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2025-08-31-accounts

1 st September 2024- 31 st August 2025 Annual Report for the Charity Commission Neath Port Talbot Methodist Circuit

Registered 23[rd] September 2009 Registered Number: 1131776

Summary of the objects of the charity set out in its governing document

a) The Christian Faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church.

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church.

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

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.

The Neath Port Talbot Methodist Circuit acts as an umbrella body and resource provider for the nine Methodist Churches and their people of which it is comprised.

Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these objects (include within this section the statutory declaration that trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit)

The adopted mission statement is in line with the Methodist Church’s statement of ‘Our Calling’ and ‘Priorities for the Methodist Church’.

Mission Statement

The Calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to work out its discipleship in worship and mission.

The Circuit exists, therefore, to enable the local churches to:

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Aims and Strategy Objectives

Aim 1) To ensure worship takes place through the communities of the Circuit.

Aim 2) To expand fellowship within each church, its community and the circuit.

Aim 3) To encourage and nurture caring relationships with each other within the churches and people in the local and world community.

Aim 4) To bring people to an awareness of Christ through word and example.

Principles

In implementing the Policy we shall:

The Trustees have had due regard to the Charities Act 2006 in relation to public benefit guidance.

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Review of Activities: 1 September 2024 – 31 August 2025

1. Circuit Staffing

Rev'd Dr Gareth Edwards continues to serve as Superintendent Minister.

He is supported by our part-time Lay Pastoral Worker, Mr Robin Sherwood, who also holds lay authorisation to preside at Holy Communion throughout the Circuit.

Rev'd Rachel Wheeler, who lives in Bridgend, has begun ministry as a New Places for New People Pioneer Minister across both the Circuit and the neighbouring Bridgend United Area. She continues to assist with preaching appointments and other events within the Circuit, and her contribution has been greatly appreciated.

The Circuit staff team works together to provide pastoral care in partnership with the pastoral visitors serving within individual churches.

Despite ongoing ill health, Mr Clem Raymond continues to serve voluntarily as a Circuit Support Worker. He also holds lay authorisation to preside at Holy Communion throughout the Circuit.

Mrs Rachel Freeman continues in her role of providing administrative support to the Superintendent Minister for three hours each week, as required.

The Circuit Leadership Team, comprising the staff team, Circuit Stewards, Treasurer, and Church Representatives, meets every six weeks and acts as the executive body of the Circuit Meeting.

2. Circuit Services and Events

Several Circuit services and events have taken place throughout the year, helping to strengthen our fellowship and shared identity. Some of these have been held online via Zoom.

Service of Remembering

The annual Service of Remembering those who had died during the previous year was held on 1 November 2024 at Skewen Methodist Church and was livestreamed.

The service was well supported by members and friends from across the Circuit, as well as by families who were specifically invited because the funeral of a loved one had been conducted by a member of the Circuit staff team during the year. This continues to be a valuable initiative, demonstrating our ongoing pastoral care for those who have experienced bereavement.

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Advent and Christmas

To provide a united focus during Advent, a Circuit liturgy was produced, as in recent years, for use in all churches on each of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, as well as on Christmas Day itself. Each week included a Bible reading, prayer, and hymn, together with the traditional lighting of an Advent candle.

Christmas Carol Services were held across the Circuit. A late-night Circuit Christmas Eve Service was also conducted online, continuing beyond midnight into Christmas Day.

Christmas Day services were held in a few of our churches.

Lent and Easter

A Circuit Lent liturgy was used each Sunday to help us reflect upon Christ's journey to the cross.

A Circuit Communion Service was held at Skewen on Maundy Thursday, while Good Friday services took place in local churches. The early morning Easter Day service on Aberavon Seafront was led by members of the staff team. This was followed by an 8.00am Communion Service at Sandfields Methodist Church and a shared breakfast.

3. Mission and Outreach

Churches across the Circuit have continued to support the foodbanks in Neath and Port Talbot through donations of food and financial contributions, helping to meet the needs of those experiencing hardship within our communities.

Website and Social Media

The Circuit website (www.neathportalbotmethodist.org.uk) continues to attract regular visitors.

WhatsApp and Facebook are also used to publicise Circuit events and services. Several churches maintain WhatsApp groups to share local information and support one another through prayer.

The weekly Circuit Bulletin and the weekly Vine at Home worship resource, produced by Twelve Baskets, continue to be widely distributed by email and are greatly appreciated.

Work with Children, Young People and Families

Sadly, this remains a limited aspect of our work, as many of our congregations are predominantly elderly. However, a small number of children attend services at Skewen, and Sunday School activities are provided when they are present.

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4. Safeguarding Children, Young People and Vulnerable Adults

The Methodist Church requires a range of office holders at both church and circuit level to undertake appropriate safeguarding training. Records are maintained and regularly updated to ensure that all those requiring DBS disclosures have them in place.

5. Property

The Sandfields and Taibach Manses continue to be let on short-term leases, providing a valuable source of income for the Circuit.

Following the departure of the current tenants, the Sandfields Manse is scheduled to undergo substantial renovation work, with completion anticipated by July 2026.

6. Finance

We remain grateful for the regular income generated through the letting of the two former manses within the Circuit, although significant renovation work is required on one property before it can be re-let.

The Circuit Treasurer continues to monitor our finances carefully, enabling the Circuit to support individual churches by maintaining assessments at a manageable level.

7. Christian Discipleship and Fellowship

Bible Studies and Prayer Meetings

Weekly Bible studies and prayer meetings continue to take place online, providing opportunities for fellowship, discussion, and prayer. These gatherings have helped to strengthen relationships between our churches and foster a greater sense of Circuit identity.

Circuit Men's Group

The Circuit Men's Group meets regularly throughout the year, generally every one to two months.

Oasis Group

The Oasis Group, which serves women on the periphery of church life, continues to meet regularly. Members also maintain contact with one another through telephone conversations and social media.

8. Worship

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The Circuit remains deeply grateful for the faithful ministry of all our Local Preachers and Worship Leaders.

Worship Leaders and Local Preachers continue to meet regularly for fellowship, mutual support, and ongoing training.

9. Local Church News

Cymmer

The Charity Shop, run by a dedicated team of volunteers, continues to provide affordable goods to the local community while raising funds for a number of local and national charities.

Glyncorrwg

The arrangement of meeting with the Nebo congregation at the Centre on Sunday afternoons at 3.00pm continues. The Nebo congregation leads worship on the final Sunday of each month, when hymns are sung in Welsh. On other Sundays, it remains customary to include at least one Welsh hymn in worship.

Glynneath

The church continues to receive good local support. Several members of the congregation travel considerable distances each week in order to attend Sunday worship.

Jersey Marine

The local primary school continues to use the church building for Carol Services, Easter celebrations, and Harvest Services. The church has also served as a polling station during local elections.

The Friends of Jersey Marine, a group of local residents who use the church premises for community events, continue to meet regularly. The group's Chair is a committed member of the church, helping to strengthen relationships between the church and the wider village community.

Neath

The church continues to host a variety of well-supported events, including Luncheon Clubs, Quiz Nights, and Concerts.

Work has also begun on a project to explore the future of both the congregation and this landmark building.

North Cornelly

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The church continues to serve the Cornelly community faithfully and consistently.

Sandfields

The church hall continues to be well used by a variety of community groups.

The Women's Fellowship has successfully restarted its programme and is flourishing. The Church Craft Group also continues to be productive and well supported.

Skewen

The church continues to play a vital role in the livestreaming of worship across the Circuit. We remain grateful to the technical team at Skewen for their dedication and expertise.

The Women's Fellowship meets each Thursday afternoon. A monthly Quiz Evening is held on a Friday and continues to attract strong support. The Saturday Coffee Morning remains well attended and provides an important opportunity for outreach within the local community.

Taibach

The church continues to enjoy strong ecumenical relationships. Its hall remains well used by community groups, including a local choir and the neighbouring school.

Journeying Onwards

We give thanks for God's faithfulness to our Circuit during the past year and trust in His continuing guidance as we journey onwards together.

As our churches seek to navigate a rapidly changing landscape, they are being challenged to reimagine what mission and outreach look like in today's world. This requires balancing the call to serve local communities with the very real demands of building maintenance, governance, and financial sustainability.

This season calls for both faithful innovation and practical stewardship as our churches discern how best to sustain their witness, deepen discipleship, and maintain a meaningful presence within society for generations to come.

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CIRCUIT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS

THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS
Neath Port Talbot Methodist
Circuit
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 August 2025
District Circuit no 02/18
Registered Charity - Charity Registration number
1131776

If not a registered charity His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number

(The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242 )

Ministers: Rev Dr Gareth Edwards Rev Gordon Sollis - Supernumery ( until July 2025 ) Rev Alf Williams - Supernumery Rev Dilys Brace - Supernumery Rev Rachel Wheeler - Pioneer Minister Clem Raymond - Support Worker Robin Sherwood - Pastoral Worker Circuit Stewards: Michelle Amesbury Gwyn Aubrey Brian Curtis Peter Davies Lesley Harry Doreen John ( from July 2025 ) Robin Sherwood Barbara Southard Treasurer: Karen Sherwood

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ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025

Circuit

Neath Port Talbot Methodist

SECTION A £
£
£
Un -
restricted
Funds
Circuit
Model Trust
Fund
Restricted
Funds		 £
£
£
Un -
restricted
Funds
Circuit
Model Trust
Fund
Restricted
Funds		 £
£
£
Un -
restricted
Funds
Circuit
Model Trust
Fund
Restricted
Funds		 £
£
£
Un -
restricted
Funds
Circuit
Model Trust
Fund
Restricted
Funds		 £
98,718
0
10,329
0
17,391
Totals this
year		 £
98,718
0
10,329
0
17,391
Totals this
year		 £
Totals last
year		 £
Totals last
year
a1 RECEIPTS Note
a2 Assessment/Share 98,718 98,718 97,325
a3 Capital receipts 0
a4 Bank and CFB interest and
Investment income		 8,760 1,569 10,329 9,637
a5 Grants 0
a6 Other receipts 17,391 17,391 12,748
a7 TOTAL RECEIPTS 124,869 1,569 0 126,438 (a8) 119,710
SECTION B 49,319
8,998

2,396

15,908

0

0

9,898
b1 PAYMENTS
b2 Stipends, salaries, NIC, Pension and
travel costs		 49,319 49,319 47,701
b3 Manse Costs 8,998 8,998 11,816
b4 Administration etc 1,445 951 # 2,396 2,563
b5 District Assessment 15,908 # 15,908 12,268
b6 Grants & donations # 0 0
b7 # 0 0
b8 Otherpayments 9,898 # 9,898 9,789
b9 TOTAL PAYMENTS 85,567 951 0 86,518 (b9) 84,136
39,920
SECTION C
c1 NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR
THE YEAR		 (a7-b9) 39,302 618 0 39,920
c2 Total funds brought forward from lastyear 34,755 819 0 35,574 (c6)
75,494
c3 Sub total
(c1+c2)		 74,057 1,437 0 75,494
c4 Transfers and adjustments 0 (c7)
c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR
(c3+c4		 ) 74,057 1,437 0 75,494 (c8) 35,574 (c6)

SECTION D

SECTION D
d FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
(these amounts should not be included in total receipts/payments above)
Balance brought forward from lastyear
1,363
Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations
5,745
Offerings/Gifts -passed to external organisations
8,320
BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID(d1 + d2 - d3)
(1,212)
d1 Balance brought forward from lastyear
d2 Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations 3,290
d3 Offerings/Gifts -passed to external organisations 1,927
d4 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID(d1 + d2 - d3) 1,363

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Neath Port Talbot Methodist

Circuit

SUMMARY OF CIRCUIT ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATION REPORTING TO THE CIRCUIT MEETING

SECTION E Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Summary of the Circuit accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Circuit Meeting. Note that the funds of an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This section must be completed to arrive at the gross receipts and payments totals of the Circuit. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold of £250,000, then the Accruals method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding transfers between the Circuit and connected Circuit Organisations.

SECTION E Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page

Summary of the Circuit accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Circuit Meeting. Note that the funds of an
Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This section
must be completed to arrive at the gross receipts and payments totals of the Circuit. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold of £250,000, then the
Accruals method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance
notes regarding transfers between the Circuit and connected Circuit Organisations.
INTERNAL
ORGANISATIONS		 Net Receipts/
Payments		 Adjustments Opening
balances		 Closingbalances
e1 0 0
e2 0 0
e3 0 0
e4 0 0
e5 0 0
e6 0 0
e7 0 0
e8 Sub total of Internal
Organisations funds		 0 0 **0 ** (e11) **0 ** (e12)
e9 Circuit accounts (totals
brought forward from
page 2 - totals column)		 39,920 **0 ** (c7) **35,574 ** (c6) **75,494 ** (c8)
e10 TOTAL CASH FUNDS
HELD BY CIRCUIT		 39,920 0 **35,574 ** (x) **75,494 ** (y)

SECTION F STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES

SECTION F
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES		 SECTION F
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES
CIRCUIT - CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2025 OPENING
BALANCES		 CLOSING
BALANCES
f1 Cash in hand 27,599
25,000
169,976
33,658
f2 Bank Current Account 40,572
f3 Bank Deposit Account 25,000
f4 Central Finance Board 193,679
f5 Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 33,658 34,276
f6 Other funds 50
f7 SUB TOTAL **256,233 ** (c6) **293,577 ** (c8)
f8 Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing
balance totals above) (e12)		 0 (e11) 0 (e12)
f9 TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CIRCUIT 256,233 (x) 293,577 (y)
At At
SECTION G
OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES
Investments(include Endowments)
Land and Buildings(see notes re Insurance value)
Other Assets
Loan(s)- show amount outstandingatyear end
Other Liabilities		 1 September 2024 31 August 2025
1,548,976
g1 Investments(include Endowments)
g2 Land and Buildings(see notes re Insurance value) 1,548,976
g3 Other Assets
g4 Loan(s)- show amount outstandingatyear end
g5 Other Liabilities

f4 Include only Funds held at the Central Finance Board

f5 Include only CFB Funds held at Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

g1 Include any other investments (not the cash element of TMCP trust accounts this is inserted in line f5)

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Name of Circuit …Neath Port Talbot Methodist … No 02/18

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit meeting.

Signature of treasurer Karen Sherwood

Name and address of tre 14 Parkfield, Tonna, Neath, Neath Port Talbot

…………………………………………………………………………………. Post Code………… SA11 3JN

Presentation to the Circuit meeting

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 will be presented to the Circuit meeting held on 18th September 2025

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

Name of the Chair of the meeting Rev Dr Gareth Edward 9/18/2025

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the

Neath Port Talbot Methodist Circuit

Charity Number 02/18

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the acco Neath Port Talbot Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages … to …. As the Circuit’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 Circuit’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 under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

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Name of Circuit Neath Port Talbot Methodist …… No 02/18

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 (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

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/have not* 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 ……………………………………………………………………….

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner ………………………………………

Name of firm (where appropriate) ………………………………………………………………………

Address ……………………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….. Post Code ………………

Date …………………………………………

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Name of Circuit Neath Port Talbot Methodist ...... No 02118 Inde￿ndant Examinerf8 Statement I have completed my examinabon. l ¢onfirni Ihal no material matters have come to my attention in connedion the examination (other than that disdosed bek)vf) whth give me cause to t*lieve that in, any material respecL the accounting records ￿e not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or the accounts do not acs)rd with the accountino rec#xds. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to vthieh attention should be dr8wn in this rnport in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I havelhave not" obtained independent verification of al investments with the Trusteès for Methodist Church Purposes or hdd in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess af £10.000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date. Signature of independent examiner Name of independent examiner Relevant professional qualification ol independent examiner Name of finn (where appropriate) Address Post C(Kle ddete or arde as appropriate Stondwd Fom clAcctsJnts202425 Qrttht