DARLII¥IGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT (Charity Registralion No: 1132005) TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2024
DARLJNGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRcurr CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Circuit Infonnation Trustees Aniiual Report 15 Statement of Financial Aclivities 17 Balance Sheet 19 Notes to the Accx)unts 29 Declarations 30 Indepeiident Examiner's Report
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODJST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 CIRCUIT INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Address: Circuit office. Elm Ridge Methodist Church, Carniel Road South, Darlington DL3 8DJ Exaininer.. Stephen Watson Gardner F.C.A. of King Hope, 31 Victoria Road, Darlingtoii DLI 5SB MAnaglng Tru8tee$ in the year ended 31 August 2024:. Chair: Revd Tim Boocock Revd Jofv) Howard (to l April 2024) Acting Superiiitendent Minister (from l April 2024) Secretary: Mrs Valerie Tooth Clrcult Staff: Revd Graham Cull¢r R¢vd Brian Hutton Revd John Howard Revd Colin Roberts Presbyter Presbyter (to 31 August 2024) Supemurnerary Presbyter (see above) Supernuinerary Presbyter Resldent in Clrcult: * Revd Caiherine Minor Hospital Chaplain Clrcult Stewards: Anihony Mawer Josephine Pollard Valerie Tooth Dr Stephen Sutcliffe Cathryn Warden (Circuit Tr¢asurer) Lay Employees: Graham Bright Lyn Cookson Community Pastor at The Well Local Church Community Development Worker & Circuit Safeguarding Officer Circuit Adinin/Communications Hub Manager (Community Hosting Space) at The Well *Lindy Lowis * Emma Walden Church Representatlves: Wendy Charlion Deborah Coggrave Heather Coustick Keiih Lewis Alex Thompson Alison Banner Carol Hlop Joan Marwood * Judith Varley Barnard Castle Barnard Castle (frorn l O March 2024) Barnard Castle (to 12 February 2024) Barnard Castle Barnard Castle Barton Barton Barton Barton
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE IIIETHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 CIRCUIT INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Church Representatives (Continued): Brian Cooper Robert Dean Alison Hunter Irene Taylor Tony Allen Peter Gallop David Hall Dr Stephen Sutcliffe Elaine Arnier Sue Case Margaret Cuthbert VanSa Siinpson Helen Hamilton Barbara Carter Ann Thubron Margaret Garret Eric Miller Jane Miller Hazel Neashain Andy Robinson Dorothy Matthews Carol Mitchell Ian Tallentire Lorne Tallentire Judith Tarn Kenneth Robson Julia Petty Judith Rutter Ann-marie Wade Graham Bright Brian Russell Chris Russell Morvyn Sanderson Dr Stephej) Sutcliffe Cockerton Cockertoll Cockerton Cockerton Elin Ridge Elm Ridge Elm Ridge (to 16 Octobei. 2023) Elin Ridge Harrowgaie Hill (fr017] 15 May 2024) Harrowgale Hill Harrowgate Hill Harrowgate Hill (to 15 May 2024) Harrowgale Hill Haughton Haughlon Hurworth (to 31 August 2023) Hurworth Hurworth Hurworth (from I Septeinber 2023) Hurworth The Pathway (to 27 September) The Pathway The Pathway The Pathway The Pathway Staindrop Staindrop Staindrop Staindrop The Well The Well The Well The Well (frotn Noveinbei. 2023) The Well Other: Revd John Bower Revd Oluyemisi Adetokumbo Jaiyesirni Supernumerary Minister (from I September 2023) Karen Riley Action for Children Peter Collins All We Can and Joint Public Issues Liz McAllisler Circuit Complaints Officer Caiheryn Warden Circuit GDPR Champion Supernumerary Minister (resigned 31 August 2024)
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Re8l$tered No: 113200S CIRCUIT INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Other Margaret Wearn]outh Methodist Womeii in Britain (to 25 July 2024 deceased) Methodist Homes for the Aged Secretary of Leaders of Worship & Local Preachers (LWLP) (Contlniied): Josanne Hall Brian Simpson *denoles a member ofilie Clrculi Meeiirtg who is nol a trustee There are no Trustees holding title to any of the Circuit's propoty.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Trustees Annual Report Introductioii Welcome to the Trustees Annual Report of Darlington and Teesd&le Methodist Circuit ("the Clrcult") for the year ended 31 August 2024. The Circuit was forn]ed on I September 2021 when the Barnard Castle and Teesdale Methodist Circuit ainalgamated ivith the Darlington Methodist Circuit uiider the existing charity registration of the Darlinglon Circuil. Whilst priinarily a financial report we hope to also provide insight into our aims and mission. Publle Beneflt The Circuit provides a seven-day week Christi] ministry across, Barnard Castle and Teesdale, Darlington and the surrounding areas through its network of staff, volunteers, members and premises. Its activities are open to th¢ whole communily. More details are provided under the paragraphs "Interconn¢xion for Mission, Mulual Eiicx)uragem¢iit and Help" and "Lif¢ of the Circuit" The trustees have had due regard lo the Charilies Coinmission's public benefit guidance wlien exercising any powers or duties lo which the guidance is relevant. Misslon Statement The Circuit has adopted the Methodist Church's strategic document 'Our Calling, as our core inission statement, This invites church members to live out their discipleship by following a lifestyle that embraces the principles of 'A Methodist Way of Life,. This is don¢ through Worship, Learning & Caring, Service and Evangelism. Purpose and Alms The purposes of the Methodisl Church are the advancement of: the Clllistian faith in acwrdance wilh the doctrinal standards and the dis¢iplin¢ of the Methodist Church; any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church: any charitable pury)ose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Purpose and Ainis (continued) The Circuit aims.. To provide varied, relevant and inclusive worship across the Circuit Churches. b. To provide training to nurture faith in Christ, as w¢ll as to develop local preacliers and leaders of worship, and to equip slaff and volunteers with best practice, iiicluding pastoral care aiid safeguardiiig. ¢. To increase awareness of and support voluntary charitable work iii Darliiigton and Teesdale and arouiid the UK and beyond. d. To participate iii ecumenical relalionships. To continue to give active supporl to tlie wider Methodist District and Coniiexion. f. To promote the exploration of sustainable futures for all the churclies in tlie Circuit Organlsatlon The Circuit acts as an uinbrella or resource body. The Circuit is the priinaiy uiiit in wl)icli local churches exprcss aiid experience their interconnexion in the Body of Cl)rist, for puryoses of inission, Inutual eiicourageinent aiid help. It is in the Circuit that ministers are statioiied, and local preachers are trained and admitted and exercise their calliiig. The purposes of the Circuit include the effective deployment of tl)e resources of Ininistry, which include people, property and finance, as Ihey relate to the Metliodist churches in the Circuit, to churches of otlicr denominalions and to participation in the life of the communities served by the Circuit, including local schools and colleges and in ecumenical work iii the area. Governance The Circuit is primarily governed by the rules and guidance of The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church {"CPD") whicli is updated and approved annually by the Coiiference of the Methodist Church. This docuinent is available on the Metliodist Church website: www.1netliodist.or
DARLJNCTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Cliarltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Governance (continued) New trustees are appointed primarily by the Circuit churches, iii accordance with CPD. When the new Circuit was forn]ed it was agreed that ch church would have up to four representatives on the Circuit Meeting (Church Treasurer, Church Steward and two church inembers). Guidance docuineiits for iiew trustees are provAded online al the Methodist Church website. Appointments to lay posts within Ihe Circuit are by prosaI, seLX)nder and vote within the Circuit Meeting, again in accordai)ce with CPD. Where a post is Consider ess¢ntial for the purpose of the Circuit, but no lay person is available, the Circuit has authority to employ a Jnember of staff to carry out that post. The Circuit follows Methodist Church policy of providing al least tlie Living Wage. Actual salaries are detennined in conjunction with the Methodist District, lakin8 into account Ihe lasks of the role. All decisions of the Circuit, including employment of lay workers, are made at Circuit Meetings, wliere all Trustees may vote. Circuit Meetings occur al least four times each year, more inay be called if required. All activities of the Circuit Meeting are also governed by CPD. The Circuit Meeting agreed to establish a sub-commitlee (the Governance Committee) which gives detailed consideration to property and financial issues raised by churches and makes recommendations to the Circuit Meeting. The Methodist Church operates on a Connexional Year which Nns from I September to 31 August. Thus, any references to the start/end of the year relate to September and August respectively. People The Circuit has three full-time paid presbyters, Revd Tiin Boocock (Superintendent Minister), Revd Graham Cutler and Revd Brian Hutton. Supernumerary ministers residiiig in the Circuit regularly take preaching appoiiitinents on a voluntary basis as do lay members of the church who are recognised as Local Preachers. At the beginning of the year. Revd Brian Hutton nolified the Circuit of Iiis wish to curtail his appointment for family reasons and Icave the Circuit on 3 l August 2024 - a year earlier than when his five year appointment would have been completed. Consequently the Circuit entered the Methodist Church's annual stationing process and was successful in securing the appointment of Revd Gavin Huine who would join the circuit on I September 2024
DARLINCTON AND TEESDALE IIIETHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 People (continued) Revd Tim Boocock returned to his rninisterial duties on I Septeinber 2023 after a period of recuperative leave but he subsequeiiily became unwell and retired on grounds of ill-health. From l April 2024, Revd John Howard, one of the Circuits supernuinerary ininisters, took on the role of Acting Superintendent. Three retired Ministers (Revd Roy Burley and Rev Phil Clarke, who reside in neighbourins Circuits and Revd Colin Roberts a supernurnerary minister In the Darlington and Teesdale Circuit) kindly agreed to provide presbyteral support on a part-time basis to the two churches for which Revd Boocock had oversight. In September 2024 the Circuit will enter the Connexion's annual stationing process to seek to appoint a new Circuit Superintendent to commence on I September 2025. The team of presbyters was supporteJ across the year by a Lay Ministerial Team constituted of five per8onnel..- Two Coinmiinity Development Workers (one of whom was employed by the Circuit to work with Cockerton and Elm Ridge Churches in Darlington - Lyn Cookson) and another (Debbie Andrew) wlio was employed directly by the Pathway Church in Middleton in Teesdale. (From September 2024, this post will be funded by Ihe Circuit). A Community Pastor (Graham Bright) and a Hub Manager (Einina Walden) both appointed to work at The Well Mdhodist Church and Community Hosting Space (cominenced I Septeinber 2023), Lindy Lowis, the Circuit Admin/CommunicatAons Officer. The Circuit has decided to seek to recrnit two more Local Community Developinent Workers to work with the other churches in Ihe Circuit (see below). As reported in last year's Annual Report. The Circuit's post of Children's and Youth Worker becaine vacant when the postholder was su¢¢essful in becoming The Well Hub Manager and ranaiiied unfilled whilst following the Circuit Leadership Team's conscious decision to pause and discern how best to take this work forward across the Circuit (see below). The Circuit partners with the North Yorkshire Dales Circuit in employing a Schools Chaplain to work in schools in both circuits. This includes Melsonby Methodist Prirnary School for which our Circuit provides presbyteral support and has two places on the Governing Body held by Debbie Andrew and Jude Cutler. Treasurer Responsibilities are undertaken by the Circuit TreaSur, Dr Stephen Sutcliffe, assisted by th¢ Circiiit Administrative Officer, Lindy Lowis.
DARLINGTON AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR EIYDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Property Legal title to church land and buildiiigs is held by 'Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes" Tliere are l O active churches in Ihe CiTCUit: Barnard Castle, Barton, Cockerton, Elm Ridge, Haugliton, Harrowgate Hill, Hurworth, Staindrop, The Pathway (Middleton in Teesdale) and The Well. The sale of Bondgate Church, which closed for worship in 2020, was completed in August 2023. Trusteeship of The Well and its Coininunity Hosling Space iransferred to the Circuit Meetingj on I September 2023, following agreeinent ofThe Well Church Coun¢il. A Leadership/Oversi8ht Teain established by the Circuit Meeting has delegated authority to make decisions on day to day matters relating to the building and finance. With the exception of The Well, the Irustees of each church are responsible for th¢ Inaintenance of tlie premiscs. All churches are subject to quinquennial inspections by a qualified surveyor. During the course of the year Harrowgate Hill Church reached the difficult decision to submit a fornial request for cessation of public worship. This was accepted by the Circuit Meeting and it was subsequently decided that the final service would take place on 29 December 2024. The Circuit Meeting deternlined that there would be an advantage in keeping the premises open whilst the long- term future of the building was decided. This would avoid the risks associated with a building standing empty and provide breathing space for the user groups which met regularly on the premises under a licence arran8¢inent. The Circuit owns three manses. Two are in Darlington and the other is in Barnard Castle. One of the Darlingtoii manses was a new build completed in Spriiig 2024 and was nded by the 8a1¢ of two manses which had been sold by the fonner Darlinglon Methodist Circuit as they did not meet the standards required by the Methodist Church and it was not viable to upgrade either property to meet the required standards. As with churches, ¢ir¢uit owned mans¢s ar¢ subject to quinquennial surveys. There is an approved budget for maintenance of the manses. Th¢ Circuit Manse Secretary deals with any recominendations rnade in the quinquennial report and any day-to-day maintenance issues that arise. Llfe of the Clrcult Circuii Vision The Methodist Church, along with other churche4 faces significant challenges with declining and ageing congregations. The Circuit continues to ask itself questions about the future and how it might develop strategies which take us forward in a way which is consistent with the Circuit's Mission Statement "Our Callins" and the Darlington District plan "Every Church Growing"
DARLINGTOIY AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRcurr Charltable Trust Regl$tered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Life of the Circuit (continued) To that end, the Circuil Staff. supported by the Cii'cuit Leadership Team has endeavoured to encourage church iT]embers to forn) a deeper identity by developing their discipleship through a series of study opportunities based on Ihe characteristics identified in A Methodist Way of Life under a title "Following Jesus Together" The theme for this comiexional year was Prayer, In September a Retreat Day was held at Egglestone Abbey near Barnard Castle and subsequei)t group segsions across tlie Circuit studied the Prayer of Jabez, supported by theined preaching a¢ Sunday services. The Well Methodist Church and Community Hosiiiig Space ("The lyell.) The work being carried out at The Well, which serves a deprival area in the north of Darlington, has evolved resulting in significant growth of the social outreach activities. The Circuit has committed significant funds, albeit for a limited period. lo support the work and invch effort is expeiided in obtaining grants froin external providers. The level of investment brings with it a l¢vel of coniplexity and burdens. The Well Cominunity Hosting Space relies on the support of a nuinber of volunteers who are recruited in accordance with Ihe Methodist Church safeguardin8 guidelines. Circuit Lay Ministry The merger of the two circuits in 2021 had liighlighied a difference of approach in how lay workers were anployed. The forn]er Darlinglon Circuil had employed ils lay workers centrally, whereas in the fom]er Barnard Castle and Teesdale Circuil, lay workers were attached to specific churches. Following a review, and with the ¢xc¢ption of the Cliildren and Young People's Work, it had been agreed to adopt the model of attachiiig lay workers lo specific churches, or groups of churches to build local coinmunity partnerships to discern opportunities for wmmunity outreach as Local Church Cominunity Development Workers (LCCDW). Taking this a step fvrther, the Circuit decided to create three new LCCDW posts, two of which w¢r¢ transitioned from the fonner Pastoral Missioner posts. One post (Sving Elm Ridge and Cockerton Churches) is filleAI. The other two (one serving Barnard Castle, Barton and Staindrop Churches and the olher serving Haughton and Hunvorth Churches) are being advertised. These posts will be funded by the Circuit for three years after which, for the posts to continue, the fundin8 would need lo be locally sourced. As a matter of policyy the Methodisl Church pays the Liviiig Wage to its Lay Workers. Future Plans.for Children s and Young People's Work in the Circuil The post of Childreii and Young People's W0er has been vacant since I September 2023. The Circuit decided to not seek lo fill the post immediately but to pause and take time to review and discern how best this work can be carrAed out across the Circuit as a whole, A working group was set up take this work forward and after thoughtful discussion brought a proposal to the Circuit Meeting. The proposal was to focus on young people in their teens,, More thought would be given to develop this proposal but the Circuit Meeting agreed that this should be the 'direction of travel,.
DARLINCTON AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR EIYDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Eco Church - Actionfor Hope In response to the climate change emergency, the Methodist Church has set an aspirational target of becoming a net zero carbon emissions Church by 2030. The Circuit is encouraging churches to consider what they can do to help achieve this. Soine churches have registered with A Rocha UK, a Christian organisation which provides a framework for churches to take practical actions to reduce their carbon footprint aiid ways to eiicourage Ineinbers to lead more sustainable lives. A Circuit Environmental Champion has been appointed to support and encourage churches in this. Communlcatlons The Circuit covers a larg¢ geographical area extending beyond Darlingtoij into the dales and the Circuit has invested iii upading its IT capacity to avoid unnecessary travel and to enable folk who are uiiable to travel to attend meetings remotely using the Zoom facility, Interconnexlon for Mlsslon, Mutual Encouragement and Help The Circuit has continued with two initiativ Ihat started, by necessity, during lockdown which offer alternative Sunday worship Circuit Media Service which is available via YouTube and The Telq)hone Service, centred on Slaindrop Church. Bolh of these offerings inean that folk who are unable to attend church, not least the housebound and their carers, are no longer excluded from regular Sunday worship. The Pathway offers Sunday evening "gatherings" via Zoom which support those who are unable to attend services in person and once a month ali Afternoon Tea service is h¢ld, providins tim¢ for worship, food and fellowship, and helping with rural isolation. The Circuit's bi-monthly Magazine, The Teesdale Worni, is a valuable resource for both church members and the wider public to help folk get to know each other as well as find out what is going on across the Circuit, The magazine is available electronically and in paper copy, Every weekday morning, Revd Brian Hutton shaffs a yeal message of encourageinent via WhatsApp and Email to those who re818ter to receive it. Th¢se m¢ssages have been uplifting and very well received. The Circuit has purchased a Digital Hymnal System for use by churches when no organist is available. The Circuit purchased a share for £5.0 in the Cotherstone Old Chapel Project based in the former Methodist Chapel. This serves to cement the good relationship which the Circuit has with the cominunity group who purchased the building from the Circuit and to support plans to hold acts of worship in the café space. A wide variety of imineasurable good work continues to be carrittl out by churches across the circuit, often supported by our lay minislry, examples include: 10
DARLINCTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reslstered No: l J32005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Interconnexion for Mission, Mutual Encouragement and Help (continued) Barnard Castle provides missional activities such as a weekly prayer meeting, weekly coffee mornings, Lego Church, a light party and Christian pumpkin carving at Halloween and a cascade of poppies with Tominy on the front steps for Remembrance. The church is lit up from within to mark special times such as Christmas and Reinembrance and Cancer Awareness Week. The church building is used by various groups from round the town including the Opera Groupy Parkinson's Support and other groups, Cockerton run a popular Mother and Toddler group and a well-attended Lunch Club. Cockerton also runs a thrivin8 Girls, Brigade. The Pathway at Middleton in Teesdale, which employs a Conununity Developinent Worker, offers regular church and community activities. These i]Ude an active relationship with the local primary school leading assemblies and hosting services at The Pathway at Harvest, Clllistmas, Easter and Family Celebration Servlces for pupils, staff and family meinbers. Coinmunity outreach includes Baby and Ioddler Group, Holiday at Home in Summer, Lego Church and Christmas Diner for older folk and those who are loiiely (supported by the local butcher and Co-op slore). The Paihway also supports local community events through an Upper Teesdale Churches Together Group. HaoWsate Hill supports a weekly Crall Group and has good relationship with the playgroup which is held daily during t¢nn lime. Harrowgate Hill is also extremely supportive of Darlington Town Mission Haughton Church hosls a monthly WAVE (We are All Valued Equally) service. These services of worship are aiined at people with learning difficulties and those who care for them. The Well Community Hosting Space in Darlington off¢rs a range of activities, including a weekly Community Lunch, Baby Bank, Thrtft Shop, Coffe¢ Shop and a Giving Garden. During each week of the school holidays, in partnership with anoiher charity (Transforn]ing Lives Together) a team of volunleers provide "Make Lunch" for families. This free activity in(x)ryorates a session of season-related craft activities followed by a healthy two-course lunch. The Well is also a hub for The Bread and Butler Thing (TBB T). The Well also hosts a number of support related community groups. In December 2023, over three days Elm Ridge hosted the Circuit's Journey to Bethlehem, an interactive perforn]ance wher¢ visitors walk through the sel seeing and hearing the story of the birth of Jesus as church rneMb from acmss the Circuit act out the various roles. Hospitality projects across the Circuit make effective links with local communities, through coffee mornings, Some are involved in more specific MmUnitY outreach work.
DARLINCI'ON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Regl$tered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 liiterconnexion foi. Mission, Mutual Encouragement and Help (continued) The Mustard Tree Café at Hurworth Methodist Church opens six days a week and continues to flourish, including working with vulnerable young adults, offering Vocational opportunities and providing resources for mental wellbeing to tlie local comniunity. A community café (Coffee@Haughton) at Haughton Church is staffed solely by volunteers, not all of whom are church members, and opens two days each week. Haughton is fvlly accessible, has proved to be increasingly popular and provides valuable opportunities for social interaction. The church has been recognised as Dementia Friendly. The Well Coinmunity Hosting Space operates a fè alongsid¢ its Thrift Shop and Baby Bank, Elm Ridge Church is planning lo open a Garden Café and this will be supported by the Circuit through a grant of £1 Ook and a loan of £S0k. Some churches have their own Boys and Girls Brigades attached to thein. Other churches have other unifornied organisations ineeting on the premises. It is hoped thal these organisations will be involved in churcli life and take part in worship at Pardde servicGs. The Circuit provides presbyteral support to Melsonby Methodisl Primary School and, in partnership with the North Yorkshire Dal¢s Circuit, provides a School Chaplain to spend time working in the school, The Circuit is represented on the school's Governing B(Y by two Foundation Governors, Safeguardlng A Safeguarding Policy for both Children and Vulnerable Adults is in place. Safeguarding training is a continuous process of updating as it is requir for those iii volunteer roles and those in employment as appropriate to their roles and can include foundation and advanced training. Post holders are required to update their training every four years. In addition, post holders are required to undertake an appropriate level of DBS check before takiiig up roles in the circuit, These must be kept up to date and are required to be renewed every five years. Genei'al Data Protectlon Regulatlon (GDPR) The Circuit and the churches are able to demonstrate a good level of compliance in respect of GDPR regulations, Guidelines are available in all the churches and GDPR awareness sessions are held across the circuit for all post holders. 12
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Financial Revieiv (continued) Finanelal Revleiv The annual accounts for ihe year 2023-24 are altached to this report. At the close of the period, the Circuit held net current assets of £931,000 (2023: £1,288,000). All of these funds are unrestricted, However, of this amount, the figure of £178,000 is regarded as required to satisfy our Reserves Pojicy (see note below). Also, wnounts are set aside for specific projects. All of the funds held at the Central Finance Board of th¢ Methodist Church ("CFB") are available for the purposes of the Circuit, however if any were to b¢ r¢qu¢sted for specific developments, for example, major property expendilurfy Ihese would be subject to a project Review by the Methodist Church, Following the purchase of the replacement rnanS the Circuit becne entitled to a refund of the Connexional Priority Fund Levy of £207.000 previously paid. The principal source of funds is through assessments levied on Circuit churches. This 5UPPOrts the costs of Presbyters and lay workers. who lead worship. provide pastoral and safeguarding services, and seek to extend God's Kingdoin through mission. These funds also support an ass¢ssinent paid to the Darlinston Methodist District. No professional advice was soughi on any financlal inatters during the year. Rlsk The Circuit Meetin8, acting as Trustees, have considerd the key areas of risk to which the Circuit is subject and as part of our coinprehensive insurance policy with Methodist Insurance, insurance is in place and is considered adequate to cov¢r the range of known risks, including the manse portfolio, employers, liability, public liability and trustee indemnity. Aside from the financial risks abov& Ihe key risk to the Circuit ineeting its pUoSe lies in the provision of Presbyters and governance by the Methodist Church. Absence of such would severely hainper the work of the Circuit. 13
DARLINGTOIY AND TEESDALE lETHOD1sT CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Reserves Policy The Circuit Reserves Policy, agre¢d by the Ttustees, seeks to ensure a ininiinum reserve equal to six moiiths, operating costs. At August 2024 this is equivalent to £178,000. The Circuit has adequate reserve funds10 cover thc plaiined deficit and this Reserves Policy has been approved by the Trustees. Investment Policy The Circuit Investment Policy requires Ihat funds held in ex¢e5s of day-to-day needs are iiivested in the funds of the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church via the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, This requirement has been met throughout th¢ year. ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES Revd, John Howard Trustee and Superintendenl Minisler Date 14
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reslstered No: 1132005 STATEMENT OF FJNANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SOFA) FOR THE YEAR EIYDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Circuit odel RevaluAtion Trust Reserve IUnre5t- (Ullrest- ricted) ricted) General Fund (Unrest- rACted) Notes Total 2023-24 Total 2022-23 Income Donations and legacies Repaymcnts of donation Income from monetary investmenis In¢ome from properties Assessments on Cliurches Capital receipts 7 Grants received 8 Other ¢liaritable in¢oin¢ S6 The Well S7 Connexional Priority Fund Levy refund BS I si S2 S3 357 24,895 48,408 24,895 51,239 2,831 28,904 S4 ss 218,066 218,066 218,066 575,569 2,000 819 2,01 332 (24,869) 2,000 332 (24,869) 206,991 206,991 10 Total Income 198J60 280,294 478,654 825,713 Expendlture I l Grants and donations 12 Salaries and associated costs 13 Property expenses 14 Coimexional modeE Irust levy 15 District asscssment and levy 16 Costs of activities 17 Costs of administration Connexional Prioriiy Fund Levy - property sales 18 Other outgoings S8 S9 sio 23,314 226.614 13,831 23,314 226,614 13,831 47,344 53,752 24,611 16,387 26,899 145,373 30,645 51,178 53,752 17,784 18,611 47,344 S12 S13 S14 53,752 24,611 14,188 2.199 BSI 180,325 19 Total charltable expendilure 356JIO 49,543 405,853 524,567 20 Gainsl(losses) on monetary inveslments 21 Gains/(losses) oil iiivestment propcrli¢s 22 Net Ineome/(expenditure) 23 Transfers between funds 24 Other gainsl(Losses) 25 Iiitroduced funds - The well (157,950) 230.751 497.415 (497,415) 72,801 301,148 24.950 24,950 26 Net movement in funds 27 Total funds broughi forward 364.415 (266.664) 599,033 1,054.693 97,751 301,148 1,916,352 1,615,204 262,626 28 Total funds Carrled forward 963,448 788,029 262,626 2,014,103 1,916,352 15
DARLINCTON AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRcurr Charltable Trust Reglslered No: 1132005 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SOFA) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Generrdl Fund (Unrest- ricted) Circuit Model Trust (Unrest- ricted) Revaluation Reserve (Unrest- ricted) Notes Total 2022-23 Inconie Donations and legacics 2 Repayment of donation 3 Income from monetary inv¢s(Ineiiis 4 Income from properties 5 Assessments on Churches 6 Capital receipts 7 Grants received 8 Other charitable incom¢ 9 The Well si S2 S3 357 357 3,295 25,609 28,904 218,066 4,757 2,(M)O 819 218,066 575,569 2,000 819 SS 570,812 S6 S7 10 Total Income 229,294 596,421 825,715 Expendlture I l Grants and donations S8 12 Salaries and associated costs S9 13 Property expenses sio 14 Connexional model trust levy Sll 15 District assessment and levy S12 16 Costs of activities S13 17 Costs of administration S14 Connexial priority levy - property sales BSI 18 Other out8oin88 16,899 145,373 30,645 10,000 26,899 145,373 30,645 51,178 53,752 17,784 18,611 180,325 51,178 53,752 17,784 16,266 2,345 180,325 19 Total charitable expendlture 280,719 243,848 524,567 20 Gains/(loss¢s) on monetary inv¢slments 21 0ains/(losses) on investinent properlies 22 Net Incomel(expendlture) 23 Transfers between funds 24 Other gain81(loss¢s) 25 Introduced funds (51,425) 120,687 352,573 (120,687) 301,148 BSIIS15 26 Iyet movement ill funds 27 Total funds brought fonvard 69,262 529,771 231,886 822,807 301,148 262,626 1,615,204 28 Total funds carrled forward 599,033 1,054,693 262,626 1,916,352 16
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUJT Charltable Trust Registered No: 1132005 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024 General Circuit Fund Model Trust Total (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) 2023-24 Notes Total 2022-23 Fixed Assets Circuit manses and equipment Investmciit properlies Investments BSI 1.077.629 1,077,629 627,951 BS2 5,000 5,000 TotalJl¥ed assels 1,082,629 I,D82,629 627,951 Currellt Assets Debtors Investmeiits with TMCP Central Finance Board deposits Cash at bank and in liand The Well BS3 BS4 BS4 BS4 BS4 13,306 206,991 581,038 220,297 581,038 137,171 30,235 5,747 450,991 771,677 149,243 114,363 137,171 30,235 5,747 Total ciiriEiit assels 186,459 788,029 974,488 1,486,274 Current Ilabllltles Creditors (due in under l y¢aT) Grants payable within 2024-25 BS5 43,014 43,014 197,873 Total ciirreiit Ilabllltles 43,014 43,014 197,873 Ntl ciirreiil assels 143.445 788,029 931,474 1,288,401 Total assets less ¢urrent Ilabllltles Long tern] liabilities (due after more than one year) Grants payable after 2024-25 Loans to th¢ circuit 1,22A074 788,029 2,014,103 1,916,352 Net assets ,226,074 788,029 2,014,103 1,916,352 Funds of the Clr¢ult General Fund (Unrestriclcd) Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrcslricted) Revaluation Reserve 963,448 963,448 788,029 262,626 599,033 1,054,693 262,626 788,029 262.626 Total iiiirestrl¢ledfiiiids Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 1,226,074 788,029 2,014,103 1,916,352 Total &"iiiids 1,226.074 788,029 2,014,103 1,916,352 Tlie financial statements were approved by ihe Trustees on signed by.. and were Rev John Howard Trust¢¢ and Superintendent Minister 17
DARLINGTON AND TEESDAI,E METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Tru$t RegAster¢d Iyo: J132005 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2023 Generrdl Circult Fund Model Trust Total (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) 2022-23 Notes Circuit iiianses and equipincnl Invesliiient properties Investments BSI 627.951 627,951 Toialfiyed assels 627,951 627,951 Current Assets Debtors Investments with TMCP Central Finance Board deposils Cash at bank and in hand The Well BS3 BS4 BS4 BS4 BS5 19,297 431,694 771,677 450,991 771,677 149,243 114,363 149,243 114,363 Total curveiit assets 282,903 1,203,371 1,486,274 Current Ilabllltles Creditors (due in under l year) Grants payable witliin 2023-24 BS6 49,195 l48,678 197,873 Tolal ciirreiii liabilltles 49,195 148,678 197,873 Nét eiirr£AI dssets 233,708 1,054.693 1,288,401 Total assets less current Ilabflltffie$ Long tcrm liabilities (due after more than one year) Granis payable after 2023-24 Loans to the circuit 861,659 1,054,693 1,916,352 Net assets 861,659 1,054,693 1,916,352 Funds of the Clrcult General Fund (Unreslricted) Circuit Model Trnst Fund (Uiveslricted) Revaluation Reserve 599,033 599,033 1,054,693 262,626 1,054,693 262,626 Total iiiireslricledfuiids Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 861,659 1,054,693 1,916,352 Total Fiiiids 861,659 1,054,693 1,916,352 18
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note Al - Accounting Fran)eivork and Ydccounting policies Accouiitiiigfraijiework The financial statemenls have been prepared in accordance with Statement of Reconunended Practice.. Accounting and Reporting by Charilies pirparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reportin8 Standard applicable in ihe UK and Republic of Iland (FRS 102) (issued 16 July 2014) with the Financial Reporting Slandard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Act 2011. 11, Publlc beiiefl¢ eiiilty Darlington and Teesdale Meihodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity undei. FRS 102. Assets and liabiliiies are initially r¢co8nised at historical cosl or transaction value unless otherwise stated in ihe relevant accouniin8 policy note(s) below. 111 Basls These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, except that ceitain freehold properties are shown al valualion. and on the accal5 basis to show a IN¢ and fail. view of the Circuit's financial posilion and activilies. Coiilent The accounts are express¢d in £Stcrling, rounded to tlie lleat pound. Goliig eoneerii Bosed on the moneiary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2024, the Trnstees believe that the Circuit is a going concenL vl Coiisolldailon The financial statements of the Churches within ihe Clrcuit are not consolidated in these financial statements. vii Iiieoiiie reeognilion Income is brou8ht inlo account when ther¢ is ¢ntiilemenl and the amount is reliably Ineasurable once it is more likely than not Ihat the economic benefi( of the income will a¢cru¢ to the Circuit. No atteinpt is made to rneasure the value of services donaled by volunteers. viii TaiigiblefLYed a3sels These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year and individually cost at least £ 1,000. The freehold property is shown in the accounts at cost or valuation. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the Trustees consider the current residual fair value of the Manse buildings (on the assumption that they had reached the end of their useful economic life by the year end) to be not less than the carrying value. The properties have been reviewed for impairnient, Equipment is depreciated at the rate of 33.30/0 per annuin. Iinprovements to property are depre¢iat¢d at the rate of l /0 per annum 19
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Chai'ltable Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3] AUGUST 2024 Note Al - Accounting Frameivork and accounting policies (Continued) ix VAT As the Ciiruit is nol VAT registered all input VAT is charged with the expenditure to which it reIates. Note A2 - Payments to Trustees No payments are made to Trustees as remuneraiion for their work in that capacity. The Superintendent Minister and other Presbyters of ihe Circuit undertake the pi'imary executiv¢ i'ol¢s within the Circuit and receipt stipends at siandard rates. Remuneration was also paid to non-Presbyteral TNstees as follows for employment othei. than their position as Trustee at the same lime as being a Tee: 2Q24 2023 Mrs L C Russell Mrs L Cookson Mr G Bright 873 23,170 21,634 27,209 48,843 24,043 Trustees are also r¢imbur8ed for expenditure properly incuntd in canyiiig out their duties. The total amounts and nuinbei. of Trustees were: 2024 2023 Total paid 2,088 6,378 Number of Trustees paid Their were no other related party transaclions lo disclose. Note A3 - Independent exanilner An accrual had been made for the fee of thc ind¢pcndent examiner of £3,050 including VAT, and for additional charges for oth¢r services of £1,300 including VAT. 20
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered No: 113200S NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note Sl - DoiiAtioiis And legacies This comprises all free-will giving received by the Circuit as a contribution to its work. Note S2 - Refund of Donatlon A contribution was made to the minier$ pension fund in ihe yearto 31 August 2022, This was repaid to thc Circuit this y¢ar, with interest. Note S3 - Income from monetary inve$tments This is interest received on accounts held at ihe Meihodist Central Finance Board ("CFB") aiid Trustees for M¢thodist Church PUOse$ {"TMCP"). Note S4 - Assessments on churches Assessments levied upon Ihe Circuit chuyches. Details are as follows:. 2023.24 2022-23 Church: Barnard Castle Barton Cockerton Elm Ridge Harrowgate Hill Haughton Hur+VOrth Middleton (Pathway) Staindrop The Well 38,864 4,000 43,000 57,236 20,260 I4,808 11,620 16,016 5,500 6,762 38,864 4,000 43,000 57,236 20,260 14,808 11,620 16,016 5,500 6,762 218,066 218,066 Note S5 - Capltal recelpt8 Two church buildings were sold in 2022-23: Cotherstone Church and Boiidgate Church. The accounting foi. this is shown in capital e1p1S as legal ownership was ivith 'TNstees for Methodist Church Purposcs" Note S6 - Other charitable income This includes incoine received specifically as part of the activities of the Circuit and miscellaneous receipts. 21
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT CharltRble Trust Reglstered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note S7- The Well The Well Coinmunity Hub is now operdted by the Circuit. Income and expenditure compi'ises.'- Income Letting income Interest Grant incoine Charity shop income Other income Transfer re wag¢s 1,580 49 8,038 8,408 247 7,200 Total incom¢ 25,522 Expendlture Salaries Property expenses Cost of actiVAties Costs of admin Depreciation 14,619 20,238 7,513 2,171 5,850 Total expendilure 50,391 Net expenditure (24,869) Note S8 - Grants aAid donatlons Total donations, as approved by ihe C1Ul1 meeting are shown below:_ 2023-24 2022-23 from General Fund: Darlington 'ea Churches Youih Minislry (DACYM) The Wall Methodist Church The Pathway Methodist Church Hurworth MCthodi Church Seed Corn Grant NY Dales Methodist chUh Bamard Castle 3,480 3,480 1,769 10,000 10,000 1,650 1,450 4,384 4,000 23,314 16,899 from Circuit Model TTUSt Fund: The Pathway Methodist Church i 0,000 Total grants and donations 23,314 26,899 22
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Chai'Atable Trust Registered No; 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note S9- Salaries and associated costs Payroll is administered on the Circuit's behalf by a central Methodist d¢partment. During the year, the Circuil was served by ihree full-time presbyters. The Circuit is also served by a numbei" of Lay Workers coveriiig Pastoral and Youih Missionary work, plus adniinisti'ative support. The total costs consist of the following:" 2023-24 2022-23 Pirsbyters and presb¢ral support Lay Workers Apprenticeship levy Life assui'ance I 18,291 106,605 1,512 206 75,751 68,379 1,229 194 Total paid through Methodist Central Payroll 220,614 145,373 2023-24 2022-23 Payroll costs are made up of: Stipends and salaries Employers National Insuwance Contributions Employers pension conlributAons Apprenticeship levy Life assurance 180,627 16,364 27,905 1,512 206 117,750 8,715 17,485 1,229 194 226,614 145,373 23
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE lETHOD1sT CIRCUIT Charltydble Trust Reglslered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note SIO - Property expenses At the start of the yeai., the Circuil owned iwo properties (20 Peterhouse Close and 29 Ashtree Di"ive) and a furtlier property (18 Killhope Crccenl) was aCquIr in the yeai.. Details of the costs are given below:. 2023.24 2022-23 Council Tax - manses - churches rnanses churches - manses - churches - empty manses einpty churches Mans¢ maint¢nanc¢ and repairs - Inanses other 6,363 69 997 708 1,789 (1,023) 198 303 4,427 5,261 2,183 899 2,783 1,177 7,559 Water Rates Insurance Utilities 4,204 5,193 1,386 l3.831 30,645 Note Sll - Connexlonal Model Trust Levy This is applied annually to balances hejd in TMCP fvnds. Note S12 - D18tri¢t A$se$$ment Levy This is paid quarterly to support the work of ihe Darlin8ton Meth(Klist District, Note S13 - Costs of actlvltles This repirsent8 the ¢osts of th¢ primary pUoSe of the Circuit, excludin8 Stipend and salary costs. 2023-24 2022-23 Presbyters Pastoral Missioners Youth Work Pi'eaching and worship Other worship costs D¢preciation of ¢quipmenl 14,919 552 10,403 574 2,800 2,531 3,527 366 5,247 1,476 24,611 17,784 24
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglslered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note S14 - Costs of administratioil This i'epresents the costs of adminisierAng the circuit, excluding salary costs.'- 2023-24 2022-23 Telephone and intemet Postage and stationery Circuit communications, websiie and email administration Independent examiner's fee Other costs Circuit office costs Circuit equipment 31 2,871 255 2,732 3,329 4,680 622 6,993 4,350 2,179 3,845 l6,387 18,611 Circuit office costs relate lo ihe renl of an from Elm Ridge Mcihodist Church for £3,800 (PY £1,600, together with refurbishment costs). Note BSI - Fixed Assets The Circuit owned two pi'operties at the start of ihe year. 20 Peterhouse Close and 29 Ashtree Drive. They were used as manses by Presbyters. In March 2024, the c1Ul1 purchased a new manse, 18 Killhope Crescent, A full revaluation of the properties was conducted in 201 &17 ¢nablin8 the individual values of the manses to be accounted for separately. The Barnard Casile manse was revalued on the merger, The Trnstees did not consider it necessaiy to conducl a revaluation in 2023-24 with the Killhope manse being included at cost. 25
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered Iyo: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note BSI - Fixed Assets (Continued) Manse Improve Equlpment -ments Equlpmeiit The Well Manses TotAI Cost or VAluatlon At I September 2023 Additions Revaluations (+l-) Disposals (-) Transfers {+l-) 625,000 372,056 4,427 3,210 629,427 58,502 460,775 27,007 At 31 August 2024 997,056 27,007 7,637 58,502 1,090,202 Accumulated depreelatlon At I September 2023 Additions Revaluations (+/-) Disposals () Transfers. (+/-) Depreciatlon 1,476 1,476 2,701 2,546 5,850 11,097 At 31 August 2024 2,701 4,022 5,850 12,573 Net book value At 31 August 2024 997,056 24,306 3,615 52,652 1,077,629 At 31 Au8USt 2023 625,1)00 2,951 627,951 The valuation of manses carried forward is made up of: 2023-24 2022-23 20 Peterhouse Close. Darlington 29 Ashtree Driv¢. Barnard Castle 18 Killope Crescent, Darlington (at cost) 275,000 350,000 372,056 275,000 350,000 997,056 625,000 The costs in relation to The Well were for a kit¢h¢n installation and associated costs, 26
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trust Reglstered Iyo: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 Note BSI - Contingent Liability Although the financial effecl of revalualion is shown in full above, a proportion of any recelpt on sale of manses would be expected to become payable to the Methodist Chllh in the event that the nianse is sold and not directly replaced. The Methodist colex10nfiI Prioriiy Fund levy is currently charged at 200/0 of the first £ 100,000 and 40 % of any excess over £1 00,000. Levies can be refunded after a subsequent replacement. Actual levies chargedlrefunded amount to: 2023-24 2022-23 Cotherstone Church Bondgate Church Raby Avenue Manse Mowbray Drive Maiise 31,647 148,678 (109,758) (97,233) (206,991) 180,325 Note BS2 - Investment$ 2023-24 2022-23 Cotherstoiie Old Chapel Project Ltd 5,000 Note BS3 - Debtors aiid prepayments 2023-24 2022-23 Pre-paid stipends for current year Pre-paid apprenticeships levy Payroll control Levy refunds Sale proceeds of Bondgate Church building Killhope manse fees Other re: Boiidgate 7,419 29 5,858 206,991 10,924 41 1,529 431,694 1,595 5,208 220,297 450,991 The debtor has been included for levy refunds as they arise due to a property replacement in the year. 27
DARLINGTOIY AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT ChArltable Trust Registered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Note BS4 - Details of cash funds The CAF General Account is used for day to day expenses. The CFB accounts are the main cwi.ent accounts held at the Central Finance Board ofthe Meihodist Church and the TMCP accounts hold intei'est bearing deposit values. Values held in each accouni are shown below: OpeDIDg BfilaD¢e Introduced lll¢ome Expend- Iture Cloglng Balanee Unrestrlcted Fund Njme TrAnsfei's CAF General Account CFB General Account TMCP Model Trust Fund TMCP Various Bequests The Well J14,363 149,243 747,914 23,763 198,929 (237,057) (46,000) 266,214 (431,475) 133,189 503,741 (524,380) (170,000) 1,257 (68) (1,189) 24,950 19.440 (102,643) 64,000 30,235 137,171 557,275 23,763 5,747 Total Cash Funds of the Clrcult 1,038283 24,950 989,581 (1,295,623) 754,191 Note BS5 - Llabllltles uiidcr l year Represents church assessments for 2024-25 received in the period and ¢xpenses relating to the cuent year but unpaid at 31 August 2024: 2024 2023 Church assessments Accrued expenditure 37,697 41,898 5,317 155,975 43,014 197,873 In the allocation of church assessments.. The receipt from Elm Ridge in August 2023 has been taken to be the late payinent of the ainount due in May 2023, meaning Ihey are onc quarter in arrears. The receipts from The Well in 2022123 have been assumed to include £3,381 for 2023-24. 28
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT DECLARATIONS Treasurer I confinn that these accrual based accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 have been prepared froin the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under tlie coiitrol of the Circuit Meeting. Sigiiature of Treasurer Date Name of Treasurer Ste hen Sutcliffe Address 5 Manor Gale, Lon Newton, Stockton-on-Tee$ S21 I DD Presentatlon to the Clrcult M¢etlng for approval I confinn that the annual reports and accounts for the year elided 31 August 2023 were, or will be presented to ihe Circuit Meeting at its meeting on and were approved Signature of the Chair of tlie meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Revd John Howard Date., 29
Independent Exanilner's Report to the Trustees of the Darlington Clrcult I report to the trustees on my exainination of the accounts of Darliiigton and Teesdale Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 Augusl 2023, which are set out on pages 13 to 26. Responsibililies and basis ofreporl As the charity trustees, you are res]x)nsible for the prq)aration of the accounts in accordance with the requireinents of the Charilies Acl 2011 ('the Act.). I report in respect of iny examination of tlie Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act aiid in carying out my exajnination I have followed all ilie applicable directions given by th¢ Charity Coininission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's siaiemeni I have completed my examinatioii. I confinn that no material Inatters have come to my attention in coniiection with the examination giving me ¢aus¢ to believe that in any rnaterial respect: (i) accounting records were nol kept in accordance with sedion 130 of the Charities Act; or (2) the accounts did not accord with those records. or (3) the accounts did not comply with the applicable requireinents concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requireineiit that tlie accounts give a 'lrue and fair view, wl)ich is not a inatter considered as part of an independenl examination. I have no concerns and have cojne 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 accouiits to be reached. Signed., Name: Stephen Walson Gardner Relevant professional qualification or Member of professional body: Fellow of the Institut¢ of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address.. King Hope 31 Victoria Road Darlington DLI 5SB Date: 30