2025-08-31-accounts - Upper Thames Methodist Circuit

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Circuit Accruals Accounts 2024-2025

THE METHODIST CHURCH

REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025

District No / Circuit Finance Officer Mrs Margaret Flood Ms Jenny Corkett Louise Sheppard Rev Joseph Ribeiro Mr. Peter McAuley Circuit Stewards Rev Sarah Simpson Ministers Bristol Circuit No Circuit Upper Thames Methodist Registered Charity - Registration number Rev Shirlyn Toppin	District No / Circuit Finance Officer Mrs Margaret Flood Ms Jenny Corkett Louise Sheppard Rev Joseph Ribeiro Mr. Peter McAuley Circuit Stewards Rev Sarah Simpson Ministers Bristol Circuit No Circuit Upper Thames Methodist Registered Charity - Registration number Rev Shirlyn Toppin
		1134231

District No / Bristol Circuit No		007 / 23
Circuit Finance Officer Circuit Stewards Ministers
	Rev Shirlyn Toppin
	Rev Joseph Ribeiro
	Rev Sarah Simpson

	Louise Sheppard
	Ms Jenny Corkett
	Mr. Peter McAuley





	Mrs Margaret Flood

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Introduction

Welcome to the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit's Annual Report for the year ending 31st August 2025.

Aims and organisation

The Upper Thames Circuit works to support its local churches in developing the vision which God has given for ministry & discipleship and mission & outreach which is: "To grow in the love of God, to preach the gospel of Christ, and, empowered by the Holy Spirit, to reach out to others." The Circuit has a willingness to face challenge and change, whilst retaining our evengelical identity, firmly standing on a Bible base. A new initiative in 2016 supports our churches working in conjunction with the Joint Public Issues team to pursue an agenda concerned with social justice and change.

Review of the year

This has been the fourth year for our Superintendent Minister, Rev Shirlyn Toppin.

The Circuit continues to look for ways to structure itself more effectively and to practically and financially support social justice and inclusivity.

There has been the Circuit Administrator/Finance Officer in post from the beginning of September 2023. We have also appointed (paid) a Safeguarding Officer as from 1st January 2024. Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro joined the Circuit 1 September 2023

Property expenditure for both Manses has continued throughout the year due to the need update and refurbish the Superintendant's manse and to bring the newly purchased manse in Highworth up to standard.

Income Trends

Circuit income is primarily drawn from the annual assessments paid by the circuit churches. The rental income relates to the rental of one manse.

Expenditure Trends

26% of expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.

Fund Balances

As at 31 August 2025, total reserves amounted to £1,691,368. All funds held were unrestricted.

As at 31 August 2025 the net current assets of the Circuit were £1,691,368. In the previous year, 2 properties (Manses) were incorrectly removed from the accounts. These have been reinstated this year, at their market value.

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Trustee’s Annual Report on Finance and Gove

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 (FRS 102).

Full Name of Charity: Upper Thames Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number: 1134231 Date of registration: 9th February 2010 Main communication address: Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church, Rope Yard, Royal Wootton Bassett, Swindon, SN4 7BS

The members of the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.

Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report.

Circuit Ministers and officers

Active Circuit Ministers Rev Shirlyn Toppin (Superintendent) Rev Sarah Simpson Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro Current Lay Employees Circuit Stewards Ms Jenny Corkett Mr Peter McAuley Mrs Louise Sheppard GDPR Mrs Jane Phoenix-Stone Circuit Property Secretary Mr Robin Phoenix-Stone Circuit Administrator Mrs Margaret Flood Circuit Finance Officer Mrs Margaret Flood

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit

Aims and organisation

Charity objective is to act as a resource provider within an area surrounding Swindon known as the Upper Thames Methodist Circuit which is part of the Methodist Church of Great Britain.

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 university and other institutions.

Public Benefit

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

Structure, Governance and Management

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, the Circuit Finance and Property Committee and the Circuit Policy Committee.

Trustee Training

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 Bristol District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches and organisations are linked to the circuit:

Highworth Methodist Church Purton Methodist Church Shrivenham and Longcot Methodist Church Royal Wootton Bassett Methodist Church Cricklade United Church Toothill Methodist Church

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit

Risk Management

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken as required.

There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.

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 Upper Thames 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 Upper Thames 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.

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to six 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 assessment payments from churches. At the year end the Circuit held £1,691,368 in unrestricted funds. No restricted funds were held. £1m of this relates to properties (Manses) reintroduced into the accounts that were incorrectly removed in previous years.

Plans for 2025-2026

Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there are a) 1 full time ordained staff and 1 part time presbyter with anticipated cost of living stipend increases, b) a part time Circuit administrator and finance officer, c) a similar assessment paid to the district as in 2023-2024. d) churches to still be subsidised by the Circuit for their assessments.

Whilst the churches' assessments have been calculated to cover the Circuit's anticipated expenditure, income levels and reserves of the churches will be kept under regular review so that any need for assistance from the Circuit can be identified and discussed at an early stage.

Approved by Rev S Toppin …………………………………………………….

M Flood (Circuit Finance Officer) ……………………………………………………..

`22 June 2026`

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit

Appendix A

CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP 2024-25

MINISTERS

Rev Shirlyn Toppin (Superintendent) Rev Dr Joseph Ribeiro Rev Sarah Simpson

SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS

Rev Margaret Livingstone Rev Jan Partridge Rev Don Symonds

LAYWORKERS

CIRCUIT STEWARDS

Louise Sheppard Peter McAuley Jenny Corkett

CIRCUIT REPRESENTATIVES

Adrian German (Local Preachers' secretary) Jane Phoenix-Stone (GDPR) Jenny Corkett (EDI) Robin Phoenix-Stone (Property Secretary)

CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES

Cricklade John Youe Margaret Roberts Highworth Peter McAuley Hazel Garnell Tricia Clitheroe Lynne Culling Royal Wootton Bassett Tony Boole Ruth Cooper Adam Longhurst Gillian Griffiths Purton Brian Davies Sylvia Freemantle Shrivenham Wendy Smith Ian Brodie Pam Mullin Toothill Rachel Dowling Mark Dowling Eddie Koppoe

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Upper Thames Methodist Circuit

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025 which are set out on pages 10 to 16.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’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 charity’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.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I 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:

accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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.

Michael Webb ACCA Haines Watts Swindon Limited Old Station House Station Approach Swindon SN1 3DU

Date 22 June 2026

Circuit No 007/23

Name of Circuit Upper Thames Methodist

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

Notes to		Circuit Model	Circuit Model	Designated
the	General Fund		Trust	Funds	Restricted	Endowment	Total
accounts	(Unrestricted)	(Unrestricted)		(unrestricted)	Funds	Funds	2024-25
	£		£	£	£	£	£
Income
1 Donations and legacies							-
2 Income from monetary investments	7,447		21,043				28,490
3 Income from investment properties							-
4 Assessments on Churches	107,923						107,923
5 Capital Receipts							-
6 Grants received							-
7 Other charitable income	15,224						15,224
8Total income	130,594		21,043	-	-	-	151,637
Expenditure
9 Grants and donations	10,107						10,107
10 Salaries and associated costs	100,385						100,385
11 Property maintenance	10,604						10,604
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy							-
13 District Assessment & Levy	33,300		19,505				52,805
14 Depreciation							-
15 Office expenses	10,391						10,391
16 Other outgoings	20,747						20,747
17Total charitable expenditure	185,534		19,505	-	-	-	205,039
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments			62				62
19 Gains/(losses) on properties	1,042,967						1,042,967
20Net income/(expenditure)	988,027		1,600	-	-	-	989,627
21 Transfers between funds	70,189	-	70,189				-
22 Other gains/(losses)			114,845				114,845
23Net movement in funds	1,058,216		46,256	-	-	-	1,104,472
24 Total funds brought forward	218,593		368,303				586,896
25 Total funds carried forward	1,276,809		414,559	-	-	-	1,691,368

Name of Circuit Upper Thames Methodist

Circuit No 007/23

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

Notes to		Circuit Model	Circuit Model	Designated
the	General Fund		Trust	Funds	Restricted	Endowment	Total
accounts	(Unrestricted)	(Unrestricted)		(unrestricted)	Funds	Funds	2023-24
	£		£	£	£	£	£
Income
1 Donations and legacies	282						282
2 Income from monetary investments	7,488		16,030				23,518
3 Income from investment properties							-
4 Assessments on Churches	109,425						109,425
5 Capital Receipts							-
6 Grants received							-
7 Other charitable income	11,412						11,412
8Total income	128,607		16,030	-	-	-	144,637
Expenditure
9 Grants and donations	1,000						1,000
10 Salaries and associated costs	96,051						96,051
11 Property maintenance	9,673						9,673
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy							-
13 District Assessment & Levy	33,300		15,222				48,522
14 Depreciation							-
15 Office expenses							-
16 Other outgoings	25,447						25,447
17Total charitable expenditure	165,471		15,222	-	-	-	180,693
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments			547				547
19 Gains/(losses) on MMT properties							-
20Net income/(expenditure)	(36,864)		1,355	-	-	-	(35,509)
21 Transfers between funds	40,000	-	40,000				-
22 Other gains/(losses)			92,338				92,338
23Net movement in funds	3,136		53,693	-	-	-	56,829
24 Total funds brought forward	215,457		314,610				530,067
25 Total funds carried forward	218,593		368,303	-	-	-	586,896

Name of Circuit: Upper Thames Methodist

Circuit No 007/23

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025

Fixed Assets	General Fund (Unrestricted) £	Circuit Model Trusts (Unrestricted) £	Designated Funds (Unrestricted) £	Restricted Funds £	Endowment Funds £	Totals 2024/25 £	Totals 2023/24 £

Circuit Manses & Equipment	1,042,967					1,042,967	-
Investmentproperties						-	-
Investments						-	-
*Total fixed assets*	1,042,967	-	-	-	-	1,042,967	-
Current Assets
Debtors	6,636					6,636	7,889
Loans bythe Circuit						-	-
Investments with TMCP		7,289				7,289	7,226
TMCP		407,270				407,270	361,077
Central Finance Board Deposits	152,352					152,352	168,628
Cash at Bank and in hand	76,534					76,534	43,676
*Total current assets*	235,522	414,559	-	-	-	650,081	588,496
Current liabilities
Creditors(due in under 1year)	1,680					1,680	1,600
Grantspayable within 2018-19						-	-
*Total current liabilities*	1,680	-	-	-	-	1,680	1,600
*Net current assets/liabilities*	233,842	414,559	-	-	-	648,401	586,896

*Total assets less current liabilities*	1,276,809	414,559	-	-	-	1,691,368	586,896

Long term liabilities (due after more than oneyear)
Grantspayable after 2018-19						-	-
Loans to the Circuit						-	-
						-	-
*Net assets*	1,276,809	414,559	-	-	-	1,691,368	586,896
Funds of the Circuit
General Fund(Unrestricted)	1,276,809					1,276,809	218,593
Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted)		414,559				414,559	368,303
Designated Funds(Unrestricted)			-			-	-
*Total Unrestricted Funds*						1,691,368	586,896
Restricted Funds				-		-	-
Endowment Funds					-	-	-
*Total Funds*	1,276,809	414,559	-	-	-	1,691,368	586,896

Circuit Treasurer

22-Jun-26

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit 31 August 2025

Notes to the Accounts

1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with the 2014 version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 – the Charities SORP (FRS102) and taking note of the Update Bulletin 1 issued in 2016. No Cash Flow Statement is included as permitted by (SORP) FRS 102.

2 Funds

The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose. There are no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.

3 Accounting policies

Basis

These accounts have been prepared on the historical cost basis except that investments are shown at their market value at the year end to show a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial position and activities.

Incoming Resources

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Resources Expended

This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources.

Grants

Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment.

VAT

Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £500.

Investments

Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year-end are shown in the SOFA.

Debtors and Prepayments

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.

Creditors

Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit 31 August 2025

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

4 Payment to Trustees

There were no payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Circuit by agreement with the Circuit Meeting, this excludes stipends.

Trustee expenses Number of Trustees Total amount	2024/25 4 £1,073	2023/24
	4	2
	£1,073	£2,389

Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement for travel and computing costs

5 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts

Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees (e.g.: advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor 6 Paid employees Staff Costs paid during the year were: Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Employer’s National Insurance costs Pension costs Total staff costs Average number of full-time equivalent employees in the year were:	2024/25 £ 1,680 NIL 2024/25 £ 80,422 8,156 11,807 100,385 3	2023/24 £
		1,500
		NIL
		2023/24 £
		74,690
		6,005
		15,356
		96,051

	3	3

7 Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At the 31st August 2025 there are no capital commitments.

No Contingent liabilities were identified at 31st August 2025.

Upper Thames Methodist Circuit 31 August 2025

Notes to the Accounts (continued)

8 Tangible Fixed Assets Cost or valuation

Cost or valuation
	Land £	Manses £	Other buildings £	Fixtures, fittings and equipment £	Payments on account and assets under construction £	Total £
Balance brought forward	-	-	-	-	-	-
Additions	-	-	-	-	-	-
Revaluations (+/-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Disposals (-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Transfers*(+/-)	-	1,042,967	-	-	-	-
Balance carried forward	-	1,042,967	-	-	-	-

Accumulated depreciation

Balance brought forward	-	-	-	-	-	-
Depreciation charge for year (-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Revaluations (+/-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Disposals (-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Transfers*(+/-)	-	-	-	-	-	-
Balance carried forward	-	-	-	-	-	-
Net book value
Brought forward	-	-	-	-	-	-
Carried forward	-	1,042,967	-	-	-	-

2 Manses are held by the circuit – these were incorrectly removed from the accounts in previous years so have been reinstated at their current value.

9 Investment assets

The circuit has no investment properties

The circuit has no common investment fund holdings

10 Analysis of restricted and designated funds 2024-25

Restricted Fund Name	Opening Balance	Incoming Resources	Resources Expended	Transfers	Closing Balance
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Totals				- -
	-	-	-	-	-

Comparative analysis of restricted and designated funds 2023-24

Restricted Fund Name	Opening Balance	Incoming Resources	Resources Expended	Transfers	Closing Balance
	-	-	-	-	-
	-	-	-	-	-
Totals				- -
	-	-	-	-	-