent a standard/initial assessment for each asset-class, have been reviewed against current assumptions of each asset's likely further useful life.

vi All values are expressed in sterling (pounds), and have been rounded to the nearest pound.

vii The accounts have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees are of the opinion that the church is sufficiently resourced financially and in members' support to continue for the forseeable future.
viii Income is recognised when the church becomes entitled to the resources, and the monetary value is reliably measurable, and it is considered more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcoming. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the monetary value of volunteers' time is not recognised in the accounts.
ix Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, where the value is reliably measurable and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit.
x The church is not registered for VAT, and consequently expenditure on which it has been incurred has been included gross in the accounts, i.e. inclusive of the VAT.
xi The church's only monetary investments held in the year and the previous year, were those pertaining to the Stranks endowment. They are deposited with TMCP as custodian trustees, and have been valued at market value by TMPC.
xii Debtors stated represent the amounts owed to the church or prepaid by the church at the financial year end. Creditors are amounts owed by the church or have been received in advance at the financial year end.
xiii The church makes monthly contributions to the Vale of Aylesbury Methodist Circuit, which have been assessed by the circuit annually, based on the the church's main regular sources of income. The circuit remits part of the contributions received to the Northampton Methodist District by way of its assessment on the circuit. The district in turn remits most of its income from the circuits in its jurisdiction, to The Methodist Church Fund.

Page 3

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

2	Division of unrestricted General Funds between Liquid Funds and Property Reserve Total Total 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 8 Total income per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 134,616 130,376 134,616 130,376 17 Total charitable expenditure per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 147,198 148,675 147,198 148,675 13 Adjust for depreciation charged in the accounts for the year - see note 15 ( 15,843) ( 15,843) 15,843 15,843 - - 17 Adjusted expenditure 131,355 132,832 15,843 15,843 147,198 148,675 18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments - - 19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties - - 20 Net income/(expenditure) 3,261 ( 2,456) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 12,582) ( 18,299) 21 Transfers between funds ( 916) 433 - - ( 916) 433 22 Other gains/(losses) - - - - - - 23Net movement in funds 2,345 ( 2,023) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 13,498) ( 17,866) 24 Total funds brought forward 42,189 44,212 1,016,623 1,032,466 1,058,812 1,076,678 25 Total funds carried forward 44,534 42,189 1,000,780 1,016,623 1,045,314 1,058,812 Liquid Funds Property Reserve	Division of unrestricted General Funds between Liquid Funds and Property Reserve Total Total 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 8 Total income per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 134,616 130,376 134,616 130,376 17 Total charitable expenditure per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 147,198 148,675 147,198 148,675 13 Adjust for depreciation charged in the accounts for the year - see note 15 ( 15,843) ( 15,843) 15,843 15,843 - - 17 Adjusted expenditure 131,355 132,832 15,843 15,843 147,198 148,675 18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments - - 19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties - - 20 Net income/(expenditure) 3,261 ( 2,456) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 12,582) ( 18,299) 21 Transfers between funds ( 916) 433 - - ( 916) 433 22 Other gains/(losses) - - - - - - 23Net movement in funds 2,345 ( 2,023) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 13,498) ( 17,866) 24 Total funds brought forward 42,189 44,212 1,016,623 1,032,466 1,058,812 1,076,678 25 Total funds carried forward 44,534 42,189 1,000,780 1,016,623 1,045,314 1,058,812 Liquid Funds Property Reserve	Division of unrestricted General Funds between Liquid Funds and Property Reserve Total Total 2023 2022 2023 2022 2023 2022 £ £ £ £ £ £ 8 Total income per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 134,616 130,376 134,616 130,376 17 Total charitable expenditure per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 147,198 148,675 147,198 148,675 13 Adjust for depreciation charged in the accounts for the year - see note 15 ( 15,843) ( 15,843) 15,843 15,843 - - 17 Adjusted expenditure 131,355 132,832 15,843 15,843 147,198 148,675 18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments - - 19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties - - 20 Net income/(expenditure) 3,261 ( 2,456) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 12,582) ( 18,299) 21 Transfers between funds ( 916) 433 - - ( 916) 433 22 Other gains/(losses) - - - - - - 23Net movement in funds 2,345 ( 2,023) ( 15,843) ( 15,843) ( 13,498) ( 17,866) 24 Total funds brought forward 42,189 44,212 1,016,623 1,032,466 1,058,812 1,076,678 25 Total funds carried forward 44,534 42,189 1,000,780 1,016,623 1,045,314 1,058,812 Liquid Funds Property Reserve
	8 Total income per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 17 Total charitable expenditure per Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) 13 Adjust for depreciation charged in the accounts for the year - see note 15 17 Adjusted expenditure 18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments 19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties 20 Net income/(expenditure) 21 Transfers between funds 22 Other gains/(losses) 23Net movement in funds 24 Total funds brought forward 25 Total funds carried forward	Liquid Funds	Property Reserve

Property Reserve

SORP (FRS102), the fair value of the land, the buildings and contents on a DRC basis is taken as their deemed historical cost under FRS102, and treated as belonging to an expendable endowment for the church's general purposes. More on the calculation of DRC values can be found in note 15.

General Internal Welcome Benevolent Funds Organisations Area Fund Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted 15,272 - 15,272 - 385 - 385 -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Funds Organisations Area Fund Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted 15,272 - 15,272 - 385 - 385 -	Endowment 88	Total Total 2023 2022 15,272 15,388 - -	Total Total 2023 2022 15,272 15,388 - -
			15,272	15,388
			385 34 88 13
385	-	88	473	47

Page 4

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

Designated Funds (unrestricted) Internal organisations J Team (Junior Church) German Exchange Girls' Brigade Boys' Brigade Youth Club Tuesday Fellowship Choir Banner Group Flower Fund Sunbeams Toddler Group Badminton Club Other charitable income Fund raising Income from use of church premises Government Job Protection Scheme Weddings and funerals Coffee Bar Miscellaneous Total Grants and donations expended Aylesbury Town Chaplaincy Connexional donations: Methodist Missions Other connexional funds Donation from Benevolent Fund Karibuni Children Minor donations Property & equipment maintenance and	Balances b/f Income from activities Expenditure on activities & interest & donations 435 - 30 7,005 4,402 4,471 448 957 1,655 1,301 2,181 2,088 674 - - 240 90 73 19 - - 135 - - 171 870 1,242 88 - - 116 937 322	Balances b/f Income from activities Expenditure on activities & interest & donations 435 - 30 7,005 4,402 4,471 448 957 1,655 1,301 2,181 2,088 674 - - 240 90 73 19 - - 135 - - 171 870 1,242 88 - - 116 937 322	Balances b/f Income from activities Expenditure on activities & interest & donations 435 - 30 7,005 4,402 4,471 448 957 1,655 1,301 2,181 2,088 674 - - 240 90 73 19 - - 135 - - 171 870 1,242 88 - - 116 937 322	Internal transfers - - 660 660 - - - - 400 - ( 712) 1,008 Benevolent Endowment Fund Restricted 50 50	Balance c/f Balance c/f 2023 2022 405 435 6,936 7,005 410 448 2,054 1,301 674 674 257 240 19 19 135 135 199 171 88 88 19 116	Balance c/f Balance c/f 2023 2022 405 435 6,936 7,005 410 448 2,054 1,301 674 674 257 240 19 19 135 135 199 171 88 88 19 116
	10,632	9,437	9,881	1,008	11,196	10,632
	General Internal Welcome Funds Organisations Area Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted 3,391 - 40,996 - 1,675 1,512 - 47,574 - 1,000 500 500 250 3 2,003 250 repairs 3,856 9,976 5,175 - - 19,007 -				Total Total 2023 2022 3,391 3,064 40,996 38,108 - 253 1,675 1,406 1,512 1,338 - -
			-		47,574	44,169
			-		1,000 500 500 - 500 - 50 - 250 - 3 20
	2,003	250			2,303	520
	repairs 3,856 9,976 5,175 - 19,007				3,856 3,816 9,976 9,250 5,175 9,099 - -
Buildings maintenance Cleaner's wages and cleaning supplies Equipment repairs and replacements Organ & piano repairs and maintenance
	19,007		-		19,007	22,165

Page 5

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Funds Organisations Area Fund Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted 9,903 652 581 4,232 15,368 4,878 289 3,257 8,424 - 1,159 886 136 - 2,181 -	Total Total 2023 2022 9,903 8,816 652 522 581 544 4,232 3,772	Total Total 2023 2022 9,903 8,816 652 522 581 544 4,232 3,772
	15,368	13,654
	4,878 5,258 289 4 3,257 2,766
	8,424	8,028
	- 121 1,159 962 886 424 136 234
2,181	2,181	1,741

12 Salaries & associated costs (included in Notes 8, 10 & 11 above).

Salaries & associated costs (included in Notes 8, 10 & 11 above).	Salaries & associated costs (included in Notes 8, 10 & 11 above).
Salaries were paid to 3 (4 in 2021/22) members of staff during the year and were in total as follows Gross salaries,before deduction of Circuit contribution of £3,840 17,128 Employer's: NIC - Pension contrib. - 17,128 There were no members of staff employed full-time last year, or in 2022/23. Gains/(losses) in value of monetary investments Unrealised gain/(loss) in market value on endowment investments (86)		17,128 16,710 - - - 513
		17,128	17,223

	(86)	(86)	(209)

13 Gains/(losses) in value of monetary investments

Page 6

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

14 Transfers between funds

General/Welcome area

The Welcome Area Fund was instigated to raise funds for transforming the church foyer into a more welcoming space for the community in which the church stands. This was achieved during the 2018/19 financial year, and funds were transferred to the General Fund to enable the works to be carried out. These were completed also in the 2018/19 financial year. A small balance is retained in the Welcome Area Fund for use on furnishings and other future related costs associated with the space.

Transfer from Welcome Area Fund to General Funds Transfer from Endowment funds for Junior Church and Choir for general purposes Transfers from General Funds to to Internal Church Organisations Transfers from Internal Church Organisations to General Funds	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -	General Internal Welcome Benevolent Endowment Total Total Funds Organisations Area Fund 2023 2022 Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted - - - - - ( 92) ( 92) ( 11) 85 85 10 7 7 1 - - - ( 1,220) 1,220 - - - - 212 ( 212) - -
	(916)	1,008	-	-	(92)	-	-

15 Tangible fixed assets

Land Buildings Welcome Church Total Space contents 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 - -	Land Buildings Welcome Church Total Space contents 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 - -	Land Buildings Welcome Church Total Space contents 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 - -	Land Buildings Welcome Church Total Space contents 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 - -	Land Buildings Welcome Church Total Space contents 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 - -
200,000	668,943	111,990	109,305	1,090,238
N/a 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616 N/a 4,778 5,600 5,465 15,843
N/a	28,668	28,000	32,791	89,459
200,000 645,053 89,590 81,979 1,016,622 200,000 640,275 83,990 76,513 1,000,778

The expected useful lives, which represent a standard/initial assessment for each asset-class, have been reviewed against current assumptions of each asset's ilkely further useful life. No significant changes are considered necessary at this time.

Deemed cost - Discounted Replacement Cost (DRC)

Insurance values at 1/9/2017:

Assets excl. land	Acquired	Insurance	Total useful Average age
	date	values	economic at 1/09/2017
	(approx)		life (years) (years)
Buildings-church & commun. c'tre	1893/1920	3,902,168	140 110
Contents	Various	218,609	20 10

Tangible fixed assets continued overleaf

Page 7

Aylesbury Methodist Church Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

Church no. 1129749

15 Tangible fixed assets continued

Land value £200,000 (Current use value estimated by the trustees after taking professional advice.)

DRC calculation - deemed cost at 1/9/2017

Buildings-church & commun. c'tre Contents Assets excl. land	3,121,734 30/140 218,609 10/20 3,340,343 Insurance values (buildings less 20% for site clearance) Anticipated future life divided by total useful economic life	Fair value on DRC basis 668,943 109,305
	3,340,343	778,248

Tangible fixed assets Year ended 31st August 2022

Deemed cost 1/9/2017 Actual cost 2019 Depreciation to 31/8/20222 Net book value at 31/8/2022 Annual rate of depreciation	Land Buildings Welcome Contents Total space 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616	Land Buildings Welcome Contents Total space 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616	Land Buildings Welcome Contents Total space 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616	Land Buildings Welcome Contents Total space 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616	Land Buildings Welcome Contents Total space 200,000 668,943 109,305 978,248 111,990 111,990 23,890 22,400 27,326 73,616
	200,000	645,053	89,590	81,980	1,016,622
	1/140 1/20 1/20

Property Reserve

Since there is no evidence of a permanent endowment, it is assumed that the money donated to build the church premises at various times, was in the expectation of their long-term use, and therefore in these accounts prepared under SORP (FRS102), the fair value of the land, and the buildings and contents on a DRC basis is taken as their deemed historical cost under FRS102, and treated as belonging to an expendable endowment for the church's general purposes.

Endowment 3,524 88 ( 92) (86)	Total Total 2023 2022 3,524 3,731 88 13 ( 92) ( 11) (86) (209)	Total Total 2023 2022 3,524 3,731 88 13 ( 92) ( 11) (86) (209)
3,434	3,434	3,524
Endowment Endowment	Total Total 2023 2022 7,115 7,031 5,478 5,600 11,701 2,879 200 682
	24,494	16,192
	Total Total 2023 2022

Page 8

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

Cash at bank and in hand Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Current accounts: HSBC 5,132 Metro Bank 2,636 Deposit funds: HSBC deposit account 6,945 Central Finance Board 7,004 148 3,393 717 Various held by Internal Church Organisations 11,048 Cash in hand - Imprest account 100 21,817 11,196 3,393 717 Creditors & accruals (due within one year) For goods and services 1,675 Grants and donations received in advance for expenses relating to the next financial year - Deposits held relating to use of church premises 100 Gift Aid tax to pass on Donations collected to be passed on - 1,775	Cash at bank and in hand Designated Unrestricted Unrestricted Restricted Restricted Current accounts: HSBC 5,132 Metro Bank 2,636 Deposit funds: HSBC deposit account 6,945 Central Finance Board 7,004 148 3,393 717 Various held by Internal Church Organisations 11,048 Cash in hand - Imprest account 100 21,817 11,196 3,393 717 Creditors & accruals (due within one year) For goods and services 1,675 Grants and donations received in advance for expenses relating to the next financial year - Deposits held relating to use of church premises 100 Gift Aid tax to pass on Donations collected to be passed on - 1,775	5,132 10,833 2,636 2,599 6,945 8,896 11,262 8,643 11,048 10,484 100 100	5,132 10,833 2,636 2,599 6,945 8,896 11,262 8,643 11,048 10,484 100 100
		37,123	41,555
		1,675 287 - - 100 600 - - - 211
For goods and services Grants and donations received in advance for expenses relating to the next financial year Deposits held relating to use of church premises Gift Aid tax to pass on Donations collected to be passed on
	1,775	1,775	1,098

20 Funds of the church

General funds (unrestricted)

These exist for the furtherance of the church's general objectives, and are represented by the church building and its community centre, and liquid assets for use at the trustees' discretion in the achievement of those objectives, and maintaining the church's premises.

Internal church organisations (Designated fund)

These are maintained by various groups to support their activities within the church, who are required to provide annual accounts to the church council. The funds are represented by bank and cash balances.

Welcome Area Fund (Restricted)

The Welcome Area Fund was instigated to raise funds for the transformation of the church foyer into a more welcoming space for the community in which the church stands. This was achieved during the 2018/19 financial year, and funds were transferred to the General Fund to enable the works to be carried out. These were completed also in that financial year. A small balance is retained in theWelcome Area Fund for use on furnishings and other future related costs associated with the space.The Fund is represented by a balance held within the church's bank account. Income 2023 2022 2 Donations, legacies & grants - - 3 Gift aid - - 7 Other charitable income - - 8Total income - - Expenditure 11 Property & equipment maintenance - - 15 Other expenditure - - 17 Total charitable expenditure - - 20Net income/(expenditure) - - 21 Transfers between funds - - 23 Net movement in funds - - 24 Total funds brought forward 3,393 3,393 25 Total funds carried forward 3,393 3,393 Page 9	The Welcome Area Fund was instigated to raise funds for the transformation of the church foyer into a more welcoming space for the community in which the church stands. This was achieved during the 2018/19 financial year, and funds were transferred to the General Fund to enable the works to be carried out. These were completed also in that financial year. A small balance is retained in theWelcome Area Fund for use on furnishings and other future related costs associated with the space.The Fund is represented by a balance held within the church's bank account. Income 2023 2022 2 Donations, legacies & grants - - 3 Gift aid - - 7 Other charitable income - - 8Total income - - Expenditure 11 Property & equipment maintenance - - 15 Other expenditure - - 17 Total charitable expenditure - - 20Net income/(expenditure) - - 21 Transfers between funds - - 23 Net movement in funds - - 24 Total funds brought forward 3,393 3,393 25 Total funds carried forward 3,393 3,393 Page 9	The Welcome Area Fund was instigated to raise funds for the transformation of the church foyer into a more welcoming space for the community in which the church stands. This was achieved during the 2018/19 financial year, and funds were transferred to the General Fund to enable the works to be carried out. These were completed also in that financial year. A small balance is retained in theWelcome Area Fund for use on furnishings and other future related costs associated with the space.The Fund is represented by a balance held within the church's bank account. Income 2023 2022 2 Donations, legacies & grants - - 3 Gift aid - - 7 Other charitable income - - 8Total income - - Expenditure 11 Property & equipment maintenance - - 15 Other expenditure - - 17 Total charitable expenditure - - 20Net income/(expenditure) - - 21 Transfers between funds - - 23 Net movement in funds - - 24 Total funds brought forward 3,393 3,393 25 Total funds carried forward 3,393 3,393 Page 9
	-	-
	- - - -
	-	-
	- - - -
	-	-
	3,393 3,393
	3,393	3,393

Aylesbury Methodist Church

Church no. 1129749

Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

20 Funds of the church continued……

Benevolent Fund (restricted)

The Benevolent Fund exists for the relief of poverty and distress, and is required by Methodist Standing Order 651. It is represented by balances held at bank.

Income 2 Donations, legacies & grants Expenditure 10 Grants and donations 20Net income/(expenditure) 23 Net movement in funds 24 Total funds brought forward 25 Total funds carried forward Endowment Funds	2023 2022 334 38 50 - 284 38	2023 2022 334 38 50 - 284 38
	284	38
	433 395
	717	433

These arise from bequests in the past. They are: Mead, for general purposes

Stranks and Staley, for the junior church and the church choir

The endowment funds are represented by investments and CFB balances held. The information below combines the Stranks and Staley

Mead Stranks & Mead Stranks & Staley Staley 7 81 1 12 (86) (209) 2022 2023	Mead Stranks & Mead Stranks & Staley Staley 7 81 1 12 (86) (209) 2022 2023	Mead Stranks & Mead Stranks & Staley Staley 7 81 1 12 (86) (209) 2022 2023	Mead Stranks & Mead Stranks & Staley Staley 7 81 1 12 (86) (209) 2022 2023
7	(5)	1	(197)
( 7) ( 85) ( 1) ( 10) - ( 90) - ( 207) 210 3,314 210 3,521
210	3,224	210	3,314

21 Capital Commitments and contingent liabilities

The church had no capital commitments at 31st August 2023.

There were no known contingent liabilities at that date.

22 Loans and creditors due after one year

There were no loans or other liabilities due after more than one year as at 31st August 2023.

23 Related party transactions

Relationship Contibutions to Vale of Aylesbury Method.Circuit Connexion Methodist Connexional Funds: Methodist Missions Connexion Other connexional funds Connexion Aylesbury Town Chaplaincy Charity Name of related party	Payments to related par- ties 2022/23 84,372 500 500 1,000 86,372	Payments to related par- ties 2021/22 86,724 - - 500
	86,372	87,224

There were no trustees employed by Aylesbury Methodist Church in other roles (other than the minister's stipend)

Page 10

Aylesbury Methodist Church Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31st August 2023

Church no. 1129749

23	Relationship Payments to Payments to related par- related par- Related party transactions continued ties 2022/23 ties 2021/22 Trustees who received fees in respect of weddings/funerals, etc: Rev. Richard Atkinson 100 620 John Miskin 60 140 Margaret Miskin 20 80 Stephen Marks 20 80 Gill Marks 40 Jenny Torpey 50 Name of related party

24 The church trustees

The trustees are the members of the church council. Those who served in the year ended 31st August 2023 were: Superintendent minister: Leadership team: Representatives appointed by Rev. Richard Atkinson Rev. Richard Atkinson the Annual Church Meeting: Team ministry: Jenny Torpey John Miskin Arthur Sara Margaret Miskin Lynn Berstone retired 2022/23 Secretary: Vivienne Kemp Derek Berstone retired 2022/23 Jackie Simpson - Tyda Albert Odro Stephen Marks Church stewards: Missions Chair: Paul Ingram retried 2022/23 Gill Marks David Neville Rae Garden Matilda Phiri retired 2022/23 Community Centre: Sandy Steeden Frances Aylen Rev. Richard Atkinson Nick Aylen Jackie Simpson - Tyda Property: Karen Crussell Kaz Tyda retired 2022/23 Kevin Hardern Elaine Hope Circuit steward: Gill Nord Keith Wallace Lucinda Dirorimwe retired 2022/23Pastoral Co-ordinator: Derek Adams Pauline Noble Communications: Safeguarding: Peter Green Tim Olufosoye Church treasurer: Roger Kirk

25 Money received for and passed on to external organisations (not included In income or expenditure of the church)

Action for Children Turkish earthquake appeal Easter offering - Methodist Church Missions MHA	2022/23 2021/22 407 697 310 463 192 211	2022/23 2021/22 407 697 310 463 192 211
	1606	674

Page 11

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH …………………………………No 1129749

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2023 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.

Signature of treasurer ……………………………………………………… Date…………………….. Name and address of treasurer: Roger Kirk………………………………………………….

77 Aylesbury Road, Bierton, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, HP22 5BT

Presentation to the Church trustees

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 were/will be* presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on ……………..

Signature of the Chair of the meeting ……………………………………………………………………

Name of the Chair of the meeting: Rev. Richard Atkinson………………… Date ……………………

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

AYLESBURY METHODIST CHURCH

Charity Number 1129749

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Aylesbury Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2023 set out on pages 1 to 11. As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

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

Page 12

Aylesbury Methodist Church…………………………………………… No 1129749

Independent Examiner’s Statement

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

the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or

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 ` the trustees’ annual report is not consistent with the accounts

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

I have obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner ………………………………………………………………….

Name of independent examiner: Michael Foote…………………………………….

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner: FCA

Address 8 Bates Lane, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire

Post Code: HP22 5SL

Date .......................

Page 13

Aylesbury Methodist Church..........--...........--...........- No 1129749 Independent Examlnerfs Stat•Trent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentK)n in connection with the examinati( vthich give me cause to believe that in, any material respett: the accountin8 records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records: or 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 2CW)8 other than any requirement that the attounts 8ive a 'true and fairf view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination the trustees, annual report is not consistent with the •¢¢ounts I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connertion with the examlnatlon to whkh attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understsnding of the accounts to be reached. I have obtsined independent verifi¢ation of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Churth Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and fvnds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £IO.£V) (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of Independent examiner: Michael Foote.-............--...........--........ Relevant professional qualrfication of independent examiner: FCA Address 8 Bates Lane, Weston Turville, Aylesbury, BuckIrharn$hire Post Code: HP22 55L Date Page 13