Trustees Annual Report- The Torridge Methodist Circuit For the year ended 31 August 2023 Introduction The Charity is constituted according to the approved governing document issued by the Methodist Conference. Trustees are appointed by the churches in the Circuit. voted by Circuit Meeting and by virtue of position held. e.g. Ministers. Aims and organisation The aim of the charity is the advancement of the Christian Faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards of the Methodist Church. Mission Statement: We are the Christian people of the Torridge Methodist Circuit, working to deepen our love of God through worship, service and nurturing new disciples of Jesus Christ. The Circuit has ten thousand pounds I£IO,0001 set aside for Mission activities. On production of a completed application form, prepared by the leadership team, individual churches may access an amount for their mission. Local churches are able to contribute to the mission fund as and when they are able, or desire. Review of the year Activities undertakerF The ministers of the Circuit provide ChristiarF services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals for the benefft of the general public together with appropriate counselling. With the Covid situation much improved we have been ableto resume face to face meetings. Holy Communion has now become possible. Meetings, such as Church Councils and Circuit Meetings, are now being conducted face to face. Church Councils have been reorganised into groups so that there will be more "working tO8ether This has enabled usto reduce the numberof Church Council meetingsfrom fourteen down to live. leaving more time for mission work. Worship services are published in the monthly newsletter which is emailed to those who have email (only 45% of the members have access to internetl and posted to the rest. Three of our churche5 are in the process of closing. because there are insufficient members to fill the required offices. The buildings will eventually be sold, and this has created quite a workload Page lof6
for those involved. not least of all because of the need to followthe rules and regulations with regard to checking for and dealing with asbestos. Our Lay Pastoral Assistant will shortly become a full time CircuEt Lay Minister. In this role he will assist with duties such as pastoral visiting, and other duties as determined by the Superintendent Minister. The part time Circuit administrator will become the full time Circuit Manager. The new role will include some property matter5 and some financial duties. We also employ a part time Families Worker. We have soughtto develop ministrywith young people and families. This has been with Parents and Toddlers groups. with Messy Church and with Toddlers Tune fimes la sing along with small children and their families). We also had a multigenerational event on a farm on Palm Sunday afternoon with ages ranging from a few weeks into the 90s. Worship and Hot Cross buns were shared by all. Similarly, after Covid we were again able to meet together in a barn for a Live Nativity- donkeys, sheep and a live Baby Jesus included. This is work we are seeking to expand. There are numerous Coffee momin85 around the Circvit - a chance fr)r people to meet and share together. A number of organisations uses our premises: some providing a real social function. We seekto engaged with them in their work. We seekto interact with our local community. supporting communityevents and hosting events such as the service for the Local Hospice; as well as a Defibrillator Training event. Income trends Circuit income is mainly dertved from the Assessments paid by each of the churches. Every year a new budget is agreed, and Assessments are then reviewed. Because of the reducing number of Chapels. Assessment income is falling. compared to previous years. Rental income is still received from two properties within the Circuit. Interest is received from trust funds held with TMCP. Pa8e2of6
Expenditure trends Ministerial stipends rise each financial year in line with Conference approved increases. The sum of £27,853 was this year's Circuit contribution to the District and Connexional funds. a significant part of which is used forthe work of the wider Methodist Church. Salaries are paid to the Lay Pastoral Assistant. the Circuit Administrator. and the Families and Children Worker. To assist the churches to meet their Assessment costs it was agreed to draw the sum of £45.000 from reserves. Funds held as a custodian Circuit Model Trust Fund Unrestricted £163.430 £158,681 Trust Funds Restricted Plans forthe future CircLSit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there will be one 11 time Minister and one at three-quarters time. There will be one full-time Circuit Lay Minister, a Circuit Manager. and we Y11 continue to have a Families Worker who will work on an ad-hoc basis. It a150 anticipates cost of living slipend increases combined with an increase in the Assessment paid to the District. To encourage members to engage with the calling of the Methodist Church which is. to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission the Ministers continue to hold the following sessions: Circuit consultation Quarterly Quiet morningmime for God - Monthly Basis of PparatIOn and legal fvamework The Charity's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities- Statement of Recommended Prattice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard IFRSI 102. Full Name of Charity: The Torridge Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number: 1132638 Date of Registration: 10th November 2009 Hillcrest, Horwood. Bideford EX39 4PB. Main communication address: Pa8e3of6
The members of the Torridge Methodist Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of Circuit office holders. ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches. Circuit Ministers and Officers Active Circutt Ministers: Rev Rob Blackhall Rev Andrew Vidamour Circuit Lay Pastoral 5]stant. Mr Frank Watson Stewards: Mrs Rose Peard Mrs Elsie Potter Mrs Hilda Harris Mrs Jenny Thurston Mr Dave Watson Circuit Administrator Mrs Sarah Richards Name of Treasurer atting as the principal officer overseeing the daY-tdaY financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year= Elsie Potter. Independent Examiner- Revd Graham Thompson 46 Mayfield Way North Walsham NR28 ODQ Investment Bankers- Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. Natwest Retail Banker- Reserves Poliry The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 4 months, average expenditure. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and/orto be able to continue, in the shortterm. funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches. Page4of6
Risk Management The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Leadership Team with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure is monitored and compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis. This is done to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves. Safeguarding Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God's own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm. Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles.. The care and nurture of. and respectful pastoral ministry with. all children, young people and adults. The safeguarding and protection of all children. young people and adults when they are vulnerable. The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse. Carefully selecting and training all those wtth any responsibility within the Church. in line with Safer Recruitment principles. including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetbng and barring schemes. Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been ham)ed. cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. Seekingto workwith anyonewho hassuffered abuse, developingwith them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. Seeking to challenge any abuse of power. especially by anyone in a position of trust. Seeking to offer pastoral care and support. including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended a83inst a child, young person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow lewslation, guidance and recognised good practice. Page5of6
The Torridge Circuit commits itself to ensurin8 the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, goverr)ment legislation, guidance. and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The Torridge Circuit commits itself to the provision of support. advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure everyone is clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. All officers in the churches and in the Circuwt must attend a training course as soon as they are appointed. Page6of6
Torrid e Methodist Circuit INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT For the ear ended 31st Au st 2023 2022 INCOME Assessments lllterest on Investments (net) Lettings Transfers from Circuit Model Trust Fund LeLJacy - Row'den Graveyard Grant Refund - Youth Genesis Other Youth Work Refunds (net) Benevolent Fund Donations 106925 5420 110424 1271 10306 45000 20000 45000 14659 251 50 400 495 183868 187496 EXPENDITURE Ministerial Stipends Circuit Lay F.mployees Circuit Family Worker Apprenticeship Levy & NEST Pension District Assessment 77139 34950 2077 2091 27853 74702 33520 1605 2049 24743 Travelling ExS Preaching Cosls Stationery. Softwate, Poslage and Printing Telephone and Internet Insurance 5899 932 5327 2903 3183 5151 948 7083 2539 2928 Graveyard Miiintenance (net) Quinquennial Inspections Property Maintenance - Lettings Mans¢ Maintenance Transfer of Legacy to TMCP Council Tax Water Rates FIire of OtTice Space CloTrelly Project (net) Thornhillhead Costs 1640 2253 1615 2434 10558 9256 5478 18550 4217 552 500 8306 2652 4053 674 1108 Training Hospitality and Gifts Benevolent Fund Grants Mission Fund (net) Bank Charges Miscellan¢ous 450 81 564 778 4999 104 3806 52 365 566 211256 192307 Excess Expenditure over In¢oDJe (27388) (4811)
Torrid e Methodist Circuit RECONCILIATION Balances as at 1st September 2022 NatW¢st Account CFB Account Pr¢payments Loan - Buckland Brewer 41750.24 43J75.71 6424.?9 5000.00 96550.24 Creditors 20366.43 76183.81 Less: Excess Expenditure over Income 27388.28 48795.53 Balances as at 31st August 2023 Natwest Account CFB Account Prepayments Loan - Buckland Brewer 17480.37 43903.67 7266.96 5000.00 73651.00 Creditors 24855.47 48795.53 Circuit Model Trnst Fund OpeningJ Balance Interest 211114.90 5972.74 217087.64 Annual District Levy TMCP Charge Transfer to General Fund 8055.75 601.68 45000.00 53657.43 Closing Balanee as at 31st August 2023 163430.21
Torrid e Methodist Circuit Funds Held by TMCP Fund 5232- Williatn Pett Be uest Cemete Fund ,Sei upfi)r ihe benefii oJ'Roi¥,den gruv4'ardlJui cnuldbe sedI0 anJT oihergravvyord Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 1300.85 40.08 1340.93 Losses on Investments TMCP Charge 31.89 3.71 35.60 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2023 1305.33 Fund 10087 - Annie G. Ford B uest Fiindser upfor ihe ben¢fir ofsiloam graVard0ty. Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 2263.18 66.77 2329.95 Losses on Investments TMCP Charge Transfer to General Fund 96.11 6.45 60.32 162.88 Closlng Balance as at 31st August 2023 2167.07 Fund 22443 - Mar aret Joan Trible Be uest Fund5¥1 upfor iht benefil ofBrudfordgruVr Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 2010.76 64.54 2075.30 TMCP Charge 5.73 Closing Balance as at 31st August 21123 2069.57
Torrid e Methodist Circuit Funds Held by TMCPI eonlinuedj Fund 22610- Dais Watkins B uest Fiindsel upfvr the benefit of RIvden graveyard Transfer from Circuit Funds Interest and Dividends 18550.00 495.36 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2023 19045J6 Fund 12022 - Various Be uests For the support ofgr(Ivgyards balance Crm be edfor her Melhodlstpurp&f. Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 104118.75 3290.65 107409.40 Losses on Investments I'MCP Charge Transfer to Genera] Fund 74.41 296.74 2993.91 3365.06 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2023 104044J4 Fund 13031- Miss M Lemon Be uest For ihe.wpporl ofMiniJters appoiniedio serve ihe Torridge Circuil Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 138627.36 4160.28 142787.64 Losses on Investsnents TMCP Charge Transfer to G¢neral Fund 4533.59 395.09 3765.19 8693.87 Closing Balanee as at 31st August 2023 134093.77
Torrid c Methodist Circuil Donations The Circuit's GcneTaI Fund tcccived £2,107 from churches that was then transferred to one of the charitable funds operated by the Methodist Church OT other charities- as follows: Connexional Propety Fund £185 All We Can £662 Fund for thc Support of Presbyiers & Deacons £1 J5 World Mission Fund £585 LeadeTS of Worship & Preachers Trust £20 2Wish £500 Plymouth & Exeter District Benevolent Fund £20 Thes¢ monies in¢lud¢ £622 sent to All We Can to SUprt the Turkeylsyria Earthquake Appeal.
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Torridge Methodist Circuit I report to the Trustees on my ¢xamination of the accounts of the T0Idge Circuit (the Trust) for the year ¢nd¢d 3 1st August 2023 Responsibilities and basis of report As the Charity TTU5tees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance 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 canying out my examination I haTre followed all the applicable DiTections given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the ACL Independent ¢iaminer's statement I have completed my examination. I confirni that no material matters have come lo my attention in connection with the examination giving7 me cause to believe that in any malerial respect" l. accounting records were not kept tn respect of the Trust &s required by section 130 of the Act. or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records" or 3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the forn] and content of accounts s¢t out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) RcgulatioDS 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view which is not a matter Considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concerns and have come across no other Matte in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to ¢nabl¢ a prop¢r understanding of the accounts to be r¢ached. Signed: Name: Revd. Graham Thompson Address: 46 Mayfield Way North Walsham NR28 ODQ Date: 10th NovemlKr 2023
Name of Circuit Torridge Methodist Circuit 24r23 Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm thatthese Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2023 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit meeting. Signature of treasurer Date...2011112023 Name and address of treasurer. Paul Booth Hillcrest Hofwood Bideford EX39 4PB Presentation to the Circuit meetlng I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2023 werelwill be" presented to the Circuit meeting held on 22nd November 2023 Signature of the Chair of the fts"ng Name ofthe Chair of the meeting Revd Robert J Blackhall 2211112023 2015 cttItR P.xL% l ofl