West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
(Registered Charity 1135094)
Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
For the Year Ended
31st August 2024

West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
Trustees Annual Report and Accounts
For the Year Ended 319t August 2024
Contents
Page
Report of the Trustees
Report of the Auditors
Methodist Stsndard Form of Accounts
Statement of Financial Activities
ststement of Financial Position
Cash Flow Statement
Notes to the accounts
ststement of Flnanclal Actlvltles 2017-18
3-14
15-18
19
20
21
22
23-28
29

Trustees Annual Report
for the year ended 31st August 2024
The Trustees of the West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit present their report, with the
financial statements of the charity, for the year ended 31st August 2024. The Trustees have adopted
the provisions of 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Ststement 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 1st January 2015),.
l. Objectives and Activities
In setting our objettives and planning our activities, the Circuit Trustees (who meet in September,
February and June each year) have given careful consideration to the Charity Commissioners,
published guidance on public benefit, and we believe that we conform with the Charities Act 2011,
and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008.
Our ststed mission is to, 'encourage, enable and equip the churches, congregations and individuals
of the Circuit to draw nearer to God, to proclaim the good news of Christ, and to share the love of
God.,
We aim to achieve this through the provision of ministerial stsff, financial and other support to the
seventeen Methodist Churches, one MethodisVAnglican LEP and one Methodi5t/United Reformed
Church LEP in our local area (which covers Dacorum, Three Rivers, Watford, Harpenden and parts
of Buckinghamshire and Bedfordshire).
2. Achievements and Performance
Under the heading 'Collaborative arrangements with connected charities, (3.3 below), there is
fvrther Informatlon on how we obtsin our funds. In this paragraph we provide an overview of how
they were spent. For more detsil, please see the Churches, own Trustees Annual Reports (where
these are required to be prepared).
During the year, the principal input into the Circuit was through the work of the Minister5, seven
Presbyters and one Deacon, aided by a part-time Lay Outreach Worker. Around 57 % of the revenue
budget was spent on stipends and accommodation for the ministerial staff (£361k in 2023-24, £332k
in 2022-23). This includes routine manse maintenance but not improvements and renovations.
The Circuit appointed a paid Safeguarding Officer with effect from December 2018, with the role of
supporting the churches in their safeguarding policies, practices, compliance and training; and a
bursar from October 2021, with their work focussed mainly on property matters at the manses
(although that post is currently vacant).
The Circuit has a sum of money available for grants, principally for mission projects or to support
Churches needing to make modifications to their premises to meet health and safety legislation, to
enable inclusivity and to encourage eco-friendly improvements to church buildings. Funding is
usually matched with what has been raised by the church in question, and is sometimes split three
ways with the District. Where funds are required for other purposes, the Circuit may give short-term

or longer-term loans. Requests are invited, to be discussed first by the Circuit Leadership Team with
final decisions being made by the full Circuit Meeting, except for smaller grants which can be
approved by the Circuit Leadership Team (up to £3,000).
Grants totalling £24,569 were paid during the year to 10 churches to support works to upgrade
heating systems, repair roofs, replace windows, repair wooden flooring and upgrade sound and AV
systems.
The Circuit put in place a programme of support for the churches to enable them to meet steep
rises in energy bills from April 2022. The impact on churches varied depending on when their fixed
price contracts came to an end, with some churches affected almost immediately while others have
longer contracts running into 2024 or 2025. The Circuit is funding increases in excess of 5 % per
annum for the period from 1st April 2022 to 31 August 2026. The Circuit estimated the cost for the
period from 1st September 2023 to 31 August 2026 at £IOO,000 per annum, giving an estimated
totsl of £300,000. The actual cost in 2023124 was £61,895. Future estimates depend critically on
fvture energy prices and the impact of measures being tsken by churches to reduce their energy
consumption,
3. Financlal Review
During the year, the Circuit received totsl revenue income of £599k (2022-23: £556k). The main
reason for the increase in revenue receipts was higher interest income. Totsl Circuit expenditure
was £764k (2022-23: £611k). The main reasons for this were improvement expenditure on the
manses and a higher District Advance fund levy, reflecting the increase in the model trust fund
following the property sale in the previous year. In terms of revenue expenditure there was a deficit
in 2023-24 of £161,560 (2022-23: £57,522).
The Trustees have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going concern, in that they hold free
reserves of around £740k, over and al)ove those required to cover six months of revenue
expenditure and other specific commitments, even if every Church defaulted on its assessment.
The title to the nine properties (manses) in which the Ministers live (including one currently let out)
the Cloisters Hall, Markyate Methodist Church and Southdown Methodist Church are held by the
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, in Manchester. The Circuit acts as Managing Trustee, and
is responsible for the day to day management of these properties, having the right and obligations
of exercising power or discretion over them. The church buildings of the active churches in the
Circuit are the responsibility of their Church Councils, some of which have registered charity status
in their own right, and some of which do not.
In response to the new accounting standards, the manses have been revalued for these accounts
(see note 7 for details).
The principal source of funds for the Circuit is the assessment levied on the Churches. In addition,
the Circuit received grants to support the work of one minister, who is also the chaplain to the
Ghanaian Methodist Fellowship in the UK (this appointment ended in August 2024), and rentsl
income from a manse.
The churches, income is derived from freewill donations by church members and other5 attending
worship, and payments for the use of church halls and rooms by clubs, activity groups and other

organisations. Despite significant reductions in these sources of income since March 2020 the
majority of the circuit assessment payments by churches have continued to be made. However,
some churches have reduced their assessment payments and others have indicated that they will
need to do so as their income has not recovered sufficiently Sin￿ churches were able to reopen for
worship and for lettings use by local groups. As reported below the Circuit holds reserves of £740k
over and above the baseline of 50 % of annual expenditure of annual expenditure and other specific
commitments. The Trustees, view is that the Circuit's reseNes are sufficient to meet the likely
shortfalls at present. A plan is being drawn up to address the future financial position in the light of
these developments.
From September 2016, staffing was ￿dUCed by one Minister, leaving a vacant manse. A decision
was made to rent out this manse for an initial period of two years, giving the Circuit the opportunity
to assess whether the stsffing reduction was permanent or whether there were other Circuit
(charitable) purposes to which the property can be put. During this period, the rentsl monies
received will not be used for general revenue purposes, but to support transitions in the assessment
process, to fund specific projects (currently the Circuit safeguarding Officer) and to add to the funds
available for grants. Since this is not deemed to be a long-term use of the property, it has not been
categorised as an investment property in the accounts. Future decisions about how we use the
property may cause us to review this. The propety has been rented out for a further three-year
period from September 2021.
The rentsl income from the surplus manse has been unaffected by the coronavirus restrittions and
the Trustees have no indication that there will be any significant impact on this income for the
foreseeable future.
Another manse fell vacant in August 2024 with the departure of the minister who was not replaced.
A retired minister is living there temporarily and is supporting the work of the servi￿.
The Southdown Methodist Church formally ceased to meet for worship in October 2023. A project
is currently in development to develop the Southdown Methodist church building as a Christian
performing arts centre (SPACe). The project is currently at the feasibility stage. The building was
tsken into the managing trusteeship of the Circuit Meeting on 31 August 2024.
3.1 Investment Policy and Performance
To comply with Methodist Standing Orders, monies for long term investment are lodged with the
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). As ststed above, TMCP acts as custodian trustee
for all real estate held by the Circuit, for all large (over £20k) bequests, and for the proceeds of the
sale of properties. These sums are invested in unitised investments or held on deposit. The
investment returns are close to tracking the movements of the ￿sE100 index. The deposit income
reflects rates available elsewhere, but additionally the Circuit can be assured that the underlying
investments take account of the social, environmentsl and ethical concerns of the Methodist Church.
Short term deposits are lodged dirertly with the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
(CFB) and attract a rate of interest in line with other market rates. Again, the CFB aim to utilise the
monies held with them, alongside other denominats-ons, to engage with companies in which they

hold investments, to bring about change in line with our ethical concerns regarding poverty and
unsafe working practices, etc.
There are no other benchmarks for the expected returns on investments with the TMCP and CFB.
The objective is a rate of return reflecting the market rate, but which fits with the Trustees, low
appetite for risk. The Central Finance Board now have a number of accounts for funds not
immediately required, and which attract slightly higher rates, which meeting the same ethical aims.
These will bear further examination going forwards.

3.2 Reserves Level and Policy
The Circuit has a reserves policy covering all of its unrestricted funds which is reviewed annually.
The Charity Commission's recommended minimum policy level for free reserves is such as to pay
for six months of revenue expenditure, although there continues to be conversation as to whether
the Circuit should take Church and District reserves into account to avoid over provision along the
chain of payments between the three tiers.
The recommended amount equates to fifty percent of lines 9 - 16 of the Stsndard Form of Accounts
(general fund), net of expenditure met by grants received, which in 2023-24 amounted to £279k
(2022-23: £268k).
The Circuit sets aside a sum each year from the revenue budget to meet maintenance expenditure
on the manses, quinquennial inspections, and costs incurred when ministers move into the Circuit.
Expenditure is allocated against that reserve for budget and financial planning purposes. The
amount allocated in 2023-24 was £35,000. £20,432 was spent from this reserve during the year
on manse maintenance, together with £4,122 on quinquennial inspections. There were no costs for
removal and relocation of a new minister. The reserve stood at £32,043 at 31 August 2024.
More substantial renovations and improvements to the manses are charged directly to reserves and
not to the manse maintenance reserve. £121,200 was spent during the year, the main items being
an extension to the kitchen and study at one of the manses, replacement of a heating system and
works to improve insulation and damp-proofing.
The Circult has set aside the rental income from the surplus manse as a special reserve with two
purposes firstly to support churches who would suffer financial difficulties if they met their full
allocated assessment. and secondly to support specific projects or appointments - the Circuit has
appointed a paid safeguarding officer. The costs of this post will be met from this source.
The total reserves held at the end of the year were as follows -
Unrestritted fvnds
General Fund
TMCP Funds
9,031,359
823,342
9,854,701
Less.. invested in buildings
(8,801,054)
Uncommitted reserves
1,053,647
Less.. Sum set aside under Reserves Policy
Less.. allocated to manses reserve
Less.. reserye derived from surplus manse
(278,733)
(32,043)
(3,331)
Available for Grants
739,540

The Trustees consider that the level of reserves is sufficient to meet known risks, in particular the
potential loss of assessment income from the churches in the light of the reductions in the
churches, income, described above.
Collaborative arrangements with Connected Charities
The Circuit's main source of funding is the assessments paid by each of the Churches, amounting
to £475k (2022-23: £461k). The West Hertfordshire and Borders Circuit came into being in 2012,
formed from the merger of the Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead & Berkhamsted and Watford Circuits.
Initially, the assessments charged to each Church reflected historical circumstsnces, being increased
by small percentages, primarily to reflect pay increases. During 2015-16 the Circuit and Church
Treasurers continued to work on an assessment formula which would reflect more closely the
current position of each Church. Proposals were brought to the June 2016 Circuit Meeting reflecting
ministerial input, Church membership and the ability of the Church to pay (measured in terms of
their income over the previous three years). These were agreed, and have formed the basis of
assessments for years from 2016-17, subject to a series of caps on the increases arising from the
move to the new amounts,
The Circuit is part of the Bedfordshire, Essex and Hertfordshire Methodist District, which in turn is
part of the Methodist Connexion in Great Britsin. The District tskes a levy on Circuit reserves (above
set limits) held with TMCP and credits these to the District Advance Fund, from which grants can be
made. In 2022-23, this levy amounted to £7.5k. The levy in September 2023 was £71k, reflecting
the significant amounts received on the sale of the Southdown Church Halls.
In addition, the Distrirt collects an assessment from the Circuits, on behalf of the Connexion, based
on staffing and membership numbers. The Circuit's contribution in 2023-24 was £101.6k (2022-23:
£102.7k).
As reported last year, the managing trusteeship of the Cloisters Hall in Rickmansworth was
transferred to the Circuit with effect from 1st April 2021, following the dissolution of the Local
Ecumenical Partnership (LEP) between Rickmansworth Methodist Church and St Mary's Church of
England. The Trustees have concluded that it is uneconomic to continue to operate the hall and
decided to close the hall on 31 December 2022, with a view to its disposal. The accounts of the
Cloisters Hall have been consolidated Into these accounts but shown separately.
Markyate Methodlst Church closed for worshlp on 31st August 2022. The Clrcult Meetlng became
the managing trustees of the land and buildings on 30th June 2022. The land and buildings were
transferred into these accounts on that date. Bank and CFB balances were transferred to the Circuit
on 31st August 2022, and the trust funds held at TMCP were transferred on 1st September 2022.
The money in those trust funds (£2,257) was withdrawn during the year to meet some of the
ongoing costs of the Markyate chapel pending its sale, and the trusts were closed. The trustees,
intention is to sell the building.
Southdown Methodist Church closed for worship in October 2023. The church building was
transferred to the Circuit on 31st August 2024 and work is in hand to develop the building as a
Christian Performing Arts Centre C'SPACe'?. The church's financial resources, together with the lease
on the Southdown Ha115 building, were transferred to High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden. An
amount continues to be paid to the Circuit from the annual rental income of the property.

4 Trustees. Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees, Report, and the financial ststements, in
accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Prattice).
For each financial year (ending the 31st August), the Trustees are required to prepare financial
statements that give a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial attivities during the year, and of
its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing these statements, the Trustees must -
select suitsble accounting policies and apply them consistently;
obseNe the methods and principles in the Charities, SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent,.
follow applicable accounting stsndards, subject to any material departures being both
disclosed and explained;
prepare the financial ststements on the going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to
assume that the Circuit will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable
accuracy, at any time, the financial position of the Circuit, and enables them to ensure that the
financial ststements comply with the law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of
the Circuit, and ensuring their proper application under charity law, and hence for tsking reasonable
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
4.1 Rlsk Managemen¢ Safeguardlng & Property
As well as ensuring that the Circuit follows policies which minimise financial risk, the Trustees
undertake to promote good practice in financial practices within the individual Churches, compatible
with their size and resources available.
Every person has a value and dignity which arise directly from our creation in God's own Image and
likeness. This implies a duty to protett them from harm. The Trustees, on behalf of the West
Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit, commit themselves to ensuring the implementstion of
Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the Circuit
and in the Churches. They are committed 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.
The Trustees have recently appointed a paid Circuit Safeguarding Officer to give these issues
appropriate oversight.
The Trustees, aim is to care prattically and appropriately for the Circuit's staff by providing and
maintsining suitable and good quality housing which, as far as possible, will
be in an appropriate location;
enable the Circuit's staff to live in dignity and comfort and to carry out their Circuit
responsibilities whilst respecting their independence and privacy;
be adaptable to meet their needs.

The Circuit is committed to keeping all its property in a good stsndard of repair and will continue to
strive to meet the De￿nt Homes Standard. It d￿S this by having a planned maintenan
programme and by the provision of a responsive repair and maintenance service. Both the planned
maintenance programme and the responsive repair and maintenance service are carried out so as
to ensure that good value for money is obtained at all times.
The Trustees will promote within their property, and within individual Churches, due attention to
health and safety legislation and procedures. Physical safety is important. Information and advice
will be shared with regard to, for example, Lone Working and Working at Height. Churches should
have appropriate risk assessments in place.
5 Structure, Governance and Management
The West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit is an unincorporated charitable association
governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976, the Deed of Union (1932), and the Model Trust Deeds
of the Methodist Church. Detsiled governan￿ arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional
Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).
It was registered with the Charity Commission on its formation in 2012, adopting the charity number
of the preceding Watford Circuit.
5.1 Structure
Clrcuits are the co-ordinating charities for local groups of Churches, in this case covering Dacorum,
Harpenden, Watford, Three Rivers and parts of Bedfordshire (Studham) and Buckinghamshire (Ley
Hill). Circuits pay the stipends of the Ministers and employ lay stsff to serve the Churches in the
Circuit.
The Circuit is part of the Bedfordshire, Essex & Hertfordshire District. Districts are the co-ordinating
charities for a group of circuits and make their decisions at half yearly synods.
The Methodist Conference meets once each year as the supreme denominational body for all the
Methodist Churches. Overall regulatory authority rests with the Methodist Conference.
5.2 Purpose of the Circuit
The Circuit is an expression, over a wider geographical area than any individual Church, of the
connexional character of the Methodist Church.
The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date
of the union the advancement of -
the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the
Methodist Church, and
any charitable purposes for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local
or other organisation of the Methodist Church, and
any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or
ancillary to the Methodist Church, and
any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary of
the Methodist Church.
10

The primary purpose of this Circuit is to advance the mission of the Church as we, 'encourage,
enable and equip the churches, congregations and individuals of the Circuit to draw nearer to God,
to proclaim the good news of Christ, and to share the love of God, by placing at their disposal
resources of finance, personnel and expertise.
5.3 Governance
The Circuit operates within a ststutory framework of regulation and seeks to ensure that it follows
Methodist Standing Orders. It relies on the Connexional Office at 25 Tavistock Place, London WCIH
9SF, and on District stsff to provide guidance on changes that could affect the Circuit.
The Trustees comprise the Circuit Stsff (with the exception of the Circuit Administrator), other
Methodist Ministers resident in the area, Circuit Officers, and representstives of each of the
Churches, elected by their Church Councils. The number of representatives is relative to the size of
the Churches, membership.
The Circuit Leadership Team meets on a bi-monthly basis, but major decisions, including those of
expenditure are subject to agreement or ratification by the Circuit meeting, which meets three times
a year (and at other times if necessary for urgent decisions). In turn, the Circuit Meeting appoints
representatives to the Distritt Synod, the Distritt's decision-making body.
6 Reference and Admlnlstratlve Detalls
6.1 Name of the Charity
The West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
6.2 Charity Registration Number
1135094, registered in England and Wales
6.3 Clrcult Office
Circuit Office
Harpenden Methodist Church
High Street
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 2RU
01582 713056
westhertsandb
ir
ui
mail.
6.4 Superintendent Ministsr
Rev. Rachael Hawkins
li

6.5 Secretary of the Circuit Meeting
Lyndsay Campbell
6.6 Circuit Treasurer
David Edney
6.7 Circuit Administrator
Jennifer Frith (non-Trustee)
6.8 Circult Staff
Rev Quophie Anochie Ababio (left the Circuit 31st August 2024)
Rev Andrew Brazier
Rev Dr Donna Fowler-marchant
Rev Mark Hammond
Rev Rachael Hawkins (Superintendent)
Rev Joyce Mayisiri
Rev Helen Roberts (appointed to the Circuit 1st September 2023)
Deacon Sarah Wickett
Jennifer Frith (Administrator.. non-trustee)
Pauline Jackson (Safeguarding OITicer.' non-trustee)
Robin McEwen (Lay Outreach Worker) - to 31 December 2023
6.9 Circuit Officers
Linda Black ( Circuit Stewara)
David Edney (Circuit Steward and Circuit freasurer)
Janet Gilfoyle (Circuit Steward)
Mike Lees (Circuit Steward)
Lorraine Pearce ( Circuit Stewar£fj
David Noble (Circuit Property Secretary) - to June 2024
Lyndsay Campbell (Circuit Meeting Secretary)
Linda Hillier (Secretary of the Local Preachers'meeting) - to June 2024
6.10 Names of Trustees
Circuit Stsff and Officers are automatically members of the Circuit Meeting (unless noted otherwise).
Supernumerary Ministers, or other Methodist Ministers resident in the area, also have a right to be
part of the Circuit Meeting. Other Trustees are appointed by the Circuit's Church Councils, the
number being dependent on the size of the individual Church.
12

In addition to those named above, the followlng seNed as Trustees at some point during the year
2023-24, or are Trustees as of the date of the approval of this report. One Minister who is resident
in the area, but not artive in Trustee decision making, has requested that their details do not appear
in any publications.
Rlchard Atklns
Jeni Bowman
Susan Pyce
Paul Creasey (from Feb 2023)
Margaret Faulkner
Celia Gr￿n
Michael Hill
Miranda Kowalczyk (from May 2023)
David McGuire
Ann Matthews
Paullne Rogers
Chrystyna Smith
Debra Sutherland
Esther Wane (from September 2023)
Rev Brian Tebbutt (Supemumera
Rev Caroline Weaver (Supemun7era
Shireen Wickham
Margaret Woods
Rosemary Berdlnner
Alison Brain
Rev John Fellows (Su￿rnun￿¥ary)
Jenny Harris
Paul Johnston
Janice Lewis
Lesley Markham-jones (from Aug 2023)
Linda Morgan (from May 2024)
Penny OY4elll (to Feb 2024)
David North (to Aug 2024)
Davld Paln
Rosemary Rhodes
Ann Shepherd
Kathryn Spall
Trevor Wadcock (from Aug 2024)
Clive Wickham
Suzanne Wood
6.11 Bankers
Unlty Trust Bank PLC
Nine Brindleyplace
Birmingham.
BI 2HB
Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
9 Bonhill Street
London
EC2A 4PE
6.12 Investment Managers and Custodian Trustees
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Central Buildings
Oldham Street
Manchester
Ml IJQ
6.13 Audltors
Hicks and Company
Chartered Accountants & Ststutory Audltors
Vaughan Chambers
Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 4EE
13

6.14 Churches maklng up the Circuit
Abbots Langley Methodist Church
All Saints,, Berkhamsted (Angllcanlmethodist Local Ecumenical Partnership)
Batford Methodist Church
Berry Lane Methodist Church
Bushey & Oxhey Methodist Church
Carpenders Park and South Oxhey Methodist Church
Croxley Green Methodist Church
Gaddesden Row Methodist Church
Harpenden (High Street) Methodist Church
Hemel Hempstead Methodist Church (HHMC)
Kings Langley Methodist Church
Ley Hill Methodlst Church
Markyate Methodist Church **
The Scroll Church (MethodlsVURC LEP)
Redboum Methodist Church
St Andrew's (Bushey Heath) Methodlst Church
St Martha's (Tring) Methodlst Church
Southdown Methodist Church (ceased to meet for worshlp October 2023) ++
Studham Methodist Church
Trlnlty (Watford) Methodist Church
Trowley Hlll (Flamstead) Methodist Church
** Markyate Methodist Church formally closed on 3 1st August 2022. The land and bulldings were
transferred to the managing trusteeship of the Circuit on 30th June 2022. The balances at the
Central Finance Board were transferred to the Circuit on 31st August 2022; and trusts held by
the Trustees For Methodist Church Purposes for the benefit of the church were transferred to the
Circuit on 1st September 2022.
++ Southdown Methodist Church closed for worship in October 2023. The chapel buildlng was
transferred to the Clrcult on 3 1st August 2024. The financial resources together wlth the resldual
freehold of, and the benefit of the lea* on, the Southdown Halls building were transferred to
High Street Methodist Church, Harpenden. An amount continues to be paid to the Clrcuit from the
annual ￿nts1 Income of the propety.
Statement of disclosures to the Audltor
(a) So frdr as the Trustees are aware, there is no relevant audit informatlon of which the Auditors
are unaware, and;
(b) We have tsken all the steps we ought to have taken as Trustees in order to make ourselves
aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the Auditors are aware of that
information;
Approved by the Trustees on the 21st May 2025
Rev Rachael Hawkins (Superintendent Minister)
14

WEsf HERTFORDSHIRE AND BORDERS METHODIST CIRCUIT
INDEPENDENT AUDITORS, REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st AUGUST 2024
Oplnion
We have audited the financial statements of The West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
Cthe charity,) for the year ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial
Activities, the Statement of Financial Position and notes to the financial statements, including a
summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied
in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Stsndards (United Kingdom
Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial ststements:
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of
its incoming resources and application of resources, for the year then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted
Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAS (UK))
and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those stsndards are further described in the Auditors,
responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent
of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the
financial ststements in the UK, including the FRC'S Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other
ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence
we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relatlng to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concern
basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating
to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's
ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial
ststements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are
described in the relevant sertions of this report.
Other information
The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the
information included in the Annual Report, other than the financial statements and our Report of
the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and, except to the
extent otherwise explicitly stated in our report, we do not express any form of assurance conclusion
thereon.
15

In connection with our audit of the financial ststements, our responsibility is to read the other
information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be
materially misstated.
If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material
misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in
the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that
there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact. We
have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities (Accounts and
Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:
the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect
with the financial statements; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial ststements are not in agreement with the accounting records and returns;
or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the Trustees, Responsibilities Ststement, the trustees are responsible for
the preparation of the financial statements which give a true and fair view, and for such internal
control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial ststements that
are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial ststements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity's ability
to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using
the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditors under Section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in
accordance with the Act and relevant regulatlons made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial ststements as a
whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of
the Independent Auditors that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of
assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit condutted in accordance with ISAS (UK) will always
detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to
influence the economic decisions of users tsken on the basis of these financial ststements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are inStan￿S of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We
design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misststements
in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our prO￿dureS are capable of
detecting irregularities, including fraud is detsiled below:
16

Based on our understanding of the entity and sector in which it operates, we identified the principal
risks of non-compliance with laws and regulations relating to the charity. We also considered those
laws and regulations that have a direct impact on the preparation of the financial statements. We
communicated identified laws and regulations throughout our team and remained alert to any
indications of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity's financial statements to material misstatement,
including obtsining an understanding of how fraud may occur, by making enquiries of the trustees
and management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud and considering the
intemal controls in place to mitigate fraud risks and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
In response to the risk of fraud through management bias (including the risk of override of controls)
and the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures
which included, but were not limited to:
perfomiing analytical procedures to identify unusual or unexpected transactions
assessing whether judgements and assumptions made in determining accounting estimates were
indicative of potential bias
reviewed a sample of transactions from the charity's records
performing completeness of income tests
test checking the appropriateness of journal entries
agreeing financial statement disclosures to the underlying supporting documentstion
checking for correspondence with the Charity Commission
reading the minutes of board of trustees, meetings
checking for any actual and potential litigation and claims
There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures outlined above, The more removed that laws
and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of
non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures to identify non-compliance with
laws and regulations to enquiry of the trustees and other management and the inspection of
regulatory and legal correspondence, if any. Material misststements that arise due to fraud can be
harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or
collusion. We are not responsible for preventing non-compliance and cannot be experted to detect
non-compliance with all laws and regulations.
A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial ststements is located on the
Financial Reporting Council's website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description
forms part of our Report of the Independent Auditors.
17

Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity'5 trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the
Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that
we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors,
report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume
responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Philip
n BA, FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)
Hicks an
Company
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
Vaughan Chambers
Vaughan Road
Harpenden
Hertfordshire
AL5 4EE
Date: 22 ffl¢Y 2Jaf .
18

THE METHODIST CHURCH
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
(ACCRUALS BASIS)
For the year ended 31st August 2024
West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
Registered Charity - Registration number 1135094
Districvcircuit No: 34114
Ministers:
Rev Rachael Hawkin5 (Superintendent)
Rev Quophie Anochie Ababio (to 31st August 2024)
Rev Andrew Brazier
Rev Dr Donna Fowler-marchant
Rev Mark Hammond
Rev Joyce Mayisiri
Rev Helen Roberts (from 1st September 2023)
Deacon Sarah Wickett
Clrcult Stewards:
Linda Black
David Edney
Janet Gilfoyle
Mike Lees
Lorraine Pearce
Circuit Treasurer:
David Edney
19

West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
34114
ststement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024
Plotes to
General Fui
(Vnrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust
(Unrertrlcted)
Cloisters
Hall
Totsl
2023-24
Total
2022-23
accounts
Income and Endowments from:
l Donations and legacies
2 Income from mc¥*tary investments
7,920
51,947
59,867
34,108
3 Income from Investment properties
1,075
4 Assessments on Churches
474,776
474,776
461,264
5 Capltsl R￿eipts
941,553
6 Grants received
20,779
20,779
17,OlXI
7 Other charitsble income
43,631
43,631
42,862
8 Total Income
547,106
51,947
599,053
1,497,862
Expendlture ON:
9 Grants and dOna￿on5
86,464
86h64
56,131
10 Salaries and associated costs
333,862
333,862
305,232
I I Property malntenance
73,093
73,093
49,149
12 Connexional assessment & model trust I
13 Dlstrlrt Assessment & L
101,612
71,381
172,993
110,183
14 Depreciation
15 Offlce expen5e5
365
365
1,246
16 Other outgolngs
93,954
3,140
97,094
89,151
16b Sale of land
17 Total charltable expendlture
689,350
74,521
763,871
611,092
18 Galns1{losses) on monetary Investments
3,258
3,258
-1739
19 Galn51(10sses) on investment propertles
20 Net Incomel(expendlture)
-141244
-19,316
-161,560
884,031
21 Transfers btheen funds
259,082
-259,082
22 Other gainsl(losses)
-293,730
-293,730
113,000
22a Propety introduced
561,446
561,446
23 Net movement In funds
384,554
-278,398
106,156
997,031
24 Totsl funds brought forward
7,764,452
1,101,740
882.353
9.748.545
8,751.514
25 Total funds carrled fornvard
8.149,006
8Z3,342
882,353
9,854,701
9,748,545
20

West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodlst Clrcuit
,tatement of ￿nanCIal Position as at 31 August 2024
34114
GÈneral Fund
(Unrestiicted)
ayallt Mod
Tri￿ Fund
(Unr¢sbiLtsd)
Totals 2024
Totals
2023
Hall
Cinit Marses Bulldi
7 918 701
7 918 701
7 575 QOO
[nve5tsn￿t
882 353
Inv￿rthts
701
Debtors aThJ Pr
ents
Invtstsnents wth TMCP
1053 199
C￿￿01 Fmwl￿ Pgjard De
Cath at Bank and In hand
107
CuTr•it Ilabllltles
Ikn In under I
io
ants
able wlthln 2023-24
66
19
19
so
00
701
Loars and ue1lt0￿ due aftw l year
li
353
Funds of th• artult
General ￿nd
5 119 790
353
6￿2143
5 961291
Ckojlt Mcdel TnLSt F￿K1
1101740
UnrestrlLtsJ
2 685 514
IntrodLKed
13
701
Cwcuit Mcthl Trust Fund (Unrestrl
nated
Endowrnent Funds
149
06
701
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 21st May 2025 and signed on their
behalf by:
Rev Rachael Hawkins
Superintendent Mlnlster
21

West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
Cash How Statement for the year ended 31 August 2024
2024
2023
Cash from operatlng actlvltles
Net cash used in operats.ng aLtfivities
(199,033)
848,118
Cash flows fr(wn In¥estlng artlvlUe$
Dividends. interest and from investrnents
PrC￿eedS from the sale of property* plant and equipment
Purchase of propth, plant and equipment
Purchase of Intangiwe assets
Pr￿eedS from the sale of investments
51.551
43.755
[￿rChaSe of Investments
Other- Thomtsjry extenslon
Net cash wovlded by Inve4tlng a¢tlvltl
(75,985)
(24,434)
43,755
Cash Ilow$ from flnan¢lng a¢tlvltl
New borrowing - loan made to North Watford
Repayments of borrowlng
Net cash used In flnandng artlvltles
Cash and Cash Equlvalats- aolsters Hall transferred to the Clrcult on l Aprll 2021
Change In cash and cash equlvalents In the Mportlng perlod
Cash and cash equivaknts at the beginning of the reporting period
Cash and cash equlvalents at the end of the r¢portlng perfod
(223,467)
1,266,599
1,043,132
891,873
374,726
1,266,599
Recondllatlon of net Income to net ca$h flow from o
¢ratln
•ctlvltle•
Net income ￿ the reportlng period {as per statement of flnanclal activitlesl
Adjustments lor.
DepreCiat￿n and amortisation charges
Profit on the sale of fixed assets
(161,560)
884,031
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
(Galns)ILosses on investments
Dividends, interest and rents from investments
Decreasel{increase) in stocks
(increase)Idecrease in debt￿S
increase/{decrease) in credltors
Net Gish used In operatlng actlvltles
(3,258)
(51,551)
2,739
(43,755)
1,373
15,963
(199,033)
3,119
848,1
kn)1 b of cash and cash
Cash in hand
ulvalent
22,586
,247
Short term deposit {less than 3 months)
Total cash and cash equlvalents
1,020,546
1,043,132
1,258,352
1,266,599
22

West Hertfordshire and Borders Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Accounts
l Basis of accounting
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been
prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities:
ststement of Recommended Prattice applicable to Charities preparing their accounts in accordance
with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)
(effective l January 2015),, and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared
under the historical cost convention, with the exception of investments which are included at market
value, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
2 Funds
The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are unrestricted.
The Circuit Model Trust Funds have wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and are categorised
as unrestricted. The Revaluation Reserve (Unrestricted) relates to the revaluation of the freehold
properties (manses). Restricted funds are those held for a narrower purpose and endowment funds
which represent gifts, the capital normally being unavailable for spending, and the income from
which is either restricted or unrestricted. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.
3 Accounting policies
Incomlng resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled
to the resources, the trustees are virtually certain that they will receive the resources; and the
monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Resources expended
Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a construrtive obligation arises, that results
in the payment being unavoidable. Whilst some grants may be agreed in principle for a number of
years, they are confirmed on an annual basis. Governance costs amounted to £4,404 comprising
audit fees of £4,284 and bank charges and fees of £120. All other expenditure relates to the costs
of the charitable activities.
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit
to pay out resources.
23

Tanglble fixed assets for use by the Circuit
Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least
£1,000. They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. Where cost is not available, the
Circuit Meeting may provide a reasonable estimate of cost or of the buildings, current value to the
circuit.
The manses have been revalued to market value, and further details relating to this revaluation can
be found in note 7 below.
Provision is made for depreciation where appropriate.
From September 2016, the stsffing was reduced by one Minister, leaving a vacant manse. A decision
was made to rent this out for an initial period of two yearsi giving the Circuit the opportunity to
assess whether the stsffing redurtion was permanent or whether there were other Circuit
(charitsble) purposes to which the property can be put. The rent received is being used to support
some of the Churches who are most financially stretched and to fund specific projects. The manse
has been let for a further three-year period from September 2024.
Investments
Investments are ststed in the statement of financial position at the bid Pri￿ 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 also shown in the SOFA.
Taxation
The Circuit is exempt from tsx on its charitable activities.
Pension costs
The ministers are members of the Methodist Church Ministers, Pension Scheme, operated
centrally. The Circuit also participates in a defined contribution pension scheme operated by the
Pensions Trust. Contributions payable to these pension schemes are charged to the Statement of
Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
4 Payments to Trustees
2024
2023
Payments made to Trustees for additional services provided
to the Circuit
Number of Trustees who were paid expenses
These expenses include travel costs, preaching fees paid to
Supernumerary Ministers, and reimbursement of payments
made on behalf of the Circuit
Total amount paid
1,144 £ 2,633
24

5 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts
2024
2023
Auditor's fees for reporting on the accounts
£4,500
£4,500
Other fees (e.g. advice, accountancy services) paid to the auditor
6 Paid employees
2024
2023
Staff costs paid during the year were:
Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind
Employerfs National Insurance costs
Pension costs
Payroll Bureau Fee
Apprenticeship Levy
£248,552
£230,687
£ 22,216
£ 20,274
£ 61,379 £ 52,541
480
480
£ 1,234
£ 1,250
Total stsff costs
£333,861
£305,232
Average number of staff in the year:
(comprising six full time and five part-time staff)
11
11
The use of the word 'stsff should be tsken to include both lay stsff employed directly by the Circuit,
and Presbyters and Deacons who are legally not employees, but 'office-holders'. Whilst their
relationship is technically with God and the Connexion, their stipends are funded from Circuit funds.
7 Tangible Fixed Assets
Cost or Valuation
Total
Manses &
(Restated)
Buildings
Equipment
Balance brought forward
Additions
8,457,353
2,919
8,460,272
637,431
637,431
Revaluations
-293,730
-293,730
Disposals
Transfers
Balance carried forward
8,801,054
2,919
8,803,973
25

Maintenance work is taken from revenue expenditure. For internal accounting purposes the trustees
have estsblished a reserve policy to even out the annual costs of maintaining manses, which tend
to be highest in years when ministers change appointments.
Accumulated depreciation
Depreciation is provided for in order to write off each asset, e.g. computer equipment, over its
estimated useful life.
Basis:
Rate:
straight line
Equipment - over 3 years; Manses - over 50 years
Balance brought forward
2,919
2,919
Depreciation charge for the year
Revaluations
Disposals
Transfers
Balance carried forward
2,919
2,919
Net book value
Brought forward
Carried forward
8,457,353
8,457,353
8,801,054
8,801,054
The Circuit holds nine properties (manses) on the statement of financial position, which were
previously held by the three former Circuits prior to the merger on the 1st September 2012.
Methodist guidelines allowed for these to be stated at their cost price, market valuation or insurance
value, and all three forms of valuation had been used by the former Circuits. Following the merger,
it was decided to include the manses at their inherited value in the Circuit's accounts.
When preparing the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2016, the Trustees reviewed this policy
in the context of the new accounting statements (SORPS), coming into effect, and decided to
account for the manses at their market value. Accordingly, the Trustees have valued the manses
and buildings at the 31st August 2024.
The overall effect of the revaluation during the year has been a reduction in reserves at 31st August
2024 by £293,730 (2023: increase of £113,000).
The value of the buildings as at 31st August 2024 of £8,801,254 is comprised of the totsl inherited
amount of £5,771,838 plus the revaluation reserve of £2,467,770 and propety intrOdU￿d at
311812024 of £561,446.
26

8 Investment assets
Analysis of investments
Bld Price
at year end
Investments listed on a recognised Stock Exchange or held in
common investment funds, open ended investment companies,
unit trusts or other collective investment schemes
Securities not listed on a recognised Stock Exchange
Cash held as part of the investment portfolio
Other investments
51,799
51,799
Total
Change in investment values
Carrying (market) value at the beginning of the year
Add: additions to investments at cost
48,541
Less: disposals at carrying value
Add/(deduct): net gain/(loss) on revaluation
Carrying (market) value at the end of the year
3,258
51,799
9 Debtors
2024
2023
Sundry debtors & prepayments
25,135
26,508
Principally reflecting ministerial stipends paid in advance.
10 Creditors due within one year
2024
2023
Sundry creditors & deferred income
66,419
50,546
Principally reflecting assessments paid in August for the following year.
27

11 Creditors due after one year
2024
2023
Sundry creditors & accrued income
12 Capital Commitments & Contingent Liabilities
2024
2023
At the 315t August, capital commitments amounted to:
13 Clrcuit Reserves
The Circuit's policy 15 to allocate its reserves as follows:
General reserve equal to 50 % of annual expenditure:
£ 278,733
Manse repair and maintenance reserve:
£ 32,043
Reserve from the income from the surplus manse,
allocated to support churches with their assessments and
to fund specific projects and appointments:
£ 3,331
Balance of reserve available to make grants to Circuit
churches to support mission projects, necessary
work to address health & safety or accessibility, energy
efficien
rovements, and ener
bills:
£ 739,540
Totsl Reserves (excluding the value of buildings)
£ 1,053,647
28

Name of fjrcuit
Circuit No
West Hertfordshire and Borders
statement of financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended
31 August 2023
34114
Clrcuit Model
General Fund
Trust
(Unrestrfcted) (Unrestrfrted)
Notes to the
a¢¢ounts
aolste
Totsl
2022-23
Income
l Donations and legacies
2 IrKcrfne from monetary investments
5,715
28,393
34,108
3 Income from Investment properties
1,075
075
4 Assessments on Churches
458,551
2,713
461,264
5 Capitsl Receipts
941,553
941,553
6 Grants received
17,000
17,1100
7 Other tharitable Income
36,415
5,897
550
42,862
8 Total fncome
517 681
978 556
1497 862
Expendlturn
9 Grants and donations
56,131
56,131
10 Salarfes and a%odated costs
305,232
305,232
11 Propeity malntenance
12 Connexional assessment & model trust le
48,441
49,149
13 District Assessment & Levv
14 Sale of Land
102,676
7,507
110,183
15 Offlce expenses
1,246
16 Oiher outgolngs
75,743
4,612
8,796
89,151
17 Total charltable expandltum
119
18 Gain51110sses) on monetsry investments
19 Gainsll1055e5) on Investment properties
-2,739
-2,739
20 Net Incomel(expendlturn)
-71,788
963,698
-7,879
884,031
21 Transfers between funds
130,664
-94,586
-36,078
22 Other gain51(1¢)sse5)
113,000
113,01)Q
23 Net movement In fvndg
171876
869 112
997 031
24 Total funds browht foThvard
7,592,576
232,628
926,310
8,751,514
25 Total funds carrled forwanl
7 764 452
1 101740
882 353
9 748 545
29