## **Bury Circuit Trustees Annual Report**
**For the year ended 31[st] August 2024**
## **Introduction**
This is the annual report from the Bury Circuit which covers mostly the Metropolitan Borough of Bury. The circuit consists of 14 Churches, one of which meets as a class of another church (although it does meet in its own building). We are a Circuit intent on being Biblically based and keen to share God’s love throughout the area. We seek to discern God’s mission in in our Circuit and work toward God’s plan.
## **Principle Aims**
We are evangelically minded spreading God’s love to all and to be a discipleship movement focused on God’s mission in Jesus Christ. We also acknowledge that all are God’s children, and we seek to help Churches where we can. We want to serve our local communities in the name of Christ.
## **Review of the Year**
1. approached to confirm the exact amount that was originally deposited. Some of the funds were redeemed this year to pay for new lights, a sound system and furniture at the church.
2. Brandlesholme continues to meet in their own building as a class of Bolton Road Methodist Church.
3. The ‘new’ church at Close continues as a separate entity in RadcliNe with the church at Living Waters still using the church, contributing to its upkeep.
4. The Pantries at Christ Church, Heaton Park, Bridge and Bolton Road continue, and this past year Bolton Road has also seen a continuation of its work supporting the homeless in Bury by oNering them a warm space to sleep during the winter months.
5. The Circuit does continue to have a shortage of local preachers with more churches using Own Arrangement Services to meet worship needs.
6. More Messy Churches have started to meet up again, Holcombe Brook having recently re-started this youth service. Overall, youth activities continue to take place across the Circuit.
7. Church membership overall continues to decline which, if this trend is maintained, could ultimately cause church closures in the future.
## **Income Trends**
Our income showed an overall 3% reduction against last year and the largest income was Assessments from Churches which accounted for 82% of the total income to the Circuit. Interest from TMCP did show a small income against last year and rent increases on the let manses aided income but due to a change in the Christ Church agreement, we also saw a decrease to the circuit of the rental income from Ripon Hall so overall, income from investment properties decreased by some 14%. The chart below shows the income at a glance:
## **Expenditure Trends**
Overall salaries showed a 4% increase on last year. The increase was less than the rise in salaries due to the Circuit no longer paying the salary of the Lay Worker at Christ Church. As can be seen on the chart below, and as expected, the largest two expenses for the circuit were Salaries and the District Assessment/Levy, at 67% and 18% respectively. The payment to Seedfield of some of the funds held in the TMCP account has contributed to reduced interest.
## **Fund balances**
We have had to transfer funds from the TMCP account, used for Circuit Reserves, to cover the cost of both salaries and the District Assessment as we were unable to recover the amounts needed from local churches without having a detrimental eNect on their own activities. As a result of cash movements, we have a balance of £43,021 in the General Fund and £100,446 in the TMCP account.
The General Fund is therefore very low and will not cover 50% of the reserves needed for the Circuit (that being six months’ salary & district assessments for the year).
## **Plans for 2024/25**
This is very diNicult to predict as at the time of writing, we are in the process of stationing and next year will also need to look at appointing a new Superintendent. Currently we are in the position of having to use yet more of our reserves to cover costs and this is not sustainable long term.
We continue to be grateful for Bolton Road’s oversight of Brandlesholme which allows them to operate in their own building and this will continue for the immediate future.
Churches also continue to cover their services with ever increasing Own Arrangements due to a lack of local preachers. Past 2024/25 the available preacher numbers could reduce even further.
At the end of this year Kathy Selby will retire and we continue to pray that the stationing process brings good news, and we can continue to do Gods work. David Somerville is due to retire in August 2026.
## **Basis of preparation and legal framework**
The Charities Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31[st] August 2024 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRSSE) 2015.
Full Name of Charity: Bury Methodist Circuit Registration Number: 1134694
Date of Registration: 08/03/2010
Main Communication Address: Bury Circuit ONice, c/o 409 Bolton Road, Bury, BL8 2PH
Members of the Bury Methodist Circuit Meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit oNice holders, ministers, and representatives appointed by the local churches.
## **Circuit Ministers and OLicers for 2023 – 2024**
Active Circuit Ministers Rev. Kathy Selby Deacon Michelle Brocklehurst Rev. Jeremy Hackett Rev. David Somerville Rev. Blayze White Rev. Sally Thornton (part time) Circuit Lay Workers Thomas King (paid) Richard Selby (paid until 31[st] December 2023) Circuit Stewards Sue Grant Roger Green Brian Sharples Lindsay Sweeney Administrator Emma Twiss
management and accounting for the year.
Auditor Brierly Coleman, 33 Turner Street, Manchester, M4 1DW Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
## **Purposes and Organisation**
The purposes of the Methodist Church are, and shall be deemed to have been since the date of the Union, the advancement of:
1. The Christian Faith, in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of the Methodist Church;
2. Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local, or any other organization of the Methodist Church;
3. Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution, subsidiary, or ancillary to the Methodist Church;
4. Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.
The Circuit produces a quarterly preaching plan to ensure regular acts of worship take place in the 13 Methodist sites and one local Ecumenical Partnership within its boundaries. These are open to the public without charge. It also practices regular midweek worship at the local Methodist Home for the Aged. Pastoral work is, however, sill resourced as is the teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses, and small groups on-line or in person. Religious assemblies are held in schools.
The charity objective is to act as a resource provider within the area of Bury for the Methodist Church.
##
public benefit.
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
The governing documents for the Circuit are the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976). Detailed governance arrangements are outlined in the Constitutional Practice and Discipline (CPD).
Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership Team, along with the Local Preachers Meeting and Circuit Treasurers Committee.
## **Related Parties**
The Circuit was up until recently part of the Bolton and Rochdale District (now the Northwest District) and is accountable to the Methodist Conference.
## **Risk Management**
Leadership Team. These are regularly reviewed. Income and expenditure are monitored in total and are compared with the approved annual budget at regular intervals 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 recreation 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;
The careful selection and training of those with any responsibillty Withln the
Church. in Ilne with Sater Recruitment Princlples. includingthe use of crimlnal
records disclosures and reglstratlon with the relevant vettlng and barring
schemes:
Response, without delay to every complalnt made whlch suggests that an adult.
child oryoung person may h8ve been harmed, and co-operating with the pob'ce
and local authority In any Investigation:
To seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse. developing with them an
approprlate ministy of informed pastoral care:
To seekto challenge any abuse ofpower. espec18lly by anyone In a p081tlon of
trust:
To seek to offer pastoral care and support, Including supervislon and referrdl In
the proper 8Uthoritles:
In all these princlples we will follow the 8pproprtate legislation.
The Burycircuit commits itself to ensurlng the implementation ofthe Connexional
S8feguarding Policy. It commits Itself to the provislon of support. advice and training for
I8y and ordained people thatwill ensure people are clear and confident abouttheir
roles and responsibilitles in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
adults tho may be vulnernble.
Roservos Poucy
The recommended reserves policy of six month8 operating costs is not posslble and has
not been metthis y88r. Res8FNe8 are severely depleted notjust Inthe clrcuit but across
all churches withln.
Signed and d8ted:
1211212024
Rev Kathy
(Superintendent)
Lind88y Sweeney
(Tre8surer)
Emma
(Secretsry)
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Name of Circuit
**Bury**
Circuit No (06/08)
## **Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024**
|**Notes to**
**the**
**accounts**
**Income**
1 Donations and legacies
2 Income from monetary investments
1
3 Income from investment properties
2
4 Assessments on Churches
3
5 Capital Receipts
4
6 Grants received
5
7 Other charitable income
8**Total income**
**Expenditure**
9 Grants and donations
5
10 Salaries and associated costs
6
11 Property maintenance
7
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy
8
13 District Assessment & Levy
8
14 Depreciation
15 Office expenses
9
16 Other outgoings
10
17**Total charitable expenditure**
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
13
19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20**Net income/(expenditure)**
21 Transfers between funds
11
22 Other gains/(losses)
23**Net movement in funds**
24 Total funds brought forward
**25 Total funds carried forward**|**General Fund**
**(Unrestricted)**
**Circuit Model**
**Trust**
**(Unrestricted)**
**Designated**
**Funds**
**(unrestricted)**
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Endowment**
**Funds**
**Total**
**2023-24**
£
£
£
£
£
£
0
1,027
7,351
**8,378**
51,453
**51,453**
313,739
**313,739**
-
**0**
4,460
**4,460**
2,656
99
**2,755**
**373,334**
**7,351**
**-**
**-**
**99**
**380,784**|
|---|---|
||3,312
**3,312**
281,573
**281,573**
39,752
**39,752**
5,613
**5,613**
77,284
462
**77,746**
**0**
6,814
**6,814**
6,966
**6,966**
**415,701**
**6,075**
**-**
**-**
**-**
**421,776**|
||63,088
-
-63,088
**-42,367**
**-61,813**
**0**
**0**
**99**
**-104,080**
40,000
-
40,000
**-2,367**
**-61,813**
**0**
**0**
**99**
**-64,080**|
||45,388
162,259
207,647
**43,021**
**100,446**
**-**
**-**
**99**
**143,566**|
Name of Circuit
**Circuit No (06/08)**
**BURY**
## **Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024**
GN
|**Fixed Assets**|**Notes to the**
**Accounts**|**General Fund**
**(Unrestricted)**
£|**Circuit Model**
**Trusts**
**(Unrestricted)**
£|**Designated**
**Funds**
**(Unrestricted)**
£|**Restricted**
**Funds**
£|**Endowment**
**Funds**
£|**Totals**
**2023/24**
£||**Totals 2022/23**
£|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||||||
|Circuit Manses & Equipment||3,631,065|||||3,631,065|||
|Investmentproperties|||||||0|||
|Investments|||||||0|||
|**_Total fixed assets_**||**3,631,065**|**0**|**0**|**0**|**0**|**3,631,065**|||
|**Current Assets**||||||||||
|Debtors|||||||0|||
|Loans bythe Circuit|||||||0|||
|Investments with TMCP|||100,446|||2,443|102,889|||
|Central Finance Board Deposits||26,943|||||26,943|||
|Cash at Bank and in hand||16,079|||||16,079|||
|**_Total current assets_**||**43,021**|**100,446**|**0**|**0**|**2,443**|**145,910**|||
|**Current liabilities**||||||||||
|Creditors(due in under 1year)|||||||0|||
|Grantspayable within 2023-24|||||||0|||
|**_Total current liabilities_**||**0**|**0**|**0**|**0**|**0**|**0**||**0**|
|**_Net current assets/liabilities_**||**43,021**|**100,446**|**0**|**0**|**2,443**|**145,910**||**209,989**|
|||||||||||
|**_Total assets less current liabilities_**||**3,674,086**|**100,446**|**0**|**0**|**2,443**|**3,776,975**||**2,741,478**|
|||||||||||
|**Long term liabilities (due**
**after more than oneyear)**||||||||||
|Grantspayable after 2022-23|||||||**0**|||
|Loans to the Circuit|||||||**0**|||
||||||||**0**|||
|**_Net assets_**||**3,674,086**|**100,446**|**0**|**0**|**2,443**|**3,776,975**|||
|**Funds of the Circuit**||||||||||
|General Fund(Unrestricted)||3,674,086|||**0**||3,674,086||2,576,877|
|Circuit Model Trust Fund(Unrestricted)|||100,446||||100,446||162,258|
|Designated Funds(Unrestricted)||||0|||0||0|
|**_Total Unrestricted Funds_**|||||||**3,774,532**||**2,739,135**|
|Restricted Funds|||||**0**||0||**0**|
|Endowment Funds||||||**2,443**|2,443||**2,343**|
|**_Total Funds_**||**3,674,086**|**100,446**|**0**|**0**|**0**|3,776,975||**2,741,478**|
Signed
Circuit Treasurer
Name of Circuit .
Indepondent Examlner's Statsment
trhe Circuiys gross income exceeded £250,000 and l am qualified to undertake the examination
by being a qualified member of (insert name of applicable listed body)]. Delete [ ] if not applicable.
I have completed my examination. I confinTr that no material matter5 have come to my attention in
conneclion with the examination (olher than that disclosed below.) which give me cause lo believe
that in, any material respect:
the accounting records were not kept in accordan with section 130 of the Act; or
the accounts do not accord with the accounting 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 fairf view, which is not a matter considered as
part of an independent examination Delete if not applicable i.e. 811 R&P accounts
the Irustees, annual report is not consistent with the accounts Del8te if not applicable i.e. all
R&P accounts.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connectlon with the examlnation to
which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the
accounts to be reached.
I Ivjplhave not. obtained independent verification of all investments with 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 (len thousand
pounds) at the balance sheet date.
Name of independent examiner..
Relevant professional qualification of independenl examiner:
Name offirm (where appropriate): .....Cb.(AJQ.Ik*........................................................
SaLErTrl..................................................... PostCode:..BLb..Ik
Date:.......&l.k).1.2o.?.S............ .....
delete or circle as appropriate
Name of Circuit- Bury
No 06108
Declarations and Scrutiny
I confirm that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 31 August 2024 have been prepared
from the records of the Circuit and that they include all fvnds under the control of the Circuit
meeting.
Signature of treasurer
Date 12th December 2024
Name and address of treasurer . Llndsay Sweeney., 2 First Avenue, Tottington, BURY, BL8 3JA
Pres•ntatlon to the Clrcult meetlng
I confimi that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were presented
to the Circuit meeting held on.. 12th December 2024
Signature of the Chair ofthe Meeting: .........................
Name of the Chair of the meeting: Kathy Selby
Date 12th December 2024
Indepondent Examinerfs Report to the Trustees of the
Clrcuit
I l.3.&Uu9
Charlty Numbar.....
Responslbllltles and basi8 of report
I report to the trustses on my examination of the accounts of the ...
Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages .
to
As the Circult's truslee8, YOU
are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of Ihe
Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,).
I report in respect of my examination of the Circuirs accounts carried out under section 145 of the
Act and, in carying 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