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2025-08-31-accounts

THE METHODIST CHURCH

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

HASTINGS BEXHILL & RYE CIRCUIT

Registered Charity Registration number 1134757

Circuit No: 36/17

Ministers

Rev'd Philip Wagstaff(Until 3st August25)

Rev[l] d Crawford Logan

Rev'd Ian Couchman Wef 1st September 2025

Circuit Stewards

Mr Rodney Sinden(Until 31st August 2025)

Mrs Amanda Troughton Mrs Christine Thacker

Mrs Paula Foord

Dr Julie Todd

Mr Stephen Hampson(Wef 1st September 2025 Mrs Virginia Cole( Wef 1st September 2025) Circuit Treasurer Mr Brian Knight(Until 31st August 2025) Circuit Treasurer Mr Keith Miller(Wef 1st September 2025)

Registered address for Correspondence: Centenary House, 21 Holliers Hill,

BexhiII-on-Sea, TN40 2DH

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Methodist Church Circuit Circuit number 36/17

Governance

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 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS 102, 2015).

Full Name of Charity: Hastings Bexhill & Rye Methodist Circuit

Date of registration March 2010

Main communication addess: Circuit Office, Centenary House, 21 Holliers Hill, Bexhill-onSea, TN40 2DH.

Administrator Mr Kevin Southon Mr Clive Whitehead FCCA Independent Examiner 85, Westfield Lane St Leonards On Sea TN37 7NF Commercial Bank Reliance Bank Ltd Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

Trustees report

The Hastings Bexhill and Rye Circuit of the Methodist Church supports nine Methodist churches in East Sussex, together with the historic Wesley's Chapel in Winchelsea. The churches are in a mix of urban and rural locations, and all are part of their local community. V•vhilst most of the churches meet in a building under the control of their church council, Rye meets at the St Mary's Church Rooms in Rye.

Each church has its own Church Council which act as the local Managing Trustees.

The membership of the Circuit Meeting, which is agreed annually, are Circuit Managing Trustees.

The Circuit is part of the Southeast District of the Methodist Church? which is part of the Methodist Connexion.

The chapel in Winchelsea has its own management group but is under the overall Managing Trusteeship of the Circuit Meeting.

There are two Presbyter Ministers stationed annually in the Circuit by the Methodist Conference.

The circuit currently have 5 lay workers

The churches have a combined membership of 303 and an average attendance at Sunday worship of 167 in October November 2024

Governance, Structure and Management The Charity is subject to the following Acts of Parliament

Methodist Church Deed of Union (1932)

The Methodist Church Act (1976)

The Circuit operates under Methodist Standing orders which are found in the 'Constitution Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church' (CPD) which is authorised annually by the Methodist Conference following any changes made by the Annual Conference,

The members of the Circuit meeting are the Managing Trustees for the year, the membership of the Circuit meeting being members elected by the local churches, the ministers and others as set out in the standing orders of CPD. The number of Circuit Trustees is set from time to time by the Circuit Meeting,

Objectives and Activities

The Objects and Activities of the Hastings Bexhill and Rye Methodist Circuit are:

These objects are carried out locally through

The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to all

resourcing of pastoral work by stipendiary, salaried and voluntary workers,

Work with ecumenical colleagues on projects as appropriate

Offering services of infant and adult baptism across the circuit

Assisting the Wesley's Chapel (Wnchelsea) committee in their work.

Govemors lead collective worship, are members of the school's worship and ethos committee and work with the RE lead. The superintendent led a reflection for Remembrance Day in the Parish Church and both governors supported the school's Christmas and Easter celebrations in the Parish Hall and the Harvest Celebration in the Parish Church. They also provide pastoral care for members of the school community as appropriate.

Challenges for the next year:

Average numbers attending worship have fallen by about 10% during the last year

how climate change has an impact both locally and across the world, offering practical advice and theological insights into the current environmental situation.

Safeguarding

The work of the Circuit Safeguarding Team continues to play an important part in the life of the circuit. Safeguarding is part of every Church Council and Circuit meeting agenda. Regular updates are given to Church safeguarding officers and initial safeguarding courses are organised by members of the Team. The circuit delivers the initial training, whilst the Southeast District of the Methodist Church arranges advanced training. The Circuit has been supported by the District Safeguarding Officer, Claire Coles.

Safeguarding Policy:

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of all people 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 Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; govemment legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches. It also 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. Hastinqs Bexhil/ & Rye Circuit Circuit number 36/17

Financial Review

The Circuit Finances are currently in a sound position with total assets in excess of 2.7M, a similar Figure to the previous year, E2.OM coming from the value of the properties . The Circuit has received E314K (net) from the sale of the Sackville Road Church Buildings but there was a revaluation of the Centenary House building and the valuation was reduced by 2300K, although the values of the two Manses in increase by 2140K Once the Rye Church Building is sold, the Assets of the Circuit will be increased.

Income

The income for 2024-25, allowing for the receipt of a legacy in 2023-24, and the sale of Sackville Road, was roughly the same as the previous year. In 2024-25Grants of El 8K were received for the employment of Layworkers, Fairshare receipts were E29K more than the previous year

Expenditure

Expenditure for the year was E457K greater than the previous, that included El 75K levy on he sale of Sackville ROAD Church and 244K on Layworker salaries. Grants totaling 229K were given to churches in the Circuit and an outside agency.E67K has been invested in properties, the major part to bring the Knebworth Road building up to a good stanard. E67K has been invested in properties, the major part to bring the Knebworth Road building up to a good stanard.

Fixed Assets

The value of properties have decreased in the last 12 months due to the revaluation of Centenary House., but the value of hence our fixed assets are now vauled at 1591K less

Assets

The Total net assets have increased by 230K mainly due to the proceeds from the sale of Sckville Road Church, , but the drop in value of Fixed Assets, has limited this increase

The Trustees of the Circuit have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going concern, principally, because as long asthe churches continue to meet their Assessments and the Circuit has adequate reserves to cover any unforeseen shortfall in income.

Reserves Policy

The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum of E50,OOO in all unrestricted funds. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and for the Circuit to be able to continue in the short term; funding planned activities in the event of any church being unable to raise the full amount pledged by them as a contribution to the cost of the Circuit.

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Circuit Circuit number 36/17 Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31st August 2025 Income and Expenditure (E)

TOTAL TOTAL

Notes to Circuit Model Designated
the General Fund Trust Funds Restricted Endowment
2023-2024
accounts (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) (unrestricted) Funds Funds 2024-2025
Income (E)
Donations Received
Income from monetary investments
1
2
12,902 8,882 197 23,
21 ,981
170
26,623
14,876
Income from investment properties 3 15,494 2,980 18,474 122,623
Assessments on Churches 151,665 151 ,665
Capital Receipts
Grants received
Other income
4
5
18,443
189
484,025 484,025
18,443
189
50,019
237,311
Total income 198,693 492,907 3,177 o 694,777
Expenditure (E)
Grants and donations
Salaries and associated costs
Propelty maintenance
6
7
7,528
126,266
15,112
21,000
44,835
7,209 28,528
126,266
67,156
85,214
5,942
34,998
7,354
Connexional assessment & model trust 8 31,758 175,021 206,779
levy District Assessment & Levy 9 7,479 7,479 28,543
Depreciation 33,837
Office Overheads 10 37,728 110 37,838 195,888
Other outgoings 11 29,862 514 600 30,976
Capital Purchases
Total charitable expenditure 255,733 241,370 7,918 o 505,021
Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
Gains/(losses) on investment properties -159,490 -159,490
Net income/(expenditure) -216,530 251,537 -4,741 30,266
Transfers between funds 50,000 -50,000
Other gains/(losses)
Net movement in funds -166,530 201 ,537 4,741 30,266
Total funds brought forward 2,536,239 158,225 9,626 2,704,090
Total funds carried forward 2,369,709 359,762 4,885 o 2,734,356

71 ,442 112,865 112,865

2,591 ,225 2,704,090

Circuit number 36/17

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Circuit Balance Sheet as at 31 st August 2025 TOTAL TOTAL

2023-2024

1100924 1090499 2191423

7002 389796 58474 61365 516637 3172 800 3972 512665

2704088
2704088
2536239
158225
9626
2704090
2704090
Notes to the
Current
Net assets
Accounts
liabilities
Fixed Assets Creditors (due Funds of the Circuit
in under 1 General Fund
Circuit Manses & year) (Unrestricted)
Equipment Circuit Model Trust Fund
Accruals (Unrestricted)
Investment properties
Investments
Total current
liabilities
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Total Unrestricted Funds
Total fixed assets
Current Assets
Net current
assets/liabiliti
es
Restricted Funds
Endowment Funds
Total Funds
Circuit
Debtors and prepayments Total assets Model General Fund Trust
less current Fund
liabilities (Unrestricted)
Loans by the Circuit (Unrestricted)
Investments with TMCP Long term
liabilities (due
Central Finance Board after more 1,241,170
Deposits than one year) 790,763
Grants
Cash at Bank and in payable after 2,031 ,933
hand 2024/25
Loans to the
Total current assets Circuit 14,413
Hastings Bexhill &RyeMethodist Hastings Bexhill &RyeMethodist
232,646 359,762
93,754
23,606
364,419
25,103
1,540
26,643
337,776
2,369,709 359,762
359,762
359,762
2,369,709
2,369,709 359,762
Designated
Funds Restricted
Endowment
(Unrestricted) Funds
1,241,170
790,763
4,885
o 2,031,933
14,413
592,408
3,491 97,245
1 ,394 25,000
4,885 O 729,066
25,103
1,540
o 26,643
4,885 o 702,423
4,885 o 2,734,356
4,885 o o
2,734,356
2,369,709
359,762
4,885 4,885
2,734,35
6

Methodist

Hastings Bexhill & Rye

Notes to the Accounts Church Circuit Circuit number 36/17

  1. Basis of accounting and accounting policies

Accounting standard The financial statements have been prepared in accordance withAccounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective from 1 January 2015 - Charities SORP (FRS 102)). Public benefit entity Hastings Bexhill and Rye Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes below.

Funds The funds held constitute: a) 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. b) Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose. c) There are also Endowment funds as listed. Details of each material fund are disclosed in Note 20 to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash. Basis These accounts have been prepared on the basis of properties at purchase price, or annual Insurance valuation, other items are based on historical cost except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year. The accruals basis has

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Methodist

been used and trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial position and activities. Content The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete- Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in ESterling, rounded to the nearest pound.

FRS 102 SORP 2105

These accounts are compliant with FRS 102 and with the FRS 102 SORP 2015. . The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable charity law in England, this being the Charity Act 2011 and Sl 321 (Charities Accounting and Reporting Regulations.) Going concern Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2023, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concem. Consolidation The Circuit does not seek to control the churches within the areas, which are themselves excepted charities. The financial performance of churches within the Circuit are therefore not consolidated into these financial statements. Income Recognition Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with

Methodist

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. When the grant is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years is treated as a provision for future commitments in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years as instalments are paid in accordance with the originally agreed terms.

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

These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least El ,OOO. The freehold property is shown in the accounts at current Insurance deemed values , or recent purchase price or professional valuation, of which the land component is deemed to be zero. No depreciation is provided on the building because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Methodist be material. The property has been reviewed for impairment. Investment Properties Investment properties - no property is currently deemed to not be held for the long term purposes of the charity. 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. Church Circuit Circuit number 36/17 TOTAL TOTAL Circuit Model Designated General Fund Trust Funds Restricted Endowment 20242023(Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) (unrestricted) Funds Funds 2025 2024

1.Donations and Legacies

Donations 23170 Legacies Total 23170

o

o

  1. Income from monetary investments (E) Central Finance Board 11075 197 11272 12751 Bequests 1827 1827

Methodist

TMCP 8883
8883
13872
Total 12902 8883
197 o
21982 26623
3.Income from investment properties (E)
Lettings (37 Knebworth Rd) 15494
15494
12720
Lettings (21 Holliers - Centenary
House) 2980
2980 2156
Total 15494
2980
18474
14876
4.Capital Receipts (E)
Sale of Sackville Road Church 484025
484025
Total o 484025
o 484025
5.Other income (E)
60 60
50000Various 129 129 19
Total 189 o
189
50019
6.Grants and donations (E) o o Grants
Received 7528o 23170
Total 7528 o
23170

Bexhill & Rye Methodist

Bexhill &RyeMethodist
Hastings Church Circuit number 36/17
Circuit
Circuit Model Designated
7. Salaries and associated General Fund Trust Funds Restricted Endowment 2024-
costs (E) (Unrestricted) (Unrestricted) (unrestricted) Funds Funds 2025 TOTAL
Stipends 85098 85098 82954
Supernumeries 1200 1200 1880
Apprenticeship Levy 2028 2028 380
Layworkers 37940 37940
Total 126266 o 126266 85214
8. Connexional assessment
and model trust levy (E)
Connectional assessment 31758 175021 206779 29795
CPF 5203
GPF
Total 31758 175021 o 206779 34998
9. District assessment
and levy
District assessment o 7354
Levy
Total
7479 o 7479
7479
7354
20242025
10.Office and overheads (E)
Admin Salaries
21168 21168
4564
TOTAL
15876
Office 4564 5539 7159
Insurance,
Printing and Stationery
5539
2085
2085
4353
5788
-280
Telephone 4243 110
Total 37599 110 o 37709 28543
11. Other outgoings
Charges o 1645
Rates 8079 8079 7378
Utilities
Travel
1786
3984
1786
3984
4016
4911
Professional Fees 3804 600 4404 7925
Bank Charges 223 223
Removals 3184 3184
Training
Quinquenials
200
7805
200
7805
7007
Misc 1664 514 2178 955
One Off Expenses

Bexhill & Rye

Church Circuit Circuit number 36/17

assets on account
including Fixtures, and assets
Residential Other motor fittings and under
12. Tangible Fixed Assets (E) Land Other Land Manses buildings vehicles equipment construction Total
Balance brought forward 2024 1100924 1090499 2191423
Additions
Revaluations (+/-) 140246 -299736 -
Disposals (-) 159490
Transfers * (+/-)
Balance carried forward 2025 o 1241170 790763 o 2031933
insurance valuation in
December 2024 , The Centenary
Woodlands at purchase price in House
2022, Centenry House revalued
2025which is considered to be
Fair
Value'
for
the
requirements of FRS102
The Dene
641170
Woodlands
600000
El 00000
Knebworth
Road
E690763
2023-24
13. Debtors and prepayments Unrestricted
(E) Funds 2024-25
Prepaid stipends 7070 7070 7002
Assesments 7343 7343
Total 14413 14413 7002

Hastings Bexhill & Rye Methodist Hastings Methodist Church Circuit Circuit number 36/17

Note 21 Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 August 2025

Note 21 Cash flow statement for theyear ended 31 August 2025
YEARS 2024-2025 2023-2024
Cash from operatingactivities
Net cash used in operatingactivities 19153 60864
Cash flows from investingactivities
Dividends,interest and rents from investments 40455 41499
Proceeds from the sale ofproperty,plant and equipment
Purchase ofproperty,plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Other
Net cash provided by investing activities 59608 102363
Cash flows from financingactivities
New borrowing 0
Repayments of borrowing
Net cash used in financingactivities
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 205018 38117
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginningof the reporting period 509635 471518
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 714653 509635
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operatingactivities
Net income for the reporting period ( as per statement of financial
activities)
30266 112865
Adjustments for:
Depreciation and amortisation charges
Profit on the sale of fixed assets
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
Gains on investments
Dividends, interest and rents from investments -40455 -41499
Decrease/(increase)in stocks
(increase)/decrease in debtors 7411 -4074
increase/(decrease)in creditors 21931 -6428
Net cash used in operating activities 19153 60864
Analysis of cash and cash equivalent

Bexhill & Rye

Bexhill &Rye
Cash in hand 25000 61365
Short term deposit(less than 3 months) 689653 448270
Total cash and cash equivalents 714653 509635

Bexhill & Rye Hastings Circuit Circuit number 36/17 MEMBERSHIP OF CIRCUIT MEETING

Circuit Manging Trustees 2024-25

MINISTERS

SUPERNUMARY MINISTERS

Rev'd Philip Wagstaff( Unit: 31st August 2025) Rev(d Crawford Logan Rev'd Ian Couchman(wef 1st September 2025

LAYWORKERS CIRCUIT STEWARDS

Rev'd Jonathan Todd

N/A

Mr Rodney Sinden(Until 31st August 2025) Christine Thacker Mrs Amanda Troughton Mrs Paula Foord Dr Julie Todd

Circuit Treasurer Circuit Treasurer Circuit Meeting Secretary Connexional Funds

Mr Stephen Hampson(wef 1st September 2025) Mrs Virginia Cole (wef 1st September 2025 Mr Brian Knight (Until 31st August 2025) Mr Keith Miller (Wef 1st September 2025

Position Vacant

Position Vacant

Circuit Committee Representatives

Circuit Local Preachers & Worship Leaders representative

David Hanson

Home/World Mission Treasurer Methodist Women in Britain Representative Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator

Mr David Hanson Mrs Dawn Novis

Training Representative Other Circuit Appointments

Stephen Wise Postion Vacant

Methodist Homes Representative Lay Members of Synod

Position Vacant

Mrs Gillian Lambourne Mrs Jill Sayers Mr John Troughton

CIRCU T CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES

Church 1 Battle Rep 1 Rep 2

Mrs Paula Foord Mrs Jill Sayers

Church 2 Calvert Rep 1 Mr Keith Thacker Rep 2 Mrs Adela Binns Rep 3 Miss Heather White Rep 4 Church 3 Christchurch Rep 1 Mr Barry Tumwell Rep 2 Mr Geof Corke Rep 3 Mrs Maureen Pullen Rep 4 David Hanson Rep 5 Church 4 Little Common Rep 1 Miss Carolyn Lapping Rep 2 Mr David Hobson Rep 3 Mrs Yvonne Pearson Rep 4 Mr John Troughton Church 5 Ninfield Rep 1 Mr Paul Burson Rep 2 Mrs Lisa Harrington Rep 3 Mr David Swales Church 6 Pett Rep 1 Mr Kenneth Hatch Rep 2 Mr Keith Miller Rep3 Mrs Wendy Hatch Church 7 Rye Rep 1 Mr Paul Martin Rep 2 Mrs Marilyn Martin Rep 3 Mr Andrew Irving Church 8 St Helenschurch now Closed) Rep 1 Mrs Diane FunneliUntil 31st August 2025 Rep 2 Mr Michael Lambourne(Until 31 st August 2025 Rep 3 Mr David Funnell Until 31st August 2025 Church 9 St Leonards-on$ea Rep 1 Mrs Sheila Sinden Rep 2 Mrs Pear! Page Rep 3 Rep 4 Church 10 Trinity Rep 1 Mrs Angela Pepper Rep 2 Mr Stephen Hampson Rep 3 Mrs Frances Parnham Church 10 Winchelsea Rep Mr Terry Novis DECLARATIONS

Treasurer

I confirm that I have prepared the accounts from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting

Signature of Treasurer2024-25 Name

Brian Knight MBA, ACIB

Address Meadow View, Cottage Lane, Westfield, Hastings TN35 4RlJ Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.

Date Z / 1

I confirm that the Accounts have been presented to the Circuit Meeting on and were approved.

Signature of the Chair of the meeting

Date

Name of the Chair of the meeting Rev'd Ian Couchman

Clive Whitehead ACCA

Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the

Hastings, Bexhill & Rye Circuit

O This Report is on the Circuit Accounts for the year ended 31st August 2025

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner. Signed Examination Certificate attached.

The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity's Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

It is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity

Commission under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiner's Report

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 consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a "true and fair vieW' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent Examiner's Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

have not been met; or

Name Clive Whitehead

Signature

Relevant Professional qualification O or body

F.C.C.A

Address 85, Westfield Lane,St Leonards On Sea

Date

2025