Charity No. 1134664
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
## FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
CHARLES OSEI, BSc, MSc, FCIE, MCIPP, AFA, ATA
CHARITY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER 1 ACCOUNTANT
FLAT 3, 11 ROCHDALE WAY
## LESNES ABBEY
Registered Charity
## LONDON
SE8 4LY
METHODIST CIRCUIT
No. 1134664
## TRUSTEES' REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 CONTENTS
## Page
- 1 Legal and Administrative Details 2-7
Trustees Report 8-9 Independent Examiner's report
10 Balance Sheet
1 1 Statement of Financial Activities 12-15
Notes to the Accounts
## LESNES ABBEY
Registered Charity METHODIST CIRCUIT
No. 1134664
## ORGANISATIONAL PROFILE FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 AUGUST 2025
REGISTERED OFFICE: 265 Burrage Road Plumstead London SE18 7JW BANKERS: HSBC Bank
ACCOUNTANTS:
Charles osei, BSc (I-ions), MSc, FOE, AFA, ATA, MCIPP
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## LESNES ABBEY
Registered Charity
Flat 3, 11 Rochdale Way, Deptford London SE8 4LY
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1134664
## LESNES ABBEY
Registered Charity
No.
TRUSTEES REPORT
## MEMBERS OF THE CIRCUIT MEETING
Trustee's Position Name
Circuit Officers
Superintendent Minister (Chair) Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse Minister Revd Dr Anselmo Amaral Minister Revd Dr Chellaian Lawrence Minister Revd Patrick Eggleston Circuit Treasurer Ms Elizabeth LightfoorTaylor Circuit Manses Co-ordinator Mr Francis Johnson Senior Circuit Stewards: Ms Marian VanDyck Mrs Madonna Johnson Mr Femi Lawson Local Preachers' Secretary: Mr Brentnol Roach Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator: Mr Hudson Jackson
## Church Representatives
Abbey Wood Senior Steward Mr Archibald Dadzie Treasurer Mr Kofi Narh-Saam Property Steward Mr Seun Adebanjo Representative Mr Robert Ndume
Barnehurst Senior Steward Mrs Maggie Cooper Treasurer Mr Ray Cooper Property Steward Mr Leslie Gamadeku
Belvedere
Senior Steward Mrs Madonna Johnson Treasurer Mrs Marilyn Akuoko Representative Mrs Ann Hartley METHODIST CIRCUIT
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## LESNES ABBEY
Registered Charity
Bexleyheath Senior Steward Mrs Lucy Parry Treasurer Mr Ishmael Aggrey Property Steward Mr Roger Forward Representative Mrs Christiane Sanvee Trinity Senior Steward Mr Ben Godwyll Treasurer Mr Ebenezer GyangKodia Property Steward Mr Tolu Tikare Representative Mr Adebayo Jolaoso Representative Mrs Kofo Famurewa METHODIST
CIRCUIT
No.
1134664
MEMBERS OF THE CIRCUIT MEETING - (CONTD) Trustee's Position Name
Circuit Officers Welling Senior Steward Mr Tony Hayes Representative Miss Sandy Kennedy Wesley Hall Senior Steward Mrs Karen Gilham Treasurer Mr Paul Nichols Property Steward Mr Barry Munden
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## LESNES ABBEY
## METHODIST CIRCUIT
## CHARITY NUMBER: 1134664
## ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANACIAL STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE, MANAGEMENT AND AIM OF CIRCUIT
Lesnes Abbey Circuit forms part of the London Methodist District and is governed by the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team along.
As a Circuit our primary aim is to fulfil the purposes of the Methodist Church which '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 the 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.'
## ACTIVITIES
Our activities include the following:
1. Supporting local churches in the provision of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non- members alike.
2. The teaching and promotion of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups and the Promotion of Christianity through appropriate events and services. Including the use of technology to reach out to those who cannot attend physically.
3. Pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
4. Provision of Chaplaincy services to the local hospital and prison.
## CIRCUIT MEETINGS (TRUSTEES' MEETINGS)
The members of the Circuit Meeting constitute the Trustees of the Circuit.(See appendix for names of Trustees.) During the year under review, the trustees met thrice (September, March & June) to review the mission of the Circuit in the past year, to plan for our future ministry and to receive the circuit annual accounts.
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REVIEW OF OUR MISSION a. Support to local churches
There are eleven churches in the Circuit of which seven are Methodist congregations, one Church of England and the remaining three are Local Ecumenical Partnerships
(LEPs)[Methodist/AngIican/United Reformed]. In addition to these established churches, there is also a church plant in a local school, Heronsgate Primary School.
In October 2023 the Circuit lost one of its active churches. Currently it is being used as a community centre for the current community groups until it is sold to a new owner(s), after the Circuit Members having decided to dispose of the building.
The Circuit has three full-time Methodist Ministers who exercise pastoral charge over the seven Methodist churches and, since September 2024 and for the time being, one of the LEP's. The
Church of England congregation and the remainder LEPs are looked after by three full-time Anglican priests. The church plant is currently being looked after by one of the Church of England ministers We have two retired Methodist Ministers none of whom is active. In the Connexional year 2023/2024, all our churches were open on every Sunday for public acts of worship.
## b. Teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups
In addition to services held in the local churches, the Circuit also organised three united services which were held in different churches. These services provided additional means for some of our members who live on their own to have fellowship with others and to make new friends.
We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. When reviewing the aims and objectives of the circuit, the Trustees have referred to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The guidance is consulted in carrying out our activities, for example those pertaining to fund raising. This ensures that our work is within the confines of the rules and expectations of the commission. We make sure that we work to the charity's aims and objectives, which are centred around the benefit of the public.
## CONTRIBUTION MADE BY VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are the fabric of the circuit. Without them, it would not function. They make up the majority of the various committees that exist. They collect visiting ministers who have not got cars from home, station etc. They act as administrators and clerical staff. They maintain manses and churches as much as possible.
## SUMMARY OF THE MAIN ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE CHARITY
During the year, the Charity worked to:
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(a) Provide the staff and facilities to enable mission to reach the community and grow the Church family which in turn provided mutual support to those within it. (b) Provide support for organisations working in society to help the vulnerable where they need it.
(c) Provide facilities for groups to meet, run by the community, for recovering alcoholics, the overflow of a special needs school, weight loss programs, the elderly, mothers with young children, and youth groups e.g. Scout Groups and playgroups.
## Risk Management
The quarterly income and expenditure report compared to budget is used to monitor the Circuit finances and trends to ensure no unforeseen expenditure that may need funds is detected on time. The major risk facing the Circuit at the moment is not being able to generate enough income through assessments as the ability of churches to pay all of their assessments has been a struggle for the past few years.
The Circuit undertook a reality check on the Churches Finances and the results shows a decline in income and increases of expenditures. Future projections over 5 years shows a deficit as expenditure surpasses income. The Circuit is looking at ways to help Churches manages their Finances better. Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy for the Circuit Is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to five 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 and in the event of any Inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches.
The Circuit is finding it increasing difficult to meet its obligations of maintaining sufficient reserve to meets unforeseen circumstances.
## FINANCIAL REVIEW
Lesnes Abbey Circuit is reporting a deficit of E 12,447 as total expenditure exceeds total income received for the year 31 August 2025
## Income trends
Primarily Income to the Circuit derives from assessments paid by the 6 Churches in the Circuit. Rental income is from rent one of the manses at 27 Canberra Avenue and Pantiles, Charlton which is now closed and is in the process of being sold. This has seen a decline in the amount of rental income we received in the year. Total income of E203k (2024, E225k) saw a declined of E22k, 11% lower than last year.
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Expenditure trends Total expenditure in the year was E215k as compared to €222k in the previous year, 3% lower than Last year. Although expenditure was slightly lower than last year, there are some expenses which Exceeded budget.
Fund balances
As at 31 August 2025 total current assets were El 30k, debtors E98k total bank balances were E32k. Creditor amount of E32k includes two loans.
Signed Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse
Superintendent Minister, Chair and Trustee
1 924 928
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## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL
## STATEMENTS
## TO THE TRUSTEES OF LENSES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
I report on the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 10 - 15. This report is made solely to the Trustees of Lenses Abbey Methodist Circuit, as a body, in accordance with regulations made under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and Charity SORP. My work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Trustees matters I am required to state to them in an independent Examiner's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and Charity's trustees for my independent examination work, for this report, or for the statement I have given below.
## Respective responsibilities of Trustees and independent examiner
As charity trustees and for the purposes of charity law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements, the Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
I report in respect of my examination of the Charity's accounts carried out:- a) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
- b)follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
- c) state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's statement
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity, and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters.
The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and
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## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair view" and the reports limited to those matters set out in the statement on the next page.
## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS TO THE TRUSTEES OF LENSES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- 1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
- a) to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and
- b)to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met; or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Charles osei, BSc (Hons), MSc, FOE, AFA, ATA , MCIPP Date 17[th] March 2026 Flat 3, 1 1 Rochdale way Deptford London SE8 4LY
10
10
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
|||9||
|---|---|---|---|
|BALANCE SHEET||||
|AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025||||
||Notes|2024/25|2023/24|
|Tangible Fixed Assets||492,761|492,761|
|Circuit Masses & Equipment||||
|Investment Properties|4|98,108||
|Current Assets
Debtors|5|31 ,638||
|Cash at Bank and in hand||||
|||129,746|114,964|
|Creditors||||
|Amount due withinoOne Year||||
||6|(32,924)|(5,700)|
|Other Creditors||||
|Net Assets/Liabilities||||
|Reserves||||
|Unrestricted Funds||18,221|33,022|
|General Fund||||
|Designated Fund||31,158||
|Restricted Funds:|||28,799|
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The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 10[th] March 2026 and were signed on its behalf by:
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
Elizabeth Lightfoot-Taylor Treasurer
Revd Greg Obong-Oshotse Superintendent
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## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
## Registered Charity No. 1134664
## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
||||||2024125|2023/24|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||Unrestricted|Restricted|Designated|Total|Total|
||Notes|
Funds|Funds|Fund|Funds|Funds|
|Resources Arising|||||||
|Income from Charitable Activities|
2|198,836|3,982||202,818|225,312|
|Total Income||198,836|3,982||202,818|225,312|
|Expenditure:|||||||
|Charitable Activities -General|3|213,637|1 ,623||215,260|221 ,629|
|Total Expenditure||213,637|1 ,623|0|215,260|221 ,629|
|||(14,801)|2,359||(12,442)|3,683|
|Resources retained for further use||||||658,789|
|Revaluation gains|||||||
|Net Movement in Funds|||||||
|Reconciliations of Funds|||||||
|Brought forward 01/09/2024||33,022|28,799||||
|Carried forward 31/08/2025||18,221|31,158|1,863,107|1,912,486||
The charity made no recognised gains and losses other than those reported in the income and expenditure account.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
## 1. Accounting Policies Basis
## of Preparation.
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
These accounts have been prepared on an accrual basis and include income and expenditure as they are earned or incurred, rather than as cash received or paid. Reference to the "Charities SORP" refers to the Charites SORP (FRS 102): Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland. 2nd edition effective 1 January 2019.
## la. Income
All income is recognised once the Charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received, and the amount of income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants are included in the Statement of financial activities on a receivable basis. The balance of income received for specific purposes but not expended during the period is shown in the relevant funds on the Balance Sheet. Where income is received in advance of entitlement of receipt, its recognition is deferred and included in creditors as deferred income. Where entitlement occurs before income is received, the income is accrued.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.
Income tax recoverable in relation to investment income is recognised at the time the investment income is receivable.
## 1b. Expenditure
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or consrtructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is possible that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Expenditure on charitable activities is incurred on directly undertaking the activities which further the Charity's objectives, as well as any associated support costs. All expenditure is inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.
## lc. Government grants
Government grants are credited to the Statement of financial activities as the related expenditure is incurred.
## Id. Fund accounting
Unrestricted Funds are receivable or generated for the objects of the charity without further specified purpose and are available as general funds.
Restricted Funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor. Designated Funds are unrestricted funds but earmarked by the trustees for specific purposes.
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NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
## le. Taxation
The Charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the Charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 1 1 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity No. 1134664
of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
## If. Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at amount prepaid.
## lg. Cash at bank and in hand
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short-term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
## lh. Liabilities and provisions
Liabilities are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably.
Liabilities are recognised at the amount that the Charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt or the amount it has received as advanced payments for the goods or services it must provide.
Provisions are measured at the best estimate of the amounts required to settle the obligation. Where the effect of the time value of money is material, the provision is based on the present value of those amounts, discounted at the pre-tax discount rate that reflects the risks specific to the liability. The unwinding of the discount is recognised in the Statement of financial activities as a finance cost.
## li. Financial Instruments
The Charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
## Ij. Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement
Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. The Charity does not currently have any significant accounting estimates or areas of judgement.
## 1k. Tangible Fixed Assets
Equipment and other tangible fixed assets are capitalised when the cost is €500 or more
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Computer equipment
straight line over 3years
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## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity
No. 1134664
|2 Incoming Resources|2025||2025|2024125|2023/24|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Donations & Legacies|6,900||3,982|10,882|12,704|
|Income From Monetary Investment|387|||387|952|
|Income From Investment Properties|20,368|||20,368|33,201|
|Assessment of Churches|144,827|||144,827|159,975|
|Other Income|26,354|||26,354|18,480|
|NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE||||||
|YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025||||||
||Unrestricted|Restricted||||
|Total Capital Project Income|||198,836|||
||3,982||202,818|225,312||
|3 Cost of Activities in Furtherance of|Unrestricted|Restricted||Total|Total|
|Objectives|2025||2025|2024125|2023/24|
|Salaries & Associated Costs|110,797|||110,797|141,138|
|Property Maintenance|21 ,497|||21 ,497|1 ,835|
|District Assessment & Levy|43,328||1 ,623|44,951|46 , 926|
|Other Outgoings|38,015|||38,015|31,730|
|Total resources expended
4 DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE|213,637
WITHIN ONE YEAR||1 ,623|215,260|221,629|
|||||2025|2024|
|Debtors||||98,108|71,130|
|||||98,108|71,130|
|5 Cash at Hand and Bank|16|||2025|2025|
|HSBC Current Account||||12,925|14,308|
|Central Finance Board||||5,476|16,206|
|TMCP||||13,237|13,320|
Registered Charity Total
31 ,638 , 834
## LESNES ABBEY METHODIST CIRCUIT
## 6 CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
||||2025|
2024|
|---|---|---|---|---|
|Other creditors||||E|
||||32,924|5,700|
||||32,924|5,700|
||No. 1134664||||
||||2025|2024|
||Unrestricted|Restricted|Total|Total|
||fund|fund|funds|funds|
|Fixed assets|1,815,664|o|
1,815,664|1815664|
|Current assets|129,746||129,746|114,964|
|Current Liabilities|(32,924)|o|(32,924)|(5,700)|
|NOTES TO THE|ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31||||
|AUGUST 2025|||||
|7 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS|||||
|1,912,486|1,924,928||||
|8 MOVEMENT IN FUNDS|||||
||||Net||
||||movementin||
||At 1.9.24||funds|31.8.25|
|Unrestricted|funds||||
|General fund||33,022|(14,801)|18,221|
|Designated Fund|||O|1,863,107|
|Restricted funds|||||
|Restricted fund||28,799|2,359|31,158|
|||||(12,442)|
|Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:|||||
|||2025|2025|2025|
||Incoming||Resources|Movement|
||||17||
|LESNES ABBEYMETHODISTCIRCUIT|||||
|Registered Charity|||||
||resources||expended|in funds|
|Unrestricted funds||||
|---|---|---|---|
|General fund|198,336|213,637|(14,801)|
|Designated Fund|0||0|
|Restricted funds||||
|Restricted fund|3,982|1 ,623|2,359|
|TOTAL FUNDS|202,818|215,260|(12,442)|
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