2022-08-31-accounts

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Charity registration number: 1133792 Circuit number: 29/24

Annual Report

For the Year Ended 31 August 2022

Circuit Office

Allhallowgate Methodist Church Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG

Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit

Reference and Administrative Details Trustees’ Report 4 Financial Review 8

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Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit Reference and Administrative Details

Trustees

Rev Gareth Baron Rev Ian Pruden Deacon Nigel Perrott Diane Ashby Diane Gaskill Phillipa Smith Catherine Clowes Maureen Scollay Amanda Jane Milner Robin George Jennings Stephen Wild Karen Emms Richard Emms Andrea Scott John Ensoll Elisabeth Hogerzeil Clare Dalton Lister Baynes Sharon Fiona Holmes Kathleen Lowrie Timothy Abel Angela Archbold David Arundell Jan Goodall

Pamela Stansfield Julie Olive Smith Lynn Allen Brian Fothergill Joan Fothergill Alan Davies Geoff Lobley Brian Davies Pauline Broadwith Hazel Jean Stelling Phillipa Cowie Roger Taylor Mark Greensit Robert Eric Greensit Helen Ruth Verity Ruth Christine Thomas Pauline Staton Steve Morton Joyce Spensley Janet Margaret Watson Joy Abel John Wilkinson Duck Simon Abel Elizabeth Elvy

Secretary

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Diane Gaskill

Finance Officer / Circuit Treasurer

Diane Ashby

Principal Office

Circuit Office, Allhallowgate Methodist Church, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 1LG

Charity Registration Number

1133792

Bankers

CAF Bank Ltd, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, ME19 4JQ

HSBC plc, 34 Westgate, Ripon, HG4 2BL

Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4PE

Investment Bankers

Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

Investment Managers and Custodian Trustees

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, M1 1JQ

Independent Examiner

R Stride & Co LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) Accountants

Rear of Eastville Terrace, Ripon Road, Harrogate, HG1 3HJ

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Trustees Report

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice

Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit is made up of 14 Churches (although we started the year with 15), split into 2 sections centred around Ripon and Boroughbridge and Masham and Bedale.

Full Name of Charity : Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit Registration

Charity Number : 1133792

Date of registration : 27 January 2010

Structure, Governance and Management

Nature of governing document

The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976).

Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD). Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along with the Local Preachers Meeting.

Appointment and training of trustees

The members of the Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of Circuit Office holders, Ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.

A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifically the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees.

Related Parties

The Circuit is part of the Yorkshire North and East Methodist District and is also accountable to Connexion through the Methodist Conference of Great Britain.

The following Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit Allhallowgate, Bishop Monkton, Boroughbridge, Harrogate Road, Dallowgill, Ellington, Grewelthorpe, Kirkby Malzeard, Masham, Sawley, Snape, West Tanfield, Bedale, Carthorpe, and Finghall.

Risk Management

Any major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Leadership Team with professional advice taken as required.

There is a regular annual review process undertaken.

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Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis 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.

• We will carefully select and train 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.

• We will respond 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.

• We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek 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 Ripon and Lower Dales 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 Ripon and Lower Dales Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

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Objectives and Activities

Aims and Organisation

In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Circuit Meeting, under the leadership of the Superintendent and the Circuit Leadership Team, meet regularly throughout the year and have endeavoured to ensure that in advancing our objectives they conform to the Charities Act 2011 and are in line with Charity Commissioners’ general guidance.

Our mission is to resource Church and community, enabling them to carry out the vision to be an effective and visible Christian presence in our area.

We aim to achieve this by encouraging, throughout the Circuit and its Churches, the worship, social and outreach activities that currently exist and by seeking new ways to extend to others the fellowship of the Church.

Charity Objective

The charity objective is to act as a Resource Provider within the area around Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit for the Methodist Church.

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of:

a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church

c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.

The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.

Taking religious assemblies in local schools.

Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

Provision of chaplaincy services to the local community including National Trust and Police and other institutions.

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Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Achievements and Performance

Review of year

This year we have continued to engage creatively to fulfil the mission purposes of the circuit by creative means as we continue to journey out of the pandemic. These include the provision of a written and recorded worship at home service each week produce by our circuit ministers and local preachers. We have also continued to make use of online video conference calls for some meetings to help towards reducing the circuit’s carbon footprint.

The circuit has seen the successful recruitment of the newly formed Circuit Finance Officer post. Alongside this development to help the circuit achieve its fullest potential, we have also travelled through two sabbatical periods. Further changes to the circuit ministerial staffing came with the Methodist Diaconal Order identifying the skills of Revd. Deacon Nigel Perrott matched a critical appointment which resulted in an earlier than anticipated move, leaving the Circuit one ordained staff member less. The lay employed office staffing has also been reviewed and renewed, resulting in a newly developed Circuit Admin Support Officer post. This was carried out in preparation for the replacement of two part-time office staff members who enter retirement in early 2023.

We have been encouraged by new community focused initiatives, for example a community larder run in partnership with two community groups. Also, we have seen the reawakening with fresh vigour of more established groups that ceased during the time of the pandemic, such as social care groups.

Unfortunately, 2021/22 also saw the closure of Finghall Church, however, they have successfully integrated themselves, and become a Class of, Bedale and District Church, giving them a fresh start and they are again flourishing.

Plans for 2022/23

We have been reflecting considerably upon the cost-of-living crisis which is being felt by everyone across all walks of life. One such consideration is how we might best support our local communities by using our buildings to provide safe and warm spaces. We are looking towards exploring this further as well as seeking to gain an informed understanding of what needs are arising out of the cost-ofliving crisis. We are preparing for how we can work in partnerships with other local groups to meet the needs of those most impacted.

Further plans are for the recruitment of the newly formed Circuit Admin Support Officer post. We also plan to review the Local Pastor vacancy which we have not been successful in filling.

Unfortunately, we are preparing for the closure of Kirkby Malzeard Church, who have voted and are seeking permission to cease worship. Whilst this decision

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made by the Kirkby Malzeard Church Council meetings trustees is marked with some sadness, the church members will be exploring how they can continue to be a Methodist Christian presence within the village.

Plans for next year also include the preparation for a review of the circuit’s fiveyear budget forecast with particular focus upon how the circuit’s resourcing review has contributed to fulfilling the circuits missional objectives.

Financial Review

All accounts are produced on an accruals basis, however no one outstanding transaction met the thresholds of the requirement for an accrual, therefore no accruals were raised.

Income Trends

We have seen a reduction in income this year due to two main factors:

A payment holiday was given to the Churches in respect of their Assessment payment (the quarterly payment they make to the Circuit for the running costs) for the last quarter of the year in recognition of the ongoing recovery from the pandemic meaning their own income had not yet fully recovered from pre pandemic times;
Additionally in 2020/21 an ex Ministerial property (Manse) was sold, which when assessing this years total income, the large decrease needs to be assessed in more detail, as this is due to the capital receipt for said property and not a true reflection of ongoing income.

Expenditure Trends

Expenditure has decreased overall by almost £200k, this is again mainly attributable to the sale of the Manse as above, as under Connexional Methodist code of practice, any sale of Property incurs a levy which is taken by Connexion via District to fund Missional work across the whole Methodist community. We also incur a levy on our end of year balance in trust (which is where our property sales income is credited) again to fund the overall Methodist missional funding.

Fund Balances

Balances at 31/08/22

Current account £24,214 CFB account £125,633 Model Trust Fund £402,105 Endowments/Restricted £54,171 Cash £59 TOTAL £606,182 Less Restricted/Designated £225,032 Total Reserves at end of financial year £381,150

Reserves Policy

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The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 6 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.

At the end of the last financial year (31/08/22)

Annual Expenditure £316,821 Forecast Expenditure for year ending 31/08/22 £348,503 Six months of this rounded to nearest £5,000 is £170,000

The reserves are above our target at the moment, being over by £211,150 . However, mission opportunities continue to move forward with plans to develop our Churches, including projects to develop our buildings to enhance our churches and provide scope for more mission work, including the development of Bishop Monkton and Boroughbridge Churches, and until all costs have been met, funds may be loaned by the Circuit in addition to a possible grants to be given by the Circuit.

We also have ongoing property issues where additional expenditure may be required for sale/anticipate making substantial financial assistance available to all of our churches as we emerge pandemic and enter into a spiralling cost of living crisis, in particular energy costs. We estimate between £50,000 and £100,000.

Based on the above the surplus funds held over the agreed reserve are not considered to be a tolerable level for the continued smooth running of the circuit.

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CIRCUIT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS n and Lower Dales Circuit FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2022 Yorkshire N & E Dlstrlct Clrcuit no 29124 Rogl¥tsr•d Charfty - Charlty Regl8trAtlon number 1133792 If not a rsglslered d)arty Her ma9ty.8 Revenu• and Customty Glft Ald number The HMRC numbor is equivalent to 8 reglslergd charity numb8r in i&mis of evklence of Gharltablo status and may be used lo give lo donors or grant fvnders shIng to see evidence of the organisalion's ch8rilable status. Melhodlsl charities in England and Wa$ that not registered charflies are excepted from registration under Slalulory Instrument 2014 No.242) Ministers: Roverend18n Prnden.LMlnisler Clrcuit Stewards". Maureen ScollaJ__ Amanda Milner Steve Wild Robin Jennin Treasurer. Dralle Ashb Orcull LEty 21-22121K iofi

20ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2022 n and Lower Dal88 Circult Un- Clrcurt r•stslcted Model Trtl Restrf¢i8d Totth th18 Fund Funds Tota18 last SECTION A a1 RE¢EIPTS 82 Asses$m8nVSh8re 157.345 157 345 205,035 a3 Ca Is Bank and CFB Inler8St and Investment thcom¢ 551 550 1.583 1.195 Grants 475 86 other receipt8 TOTAL RECEIPTS 18.625 18,62$ 252,350 33.322 a7 1TI,553 74.792 la81 792.467 SECTION B b1 b2 PAYMENT8 Stipends, 8alarl6s. NIC, Pensk)n arKI travel costs 184.545 193 045 151.677 b3 Manse Costs 25.934 b4 Admlnlslratlon ètc 9,C#J2 47 280 5.914 bs Distrlct As3888menl b8 b7 Grants & don8lk)n8 b8 Other p TOTAL PAYMENTS ments 43.859 671 44,530 298,09S 607,066 b9 298.160 18.671 316,821 bg SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR c1 aT4>9 ¢2 Tolal lunds tirou hl forwafd from last ar 1SS.882 480,604 870.653 378410 c3 Sub total c1+C 516 725 606 182 663 821 Tr8nsferi ad uslmenl8 c7 ¢5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR Ic3+c41 36.286 S18.725 64.171 606,182 ¢81 670,663 ¢6 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY.. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS th858 amounts should not be IncI¢d In total recel t•1 onts abml Balanc8 bfou hl lo8rd from la51 Offerin sIGifts recèlved for exièrnal OfferingslGlfts- passed lo exlemal BALANCE STILL TO 8E PAID d1+d2-d3 d1 d2 8nis3tion3 d3 aniSatnS d4

and Lowor Oa ¢lw¢¥ll RY SECTION É dts•th Snary01¢ th&Ye¥ 31 Awl 20zi¥MI kn14m 10 theCknAllleebng. ihefundsol a lnieTn 0193n9n rrfjrmatyèe ilwiiiwcthAd L for3w MBth0dipurpoStr Th13 yecl mu51b&CwKeled toaiiF¥e attr w I[1$arMJPoryts iola¢8L4iCYat 01£250.OM. then ihe Actwèls Mel xcounbryAND A DIFFERENT FORM ¥XX5 IseelAthxt%%th). PMe rdwtr)th&gubJance INTERIIAL CfriAN15A(yI¥ br0ughtithW4 Ir1 pDa• 2-totA¥ ¢rnnI 252J#D 471 670.863 G• 6Q6.182 ELO BY CIRCUIT J1•.•21 64.471 870 86J 61J6 182 Cthilw0n Tor RECEPT¥ TOTALPAYfiEIIT5 secTION F OPENIP4G BALhNC CLOSINO ALANCES cIKuri-CASTrIFL4DOHELD It31 eath knhqnd 59 clnwFthWUqc•d 10 216 480,6D4 402.105 54,166 8UB TOTAL 170,603 606,IB2 Tol IL$ IOTALCASH FUNDS ¥ELO BY CIReiMr 070.863 601 182 sECTN G OTHeRA£T$ Ul&LThs 2021 7025 54 185 72 54 170.97 1 133 C¢9 1 306 295

Name of Circuit Ripon and Lower Dales Circutl No 29124 Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2022 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit arKI that they include all funds under th8 control of the Circuit meeting. Signature of treasUr Name and address of treasurer . Circuit Office, Allhallowgate Methodist Church Victoria Grov8, Ripon. HG4 1 LG Prosentatlon to the Clrcult meeting I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 were*dlkkn' presented to the Circuit meeting held on Signature of lh8 Chair of the mè8ling Name of the Chair of the meeting CkulfLedgEr 21-2ZI21.xts

Name of Circuit Ripon and Lower Dales Circuit No 29f24 Independent Examinerfs statennt I have Completed my examination. I Confi that no malerial matters have come to my attention in connertion wilh the examination (other than that disclosed bel) vthich give me cause lo believe that in, any material resped: the accountlng records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Acl., or the accounts do not accord 1th the accounting records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wlth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the aoUnt8 lo be rea¢hed. I havelhave not. obtained independenl verification of all investments the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are Individually in excess of £10,000 {ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet dale. Signature of independenl examiner Name of independent examiner Robin Stride R81evanl professional qualification of independenl 8xaminer FMAAT Name of firm {wh8re appropriate) R Stride & Co LLP Address The Old Coach House, Rear of Easlville Terrace, Ripon Road. Harrogate, HG13HJ Date 7th June 2023 Qr(wtLedger21-Z3111.K Lofl