Trustees Annual Report - The Torridge Methodist Circuit For the year ended 31 August 2024 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 Organisatlon 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. Review of the Year Activities undertaken The ministers of the Circuit provide Christian services, baptisms, weddings, and funerals for the benefit of the general public, together with appropriate counselling. We also currently have seven fully trained Local Preachers, who take Worship Services, with two more in training. A Church Council reorganisation took place last year and is now up and running and working well, having reduced the number of meetings required per year. Worship Services are published in the monthly newsletter which is distributed to all members. Sadly, four of our churches have now ceased to conduct Worship Services. The Superintendent Minister has notified his intention to retire early at the end of the Methodist Year, August 2025. Our other Minister has moved to three-quarters time. We have appointed a full time Circuit Lay Minister. The role involves conducting services, pastoral visiting and other duties determined by the Superintendent Minister. The Circuit Administrator has now been promoted to full time Circuit Manager. The new role includes property matters and some financial duties. Pagelof5
We also engage the services on a part time basis, of a self-employed Families Worker. We have sought to develop ministry with young people and families. This has been with Parents and Toddlers groups, with Messy Church and with Toddlers Tune Times (a sing along with small children and their families). We had multigenerational events on a farm on Palm Sunday afternoon, and also at Christmas which included a live donkey - with ages ranging from a few weeks into the 90s. This is work we are seeking to expand. There are also numerous Coffee mornings around the Circuit- a chance for people to meet and share together. A number of organisations use our premises; some providing a real social function. We seek to engage with them in their work. We also seek to interact with our local communities, supporting and hosting events such as a Service for the Local Hospice, as well as a Defibrillator Training event. Income Trends Circuit income is mainly derlved from the Assessments paid annually by each of the churches. Every year a new budget is agreed, and Assessments are then reviewed. Because of the reducin8 number of Chapels, Assessment income is falling compared to previous years. However, the eventual sale of the chapels that have ceased to hold Worship Service will produce a useful boost to Circuit funds. Rental income is received from one property within the Circuit, with another being close to sale. Interest is received from trust funds held with TMCP. Expenditure Trends Ministerial stipends rise each financial year in line with Conference approved increases. The sum of £33,988 was this year's annual contribution to the District and Connexional Funds. A significant part of which is used for the work of the wider Methodist Church. Salaries are paid to the Circuit Lay Minister and the Circuit Manager, with cost of living rises as appropriate. The Families and Children's Worker is paid for hours worked and any expenses. To assist the churches to meet their Assessment costs, money can be withdrawn from the Circuit Model Trust Fund. Funds held as a Custodian Circuit Model Trust Fund Trust Funds Unrestricted Restricted £57,846 £230,360 Page2of5
Plans for the Future Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there will be one Deacon and one Minister on three-quarters time. There will be one full-time Circuit Lay Minister, a Circuit Manager, and we will continue to have a Families Worker who will work on an ad-hoc basis. We also anticipate cost of living Stipend 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 Chrlst and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission - the Ministers continue to hold the following sessions: Circuit Meeting - Quarterly Quiet morning/Time for God - Monthly Basis of Preparation and Legal Framework The Charity's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, and the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard {FRS) 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: 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 Circuit Ministers Rev Rob Blackhall Rev Andrew Vidamour Circuit Lay Minister Mr Frank Watson Stewards Mrs Rose Peard Mrs Elsie Potter Mrs Hilda Harris Mrs Jenny Thurston Mr Dave Watson Circuit Manager Mrs Sarah Richards Page3of5
Circuit Treasurer Rev Paul Booth Independent Examiner Rev 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 Policy 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/or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches. 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 proces5 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. Amon8 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. Page4of5
Carefully selecting and training all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. Responding without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation. Seeking to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with 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 against a child, young person or vulnerable adult. In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice. The Torridge Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance, and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The Torridge Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and trainin8 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 Circuit must attend a training course as soon as they are appointed. Page5of5
Torrid e Methodist Circuit INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT For the ear ended 31st Au ust 2024 2023 tNCOME Assessments Interest on Investments (net) Lettings Transfers from Circuit Model Trust Fund Grant Refund - Youth Genesis Other Youth Work Refunds (net) Benevolent Fund Donations 114593 10097 8849 110000 106925 5420 11163 45000 14659 251 50 400 300 243839 183868 ExPNDITURE Ministerial Stipends Circuit Lay Employees Circuit Family Worker District Assessment 83261 52475 2538 33988 77139 37041 2077 27853 Travelling Expenses Preaching Costs Stationery, Software, Postage and Printing Teleplione and Internct Insurance 4836 1258 6423 1684 6561 5899 932 5327 2903 3183 Graveyard Maintenance (net) Quinquennial InspLLtions Property Cost - Lettings Manse Maintenance ElectriLal and Asbestos Surveys Transfer of Legacy to TMCP Council Tax Water Rates Clovelly Project (net) Legal and Professional Fees Sheepwash Costs Thornhillhead Costs 1040 806 5424 8676 12118 1640 2253 5478 18550 4440 733 4217 552 8306 5306 2982 3055 2652 Training Hospitality and Gifts Grant - Northam Mission Fund (net) Equipment Repairs and Renewals Bank Charges Miscellaneous 315 177 i 0000 583 311 150 233 450 81 3806 52 865 249373 211256 Excess Expenditure over Income (5534) (27388)
Torrid e Methodist Circuit RECONCILIATION Balances as at 1st September 2023 Natwest Account CFB Account Prepayments Loan - Buckland Brewer 17480.37 43903.67 7266.96 5000.00 73651.00 Creditors 24855.47 48795.53 Less: Excess Expenditure over Income 5533.69 43261.84 Balances as at 31st August 2024 Natwcst Account CFB Account Prepayments Loan - Buckland Brewer 23949.40 34490.75 6335.23 5000.00 69775.38 Creditors 26513.54 43261.84 Circuit Model Trust Fund Opening Balance Interest Pension Reserve Fund - Refund 163430.21 6553.34 4000.00 173983.55 Annual District Levy TMCP Charge Transfer to General Fund 5671.51 465.78 110000.00 116137.29 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 57846.26
Torrid e Methodist Circuit Funds Held by TMCP Fund 5232 - William Pett Be uest Cemete Fund SL)1 upf(?r the benefit ofRowden gr(weyard bul could be usedfur any other graveyard Opening Balance Interest and Dividends Gains on Investments 1305.33 53.76 55.63 1414.72 TMCP Charge 3.72 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 1411.00 Fund 10087 - Annie G. Ford Be uest Fund.sLTrÉ iip.f()r ihe hek7c:/il (!f,gilc)am gruv#yurd (?nly. Opening7 Balance Interest and Dividends Gains on Invcstmcnts 2167.07 65.46 167.66 2400.19 TMCP Charge Transfcr to Gcneral Fund 6.18 59.28 65.46 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 2334.73 Fund 22443 - Mar aret Joan Trible Be uest Fund set up.for Ihe bL'nL'fil of Bi-ad]c?i-dgruv¢yard. Opening Balance Interest and Dividends 2069.57 111.82 2181.39 TMCP Charge 5.90 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 2175.49
Torrid e Methodist Circuit Funds Held by TMCPI conlinued] Fund 22610 - Rowden Grave ard Fund Fundsel upfi)r the benefil ofRowden graveyard. Opening Balance Interest and Dividends Bequest 19045.35 1029.01 500.00 20574.36 TMCP Charge 54.28 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 20520.08 Fund 12022 - Various Be uests Fc)i' the ,fiippoi'l c?]%rdvL?ycird.s biii hulunL'e L'un be usedfc)r i)Ih¥Y M¢)Ih(?di.%l purpc)s'es. Opening Balance Intercst and Dividcnds Gaiiis on Investments 104044.34 5491.27 46.58 109582.19 TMCP Chargie Transfer to Gcneral Fund 296.53 5194.74 5491.27 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 104090.92 Fund 13031- Miss Ma Lemon Be uest F(?r the siipport ofmini3lei.3' uppoinlcd io seiw¢ ip7 ihe Torridge Circuit Opening Balance Interest and Dividends Gains on Investments 134093.77 4773.38 7908.37 146775.52 TMCP Charge Transfer to General Fund 382.17 4391.21 4773.38 Closing Balance as at 31st August 2024 142002.14
Designated Funds 2023-24 Bradlor Row ar Ben. F uth Fund Mlsslon Fund Total ar Openln8 Bal. 24676 29498 4089 571 3190 1516 63540 Incorne 615 50 665 583 2288 Expendlture 1215 490 CIosln8 Balance 23461 29623 4139 571 3190 933 61917 EXpendItu Includes year end Credltors
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Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Torrldge Methodist Circuit I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Torridge Circuit (the Trust) for the year ended 3 1st August 2024 Responsibilities and basis of report As the Charity Trustees ofthe Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 201 l Act and in carying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as 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 reqiiirements conLerningy the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Rcports) Regulations 2008 other than dny requireineiit that thc accoLints give a 'true and fiiir view which is not a matter considered as part of an indcpendent examindtion. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in ihis report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Revd. Graham Thompson Address: 46 Mayfield Way North Walsham NR28 ODQ Date: I Ith January 2025
Name of Circuit: Torridge Methodistcircuit 37121 Declarations and Scrutiny I confirm thatthese ReIpt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 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 413125 Name and address of treasurer Paul Booth Hillcrest Horwood Bideford EX39 4PB Presentation to the Clrcuit meetlng I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were presented to the Circuit meeting held on 4 Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name ofthe Chair ofthe meeting Rev'd Robert J Blackhall