NORTH WILTSHIRE CIRCUIT Accruals Accounts THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS NORTH WILTSHIRE ClrGuil FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 BRISTOL District Circuit no 7122 Registered Charlty - Charity Registration number 1133989 Ministers: Rev David Gray..................___.____...._.....__.._ Rev Andrew Bird Deacon Ste hen Roe Circuit Stewards.. Tom Wethers Islay.Roberts Erlc Hewitt Treasurer.. Joint Treasurers Eric Hewitt to 3118122 who roduced this re ort and Simon Nuttall Page I TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT Introduction The North Wiltshire Methodist circuit covers Swindon, Marlborough, Chippenham and surrounding villages. It is made up of 14 Methodist churches and 3 local ecumenical partnerships. The circuit provides staff support and leadership to the churches that make up the circuit. Aims and organisation As Methodists. we seek to enact the calling of the message church, as we through worship, seek to increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love. We share together to help people to grow and learn as Christians through mutual support and care as we strive to be good neighbours to people in need and to challenge injustice and we witness eagerly to make more followers of Jesus Christ. Review of the year The circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessments paid by the circuit churches with the rental income from one of the circuit manses. Overall Financial Results The total funds for the circuit decreased by £204k from £2,306k to £2,102k over the year. General and other 172,3571 District Levy on CMTF 122,0871 Revaluations of investment properties 1109,0001 Overall gainl10551 1203,4441 The general and other includes £27,016 relating to professional fees and utilities on churches and manses for sale of £23.321 and £3,695 for fees for Christchurch which is expected to be sold in 22123 As of 31st August 2022. the funds held in current accounts and the MTF were £566k. This equates to about 21 months of expendlture. Manses Review The circuit currently has seven houses of which five are occupied by minister I Presbyters and a Deacon l employed by the Methodist Church. The circuit reviewed the manses as mentioned in the 20121 report with the aim of consolidating the properties including the possible use of a manse as part of developing the mission of the circuit into a new housing. The revlew had the following outcomes.. 111 Chippenham manses.. Monkton Hill There are three houses in Chippenham with two occupied by minister5 The third 14 Monkton Hill, has not been occupied by a minister for eight years and had been let out to a private user up to end of August 21. The Methodist Church has a policy of reaching new communities as part of its calling to include New People in New Places. With a mlnister living in manse in a new build area it could lead to the church being a blessing to the community whilst living incarnationally. The first move in Chippenham would feed into the circuit NP in NP policy with lessons learnt. The decision was made to sell the Monkton Hill manse and use the proceeds to facilitate the purchase of a house on a new housing development To make this happen the manse at Frogwell would also need to be sold. Page 2 As this is occupied by a minister and their family a bridging loan would probably be necessary to enable the new build purchase whilst not moving the family until a convenient time Under the rules of the Methodist Church a le￿ is payable to the Church centrally on the sale of Monkton Hill. This levy is expected be able to be reclaimed upon purchase of the new house even though Monkton Hill had not been ottupied by a minister for over five years. Monkton Hill is now sold subject to contract. 121 Swindon Manses Consideration wa5 given to moving out of the manse in Drove Road with a replacement mlnlster due in September 2022. A suitable replacement wa5 difficult to find even though some potential ones were visited by circurt steward5. It was decided to remain in Drove Road and complete remedial work. There are currently three houses in Swindon. If the replacement had been found then the property at Ermin Street which is not occupied by a minister would probably have been sold. As this is not necessary this will continue to be let to a third party. This property will now be considered as a potential resource to be used for the NP to NP policy in Swindon In a few years time. Until then it will be rented out. Although under Methodist rules if the Ermin Street manse is sold after June 2023 when it will not have been occupied by a minister for five years the levy to the church centrally cannot be reclaimed the circuit has applied to have this period extended as the intention is to use it for NP to NP. This one was left vacant when the minister based at Stratton left in August 2018 and was not replaced is being let on a temporary basis. It is unlikely that the circuit ministerial team will increase above the current five minister5. Church buildings Ramsbury Church This church was closed for worship in the year 18119. The circuit had costs of £6.5k in 21/22 It was sold with net receipts of £ 165.8k after the levy to the Methodist Church centrally of £70.5k. This had a carrying value of £162.3k at 1st Sept 2021 so an excess surplus of £ 3.5k for 21122 Wroughton Church The circuit decided to retain the Wroughton Church to work on getting outline planning permission and thereby enhancing the sales value. the circuit had costs associated with Wroughton £15.Ik in the year. Christchurch. Marlborough At the March 2022 Circuit Meeting Christchurch announced that they would like to sell their building but continue as a church fellowship in Marlborough. This was result of lack of cover for necessary activities with declining membership as well as financial challenges. This was accepted at the circuit meeting The church fellowship created two working groups which have been working on the way forward. One group wa5 focussed on selling the property and included circuit meeting reps. The aim was to sell as soon as possible after closing for worship which would mean less work to look after the building and save the circuit cost of running the church including utility costs and high insurance t05ts. The second group's aim was to work out the best situation for the ongoing worship of the members from Christchurch , mainly finding a place for those who want to continue to worship in the town. This could be in a rented space or part of another congregation. Page 3 The meeting agreed for the proposal to close the buildinE at Marlborough. This closure was notlfied to District to gain permission which has been given. The last worship in the present building is planned for January 2023 so the building does not becorne the circuit's responsibility until then. The building was placed on the market in July 22.1 Lay pastoral workers 202012021 was the final year of the three year lay worker programme. One full time family worker, who had completed her contract in ALtgust 2021 was retained on the payroll on matemity leave for 4 months with small cost. The circuit paid b3ck to District the unused grant of £16,369 Church governance The churches at Sherston and Luckington agreed to merge Penslon Contributlon In the year 20121 The Methodist Church requested a voluntary to cover a shortf311 on the Ministers final salary pension scheme. The circuit has not made a voluntary donation. The Church has not made this mandatory. Staff thange Deacon Stephen Roe joined the circuit from Wales in September 2021 based in Swindon. Rev Mark Barrett retired in August 22 Rev David Gray succeeded Rev. Barrett as Superintendent Minister from 1st September 2022. As it was proving difficult to appoint a Presbyter the circuit meeting agreed to appoint a probationary minister to the vacancy left by Rev Barrett's retirement. Rev. Rach Collins joined the circuit directly from Queens University in Birmingham in August 2022. There are no planned chan8e5 of minister next year- Sept 22- Aug 23. Pa8e 4 Trustee5 annual report on finance and governance Legal framework Name of the charity.- North Wiltshire Methodist circuit Charity registration number.. 1133989 Name of firm.. UHY Ross Brooke- Chartered Accountants- Main communication address Circuit Administrator c/0 Studley Methodist Church, Studley Lane, Studleyi Calne SNII 9NH The members of the North Wiltshire Methodist circuit meeting are the charities trustees. membership be made up of clrcuit office holders minister5 and representatives appointed by the local church. A full list of the membership is shown in appendix A to this report Mr. Simon Nuttall FCA acted as joint Circuit Treasurer with responsibility for day to day control Eric Hewitt F.C.C.A was Joint Circuit Treasure with particular responsibility for reportlng. Independent examiner for year ended 31st August 2022 is Lisa Hobbs of UHY Ross Brooke - Chartered Accountants, 16 Dorcan Buslness Village, Murdock Road Dorcan, Swindon, Wiltshire. Investment Bankers Central finance board of the Methodist church and Trustees for Methodist church purposes. Aims and organisation The charities objectives to act as a resource provider within the area around North Wiltshire for the Methodist church. The purposes of the Methodist church are and have deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of: al The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of the Methodist thurch bl Any charitable purpose for the time being of the Connexional District circuit local church or other organization of the Methodist church cl Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist church dl Any purpose for the time being of the charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist church This is achieved through the following.. il The resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike ill The teaching of Christianity through Sermons, courses, small groups and the other events iiil The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved iv) Taking religious assemblies in local schools vl Promotion of Christianity through staEinE of events and services vil Provision of chaplaincy services to the local universlty and other institutions Page 5 Public benefit We confirm the trustees have regard to the charity commissioners guidance on public benefit Structure governance and management The governing documents for the circuit are the Deed of Union119321 and the Methodist Church Act119761. Detailed governance arrangements are outlined wlthln the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist church by order of the annual tonference ICPDI. Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team, the Circuit Meeting and the local preachers meeting. Trustee training A range of guidance is produced by the Methodist connection to SUPPOrt the effective rLJnning of the circuit specifically the leaflet the role of the tnjstee in the Methodist church which is available to all new circuit meeting members as part of their induction as trustees. Related parties The circuit is part of the Bristol District and is also accountable to the Methodist conference The tircuit consists of the following churches.. Marlborough, Pewsey* Aldbourne. Central Chippenham, Lyneham, Studley, Trinity, Stratton, Chiseldon, Lucklngton, Sheldon Road, Sherston, St. Andrews and Rodbourne,Wroughton and the following churches which are part of LEPs- Bath Road, Central Swindon and St Paul's & St. Timothy's are part of LEPS. Risk management Major risks are identified by the circuit leadership team who take professional advice where necessary. Income and expenditure are reviewed regularly at circuit leadership meetings and circuit meetings where annual budgets are agreed and a review of activities undertaken. Reserves policv The circuit holds the equivalent approx. 4 months funding for general purposes and lay worker activities in cash or near cash assuming no other major expenditure in the event of an inability to raise the full circuit assessment for the churches in the short term. Including the Model Trust fund, the circuit holds two years of average expenditure and therefore the circuit trustees believe there are sufficient funds to secure the Mid to long term ability to Meet the liabilitie5 of the circuit Safeguardlng 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. Methodlst Connexional practice outllnes commitment to the following principles: al The care and nurture and respectful ministry with all children and young people and adults. bl The safeguarding and protection of all children and young people and adults when they are vulnerable. cl By establishing of safe caring communities which provide a lovin8 environment where Page 6 there Is Informed vlgilance as to the dangers of abuse. dl We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the church In love with safer recruitment principles including the use of criminal records disclosures and registrotion with the relevant vetting and barring schemes. el We will respond without delay to every complaint made which SUEgests that an adult. child or young person may have been harmed by co-operating wlth the police and local authority in any investigation. We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse developin8 Wlth them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care. gl We will seek to challenge any abuse of power especially by anyone in a position of trust. h) We will seek to offer pastoral care and support including 5upeNi5ion and refer to the proper authorities any member of our chur¢h community known to have offended against a child or young person or vulnerable adult. il In all these principles will follow legislation guidance and recognised good practice. The North Wlltshlre circuit commlts itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional safeguarding policy,. government legislation,guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. The North Wiltshire circuit commits Itself to a vision of support advice and training for lay and ordained people that ensure5 people are Clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable. Future developments Approved on........................ Rev. David Gray Page 7 THE NORTH WILTSHIRE m￿H001sT CIRCUIT STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022 Law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Tru5tee5 to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the charity's financial artivlties during the year and of it5 financial posltion at the end of the year. In preparing financial statements giving a true and fair view, the Trustees should follow best prattise and select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently • make judgemer7ts and estimates that are reasonable and prudent •state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended practise have been followed. subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate.to presume that the charity will continue in operation The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records which disclose wlth reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them both to ascertain the financial p051tion of the charity and that ensure that the flnancial statements comply with the applicable law, regulations and trust deeds. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detertion of fraud and other irregularities. Approved on.................... Rev. David Gray Page 8 ## APPENDIX A NORTH WILTSHIRE METHODIST CIRCUIT Year until end August 2022 MINISTERS Rev Mark Barrett Trustee Rev Stephen Skinner Trustee Rev David Gray Trustee Deacon Stephen Roe Trustee Rev Andrew Bird Trustee MINISTERS IN OTHER APPOINTMENTS ## MINISTER WITHOUT APPOINTMENT Rev Pam Stranks SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS Rev Tony Barnes Rev Janet Evans Rev Geoffrey Floyd Rev Susan Howe |Rev Susan Howe|| |---|---| |CIRCUIT STEWARDS|| |Mr Tom Wethers|Trustee| |Kay Ashlin|Trustee| |Lynda Thompson|Trustee| |Eric Hewitt ( Joint Circuit Treasurer)|Trustee| ## CIRCUIT SAFEGUARDING CO-ORDINATOR Mrs Allison Burchell ## CHAPLAIN OF FAIRWAYS Mr Islay Roberts (Circuit Steward from 1 Sept 2020) Trustee LOCAL PREACHERS MEETING SECRETARY Geoffrey Rhodes Trustee CHURCH CIRCUIT MEETING REPRESENTATIVES ## **Aldbourne & Ramsbury** |**Aldbourne & Ramsbury**|| |---|---| |Elizabeth Osbourne|Trustee| |Richard Osbourne|Trustee| |Julie Coe|Trustee| |**Bath Road**|| |George Kennedy|Trustee| |Adrian King|| ## **Central, Chippenham** |**Central, Chippenham**|| |---|---| |Wyn Walters|Trustee| |Lorna Cocking|Trustee| |Marilyn Dixon|Trustee| ## **Central, Swindon** |**Central, Swindon**|| |---|---| |Judith Furse|Trustee| |Christine Durant|Trustee| Page 9 Chiseldon John Townsend to Mar21 Paul Kohn David Easter Clifford Friend from Mar 21 Trustee Trustee Trustee Trustee Christchurch Anne Hancock Trustee Jonathan Lyle David Wwie Trustee Trustee Dor J ts ¢0 (• ¢Y¥ v (o o cr LYJ