Trustees Annual Report - The Torridge Methodist Circuit For the year ended 31 August 2025 

## 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. 

## 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 have eight fully trained Local Preachers, who take Worship Services, with one more still in training. There is also a supernumerary minister who also takes worship services. Every month, via Zoom, there is a service to enable those who are physically unable to attend a church, to take part in worship. 

Worship Services are published in the monthly newsletter which is distributed to all members. : 

Unfortunately, two chapels have been closed due to the lack of officers to undertake the required roles. 

; 

As planned, the Superintendent Minster retired at the end of the year. 

We have now appointed a Deacon from the Methodist Diaconal Order, who will begin service with us from March 2026. 

We again had multigenerational events on a farm for Palm Sunday afternoon, and also at Christmas — which again included a live donkey— with an age range from a few weeks to well into the 90’s. We seek to continue to expand this work. 

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There are also numerous Coffee mornings around the Circuit each month which are a chance for local people to meet and share together. 

A number of organisations use our premises; some providing an important social function. We seek to engage with them in their work. 

## We also seek to interact with our local communities. 

## Income Trends 

Circuit income is mainly derived from the Assessments paid annually by each of the churches. Every year a new budget is agreed, and Assessments are then reviewed. Unfortunately, due to the reducing number of chapels, Assessment income is falling. However, the eventual sale of these chapels will produce a useful boost to Circuit funds. Rental income is received from one property within the Circuit. 

Interest is received from trust funds held within TMCP. 

## Expenditure Trends 

Ministerial stipends rise each financial year in line with Conference approved increases. 

The sum of £37,917 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 annual cost of living rises as appropriate. The Families and Children’s Worker is paid for hours worked, and any expenses incurred. 

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|Unrestricted|£332849||
|TrustFunds|Restricted|£231206||



## 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 Presbyter on 80% time. There will also be one full-time Circuit Lay Minister a Circuit Manager, and we will continue to have a Families Worker who will work on 

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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 Christ 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 2025 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 Main communication address: Hillcrest, Horwood, Bideford EX39 4PB. 

The members ofthe[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 

## Circuit Treasurer 

Rev Paul Booth 

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## Independent Examiner 

Rev Graham Thompson 46 Mayfield Way North Walsham NR28 0DQ 

Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church. Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. Retail Banker: NatWest. 

## 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 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 recreation 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. 

; 

Page 4 of 5 

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 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 Circuit must attend a training course as soon as they are appointed. 

Page 5 of 5 

Torridge Methodist Circuit 

## INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 

For the year ended 31st August 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|2025|2024|
|INCOME|
|Assessments|104604|114593|
|Interest|on|Investments|(net)|4545|10097|
|Lettings|3716|8849|
|Transfers|from|Circuit|Model|Trust|Fund|200000|110000|
|Bequest — Jean|Taylor|2000|-|
|Collection|for|Easter|Offering|527|.|
|Connexional|Grant|8000|-|
|Donations|350|300|
|323742|243839|
|EXPENDITURE|
|Ministerial|Stipends|71079|83261|
|Circuit|Lay|Employees|58631|52475|
|Circuit|Family|Worker|3525|2538|
|District|Assessment|37917|33988|
|Travelling|Expenses|4525|4836|
|Preaching|Costs|1134|1258|
|Stationery,|Software,|Postage|and|Printing|6308|6423|
|Telephone|and|Internet|2086|1684|
|Insurance|8946|6561|
|Graveyard|Maintenance|(net)|118|1040|
|Quinquennial|Inspections|414|806|
|Property|Costs|-|Lettings|5555|5424|
|Manse|Maintenance|31541|8676|
|Electrical|and|Asbestos|Surveys|2268|12118|
|Office|Rent|and|Accommodation|3277|-|
|Council|Tax|5387|4440|
|-|
|Water|Rates|1177|733|
|Legal|and|Professional|Fees|536|5306|
|Closed|Churches|and|Other|Property|Costs|11410|6037|
|Training|220|315|
|Hospitality|and|Gifts|550|177|
|Grant|- Northam|-|10000|
|Mission|Fund|(net)|386|583|
|Easter|Offering|8|||-|
|Equipment|Repairs|and Renewals|201|311|
|Bank|Charges|167|150|
|Miscellaneous|201|233|
|264136|249373|
|Surplus Income|over Expenditure|59606|(5534)|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Torridge Methodist Circuit 

## RECONCILIATION 

## Balances as at 1st September 2024 

|Balances as at 1st SeptemberSeptember 2024|||
|---|---|---|
|NatWest Account||23949.40|
|CFB Account||34490.75|
|Debtorsand Prepayments||6335.23|
|Loan - Buckland Brewer||5000.00|
|||69775.38|
|Creditors and Accruals||26513.54|
|||43261.84|
|Add: Surplus Income over Expenditure||59606.58|
|||102868.42|
|Balances as at 31stAugust 2025|||
|||||
|NatWest Account||77172.86|
|CFB Account||49992.59|
|Debtors and Prepayments||3647.89|
|Loan - Buckland Brewer||5000.00|
|||135813.34|
|Creditors and Accruals||32944.92|
|||102868.42|



## Add: Surplus Income over Expenditure 

## Closed Churches and Other Property Costs 

||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
|Sheepwash<br>Thornhillhead|7804<br>4556|2982<br>3055|
|Alwington|(6643)|-|
|Suomi Cottage|2294|-|
|Lake|3399||
||11410|6037|



Torridge Methodist Circuit 

## Circuit Model Trust Fund 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening|Balance|
|Interest|
|Property|Sales|(Alwington;|Suomi &|Field)|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


57846.26 5098.72 615896.61 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|678841.59|
|Annual|District|Levy|1446.16|
|TMCP|Charge|188.00|
|Transfer|to|General|Fund|170000.00|
|CPF|Levies|on|Sales|174358.64|
|ee|345992.80|
|Closing|Balance|as|at 31st August 2025|332848.79|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## Funds Held by TMCP 

Fund 5232 - William Pett Bequest Cemetery Fund Set up for the benefit ofRowden graveyard but could be usedfor any other graveyard. 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening|Balance|1411.00|
|Interest|and|Dividends|46.94|
|Gains|on|Investments|1.43|
|1459.37|
|TMCP|Charge|4.59|
|Closing|Balance|as|at|31st August 2025|1454.78|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fund|10087|- Annie|G.|Ford|Bequest|
|Fund set|up|for|the|benefit ofSiloam graveyard only.|
|Opening|Balance|2334.73|
|Interest|and|Dividends|49.26|
|Gains|on|Investments|4.31|
|2388.30|
|TMCP|Charge|7.59|
|Transfer|to|General|Fund|41.67|
|49.26|
|Closing Balance|as|at|31st August 2025|2339.04|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Torridge Methodist Circuit 

## Funds Held by TMCP (continued) 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fund|22443|-|Margaret|Joan|Trible|Bequest|
|Fund set upfor the|benefit|ofBradford graveyard.|
|Opening|Balance|2175.49|
|Interest|103.75|
|2279.24|
|TMCP|Charge|7.07|
|Closing Balance|as|at 31st August 2025|221217|
|Fund|22610|-|Rowden|Graveyard|Fund|
|Fund set up for the|benefit ofRowden graveyard.|
|Opening Balance|20520.08|
|Interest|976.70|
|21496.78|
|TMCP Charge|66.69|
|Closing Balance|as|at 31st August 2025|21430.09|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>



**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Fund|12022|- Various|Bequests|.|
|For the support ofgraveyards|but balance|can be usedfor other Methodist|purposes.|
|Opening|Balance|104090.92|
|Interest and Dividends|4145.90|
|108236.82|
|TMCP Charge|338.30|
|Transfers|to|General|Fund|33807.60|
|Losses|on|Investments|22.12|
|34168.62|
|Closing Balance|as|at 31st August 2025|74068.20|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


Torridge Methodist Circuit 

## Funds Held by TMCP (continued) 

Fund 13031 —Miss Mary Lemon Bequest For the support ofMinisters appointed to serve in the Torridge Circuit 


**----- Start of picture text -----**<br>
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening|Balance|142002.14|
|Interest|and|Dividends|3816.08|
|Gains|on|Investments|203.30|
|146021.52|
|TMCP|Charge|461.51|
|Transfer|to|General|Fund|3354.57|
|he|3816.08|
|Closing Balance|as|at 31st August 2025|142205.44|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


## Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Torridge Methodist Circuit 

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Torridge Circuit (the Trust) for the year ended 31st August 2025 

## Responsibilities and basis of report 

As the Charity Trustees of the 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. 

## Independent examiner’s statement 

I have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 

1. 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 requirements concerning the form and content 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 come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

Signed: 

## Name: Revd. Graham Thompson 

Address: 46 Mayfield Way North Walsham NR28 0DQ 

Date: 6th February 2025 

Torridge Circuit 

## Designated Funds 2024-25 

||Bradford G’yard|Rowden G’yard|Siloam G’yard|Ben. Fund|Youth Fund|Mission Fund|Total|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening Bal.|23461|29623|4139|572|3190|933|61917|
|Income|-|2385|100|-|-|-|2485|
|Expenditure|1235. *|1254 *|-|22|-|386|2897|
|ClosingBalance|22226|30754|4239|549|3190|547|61505|



* Expenditure includes year end Creditors 

X 

Torridge Circuit 

Circuit No 37/20 

## Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 

|Balance Sheet as at 3131 August 2025|||
|---|---|---|
|||GN|
|(Unrestricted)<br>Trusts<br>Funds<br>Funds<br>Funds<br>2024/25<br>Notes to the<br>(Unrestricted) |(Unrestricted)<br>Accounts<br>£<br>ie<br>(x<br>a<br>£<br>5|2023/24<br>£||
|Fixed Assets<br>circuitManses@Equoment——id|<br>ld<br>llOEE<br>eee, §<br>650,000)<br>investment properties<br>——ssssidYSC*dCOi‘(CC‘*COOOOO<br>=|)<br>130,000)<br>investments<br>s—~wYSC(“‘“‘CSS*@LSCCS]<br>ttn]<br>111,309)<br>|____<br>Totalfinedassets]<br>—=«dt__arora<br>SCtt0.990)<br>020,308)|680,000]<br>430,000}<br>414,129<br> [1,224,720]|R<br>R|
|Current Assets<br>petors<br>TCC~sYSC“‘C*drSC*é‘éS#A|’TSOOF©F©€©6UT<br>CUT<br>8<br>lLoansbytheGraut =| Ss—~idYSCOTTY<br>8,00]<br>linvestmentswithTMcP_———=s«dL_s=Si‘i‘;*édSC*C*‘éTCSWBGY?C*CO™~*C*C‘#SABAQ|_CCCC1,505]<br>27.496]<br>81,874]<br>468,300]<br>[Central Finance BoardDeposits<br>||=<br>agsgon|SCTS|<br>CT<br>9,009<br>cahabekendntend<br>|. |<br>mie] |<br>eal<br>[<br>__—~—«*Totad currentassets|—«L___t7.s0e]__saneao]___or,s0sl_——z7.aaei_—<staval<br>601,122|6,335]<br>5,000<br>219,251<br>34,491]<br>23,949|S<br>T|
|Current liabilities<br>[Creditors(dueinundertyea)<br>«| Ss]Sagas]<br>C|CE<br>T8005<br>en<br>ee ae Oe<br>ne ee ees ee<br>ee a <br>[<br>. fotaleamentlienilites| [Oa<br>ol<br>szeasl<br>| ____Netcurrentassetsfiabilities|<br>| ___114,453| _—-332,849]_—S=g1,805|_—=—27,4e|<br>34,074]<br>868,177]|26,513}<br> a<br>ae.)<br> |___262,613]|U|
|[ToiarasseisTesscurentlabiities|_——~(|___er5asi]__sezeaa]_—er.soad]—«av<br>ase]<br>taz208) 1,489,406<br>a<br>a a a<br>(due<br>aftermorethanone<br>year)<br>ea oa<br>A<br>De<br>cee<br>EE<br>Se<br>ee<br>a eSee<br>RE<br>a)<br>|<br>_Netassets|<br>|<br>925,431]<br>332,849f<br>61,505]<br>27,496]<br>142,205]<br>1,489,486|1,483,642,|v<br>W|
|Funds ofthe Circuit<br>[GeneralFund(Unresticted)<br>|<br>925,431<br>Cireut ede Trust Fund (Unrestricted)|<br>DesignatedFunds(Unresticted) |<br>[___Total<br>Unrestricted Funds|<br>Resvicedrns |<br>fEndowmentfunds——<br>[208]<br>142.206<br>|<br>TotalFunds|<br>[|__sveasi]_saneas]<br>—ov.sos]——27aee]<br>1,480,488]||w|



LS 

Circuit No 

37/20 

, 

ae 

a 

. 

## Torridge Circuit 

## Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024 


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|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|to|Circuit|Model|Designated|
|the|General|Fund|Trust|Funds|Restricted|Endowment|Total|
|accounts|(Unrestricted)|(Unrestricted)|(unrestricted)|Funds|Funds|2023-24|
|£|£|£|£|E|£|
|Income|
|4|Donations|and|legacies|300|665|500|1,465|
|2|Income|from|monetary|investments|§,528|6/553|1,260|4,773|18,114|
|3|Income|from|investment|properties|8,849|8,849|
|4|Assessments|on|Churches|114,593|114,593|
|5|Capital|Receipts|0|
|6|Grants|received|0|
|7|Other|charitable|income|4,000|
|8|Total|income|129,270|10,553|665|1,760|4,773|147,021|
|Expenditure|
|9|Grants|and|donations|10,000|583|10,583|
|10|Salaries|and|associated|costs|138,274|138,274|
|11|Property|maintenance|33,061|33,061|
|42|Connexional|assessment &|model|trust|levy|0|
|13|District Assessment &|Levy|33,988|5,671|39,659|
|14|Depreciation|0|
|15|Office expenses|8,418|8,418|
|16|Other|outgoings|24,305|466|1,705|70|382|26,928|
|17 Total|charitable|expenditure|248,046|6,137|2,288|70|382|256,923|
|18|Gains/(losses)|on|monetary|investments|47|415|223|7,908|8,593|
|19|Gains/(losses)|on|investment|properties|
|20|Net income/(expenditure)|-118,729|4,416|-1,208|1,913|12,299|-101,309|
|21|Transfers|between|funds|114,450|-|110,000|-|59|-|4,391|(e)|
|22|Other|gains/(losses)|
|23|Net|movement|in|funds|-4,279|-105,584|~1,208|1,854|7,908|-101,309|
|24|Total|funds|brought forward|1,199,715|163,430|63,125|24,587|134,094|1,584,951|
|25 Total funds|carried|forward|1,195,436|57,846|61,917|26,441|142,002|1,483,642|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


\ 

Torridge Circuit 

Circuit No 

37/20 

## Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025 

|Notes to|||Circuit|Circuit|Model|Designated||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|the|General Fund|||Trust||Funds||Restricted|Endowment||Total|
|accounts|(Unrestricted)||(Unrestricted)|||(unrestricted)||Funds||Funds|2024-25|
|||£||>||£||=||£|£|
|.||||||||||||
|Income||||||||||||
|1<br>Donations and legacies||2,350||||2,485|||||4,835|
|2<br>Income from monetary investments||1,148|||5,099|||et||3,816|11,240|
|3<br>Income from investment properties||3,716|||||||||3,716|
|4<br>Assessments on Churches||104,604|||||||||104,604|
|5<br>Capital Receipts||||269,041|||||||269,041|
|6<br>Grants received||8,000|||||||||8,000|
|7<br>Other charitable income||527|||||||||527|
|8 Total income||120,345||274,140||2,485||1,177||3,816|401,963|
|Expenditure||||||||||||
|9<br>Grants and donations|||||||||||0|
|10 Salaries and associated costs||139,235|||||||||139,235|
|11 Property maintenance||51,302|||||||||51,302|
|12 Connexional assessment& model trust levy||||59,617|||||||59,617|
|13 DistrictAssessment& Levy||37,917|||4,446||||||39,363|
|14 Depreciation|||||||||||0|
|15 Office expenses||8,645|||||||||8,645|
|16 Other outgoings||26,625|||188|2,897||86||461|30,257|
|17 Total charitable expenditure||263,724|||61,251|2,897||86||461|328,419|
|18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments|-|23||||||6||203|186|
|19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties|||-|67,886|||||||-67,886|
|20 Netincome/(expenditure)||-143,402||145,003||-412||1,097||3,558|5,844|
|21 Transfers between funds|-|126,603||130,000|||-|42|-|Soon|0|
|22 Other gains/(losses)||||||||||||
|23 Netmovement infunds||-270,005||275,003||-412||1,055||203|5,844|
|24Total funds broughtforward||1,195,436||57,846||61,917||26,441||142,002|1,483,642|
|25Totalfundscarriedforward||925,431||332,849||61,505||27,496||142,205|1,489,486|



XX 

Name Of Circuit Torridge Methodist .Circuit 

## Declarations and Scrutiny 

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

Signature of treasurer imCia? * wate exsaieny pata... of ¥24 

Name and address of treasurer Paul Booth Hillcrest Horwood Bideford EX39 4PB 

## Presentation to the Circuit meeting 

| confirm the at the annual report and accounts for the year ended were presented to the 

Circuit meeting held on 10 [c3 Jaei, 

Signature of the Chair of the meeting Qos PiFeLath Name of the Chair ofthe meeting Paes ' | A _ or, aheuL 

\