DARLINGTON AD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT {Cbarity Registration No: 1132005) TRUSTEES AuAL REPORT AND FINM'CIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2025
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL sTATEMEs FOR THE YEAR EIYDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Circuit Inforn]ation Trustees Annua] Report 16 Statement of Financial Activities 18 Balance Sheet 20 Notes to the Accounts 30 Declarations 31 Independent Examiner's Report
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable T$t Registered No: 1132005 CIRCUIT INFORI¥IATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Address: Circuit Offi¢4 Ebn RTdg¢ Methodist Church, Carn)el Road South. Darlington DL3 8DJ Examiner: St¢pheTh Watson Gardner F.C.A. of King Hope, 31 Vithoria Road, Darlington DLI 5SB Managing Trustees in the year ended 31 August 21125 :. Chair: Revd John Howard Acting Superintendent Minister Secretary: Mrs Val¢rie Tooth Circuit Staff: Revd Graham Cutler Revd John Howard Revd Colin Roberts Revd Gavin Hume Pr£5byter Sup¢mumerdry Presbyter (see above) Supernumerdry Presbyter Presbyler (from I S¢ptember 2024) Resident in Circuit: * Revd Catherin¢ Minor HospÉtsl Chaplain Circuit Stewards: Anthony Mawer Josephine Pollard Valerie Tooth Dr Stephen Sutcliffe Cathryn Warden (Circuit Tre&8urer) Lay Employees: Graham Bright Lyn Cookson Community Pastor at The Well Local Church Commllnity Development Worker & Circuit Safeguarding Officer Circuit Adminlcommunications Hub Manager (Communily Hosting Space) at The Well Local Church Community Development Worker Lindy Lowis Emma Walden * Debbie Andrew Church Representatives: Wendy Charlton Deborah Coggrave Heather Coustick Alexandra Thompson Alison Banner Carol H¢slop Joon Marwood *Judith Varley Barnard Castle Barnard Castle Barnard Castle Barnard Castle Barton Barton Barton Barton
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 CIRCUIT INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Church Brian Cooper -1 Cockerton Cock¢rton Cockerton Cockerton Elm Ridge Elm Ridge Elm Ridge {from 2 December 2024) Elm Ridge Harrowgate Hill (to 31 August 2025) Harrowgate Hill (to 31 August 2025) Harrowgate Hill (to 31 August 2025} Harrowgate Hill (to 31 August 2025) Haughton Haughton Hurworth Hurworth Hurworth Hurworth The Pathway The Pathway The Pathway The Pathway Staindrop StaindTOP Staindrop Staindrop The Well The Well The Well The Well Representatives (Continued): Robert Dean Alison Hunt Irene Taylor Tony Allen Peter Gallop Linda Gallop Dr Stephen Sutcliffe Elaine Armer Susan Case Margaret Cuthbert Van¢ssa Simpson Barbara Carter Ann Thubron Eric Mill¢r Jone Miller Hazel Neasham Andy Robinson Carol Mit¢h¢ll Ian Tallentire Lorne Tallentire Judith Tarn Kenneth Robson Julia Petty Judith Rutter Ann-marie Wade Graham Bright Chris Russell Morvyn Sand¢rson Dr Stephen Sutcliffe Other: Revd Oluyemisi Ad¢tokumbo Jaiyesimi SupernumeTary Minister Karen Riley Action for Children Peter Collins All We Can and Joint Public Issues Liz McAllister Circuit Complaints Officer Catheryn Warden Circuit GDPR Champion
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 11321)05 CIRCUIT INFORMATION YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Other (Continued): Josanne Hall Brian Simpson Methodist Homes for the Aged Secretary of Lead5 of Worship & Local Preachers (LWLP) *denotes a member ofthe Circuil Meeting who is not a irustee There are no Trustees holding title to any of the Circuit's property.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered ]Yo: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Trustees Annual Report Introduction Welcome to the Trusteas Annual Report of Darlington and Teesdale Methodist Circuit ("the Circuit") for the year ended 31 August 2025. The Circuit was forn]ed on I September 2021 when the B2rnard Castle and Teesdale Meth(*Jist Cireuit amalgamaied with the Darlington Methodist C1Ull under the existing Charity regislrdtion ofthe Darlington C1ul1. Whilst primarily a financial report we hope to also provide insight into our airn5 and mission. Public Benefit The Circuit provides a seven-day week Christian ministry across. Barnard Castle and Teesdale, Darlington and the suUndIng areas through its network ofstsff, volunteer8. members and premises. Its activities ar¢ open to the whole community. More details are provided under the paTagraphs "Int¢rconnexion for Mission, Mutual Encouragement and Help. aud "Life ofthe Circuil" The trustees have had due regard to the Charities Commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. Mission Statement The Circuit has adopted the Methodist Church's strategic document 'Our Calling, as our core mission statement. This invites church members to live oui their discipleship by following a lifestyle Ihal embnces the principles of A Methodisi Way of Lif¢'. This is done tbTough Worship, Learning & Caring, Service and Evangelism. Purpose and Aims The purposes of the Methodisi Church arethe advancement of: the Chrisli8n faith in accordance with the doctiinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church" any charitable purpose for the litne being of any Connexional. District, Circuit, local or other organisation of the Mcthodist Church. any charitable purpose for the time being of any society orinstitt0n subsidiary or ancillary to the Meihodist Church any PUTpose for the time being of any cbariry being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to th¢ Methodist Church.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Purpose and Aims (conlinued) The Circuit aims.. a. To provide varied, relevant and inclusive worship across the Circuit ChuTches. b. To provide training to nurture faith in Chlist, as well as to develop local preachers and leaders of worship, and to equip staff and volunleers with best practice. including pastoral care and safeguarding. To increase awareness of and support voluntary charitable work in Darlington and Teesdale and around the UK and beyond. d. To participate in ecumenical Telationships. e. To continue to give active support lo the wider M¢thodist District and Connexion. f. To promote the exploration of sustainable futures for all the churches in the Circuit Organi5ation The Circuit acts as an umbrella or resource body. The Circuit is the primary unit in which local churches express and experience their interconnexion in the Body of ChrisL for purposes of mission. mutual encouragement and help. It is in the Circuit that ministers are stationed. and local preachers are trained and admitted and exercise their calling. The purposes of the Circuit include the effeclive deployment of the resources of ministry, which include people, property and finance, as they relale to the Methodist churches in the Circuit, to churches of oiher denominations and to participation in the life of the communities served by the Circuit. including local schools and colleges and in ecumenical work in the area. Governance The Circuit is primarily governed by the rules and guidance of The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church ("CPD") which is updated and approved annually by the Conference of the Melhodist Church. This document IS 3vailable on the Methodist Church website.. www.methodist.or
DARLINGTOIY AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registcred No: 1132005 TRUSTEES AM'UAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Governanee (continued) New tnistees are appointed primarily by the Circuit churche4 in accordance wilh CPD. When the new Circuit was fornied it was agrttd that each cburch would have up to four representatives on the Circuil Mttting (Church Treasurer. Church St¢ward and church members who a llppointed by the church council). New trustees are provided with a link to the Welcome Pack on the Charity Commission website. Where a post is considered e&sential for the purpose of the CiTCUit, bui no lay person is available, the Circuit has authority to employ a member of staff to carry out thal posi. The Circuit follows Methodist Church policy of providing ai least the Living Wage. Actual salaries are detemiined in conjunction with the Methodist District. tsking into account the tasks of the rnle. All decisions of the Circuit, i[]uding emplonent of lay workers are made at Circuit Meetings, where all Trustees may vote. Circuit Meetings occur ai least four times each year, more may be called if required. All activities ofthe CiT¢Uit Meeting are also governed by CPD. A sub-con]rnittee (Governance Committee), agreed by the CiTCUit Meeting, gives detailed consideration to property and fjnancial issues Taised by churches and makes recollunendations lo the Circuit Meeting. The Methodist Church operates on a Connexional Year which nll)s from I September to 31 August. Thus, any references to the startlend of ihe year relale to Sepiember and August respectively. People The Circuit maintains three full_time paid presby1erpost4 one of which is the p)sition of Superintendent Minister. The superintendeni position became vacant in April 2024 when the minister in p05t, sadly, left on grounds of ill_health. In the intervening period, Revd John Howard, a supernumerary Minister residing in the Circuit was appointed as Acting Supeiiniendent. At the beginning of the year, the Circuit entered the Methodist Church's annual stationing process and was successful in securing the appoinlrnent of Rev Dr David Hinchliffe to take up the position of Superintend¢nt Minister from I September 2025. Our other presbyt¢rs are Revd Graham Culler. who had oversight of the churches in Barnard Castle. Banon, STaindrop and Middleton-in-Teesdale (The Pathway) and R¢vd Gavin Hume who had oversight of Harrowgate Hill, Haught0 Hurworth and The Well Churches. Additional support was provided by three fftiTuI Minis(¢rs (Rcvd Roy Burley and Rev Phil Clarke. who residc in neighbouring Cill1ts and Revd Colin Roberts a supernumerdry Minister In the Darlington & Teesdale Circuit) who kindly agreed to provide presbyteral support on a part-time basis to the churches (Elrn Ridge hnd Cockerton) for which Rcv John Howard had oversight. The Circuit is graleful to other supernumet7ry ministers residing in the Circuit who regularly take PTeaching appointments on a voluntary basis and to lay mernbers of the church who are recOlSed as Local Preachers.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trusi Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 The Circuit PrcSberS are supported by Lay Ministerial Staff constituted of: Two Local Community Development Workers (one of whom was employed by the Circuit to work with Cockerton and Elm Ridge Chur¢h¢s in Darlington (Lyn Cookson) and another (Debbie Andrew) who is based at the Pathway Church in Middleton in Teesdale. (The Circuil is aimsng to recnLit two more Local Communily Development Workers to work with the other churches in the Circuit although, to date. the Circuit has been unable to fill these posts.) A Comtnunily Pastor (Graham Brighi) and 8 Hub Manager (Emma Walden) both appointed to work at The Well Meihodist Churcb and Commtsnity Hosting Spa¢e (commenced I September 2023). The Circuit also employes a C1Ul1 Admirustrdtivelcommunications Officer (Lindy Lowis) whose duties include suPrt to the Circuii Treasurer. Dr Siephen Suicliffe. Youth Work A great deal of children's activities takes place in churches across ihe Circuit mainly through nifoTmed organisations. Some churches have their own Boys atKi Girls Brigades attach¢d to them. Other churches have oihÉY unifO¢d organisations meeting on the premise& It is hoped thai these organisations will b¢ involved in church life and take parl in worship at Parade services. The Circuit provides presby1eT81 support to Melsonby Methodist Primary Scliool and, in partnership with the North Yorkshire Dales Circuit. provides a School Chaplain to spend time working in the school. The Circuit is Tepresented on the school's Governing Body by two Foundation Governors. After a long period of discernment, at the beginning of the year. a group set up to consider the future of Christian youth work in the CircuiL made a propos31 to the Circuii Meeting to seek to recruit a full-time Christian Youth Worker to be employed hs a Youih Pioneer and focus on work with young adults. The Meeting agreed io ihe proposal and the group started to work on the practicalities of recruiting and, not least, how to attract the right person for this role. During the course of the planning process, the group discovered ihat the Connexion was encouraging Circuits to establish new church societies under the 'New Places for New People (NPNP). initiative and new ventures (hai met th¢ NPNP criteria would be financially supported. A vision documcnt for the project (Called Emerge) was submiited to the District and ConncKion. Following a face-t(Ffacc presentation, we learncd that the application was successful. At the time of writing this Teport, the Youih Pioneer position has not been filled and the Circuit is considering different avenues to recruit the right person for this essenlial work. Melsonby Methodis¢ Primary School Thecitcuit partners with the North YoTksbire Dales Circuit in employing a Schools Chaplain to Work in schools in both circuits. This includes Melsonby Methodist Primary School for which our Circuit provides presbylerdl suptK)rt and has two places on the Governing Body held by Debbie Andrew and Jude Cutler.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Property Legal title to church land and buildings is held by nteeS for Methodist Church Purposes" At the close of the year. Iherewu¢ nine active churches in thecircuit: Barnard Castle, Barto Cockerton, Elm Ridgq Haughton. Hurworth, Stsindrop. The Pathway (Middleton in Teesdale) and The Well. Harrowgate Hill. open at the beginning of th¢ year, ceased to be used as a place of worship in December 2024. Wilh the exception of The Well, the trusiees of each church are responsible for the maintenance of the PTemises. All church&8 are subject to quinquennial inspections by A qualified surveyor. Trusteeship of The Well and its Cornmunity Hosting Space rests with the Circuit Meeting, hav i ng b e e n tra n s fe rred on I Sq)tember 2023. following agreernent of The Well Church Council. A LeadeTship/Oversight Team established by the Circuii Meeting has delegated authority to make decisions on day-lo-day matt3 relating to the building and finan¢ Although Harrowgaie Hill ceased to be used for worship, the Circuit Meeting detennined that there would be an advanlage in keeping ihe premises open whilsi the long-tern] futur¢ of the building was decided. This would avoid the risks assoclated with a building standing empty and provide breathing space for the user 8roups which met regularly on the premises under a licence arrangement. The Cireuit owns three manse4 which house the three presbyters. Two are in Darlington and ihe other is in Barnard Castle. One of the Darlington manses was a new build completed in Spring 2024 and was funded by ihe sale of two manses which had been sold by the fornier Darlington Methodist Circuii as they did not meet the standards required by the Methodisi Church and il was noi viabl¢ lo upgrade eiiher property to meet the required standards. As with churches, Circuit owned manses are subject to quinquennial surveys. There is an approved budget for maintenance of the manses. Th¢ Circuit Manse Secretary deals with any recommendations made in th¢ quinquennial report and any day-to-day maintenance issues that 8rise. Life of the Clreult C£rcuit y10 The Meth(Mlist Church, along with other churches. faces significant challenges with d¢clinin8 and ageing congregalions. The Circuit continues to ask itself quesiions about the future and how it might develop 5tTategies which lake us forward in a way which is consistenl with ihe Circuit's Mission Statement "OUT Calling. and the Darlington Dislricl plan "Every Church Growing"
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: l J32005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Life of the Circuit (continued) To that end, the Circuit Staff, SUPTX)rted by the Circuit Leadership Team has endeavoured to encourag¢ church members to fonn a deeper identity by developing their discipleship through a series of study opportunities based on the characteristics identified in A Methodist Way of Life under a title 'Following Jesus Together". The theme for this connexional year was Sharing Our FaithlTestimony. Presbyt¢rs looked at ways of encouraging folk to share their 'journey of faith. thmugh targeted Sunday worship and study sessions. During the year. a number of folk shared their testimony in the CiTCUit's bi-monthly magazine. The Teesdale Worni. In Spring 2025. the circuit fund&1 a community ¢v¢nt. which included a family-focus show (The Parable Keq)er) performed by a Christian theatre group. 4Front Theatre. Circuit Lay minrry Local Church Community Developmeni Iyorkers The CITlt lay ministerial work is carried out through Local Church Community Development Workers (LCCDW) attached to specifi¢ Churches. Their Tole is to build local community partnerships and discffll opportunities for community outreach. As noted above. the Circuit ernploys two part-time Local Church Community Development Workers (LCCDW). One worker is attach¢d to Cockerton and Elm Ridge Churches in Darlington and the other is based at the Pathway Church in Middleton in Teesdale. A flavour of the work undertaken is given in giv¢n below in the section headed 'Inter¢onnexion for Mission, Mutual Encouragement and Hdp. The Circuit has agreed io fund two more part-time LCCDW posts to work with the other churches {on¢ with Bamard Castle, Barton and Stsindrop Churches and the other serving Haughton and Hurworth Churches). These two positions are yet to b¢ fill¢d. The Well Meihodi31 Church and Community Hosling Space fl'The Well ) The Circuit employs a Community Paslor and a Hub Manag¢r who are based at The Well Methodist Church and Community Hosting Space (commenced I S¢pt¢mber 2023). The work being carried out at The Well, which serves a deprived aTea in the north of Darlington, has evolved resulting in significant gTowth of the social outreach activities. The Circuit has comtnitted signifJcant funds, albeit for a limited period, to support the wotk and much ¢ffort is expended in obtaining grants from external providers. The level of investment brings with it a l¢v¢l of complexity and burdens. The Well Community Hosting Space relies on the support of a number of volunleers who are recruited in accordan¢¢ with the Methodist Church safeguarding guidelines. A snapshol of the work caThied out at The Well is given below in the section headth 'lnterconnexion for Mission, Muttlal Encouragement and Help, As a matter of policy, the Methodist Church pays the Living Wag¢ to its Lay Workers.
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CJRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Eco Church -Action for Hope In response to the climale change emergenry, the Methodist Church has set an aspiraiional target of becoming a net zero carbon emi&sions chh by 2030. The Circuit is encourdging churches io consider what they can do to help achieve this. Some cburches have registered with A Rocha UK, a Christian organisation which provides a framework for chvrches to take practical actions to reduce their carbon footprtnt and ways to encourage members to lead more suslainable lives. A voluntary Circuit Environmental Champioo Juliet Hill. supports and encourages churches in this. Communications The Circuit covers a large geographical area exfending beyond Darlington inlo the dales and the CiKuit has invested in upgrading its IT capacity to avoid unnece&wy trdvel and io enable folk who are unable to tTavel io attend meetings remotely using the Zwm facAlity. The Circuit's bi-monthly Magazine, The Teesdale Wortn. 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. a veTbal message of encouragement i s s ha r e d via WhatsApp and Email to those who register to re¢eiv¢ it. Th¢s¢ messages have been uplifting and very well reeeived. Interconnexion for Misslon, Mutual Eneollragement and Help The Circuit has continued with two initiatives that slart by necessity, during lockdown which offer aliernalive Sunday worship - a Circuit Media Setvice which is available via YouTube and The Telephone S¢rvic¢. centred on Stsindrop Church. Both of these offerings mean that folk who are unable to attend church. not least the housebound and their carer4 are no longer excluded from regular Sunday worship. The Pathway offers Sunday evening 'gatherings' via Zoom which support those who are unable lo attend services in person and once a month an Afternoon Tea service is heliL providing time for worship, food and fellowship, and helping with Tufdl isolalion. The Circuit has purchased a Digitsl Hymnal System for usebyChuheS when no organist is available. The Circuit purchascd a Share for £5,0 ID th¢ Cother5tonc Old Chapel Project based in the forn)er Methodist Chapel. This serves to cement the good relationship which ihe Circuit has with the communily group who purchased the building from the Circuit and io support plans to hold aets of worship in the cafe space. A wide variely of immeasurable g(KKI work continu¢s io becarried out by churches across the circuit, often supponed by our lay minislry. exarnples include: io
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANYUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Jnterconnexion for Mi55ion, Muthal Encouragement snd Help (continued) Barnard Castle provides missional activities such as a weekly prayer meeting. weekly coffee mornings, Lego Church, a lighi party and Christian pumpkin Carving ai Halloween and a cascad¢ ofpoppies wilh Tommy on the front steps for Remembrance. The church is lit up from within to mark special times such as Christmas And Remembrance and CancerAwarene&8 Week. The church building is used by various groups from round the town including the Operd Group, PainSOn'S Support and Oth groups. Cockerton runs a FK)pular Mother and Toddler group and a well-attended Lunch Club. Cockerton also runs a thriving Girls, Brigade. The church is arling to forge a good relationship with the local prinw school, West Park Academy. Community development has involved school visits both to and from the schoovchurch, consisting of Godly Play story-telling and with the help of volunteers, craft and L8sociated bible activities. There has also been family outreach, Las Posada, in which the pupils take home a nativity set on a rotation so tljat every child and every family can experience the learning and the invitation to church. Elm Ridge has large multi-PUTpose premises which are well used by a variety of community groups who meet regularly, including unifonrjed organisations. The church is set in extensive grounds and the church wel¢omes people to visit and follow a Prayer Walk. A community nature partnership is developing and is working with the Durham Wildlife Trust to create a nature reserve. The Tees Forest organisation has also provided a grant to fund the planting of trees in the grounds. The majority of Circuit events are held at Elrn Ridge because of its size and amenities. The Pathway at Middleton in Teesdale, offeTS regular church and community activities. These include an active relationship with the local primary school, leading assembli¢s and hosting services at The Pathway at Harv¢st, Christmas and Easter for pupils, staff and family members. Con]munity outreach includes Baby and Toddler Group. Holiday at Home in Surnrner, Let's Build Church, Family Celebration Services, Hot Cross Bun Giveaway, Easter Egging and Christmas Dinner for older folk and those who are lonely (supwrted by ihe local butcher and Co-op store). The Pathway also supports local community events. such as the local agricultural show, through an Upper T¢¢sdal¢ Churches Together GTOUP. Harrowgate Hill has ceased lo be used for worship but the premises have continued to be used whilst the building's future is decided which is supwrting the local community via a pre-school group which is held daily during terni lime, a weekly Crafi GTOUP monthlyeoffee niorni Haughton offers a monthly WAVE (We are All Valued Equally) service on a Sunday afrn()n. These services of worship are aimed at people with leaming difficultics and those who care for them but all are welcome. This eneouTages mixed ability friendships and is a wonderful example of inclusion and hospilalily. WAVE a]so hosts a monthly coffee morning which is held in ihe nearby ¢hurch hall which belongs lo the Anglican ChuTch for space purposes. A Craft and Chat Group meet5 fortnighily and is open to all, nol just church members. The Group is supportive of church events, especially ihe Christrnas Fair. The church is situated in a village setting and actively supports local community events.
DARLINCTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUJT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Inlerconnexion for missio Mutual Eneouragement and Help (continued) Thc Well Community Hosting Space offers a range of activitics and services including Baby Bank. Trift Shop, weekly community lunch, Coffee Shop and a Giving Garden. During each week of the school holidays, in partncrship with another charity, TLG. (frdnsfornjing Lives for Good) a team of volunteer5 provide "Makc Lunch. for famili&s. Thi5 fite activity incoTPOrntes a session of season- related craft a¢tivilxes followed by o h¢althy two-course lunch. The Wcll is also 3 hub for The Bread and Butter "ll)ing ITBBT) and provides 'Shed' acti14ties based around DIY-type work as a means of promoting positive mcntal health. The Well also hosts a number of support relaied commullity and unifornicd groups and enjoys giMxI collaborntive relationships wilh a wide rdnge of other organisations. Hospitality projects acTOSS the Circuit make effeclive links with local MMUnities. through r e gu l a r coffee mornings. Sorne are involved in mor¢ specific community outreach work. + The Mustard TTee Cafe al Hurworth Methodisl Church opens six days a week and continues to flouri514 including w01ng with vulnerable young adults, offwing vocational OPPDrtunities and providing resources for mentsl wellbeing to the local commuDity. Haughtofy which is fully accessible. runs a community cafe {Coffee@Haughion) slaffed solely by volunteers, not all of whom are church members. This is a thriving cale which opens two days each week and has proved to be in¢rwingly popular, providing valuable OprtUnItieS for social interdclion, addresses loneliness aDd isolation. The work of the café is supporting the church in working towards being Dementia Friendly. The Well Comrnunity Hosting Space operntes a cafe alongside its Trift Shop and Baby Bank. Elm Ridge Church IKb*s a weekly dwin cafe on MoNlay m(miw offering 'coffee and cake, and company. The chUh is planning to open a Garden Cafe whith w(NJld be upen 1hvwg1 the week This is supported by the Circuil through a granl of l Ook and a loan of £50k. Safeguarding Lyn Cookson is th¢ Circuit's Safeguarding Officer. A Safeguarding Policy for both Children and Vulnerable Adulis is in place. Safeguarding training is a continuous process of updatin8 a5 It is required for tIM)se in volunteer roles and those in employment as appropriate to iheir roles and can include foundation and advanced training. Post holders are required to update their training ¢very four yeaTS. In addilion, post holders are required io UDdertake an appropriale level of DBS check before laking up roles in the circuil. These must b¢ kept up to date and are required to be renewed every five years. 12
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Caihryn Warden is the Circuit's Dafa Champion. The Circuit and the churches are able to demonstrale a g(x)d level of compliance in respect of GDPR regulations. Guidelines are available in all the churches and GDPR awareness sessions are held acTOSS the circuit lor all posi holders. 13
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CJRCUIT Charitabje Trust Registered No. 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Financial Review (continued) Financial Review The annual accounts forthe year 2024-25 are attached to this report. At the close of the peri(KL the Circuit held net cUent a&sets of £852,000 (2024: £931,000). All of ihese funds are unrestricted. However, of this amouDL the fjgure of£238,000 is regarded as required to satisfy our Reserves Policy (see note below). AIFA). amounts are set aside forspecific projects. All of the ndS held ai the Central Finance Board of the methist Church ("CFB") are available for the putyoses of the CiTCUit. however if any were lo be requeed for specific developments, for exomple, rnajor property expenditure, these would be subjeci to a project Review by the M¢th(Klist Church. The principal source of funds is through a&88n]entS levied on Circuit churches. This supports the costs of P$bYterS and lay worker4 who lead WOTship. provide pasloral and safeguarding services, and seek to exiend God's Kingdom through mission. These funds also support an assessment paid to the Darlington Methodist District. No professional advice was sought on any financial matters during the year. Risk The Circuit Meeting, acting as Trusttts, have considered the key areas of risk to which the Circuit is subject and as part of our comprebensive insurdnce policy with Methodist Insurance, insurance is in pla¢¢ and is consideTed adequale to cover the range of known risks. including the manse portfolio. employers, liability. public liability and trusiee indemnity. Aside from the financial risks above, Ihe key risk to the CiTcuiI Jneeling 115 PU]TK)se lies in the provision of PTesbyteTS and governance by the Methodist Church. Absence of such would severely hamper ihe work of the Circuit. No professional advicc was sought on any financial mattas during the year. 14
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Reserves Policy The Circuit Reserves Policy. agreed by the Trustees, seeks to ensure a minimum reserv¢ equal io six months, operating costs. At August 2025 this is equivalent to £238.000. The Circuit has adequate reserve fvnds lo cover the planned deficit and this Reserves Policy has been pproved by the Trustees. IDvestment Policy The Circuit Investment Policy requires that fimds held in excess of day-to-day needs are invested in the fundsofthe Central Finance Board ofthe Methodist Church viatheTrustees for Methodist Church Purtx)ses. This requirement has bttn mct throughout thc ycar. ON BEHALF OF T E TRUSTEES Revd. David Hinchliffe Trustee and Superintendent Minist¢r Date 15
DARLINGTof4 AND TEESDALE METHODisf ClRcurr Charitable Trust Regl$tered No: 1132005 STATEMENT OF Fif+lLNCIAL ACT]VITIES {SOFA) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Circuit General Fund (iinrest- ri¢t¢d) valuation Resen (Unrest- ricted) Notes Trnsl (L.nre5t- ricled) Total 2024-25 'I'otal 2023-24 Income l Donations and legocies 2 Refund of don21ion 3 Income from monetary investments 4 Incomc from properties 5 A8sessments OTL Churches 6 Capital receipts 7 Grants rcc¢ived 8 Oth¢r charitable income 9 The Well Rentsl in¢ome Conn¢xional Priority Fund Levy refund si S2 15.150 15,150 24,895 S3 3235 30533 33.768 51.239 S4 S5 208.739 208,739 218,066 2,(K)O 55 27.810 7,813 2,000 332 (24,869) S6 S7 55 27.810 7.813 BSI 206.991 10 Total Income 264W2 30533 295J35 478,654 ExpeDditure I l Grants and donations S8 12 Salaries and associated costs S9 13 Propety expenses sio 14 Conncxional rnodel trust levy Sl I 15 District assessment and levy S12 16 Costs of activitics S13 17 Costs of administration S14 18 Other outgoings 13.093 226.942 99.445 13,093 226,942 99,445 33,046 53,752 33,282 17,573 23,314 226,614 13,831 47,344 53,752 24,611 16.387 33.046 53.752 33282 15.685 1,888 19 Total eharitsble expenditure 442,199 34,934 477,133 405,853 20 Gainsl(losses) on monetary investments 21 Gainsl(losses) on investment properties 22 Net incomel(expenditure) 23 Transfers benveen funds Introduced ndS 24 Other gainsl{loss¢s} (177J97> 172,451 104,344 (4,401) (172,451) (181,798) 72,801 S15 104,344 24,950 26 Net movetnent in funds 27 .1 otol funds brought forward 99J98 963.448 (176,852) 788.029 (77,454) 2,014,103 97,751 1,916,352 262,626 28 Total funds Tarried fonvard 1.1162J46 611,177 262,626 1,936,649 2,014,103 16
DARLIINGTOIY AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitabl¢ Trust Registered No: 1132005 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AcfIviTIES (SOFA) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 General Fund (Unrest- ricted) Circuit Model Trust (Unrest- ricted) Revaluation Reserve (Unrest- ricted) Notes Total 2023-24 Income Donations and legacies Repayment of donation Income from monetary investments Income from properties A55e5sTneniS on Churches Capital receipts Grants received Other charitable incorne S6 The Well S7 Connexional Priority Fund Levy fUndBsl si S2 S3 24,895 48.408 24,895 51.239 2.831 218,066 218,066 S5 2,000 332 (24,869) 206,991 332 {24.869) 206,991 10 Total income 198J60 280,294 478,654 Expenditure I l Grants and donations 12 Salaries and associated costs 13 Property expenses 14 Connexional Model trust levy 15 Distri¢t assessment and levy 16 Costs of activities 17 Costs of administrallon 18 Other outgoings S8 S9 sio sii S12 S13 S14 23.314 226,614 13.831 23,314 226,614 13,831 47,344 53,752 24.611 16,387 47,344 53.752 24.611 14,188 2.199 19 Total charitable expendithre 356JlO 49543 405,853 20 Gainsl(losses) on monetary inveslments 21 GaIn[losses) on investment properties 22 Net ineomel{expenditure} 23 Trhnsfers between funds 24 Other gainsl(losses) 25 IntriKluced ndS (157,950) 497.415 230,751 (497.415) 72,801 S15 24,950 24,950 26 Nel movement in funds 27 Total fvnds broughi forward 364,415 599.033 (266,664) 1.054.693 97,751 1.916.352 262.626 28 Total funds carried forward 963,448 788,029 262,626 2,014,103 17
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charlt2ble Trust Registered No: 1132005 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025 GeDeral C5rcutt Fund Model Trust Totsl liJnrestricted) (Unre5tric¢ed) 2024-25 Notes Total 2023-24 Fixed Assets Circuit manses and equipment Investment properties Investments BSI 1.079.660 1,079,660 1,077,629 BS2 5,0(K) 5,000 TotalfLTed assets 1.084,6(A) 1,084,660 1.082,629 Current Asset$ D¢bior5 InvestmcDts with TMCP Centrdl Finance Board deposits Cash at bank and in hand BS3 BS4 BS4 BS4 14.689 14,089 611,177 198.131 65.908 220.297 581,038 137,171 35,982 611.177 198.131 65.908 Tolal current ossels 278.728 611,177 889,905 974,488 Current liabilities Crcditors (due in under l year) Grants payAble within 2025-26 BS5 37.916 37,916 43,014 Total current liabilities 37,916 37.916 43,014 Nel current assets 240.812 611,177 851,989 931,474 Total a55ets less current liabilities Long term liabilitics (due after ore than one year) Grants payable after 2025-26 Loans to the circuit lJ25,472 611,177 ,936.649 2,014.103 Net assets I J25,472 611.177 1,936,649 2,014,103 Funds of the Circuit General Fund (Unrestricted) Circuit Model Trust Fund IUnrestTicied) Revaluation Reserve 1.062.846 1,062.846 611.177 262.626 963,448 788,029 262,626 611,177 262.626 Totol unrestriaedlunds Restricted Funds Endowment Funds lJ25.472 611,177 1,936,649 2,014,103 Total Funds lJ25.471 611,177 1,936,649 2,014,103 Thc financial ststements were approved by the Trustees on signed by.. and were Rev David Hinchliffe Trustee and Sup¢rint¢ndent Minister 18
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trnst Registered No: 1132005 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024 General Circuit Fund Model Trust Total (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) 2023-24 Notes Circuit manses ond equipment Investment propertie5 Inv¢stments BSI 1.077,629 1,077.629 BS2 5,000 Totslfued assets ,084629 1,082,629 Current Asset5 Debtors Inveslmcnts with TMCP Central Finance Board dq)osiis Cash 2t bank and in hand BS3 BS4 BS4 BS4 13.306 206.991 581.038 220.297 581,038 137,171 35,982 137.171 35,982 Total ¢urren£ ét&¥ets 186859 788.029 974,488 Current liabilities Creditors (due in under l year) Grants payable within 202£k25 BS6 43.014 43,014 Total current liabiliti 43,014 43,014 Net current assels 143.445 788,029 931.474 Tot41 assets les5 current liabilities Long terni liabilities (due after more than One year Grants payable after 2024-25 tA)ans to the circuit 12W074 788.029 2.014,103 Net assets 132&074 788,029 2,014,J03 Funds of the Circuit General Fund (UnresiTiCted) Circuit Model Trust Fund (u[eS]CtCd) Revaluation Resetve 963.448 963,448 788.029 262.620 788.029 262.626 Toidl iiftrestrlet¢dfuAds Restri¢t¢d Funds Endowmcnt Fund5 122Q074 788.029 L014.103 Total Funds 1226.074 788.029 2,014.103 19
DARLINCTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note Al - Accounting Franjework and Aecounting policie5 AceounftngframtHvrk The financial statements have beej) prep8red in accordance with Ststement of RecomTnended PTaLtice'. Accounting and Reporting by Charilies preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicabl¢ in thc UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued 16 July 2014) with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Charities Aci 2011. ii. Publi¢ benefil entity Darlington and Te¢sdal¢ Methodisi Circuit rn¢ets the definition of a public benefit entity und¢r FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless othenvise stated in the relevallt accouniing policy nole(s) below. Basis These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical co, except that certain freehold properties are shown at Valuatio and on the 8CCTuals basis to show a true and fair view of the Ctr¢uit's financial position and activities. iv Conlenl The accounts are expre&sed in £Sterling. rounded to the nearest poun(L Going concern Based on the monetary a&sets and human resources available at 31 August 2025, the Tnjslees believe that the Circuit is a going concern. vi ConsolidAtio The financial statements of the Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated in these financial siatements. Income recognition Income is brought into account when there is entitlernent and the amounl is reliably measurable once it is moTe likely than not thai the econornic benefil of the income will acctue lo the Circuil. No altempt is made io measure the value of services donated by voluDt¢¢TS. li TangIbIefed ossets These are Capitalised if they Can be used for more than one year and individually cost at least £I.000. The freehold propety is shown in the accounts at cost or valuation. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the Trustees consider the Cuent residual fair value of the Manse buildings (on the assumplion that they had reached the end of their useful economic life by ihe year end) to be not less than the carrying value. The properties hav¢ be¢n reviewed for impainnent. Equipment is depreciated at the rate of 33.30/0 per atinurti. Improvements to property are depreciated at the rate of l (Y/0 per annum 20
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132(105 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note Al - Accounting Framework and accoulltin8 poli¢ie$ (Continued) VA T As the Circuit is not VAT registered all inpui VAT is charged with the expenditure to which it relates. Note A2 - Payments to Trnstees No payment5 xre made to TNstees as remuneration for their work in that capacity. The Superintendent minier and other Presbyters of the Circuit undertake the primary executive roles within the Circuit and receive stipends ai standard rate& R¢rnuneralion was also paid io nOn-PreSb¢rnl TnteeS as follows foT ¢mploymenl other than their position as Trnstee at ihe same time as being a T)ustee:. 2025 2024 Mrs L Cookson Mr G Bright Mrs S Cas¢ 26,592 35,668 4.723 21.634 27,209 66.983 48,843 Trnstees are also reimbursed for expenditure priwerly incurred in caTrying out their duties. The total amounts and number of Tntte$ weTe'.- 2025 2024 Total paid 8.680 2,088 Numb of Trust8 paid There were no other related party transactions to disclose. Note A3 - Independent examiner An aCcal had be¢n made for the fee of the independent examiner of £3.200 including VAT, and for additional charges foT Other services of £1.360 including VAT. 21
DARLINGTON AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust R¢gislered No: 1132005 IYOTES TO THE ACCOLwrs FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note Sl - Donations aDd legaeies This comprises all free-will giving received by the Circuit as a contribution to its work. Note S2 - Refund of Donation A conlribution was made to the ministers pension fund in the year to 31 August 2022. This was repaid to the Circuit in the prior year, Wlth inlerest. Note S3 - Income from monelary investments This is interest received on accounts held at the Methodist Central Finance Board ("CFB") and TSteeS for Methodist Church PurFK)ses ('TMCP"). Note S4 - Assessments on ehurehes Assessments levied upon the Circuit churches. Detsils are as follows:_ 202&25 202&24 Church: Bamard Castle Barton Cockerton Elm Ridge Harrowgale Hill Haughton Hurworth Middleton (Pathway) Staindrop The Well 38,864 38,864 4,000 43,000 57.236 20,260 14,808 11.620 16,016 5,500 6,762 43.(KM) 57236 10.130 14.808 12.885 16.016 5.500 6JOO 208.739 218.066 Note S5 - Capital receipts No church buildings have been sold in th¢ last two years. Note S6 - Other charitable income This includes income Teceived specifically as part of the activities of the Circuit and miscellaneous receipts. 22
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRcurr Choritable Trust Registered No: 1132(K15 NOTES TO THE ACCOLThYS FOR THE YEAR EI%DED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note S7 - The Well The Well Community Hub is now operated by the Circuit. Income and expenditure comprises:_ 2024-25 2023-24 Income Lefling income Inlerest Connexion property fund grant Other granl income Donations Charity shop income Other income Transfer re wages 1,842 21 47,500 7,885 3,650 8,201 95 1,580 49 8.038 8,408 247 7.200 Total incom¢ 69.194 25.522 Expenditure Salaries Property expenses Cost of activities Costs of admin Depreciation 8,576 19,983 6,200 1,360 5.265 14,619 20.238 7,513 2,171 5.850 Total expenditure 41,384 50,391 Net income/(expenditure) 27,810 (24,869) Note S8 - Grants #nd doDAtions Total donations. as approved by the Circuit meIng aTe shown below:. 2024-25 2023-24 from Gcncrdl Fund.. Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry (DACYM) The Pathway M¢thodist Church Cockerton Methodist Church Seed Corn fjrdnt NY Dales Methodisi Church Bamard Castle 3.480 3,480 10,000 3.530 1,699 4J84 1,450 4.384 13,093 23,314 from CiTCUit Model TTUSt Fund: Total grants and donalions 13,093 23,314 23
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: J1321105 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note S9- Salaries and associated costs Payroll is administered on the Circuit's behalf by a central Methodist department. During the yeaT, the Circuit was Seed by two ll-tIme presbyters, plus one part-time presbyter. The Circuii is also served by a numi of Lay Workers covering Paslordl and Youth Missionary work, plus administrative support. The totsl costs consist of the following".- 2024-25 2023-24 Presbyters and presbyternl supwrt Lay Workers Appreniiceship levy Life assurdnce 90,491 134.996 1265 190 118,291 106.605 1,512 206 Total paid through Methodist Central Payroll 226,942 226,614 2024-25 2023-24 Payroll costs are made up of: Stipends and salaries Employers National Insurance Contributions Employers pension contributions Apprenti¢¢ship levy Life assurance Prior year5 ove4iaid tsx 192.502 17.927 18.392 1265 190 (3.334) 180.627 16,364 27,905 1,512 206 226.942 226.614 24
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGLST 2025 Note SIO - Property expense5 Throughout the year, the Circuit owned the properties {20 Petethou8e Close, 29 Ashtree Drive and 18 Killhope Crescent). 20 Peierhouse Close was refurbished in the year. The Harrowgate Hill church building was repaired upon Iransfer to the circuit. Details of the costs are given below:_ 2024-25 2023-24 Council Tax 4.887 6.363 69 997 708 1,789 (1.023) 198 303 4,427 - churche5 Water Rates - manses - churches - man5 - churches - empty manses - emply churches Maintenance and repairs 1,531 68 3,065 2,540 932 9,792 66,319 10.311 Insurance Utilities - other 99,445 13,831 Note Sl l - Connexional Model Trust ivY This is applied annually lo balances beld in TMCP fimds. Note S12 - District Assessmellt tkvy This is paid quarterly to support th¢ work of the Darlington Methodist District. Note S13 - Costs of activities This represents the costs of the primary pu* of the Circuit. excluding stipend and salary costs. 2024-25 2023-24 Presbyters Pastoral Mi&sioners Youth Work Preaching and worship Other worship costs Depreciation of equipment 22,098 708 365 2,900 592 6.619 14.919 552 3,527 366 5,247 33,282 24.611 25
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered Iyo: l 132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR EINDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note S14 - Costs of administration This represents the cosls of administuing ihe circuiL excluding salary costs:_ 2024-25 2023-24 Telephone and intemet Postage and Stationery Circuii COTnmunications. website and email administration Independent examiner's fee Oiher cosis Circuit office costs Circuit equipment 58 31 2.871 2,791 4,590 1,933 3,757 3,111 4,350 2,179 3,845 17,573 16,387 Circuit offi¢e costs relale to the rent of an office from Elm Ridge Methodist Church for £3,600 (PY £3,800) together with returbishment costs. Note 515- Funds Introduced This r¢presents fuTKls received from closed churches et¢. 2024-25 2023-24 Ham)wgate Hill The Well 104.344 24,950 104,344 24.950 Iyote BSI - Flxed Assets The Circuit owned three properties throughout the year. 20 Peterhouse Close, 29 Ashire¢ Drive and 18 Killhope Crescent. They were used as manses by PreSbtrs. 20 Pelerhouse Close was ernpty for mo of the year and was rerb1Shed before being ¢up}ed by a new Presbyt¢r. A fidl revaluation of the properties was conducted in 2016-17 enabling the individual values of the manses to be accounted for separately. The Barnard Casile manse was revalued on the merger. The Trustees did not consider it necessary to conduct a revaluatlOD in 2024k25. The Killhope manse is included al cost. 26
DARLINGTON AIYD TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note BSI - Fixed Assets (Conlinued) ,Manse Improve EqulpmeDt -ments Equipmeni The Well Manses Total Cost or valuatio At I September 2024 Additions Revaluati(ms (+/) Grant reserves (-) Disposals (-) Transfers. (+l-) 997,056 27,007 12.841 7,637 1,074 58.502 1.090,202 13,915 At 31 August 2025 997.056 39.848 8,711 58,502 1,104,117 Accumulated depreciatioll At I September 2024 Additions Revaluations (+l-) Disposals (-) Transfers (+l) Depreciation 2,701 4,022 5,850 12,573 3.715 5265 11,884 At 31 August 2025 6.416 6,926 11,115 24,457 Net book value At 31 August 2025 997,056 33,432 1,785 47,387 1,079,660 At 31 August 2024 997,056 24,306 3,615 52,652 1.077.629 The valuation of man$ caTTied forward is made up of:_ 202*25 2023-24 20 Peterhouse Close, Darlington 29 Ashtrec Drive. Barnard Castle 18 Killope Crescent, Darlington (at cost) 275.(K)O 350,(KIO 372.056 275,000 350,000 372,056 997,056 997,056 Manse improvements include installation of a new boiler at 20, Peterhouse Close. 27
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charltable Trnst Registered No: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note BSI - Contingent Liability Although the financial effect of revaluation is shown in full above, a proportion of any receipt on sale of manses would be expecied to become payable to the Method1 Church in the event that the manse is sold and not directly replaced. The Methodist Connexional Priority Fund levy is cutrently charged ai 200/0 of the fst £1 00.(KM) and 40Y. of any excess over £lOO,(X)O. Levies can be tEfunded after a subsequent replacement. Actual levies ehargeWrefiuKled amount to: 2024-25 2023-24 Raby Avenue Manse Mowbrdy Drive Manse {109.758) (97,223) (206,991) Note BS2- Investments 2024-25 2023-24 Colherstone Old Chapel Project Ltd 5,000 5,iJ)O Note BS3- Debtors and prepayments 202425 2023-24 Pre-paid stipends for current year Pre-paid apprenticeships l¢vy Payroll control Levy r¢funds 10,912 45 3,732 7,419 29 5.858 206,991 14,689 220.297 Last year, a debtor was included for levy refunds that arose due to a pmperty replacement in the year. 28
DARLINCTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT Charitable Trust Registered Yo: 1132005 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Note BS4 - Details of cash funds Thc CAF General A¢¢ount is used for day to day expenses. The CFB accounts are the main current accounts held ai ihe Central Finance Board of the MJ ethOd1 Church and the TMCP accounts hold inlerest bearing deposii values. Values held in each account are shown below:. Opening Balance Introduced Income Expend- iture Closing Balance Unrestricted Fund Name Transfers CAF General Account CFB General Accounl TMCP Model Trust Fund TMCP Various Bequests CAF The Well Account 30235 137,171 557.275 23,763 5.747 198.191 (174.492) (7,188) 203,91 E (360.962) 218,011 326.996 {34.857) (262.000) 1,088 (77) (1,01 i) 30,708 (69,481) 52.188 46,746 198,131 587,414 23,763 19,162 Total Cash Funds of the Circuit 754,191 760,894 (639,869) 875216 Note BS5 - Liabilities uuder l year Represents church assessments for 2025-26 received in the period and exp¢nses relating to the current year but unpaid at 31 Augusl 2025:_ 2025 2024 Church assessments Accrued expenditure 29.172 8.744 37.697 5.317 37,916 43,014 In the allocation of church assessments: The receipt from Elm Ridge in August 2023 has been taken to be the late payment oftlje amount due in May 2023. meaning they are one quarter in arrears. There is no specific assessment due for The Well Community Project. Payments are transferred from the Well in lieu of an assessment. 29
DARLINGTON AND TEESDALE METHODIST CIRCUIT DECLIKRATIONS Treasurer I confirn) that these accrual b&8ed accounts for the year ended 31 Augusi 2025 have been prepared from the records of the CiTCUIt and that they include all funds und¢r th¢ control of th¢ Circuit Meeting. Signature of Treasurer Date Ltl 2oZ6 Name of Treasurer St hen Sutcliffe Address 5 Manor Gate Li)n Newton, Stockton-on-Ttrs S21 IDD Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval I confirn] that the annual reports and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 w .y<or will be* presented to the Circuil Meeting at ils meeting on and were approved 16106 (Zo26 Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Revd David Hinthliffe Date: 53 olp. 2a6 30
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Darlington Circuit I report lo the trustees on my examination of the accounls of Darlington and Teesdale Methodist Circuit for Ihe year ended 31 Augusi 2025, which are set out on pages 16 to 29. Responsibilities and basis ofreport As the charity trustees, you are responsible for the preparalion of the accouDts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my exavnination I have followed all the applicable directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent arnier s slalement I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause lo believe that in any material respect.. (i) accounting records were noi kepl in accordance with section 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 requirements concerning the fonn and conlenl of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have Corne 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 ihe accounts to be reached. Signed: Name.. Stephen atson Gardner Relevant professional qualification or Member of professional body. Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales Address: King Hope 31 Victoria Road Darlington DLI 5SB Date: Lol 31