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← Blackheath And Halesowen Methodist Circuit

2025-08-31-accounts

Charity registration number 1134874

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees’ RevAWilley (Appointed 1 September
2025)
Ms J Lear
Ms M Stanley
Ms C Lees
Ms S Sambidge
Ms P Lane
Ms E Lacon
D Vercoe
E Collins
Ms G Smith
P Roberts
Ms J Rushton
MsT Tolley
Ms C Grimmitt
Ms S Simpson
Ms J Beardsmore (Appointed 1 September
2025)
Mrs J Austin (Appointed 1 September
2025)
Mrs SAustin (Appointed 1 September
2025)
Mr K Browning (Appointed 1 September
2025)
Charity number 1134874
Registered office Central Methodist Church
High Street
Rowley Regis
West Midlands
B650EH
Independent examiner TC Group
Swinford House
Albion Street
Brierley Hill
West Midlands
DY53EE

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees’ report 1-3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Statement offinancial position 6
Notestothefinancialstatements 7-13

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES’ REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

The trustees' present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011 and “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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019).

Objectives and activities

Blackheath & Halesowen Methodist Circuit is part of the Birmingham District of the Methodist Church.

The circuit continues to support ministry in local churches and their communities. Care and support are given to those of all communities and faiths as we follow Christ's command to love our neighbours.

The circuit is responsible for 3 churches: Central Methodist Church, Hasbury and Short Cross.

At the 1st September 2025, the Blackheath & Halesowen Circuit will be known as the Anchor Circuit. All assets will come under this umbrella. The Anchor Circuit will also be the receiving charity for the Methodist Church Gornal & Sedgley Circuit (charity number 1206227). The name should be in place, at the latest, by September 2026.

Mission Statement

The circuit's vision is to unite for God's inclusive mission "Now or Never" and to love God through worship, evangelism, learning and service.

The aims of the circuit are:

The Circuit has a Mission Strategy "Now or Never" for discipleship and growth over the next 5-10 years.

Public benefit

The trustees’ have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Financial review

During the year, the circuit recorded total income from all sources amounting to £123k (2024 - £198k). The circuit disbursed £164k (2024 - £308k), giving a net deficit of income of expenditure of £41k (2024 - £110k) Total reserves at 31 August 2025 were £1,468k (2024 - £1,510k), which includes Freehold Land and Buildings of £634k (2024 - £634k).

In line with Methodist guidelines, assets from closed churches pass to the circuit at the date of closure. A fair value is included within income and assets at the date of closure. Fair value takes into account a compulsory 40% levy for the Methodist Connexional Priority Fund which will be deducted if and when those buildings are sold. Any difference between the balance sheet values and the eventual realisable value is accounted for once the final net proceeds figure is certain.

Going concern

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties abut the charity's ability to continue as a going concern

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES’ REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Reserves policy

The General Fund derives its income principally from church contributions (known as assessments). This finances the day to day running costs of the circuit. The trustees believe that the balance on the General Fund should, under normal circumstances, be in the region of £200k, to cover foreseeable circuit running costs.

"Free Reserves" represents the balances on the General Fund, the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Bequests Fund: £834k (2024 - £876k). Total reserves at 31 August 2025 were £1,468k (2024 - £1,510k) with £634k (2024 - £634k) represented by Freehold Land & Buildings.

Investment policy

To comply with Methodist Standing Orders, money for long term investment is lodged with TMCP "Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes" or with CFB " Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church". TMCP is the legal owner and custodian trustee of all Methodists Model Trust property, including legacies, endowments and accumulated funds. CFB manages a common deposit fund and a series of pooled investment funds for Methodist entities in Great Britain. Interest rates from deposits with TMCP and CFB reflect deposit rates available elsewhere. The investment policy of the circuit is aligned with those of TMCP and CFB, who take into account the social, environmental and ethical considerations that make investments suitable for the Methodist Church.

Interest received during the year end 31 August 2025 was £38,271 (2024 - £45,319).

Structure, governance and management

The circuit is governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976 and the Deed of Union 1932.

The trustees’ who served during the year and up to the date of signature ofthe financial statements were: The trustees’ who served during the year and up to the date of signature ofthe financial statements were: The trustees’ who served during the year and up to the date of signature ofthe financial statements were:
Rev Dr J Suray (Resigned 31 August 2025)
RevA Willey (Appointed 1 September 2025)
Ms J Lear
Ms M Stanley
Ms C Lees
Ms S Sambidge
Ms P Lane
Ms E Lacon
D Vercoe
E Collins
Ms G Smith
P Roberts
Ms J Rushton
MsT Tolley
Ms C Grimmitt
Ms S Simpson
Ms J Beardsmore (Appointed 1 September 2025)
Mrs JAustin (Appointed 1 September 2025)
Mrs S Austin (Appointed 1 September 2025)
MrKBrowning (Appointed 1September2025)

Organisational structure

Individual Methodist churches are grouped within circuits, which are in turn grouped within districts. All districts, circuits and churches are part of the Methodist "Connexion". (See related parties below). Overall regulatory authority rests with the Methodist Conference, which meets once a year. The Connexional Office Implements decisions made by Conference and is also responsible for the stationing of presbyters and deacons (collectively known as ministers) within circuits.. Connexional decisions are passed to the districts for implementation, The District Synod meets twice a year.

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

ee

Tee

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Management

The circuit is governed by the trustees consisting of the circuit officers and representatives of each of the churches. The trustees hold at least three meetings each year. The responsibilities of the Circuit Meeting are laid down in Methodist Standing Orders. The circuit meeting is supported by the leadership team which consists of the ministers and circuit stewards, with a firm of accountants providing financial and administrative support. The circuit also provides voluntary support and leadership in the form of local preachers, circuit stewards and trustees. Other office holders support the churches with help and advice on property, finance, worship, and work with young people, We continue to serve the changing communities where the churches are located.

Relationship with wider network

Related parties

Methodist Church in Britain ("the Connexion") Birmingham Methodist District

The churches within the circuit during 2024-25 were:

Individual churches make donations to central Methodist Funds, via the circuit bank account. Such transactions are treated as money received and passed onto external organisations.

The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees’.

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Trustee “
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10 February 2026

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES' OF BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

SESS

| report to the trustees’ on my examination of the financial statements of Blackheath & Halesowen Methodist Circuit (the charity) for the year ended 31 August 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the frustees' of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).

| report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

| understand that this has been done in order for financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2015.

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or 2 _ the financial statements do not accord with those records; or 3 the financial statements 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.

| 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 financial statements to be reached.

Seve lborrncod

Steven Thomas

Swinford House Albion Street Brierley Hill West Midlands DY5 3EE

Dated: 10 February 2026

ER

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
Notes £ £
Income from:
Donations and legacies 3 - 1,164
Charitable activities 4 70,482 101,425
Investments 5 52,450 55,363
Total income 122,932 157,952
Expenditure on:
Charitable activities 6 164,292 308,208
Total expenditure 164,292 308,208
Net gains/(losses) on investments 10 - 39,951
Net expenditure and movement in funds (41,360) (110,305)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 September 2024 1,509,548 1,619,853
Fundbalancesat 31August2025 1,468,188 1,509,548

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

2025 2024
Notes £ £ £ £
Fixed assets
Tangible assets 12 2,942 3,883
Investment property 13 634,149 634,149
637,091 638,032
Current assets
Debtors 14 1,246 223
Cash at bank and in hand 836,376 874,362
837,622 874,585
Creditors: amounts falling due within 15
one year (6,525) (3,069)
Net current assets 831,097 871,516
Total assets less current liabilities 1,468,188 1,509,548
Net assets excluding pension liability 1,468,188 1,509,548
The funds ofthe charity
Unrestricted funds 1,468,188 1,509,548
1,468,188 1,509,548

The financial statements were approved by the trustees' on 10 February 2026

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Trustee

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

1.1. Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's [governing document], the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 “The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland” (“FRS 102”) and the Charities SORP "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 (FRS 102)" (effective 1 January 2019). The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees' have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees' continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees' in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Computers

20% straight line

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Investment property

Investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is initially recognised at cost, which includes the purchase cost and any directly attributable expenditure. Subsequently it is measured at fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in profit or loss.

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.10 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments. Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees' are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Government grant income

|Unrestricted|||Unrestricted| |---|---|---| |funds||funds| |2025||2024| |£||£| |-||1,164|

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Assessment income 69,854 97,014
Other charitable income 628 4,411
70,482 101,425

5 Income from investments

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Rental income 14,179 10,044
Interest receivable 38,271 45,319
52,450 55,363
Expenditure on charitable activities
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Staffcosts 47,926 80,022
Depreciation and impairment 941 -
Activity and welfare 79,136 124,456
Property and repair 19,004 63,675
Insurance 1,303 2,529
Office expenses 15,982 37,526
164,292 308,208
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 164,292 308,208
Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Depreciation ofowned tangible fixed assets 941 -
Loss/(profit)ondisposalofinvestmentproperty - (39,951)

6 Expenditure on charitable activities

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

8 Trustees’

None of the trustees’ (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

9 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |2025|2024| |Number|Number| |Total|=|7| |Employment|costs|2025|2024| |£|£| |Wages|and|salaries|47,926|80,022|

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There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

10 Gains and losses on investments

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|||||| |---|---|---|---|---| |Unrestricted|Unrestricted| |funds|funds| |2025|2024| |Gains/(losses)|arising|on:|£|£| |Sale|of investment|properties|-|39,951|

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11. Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

12 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
Computers
£
Cost
At 1 September 2024 4,704
At 31 August 2025 4,704
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 September 2024 821
Depreciation charged in the year 941
At 31 August 2025 1,762
Carrying amount
At 31 August 2025 2,942
At 31 August 2024 3,883
Investment property
2025
£
Fair value
At1September2024and31August2025 634,149

The investment property is included in the accounts at cost which the trustees consider to be a close approximation of the market value.

14 Debtors

Debtors
2025 2024
Amounts falling due within one year: £ £
Trade debtors - 223
Prepayments and accrued income 1,246 -
1,246 223
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
2025 2024
£ £
Trade creditors 1,725 1,499
Accruals and deferred income 4,800 1,570
6,525 3,069

BLACKHEATH & HALESOWEN METHODIST CIRCUIT

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

16 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At1 Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31 August
September resources expended losses 2025
2024
£ £ £ £ £ £
Circuit Model Trust Fund 607,486 27,380 (38,786) - - 596,080
Bequest Fund 16,290 777 (53) - - 17,014
Property Reserve Fund 634,149 - - - - 634,149
General funds 251,623 94,775 (125,453) - - 220,945
1,509,548 122,932 (164,292) - - 1,468,188
Previous year: At1 Incoming Resources Transfers Gains and At 31 August
September resources expended losses 2024
2023
£ £ £ £ £ £
Circuit Model Trust Fund 590,304 34,461 (1,682) (55,548) 39,951 607,486
Bequest Fund 15,497 837 (44) - - 16,290
Property Reserve Fund 754,075 - - (119,926) - 634,149
General funds 259,977 122,654 (306,482) 175,474 - 251,623
1,619,853 157,952 (308,208) - 39,951 1,509,548

17 ___ Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).