Charity re8lStration number: 1133792
Clrcult number:29124
Ripon & Lower Dales Methodist Circuit
WITH GOD, IN THE CITY, TOWNS, VILLAGES, AND RURAL AREAS
Annual Report
For the Year Ended 31" August 2023
Circuit Office
Allhallowgate Methodist Church
Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 ILG
Rlpon and Lower Dales Methodlst Clrcult

Contents
Reference and Administrative Details
Trusteès, Report
Financial Review
Pa8e 11

Rlpon and Lower Dales Methodlst arcult
Reference and Admlnlstrative Detalls
Trustees
Rev Gareth Baron
Mr Stephen Wild
Mr5 Diane Ashby
Miss Amanda Milner
Mrs. Andrea Scott
Mrs Catherine Clowes
Mrs. Pauline Broadwith
Mr David Arundell
Mr Richard Emms
Mr Brian Davies
Mrs. Elizabeth Elvy
Mrs. Phillippa Cowie
Mrs. Hazel Stelling
Mrs Clare Dalton
Mrs. Angela Archbold
Mrs. Pauline Staton
Mrs. Karen Emms
Mr Mark Greensit
Mr Timothy Abel
Mrs Joan Fothergill
page 12

Secretary
Charlotte Mauder
Flnance Officer
Diane Ashby
Prlndpal Office
Circuit Office, Allhallowgate Methodist Church, Victoria Grove, Ripon, HG4 ILG
Charfty Registratlon 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 Bonhlll 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, Ml IJQ
Independent Examlner
S Cutting. Bridge Methodist Circuit.
28 The Green, Acomb, York, Y026 5LR
Page 13

Trustees Report
The Charity's annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 Au8USt 2023 have been prepared In
accordan￿ with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practlce
Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit is made up of 15 churches split into two sertlons centred
around Ripon and BoroLlghbridge, Masham and Bedale.
Full Name of Charlty: Ripon and Lower Dales Methodist Circuit Registration
Charlty Number: 1133792
Date of Registration: 27 January 2010
Strurture, Governance and Management
Nature ofgoverninq 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.
Appolntment and trnlnlng 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 'Role of a Trustee in The Methodist.Church' is given to all new Circuit
meeting members as induction to their role as trustees.
Related Partt"es
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,
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.
Income and Expenditure is belng 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.
Page 14

Saftquardlng
Every person has a value and dlgnity whlch comes directly from the C￿ation of male and female In
God's own image and likeness. Christfans see this potentlal as fulfilled by God's re-creation of us in
Christ. Among other things thls Implles a duty to value all people as bearin8 the Image of God and
therefore to protect them from harm.
Methodist Connexional prdrtlce outlines commltment to the following princlples:
the care and nurture of, and respertful pastoral mlnistry with, all chlldren, young people and
adults
the safeguarding and protectlon of all chlldren, young people and adults when they are
vulnerable.
the establish of safe, caring communities which provide a lovlng environment where there Is
informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
We will carefully selert and trdln all those with any responsibility Wlthin the Church, in line
with Safer Recrultment prlnclples, Including the use of crlminal 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 he 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 vulnerdble adult.
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice
The Ripon and Lower Dales Circult 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.

Objertlves and Acdvftles
In settin8 our objectfves and plannin8 our actfvltles, the Clrcult Meetln& under the leadershlp of the
Superintendent and the Clrcult Leadershlp Team, meet regularly throughout the year and have
endeavoured to ensu￿ that In adwanclng our objectfves they conform to the Charltles Act 2011 and
are In line wlth Charlty Commisslonerf general guldance.
Our mlsslon is to resource Church and communlty, enablin8 them to carry out the vlslon to be an
effective and vlsible Christian presence In our area.
We aim to achieve thi5 by encourdgin8, throughout the Circuit and its Churches, the worshlp, social
and outreach actlvities that currently exist and by seeking new way5 to extend to others the
fellowship of the Church.
Charity Objeth"ve
The charity objective is to act as a Resource Provider within the area around Ripon and Lower Dales
Methodist Orcuit for the Methodist Church.
The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of
Unlon the advancement of:
a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The
Methodist Church
b) Any charitable p.urpose for the time being of any Connexional, Distrirt, Circutt, 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 or 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.
Publlc Benefit
We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charlty Commlsslon's guldance on publlc benefit.
Page 16

Achl•vements and ￿rforMance
Revlew of y￿r
In the plan for 22/23 the central focus was to rEduce the Impact of the cost-of-Ilvln8 crlsls to the
most vulnerable. Specific examples Include.
Snape Methodist Churth opened a warm space when the cost-of-llvlng crlsis saw many
people livin8 in fuel poverty. The success of which led to the space belng used as a
pemianent hub, in partnership with the local communlty.
Boroughbridge Methodist continued its work wlth Boroughbridge Community Charlty and
Boroughbridge Lions. The collabordtion continues to run 'The Community Larder, whose alm
is to reduce food waste by encourdging local food retailers, households, and allotment
holders to donate their surplus food, which is then redistributed to the local community.
In Masham, the Methodist Church run a similar initiative in partnership with the CO-OP to
distribute food to those in need.
In terms of staffing, we are no longer seeking to recruit a second local pastor and are delighted to
have Rev Sarah Caddell wlth us as a Probationer Presbyter. She will have pastoral responslbility for
both Harrogate Road and Bishop Monkton. Our Circuit Finance Officer resigned at the end of the
connexional year and left the circuit with a sudden gap in provision. Thankfully, we were able to
utilise the expertise of the Operations Manager of the Bridge Circuit Sue Cutting who is a real asset
to us as a Circuit. We are also delighted to recruit Samantha Price as our new Admin Support Officer
who, along with Sue, will support to the circuit. We are happy to report that this change has already
lifted morale.
Unfortunately, two circuit stewards resigned but we have welcomed a new steward Richard Clark
who will join Amanda Milner on the team. The plan is that another will join the team in the next 6
months.
The Circuit Leadership Team have been drawing on the support of the district as they explore and
realise visions and future to fulfil the missional objectives.
Plans for 202312024
As a Circuit, we seek to continue our prayers and support for the work of Missional Ministries. The
last gathering for the Leprosy Mission was well received by circuit members and reminded us of the
many people in the world who are still very affected by Leprosy. We wish to continue educating
ourselves about and discover how we can offer our support.
Specifically, for the Local Preachers and Worship Leaders, we have challenged them as individuals to
take control of their own personal growth and will support this by continuing to provide
opportunities for further development within their role.
Allhallowgate have asked for permission to remove the pews in the sanctuary to allow for a more
flexible, more modern, and comfortable worship space. As a circuit we look to support churches as
they adapt and look to the future. During the Covid-19 pandemic and the years that have followed
less people, but more recently as a circuit we have seen people slowly returning to our buildings and
are keen to encourage new initiatives that reach those on the outskirts, providing support where we
are able to.
Page 17

Flmndal Re
All aLYounts are WDduced on an aCcrt￿l basls. Holts￿r, no one outstandlni transactfon met the
thresholds of the requlrement for accrual& TherEfore. no accruals were ralsed.
Income Trends
We have seen an increase In Income thls year due to two maln factors:
Sale of Methodist Property as agreed by the Circuit meetfng
Increase in interest as markets have had a better year.
Expenditure Trends
We have seen an increase in expenditure this year; this is again mainly attributable to the sale of
property as above, as under the 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.
We have also had an increase in Manse costs, this due to agreed expenditure on a working manse to
make it fit for purpose.
Fund Balances
Balances at 31108123
Current account £7248
CFB account £91271
Model Trust Fund £580740
Endowments/ Restricted £54171
Cash £59
Total Reserves at end of financial year £733489
Reserves Policy
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 Circult Assessment from churches.
Page 18

Annual Expenditure £515212
At the end of the last flnanclal year (31108123)
Forecast Expenditure for year ending 3V08123 £30921514.
SIX months of this rounded to nearest £5,000 Is £155000
The reserves are above our target at the moment. 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, includlng 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 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 out of
the pandemic and enter into a spiralling cost of living crisi, in particular energy costs. We estimated
between £50,000 and £lOO,000.
Based on the above the surplus funds held over the agreed reserv'e are not considered to be a
tolerable level for the continued smooth running of the circuit.
ZO, ts>L<-
Page 19

CIRCUIT
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS
ACCOUNTS
THE METHODIST CHURCH
STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS
Rlpon and Low•r Dales
Clrcult
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 August 2023
Yorkshire N & E
Dlstrfct
Circult no
29124
Reglstered Charty - Charlty Reglstratlon number
1133792
If not a registered chaiity Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gfft Ald number
(rhe HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in tems of evidence of charitable ststus and
may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status.
Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under
Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242)
Ministers:
Reverend Gareth Baron.(Supenntendent Minister)_.--
Reverend Ian Pruden_(Minister).-.-.....-.
Reverend Sarah Caddell
Circuit Stewards:
Amanda Milner
Robin Jenninos
Treasurer:
Circuit Stewards
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Rl
•nd Low•f Dal••
20AC¢OUNT8 FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 A￿V91 202J
Un.
rnstrktsd W Tnrnl RMtrkt•d Tol*h Ihl•
Fw
y••f
SECTK)N A
RECEIPTS
193 964
353 883
157 J45
A55essm•nVSharn
193W
T3 596
Is
Bank and CFB Interesl and
Investmenl Income
353,883
•4
22 540
6695
15,845
Grants
18,625
252,350
Other recelpts
TOTAL RECEIPTS
18.133
218,792
68,133
638,520
87
419,728
SECTION
b1
b2
PAYMENTS
Stlpends. salaries. NIC, Pension aTX
travel costs
172.860
172 860
50711
193,045
17,571
9,002
47,280
5,393
b3
Manse Costs
Administration etc
District Assessment
Grants & don8tions
b4
5.047
5,047
42 756
b5
42.756
b6
b7
1,010
1,010
b8
Other payments
TOTAL PAYMEKrs
188,828
461.212
50,000
238,828
44,530
316,821
b9
50,000
511,212
(b9)
SECTION C
NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS FOR
THE YEAR
c1
a7￿9
242 420
369,728
127,308
64,471
Total funds brou
ht fO￿ard frorn last
ear
149,906
402.105
54,171
606,182
c6
670,653
c3
Sub total
c1+c2
92,514
54,171
733 490
606,182
Transfers and ad'ustmenls
TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR (c3+c4)
c7
c5
(92,514)
771,833
54,171
733,490
(c8)
606,182
(c6)
SECTION D
FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
these amounts should not be Included In total recel tsl
ayments above)
Balance brou
ht forward from last
ar
s/Gifts - received for extemal o
nisations
OfferingslGifts - passed to extemal organisations
BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID
d1+d2.d3
d1
d2
Offerin
d4
FS RLD 2023 NOT FOR CIRCULATION
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•nd Low•r D91•9
cirf
,L
A DFFERENT FCIOA Kxxthg1••• rnkn• *>
OROAM3ATI
ck
1•121
Ckcult accounts (total•
brougm frnrd frorn
9• 2- totth columft)
HELD BY CIRCIIT
606,182
733,490
511312
b9
127,308
elo
127,308
606 182
733 490
638,520
511212
TOTAL
PAYMENTS
(*i a
TOT*L RECEPTS
SECTK)N F
OPENING
BALANCES
CLOSWG
BALANCES
CIRcurr. CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 Au 2023
59
59
Cash kn h¥h
24,214
B￿k CurrW￿ Ac(￿nI
29,450
Ba
rt Accajrt
108 216
c￿tra Finance Bo¥d
402,105
580.740
Trusloes f(y Mellxoist ChLrth P
Ots ILmds
606.182
(c6)
733,489
(c8)
SUB TOTAL
funds W by Irrtwnal Orgwls8lKmS (ts ck6ffVJ
bdw)ce tcAals
(e12)
•11
•12
TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CIRCUIT
606,182
733.489
(y)
SECTION G
31
12023
OTHER ASSETS and UABILrriES
54 170.97
In￿SIm￿￿
Irt1￿je En(JoMrnnts
54 170.97
1133 069
1366 295
Cir
LWMJ ￿ Bul(fi
re Insurv￿O
. stThV aTKxml (xrtslaNI"
oithy Lthlrt
f4 IncIL￿o thy FufxJ6 tr￿j Bo¥d
15 Incl1￿0 crty CFB Furnls Tnfiloos ICY Kwhcdsl CIKxth Purw
g1 InCj￿ ￿Y (ts ￿vestI￿￿ cath drnl d TMCP trust tIy51s f5)
FS ALD 202J NOT FUI aRCULATIIYI
Jds

'Na￿ of Clrcuil ...Rlp(x) L(yI￿r Dales CirLwIt...
No...29124,.,,
Declarations and Scrutiny
I confirm thal these Receipt and Payment based accounls for the year to 31 August 2022 have been
prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all fvnds under the control of tho Clrcult
meetlng.
Signature of treasurer - Circuit Trustees Date 04.01.2024
Name and address of treasurer ...Circuit Office. AllI￿l￿)Wgata Methodist Church..
.Victoria Grove, Ripon........................................
Post Code...HG4 1LG..
Presentation to the Circult meeting
I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ende(131 August 2022 werelwill be.
presented to the Circuit meeting held on 24th January 2024
Signature of the Chair of the meeting
Name of the Chair of the meeting
. 20 ..&...zcL¢ .
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the
.Ripon and Lower Dales Circuit
Charity Number..............
Circuit Stewards
Responsibilities and basis of report
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Ripon and Lower Dales
Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2022 set out on pages 1... to . .3. As the Circuit's trustees, 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 Circuit's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 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.
delete or circle as appropriate
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Name of Clrcull ...RI[￿ arKI Lthr Dal83 C1￿11,............ .
No ..,29124..
Independent Examlner's Statement
I have completed my examlnabon. l (xjnfimi that no materi81 matters have come to my Bltenllon In
connection with the examination (other than that disck)sed belo￿) which glve me Cause to bellove that
in, any material respectr.
the accounting records were not kept in accordance With sectlon 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord wlth the accountlng records.
I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the ex8minatlon to whlch
attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable 8 proper understanding of the accounts to be
reached.
I havelhave not. obtained independent verification of all investments with the Twstees 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 date.
Signature of independent examiner
Name of independent examiner
Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner
Name of firm (where appropriate)
Address
Post Code
3.15.S.Lq.
Date
delete or circle as appropriate
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