2025-08-31-accounts - Cannock Chase Methodist Circuit

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CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

(Charity Registration No. 1136126)

Circuit No. 28/08

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Year ended 31 August 2025

CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

(Charity Registration No. 1136126)

Circuit No. 28/08

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

For the Year ended 31 August 2025

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT

Introduction

Following the closure of two churches, Chase Terrace and Trinity Hednesford, in the year ended 31st August 2024, the new Methodist year started with two churches, Bourne, Heath Hayes and Trinity Norton Canes uniting and became one church at Norton Canes known, as Trinity Bourne. At the end of March 2025 Brereton Methodist closed due to declining numbers The Circuit now consists of 16 churches on and around the geographical area in South Staffordshire known as Cannock Chase.

These churches are used to provide places of Christian worship, education and fellowship for the people around those places. The buildings are also used to provide rooms for a variety of community activities.

Review of the year

During the year the ministers were Rev Samantha Hagerman (Superintendent), Rev Christopher Ambler, Deacon Susan Culver, and Rev Elizabeth Dunning. There were also seven Supernumerary Ministers who assisted in the running of the Circuit and with the preaching. They were the Reverends John Bates, Helen Hoe, Christopher Parkes, Alan Jenkins, Deacon Janet Jenkins, Sheila Walker and Deacon Jan Sutton. The Rev Christopher Ambler left the Circuit on 31st August 2025, and we were unsuccessful in securing a replacement appointment in stationing.

To assist the ministers with their work the Circuit employed a Circuit Operations Manager.

At the end of the year the Circuit had thirty-four fully accredited local preachers on the Plan of which fifteen are active and two are on trial, none on note and there are nineteen worship leaders.

During the year, across the Circuit, there were approximately 210 Sunday services each quarter. These services are, in the main, conducted by the Ministerial Staff, Supernumerary Ministers, Local Preachers and some visiting preachers. On occasions when there are insufficient preachers available then local arrangements have to be

made. To ease the difficulties of filling the preaching plan some churches are holding united services.

In addition to Sunday Services some of the churches in the circuit hold midweek services which are seen as relaxed and informal and in many cases attract a wider congregation from across the denominations.

Many of our churches are on occasions using other forms of service than the "traditional" style. These include "Messy Church" and "Cafe Church". These alternative styles are aimed at attracting people from a wider section of the local communities.

Most of our churches have mid-week activities such as Women's Fellowship, Men's Fellowships and some Bible study groups.

Youth work is maintained in some of our churches through uniformed organisations such as Boys Brigade, Girls Brigade, Brownies, Guides, and Scout groups.

Income Trends

Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessments paid by the circuit churches. The Assessments for the year 2024/25 had to be recalculated to take account of there being fewer churches in the Circuit and the new figures were agreed at a meeting of church treasurers and accepted by the Circuit Meeting.

The manse at Dundalk Lane continues to be let and provides rental income to the circuit. The manse at Bideford Way was also let for six months before being put up for sale.

Expenditure Trends

Stipends are increased each financial year in line with increases approved by the Methodist Conference. Stipends, national insurance and pension contributions were 37.4% of all expenditure. (2024 =42%).

In the year £101,634 (2024 = £64,873) was the Circuit's contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.

Fund Balances

The Fund balances, having risen because of the sale of church buildings, enabled the Circuit to spend money on improving the manses £44,808 (2024: £27,582). A Circuit Office has been established in the town centre, known as the Wesley Centre, at a cost of £28,670.

Plans for 2025/26

As noted above, at the end of August 2025 the Rev Chris Ambler retired. The Circuit was unable to obtain a replacement minister and therefore plans were put in place to

reorganise the Circuit with fewer ministers and the existing churches. The model adopted by the circuit meeting is one of 2 full time presbyters and one full time deacon across 16 churches.

FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE

FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE
Full Name of Charity:	Cannock Chase Methodist Circuit
Charity Number:	1136126
Date of Registration:	1 June 2010
Main Communication Address:	Mr Keith Rothery 64 Thorpe Street, Burntwood,
	Stafordshire, WS7 1NJ
Active Circuit Ministers:	Rev Samantha Hagerman (Superintendent)
	Rev Chris Ambler
	Deacon Susan Culver
	Rev Elizabeth Dunning
Circuit Lay Workers:	None
Circuit Stewards:	Mrs Barbara Brooks
	Mrs Elaine Croft
Administrator:	Mrs Barbara Brooks (until May 2025)
Treasurer:	Mr Keith Rothery
	Who acted as the principal oficer overseeing the
	day-to-day fnancial management and accounting
	for the circuit during the year.
Independent Examiner:	Elaine Glover A.C.M.A.
	Haywood Accounting Solutions Ltd
	4 Coppenhall Mews,
	Coppenhall,
	Stafordshire ST18 9BA
Investment Bankers:	Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
	Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

Aims and Organisation

The Circuit exists to worship God, serve our communities and grow the church. The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of:

a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;

b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;

c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;

d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church

The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.

a) The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.
b) The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
c) Delivering Christian assemblies and supporting the work of Religious Education in local schools where possible.
d) Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
e) Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions where possible.

Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Structure, Governance and Management

The governing document for the circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)

Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual conference (CPD).

Day to day management of the circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting and the Circuit Finance and Property Committee.

Trustee Training

A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the circuit, specifically the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees.

Related Parties

The Circuit was part of the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District of the Methodist Church. From the 1st of September 2025 the District merged with the Birmingham District and became the West Midlands District. The Circuit is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.

The following 15 Methodist Churches are linked to the circuit:

Bethel, Burntwood, Cannock Wood, Chadsmoor, Chasetown, Featherstone, Florence Street, Great Wyrley Wesley, Handsacre, Mill Street Cannock, Penkridge, Salem Cheslyn Hay, St Pauls Rugeley, St Stephens Cannock, TrinityBourne Norton Canes, Upper Landywood.

RISK MANAGEMENT, SAFEGUARDING AND RESERVES

Risk Management

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property Committee with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded. Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s 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 care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.

• We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.

• We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.

• We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.

• We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.

• We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult.

• In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice

The Cannock Chase Circuit commits to ensuring the implementation of the Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.

The Cannock Chase Circuit commits 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 with regard to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

Reserves Policy

The Circuit will hold a minimum sum equivalent to six months’ average expenditure in reserve. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and / or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches.


Cannock Chase Methodist Circuit					Circuit No		28/08

Statement of Financial Activities(SOFA) for theyear ended 31 August 2025

	Notes to the accounts	General Fund (Unrestricted)	Circuit Model Trust (Unrestricted)	Designated Funds (unrestricted)	Restricted Funds	Endowment Funds	Total 2024-25	Total 2023-24
		£	£	£	£	£	£	£
Income

1 Donations and legacies	4	1,514					1,514	40,736
2 Income from monetaryinvestments	5	0	26,996		42		27,038	16,545
3 Income from investmentproperties	6	13,999	14,756				28,755	26,953
4 Assessments on Churches	7	251,190					251,190	238,770
5 Capital Receipts							0	562,822
6 Grants received							0	0
7 Other charitable income		697					697	420
8Total income		267,400	41,752	0	42	0	309,194	886,246

Expenditure

9 Grants and donations	8	1,150	26,000				27,150	0
10 Salaries and associated costs	9	186,275					186,275	164,536
11 Propertymaintenance		73,337					73,337	50,600
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy							0	0
13 District Assessment & Levy	10	59,173	40,168				99,341	67,513
14 Depreciation							0	0
15 Office expenses	11	6,727					6,727	5,198
16 Other outgoings	12	87,917					87,917	52,800
17Total charitable expenditure		414,579	66,168	0	0	0	480,747	340,647
18 Gains/(losses)on monetaryinvestments							0	0
19 Gains/(losses)on investmentproperties
20Net income/(expenditure)		(147,179)	(24,416)	0	42	0	(171,553)	545,599
21 Transfers between funds		143,000	(143,000)				0	0
22 Othergains/(losses)		(9,011)	9,011
23Net movement in funds		(13,190)	(158,405)	0	42	0	(171,553)	545,599
24 Total funds brought forward		657,137	652,235	0	38,978	0	1,348,350	802,751
25 Total funds carried forward		643,947	493,830	0	39,020	0	1,176,797	1,348,350

~~8~~


Cannock Chase Methodist Circuit							Circuit No	28/08

		Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
									GN
	Notes to the	General Fund (Unrestricted)	Circuit Model Trusts (Unrestricted)	Designated Funds (Unrestricted)	Restricted Funds	Endowment Funds	Totals 2025	Totals 2024
	Accounts	£	£	£	£	£	£	£

Fixed Assets
Circuit Manses & Equipment	15	673,780					673,780	673,780	R
Investmentproperties							0	0	R
Investments	16						0	0
*Total fixed assets*		673,780	0	0	0	0	673,780	673,780

Current Assets
Debtors	17	4,029			34,249		38,278	20,909	S
Loans bythe Circuit		0					0	0
Investments with TMCP		2,412	493,830				496,242	654,647
Central Finance Board Deposits					4,771		4,771	18,899	T
Cash at Bank and in hand	17	21,227					21,227	41,391
*Total current assets*		27,668	493,830	0	39,020	0	560,518	735,846
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year)	18	57,501					57,501	61,276	U
Grantspayable							0	0	V
*Total current liabilities*		57,501	0	0	0	0	57,501	61,276
*Net current assets/liabilities*		-29,833	493,830	0	39,020	0	503,017	674,570

*Total assets less current liabilities*		643,947	493,830	0	39,020	0	1,176,797	1,348,350


Long term liabilities
(d f h ) Loans to the Circuit	20						0		V
							0
*Net assets*		643,947	493,830	0	39,020	0	1,176,797	1,348,350	W


Funds of the Circuit
General Fund(Unrestricted)	21	643,947					643,947	657,137
Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted)	21		493,830				493,830	652,235	W
Designated Funds(Unrestricted)				0			0	0
*Total Unrestricted Funds*							1,137,777	1,309,372
Restricted Funds	21				39,020		39,020	38,978
Endowment Funds						0	0	0
*Total Funds*		643,947	493,830	0	39,020	0	1,176,797	1,348,350

					Signed



					Circuit Treasurer

Notes to the Accounts:

1 Basis of accounting

The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with the 2014 version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 – the Charities SORP (FRS102) and taking note of the Update Bulletin 1 issued in 2016.

2 Funds

The funds held constitute: 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. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose . There are also the following Endowment funds as listed. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.

3 Accounting policies

Basis

These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year, on the accruals basis to show a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial position and activities.

Income Recognition

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with 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.

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 £1,000.

The freehold property is shown in the accounts at 2015 deemed values. No depreciation is provided on the buildings 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 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.

Debtors and Prepayments

Debtors relate to the payment of the September stipend in August.

Creditors

Creditors include both sundry expenses and specifically the 1st quarter assessment received in August.

Note 4: Donations and legacies

Note 5: Investment Income

Note 6: Income from investment property

Note 7: Assessments

Note 8: Grants and Donations

Note 9: Salaries and associated costs

Note 10: District Assessment Levy

Note 11: Ofice Expenses

Note 12: Other outgoings

Note 13: Payment to Trustees

Note 14: Fees for examination or audit of the accounts

£ Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses Total amount paid £ £ Other fees (e.g.: advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement for travel and computing costs 14. Fees for examination or audit of the accounts 13. Payment to Trustees Payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Circuit by agreement with the Circuit Meeting £ Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts	This year	Last year
	None	None

	2	2

Expense payments primarily relate to reimbursement for travel and computing costs

	2,773	3,465

	350	350
	0	0

Note 15: Fixed Assets

CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

15 Tangible Fixed Assets

Detail of assets held,

State number of manses, specifically reference other buildings managed by the circuit and separately identify property treated as investment property.

Provided summary information in respect of other categories and specific reference should be made in respect of any assets under construction.

Cost or valuation

----- Start of picture text -----
Payments on
Other fixed account and
assets including Fixtures, fittings assets under
Residential Land Other Land Six Manses Other buildings motor vehicles and equipment construction Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Balance brought forward 673,780 673,780
Additions
Revaluations (+/-)
Disposals (-)
Transfers * (+/-)
Balance carried forward 673,780 673,780
Accumulated depreciation
Basis SL or RB SL or RB SL or RB SL or RB
Rate
Balance brought forward
Depreciation charge for year (-)
Revaluations (+/-)
Disposals (-)
Transfers (+/-)
Balance carried forward
Net book value
Brought forward - - 673,780 - - - - 673,780
Carried forward - - 673,780 - - - - 673,780
----- End of picture text -----*

The "transfers" row is for movements between fixed asset categories.

** Indicate the method of depreciation by deleting the method not applicable (SL = straight line; RB = reducing balance). Also indicate the rate of depreciation: for straight line, depreciation is based on the anticipated life of the asset (in years); for reducing balance, a percentage annual deduction is made each year.

Note 16: Investments

16 Investments

NONE

The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Manses Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited to the accounts each month. These are regarded as medium and long term investments.

TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property. TMCP ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with charity law and Methodist law and polity as determined by the Methodist Conference.

Analysis of investment movements

Analysis of investment movements	Analysis of investment movements
		Thisyear Last Year
Investments listed on a recognised Stock Exchange
Investments held in common investment funds,
Securities not listed on a recognised Stock Exchange
Other investments
Total

Change in investment values

Carrying (market) value at beginning of year Add: additions to investments at cost Less: disposals at carrying value N et gain/(loss) on revaluation Carrying (market) value at end of year

Note 17: Analysis of Current Assets

17. Analysis of current assets

Debtors and prepayments Other debtors Total debtors and prepayments Analysis of cash at bank Bank balance held in HSBC Bank plc Bank balance held in Methodist Chapel Aid Bank balance held in (Name of bank) Trade Creditors Other Creditors (Assessments received in advance) Total Current Liabilities Accrued income Total Cash and Bank Analysis of current liabilities and long term creditors £ £ Pre paid Stipends £	This year £	This year £	Last year £
	12,037		13,768

	26,241		7,141
	38,278		20,909

	21,227		41,391



	21,227		41,391

	9,751 47,750		13,046
			48,230
	57,501		61,276

18. Analysis of current liabilities and long term creditors

19. Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At the 31st August 2025 the Circuit has no capital commitments.

No Contingent liabilities were identified at 31st August 2025.

Note 20: Loans

20. Loans

NONE

----- Start of picture text -----
Source Purpose of loan Amount New Loan interest Repayable in Balance at
brought borrowings the year year end
forward
Totals X
Repayment due Totals
Due within 12 months 31/08/2026
Due between 1 and 5 years 31/08/2027 31/08/2028 31/08/2029 31/08/2030
Due later than 5 years
Note: the two totals X and Y must agree Y
----- End of picture text -----

Note 21: Funds

21. Detailed analysis of individual fund movements

----- Start of picture text -----
Unrestricted Funds
Unrestricted Fund Name Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance Purpose of the fund
General 657,137 267,400 414,579 133,989 643,947
Circuit Advance Fund 652,235 41,752 66,168 -133,989 493,830
Totals 1,309,372 309,152 480,747 1,137,777
Restricted Funds
Restricted Fund Name Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance Purpose of the fund
Balance
Running Expenses 29,511 32 29,543 For reserve policy
Mission & Outreach 5,641 6 5,647
Education Fund 3,826 4 3,830
Totals 38,978 42 39,020
Endowment Name How the capital is invested The current value of the capital Annual income What the income was used for
Totals
----- End of picture text -----

The reasons for the transfers between funds were as follows:

To replace funds expended on major repairs and refurbishment of three manses over the last two years

CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

DECLARATIONS

Treasurer

I confirm that these accrual-based accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting.

Signature of Treasurer Name of Mr Keith Rothery Treasurer Address 64 Thorpe Street, Burntwood, Staffordshire, WS7 1NJ

Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.

[ confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025, in draft form were presented to the Circuit Meeting at its meeting on 4th February 2026 and the final accounts were emailed to Circuit Meeting members on for acceptance by them.

Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting Date 29.06.26

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the

CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

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

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

The Circuit's trustees are responsible for ensuring that the annual report and accounts for the year to 31 st August 2025 present a true and fair view of the Circuit's income and expenditure for the year and of its assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date. The trustees consider that an audit is not necessary 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.

CANNOCK CHASE METHODIST CIRCUIT

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, in nature or scale, or disclosures in the accounts, seeking explanations from the Trustees concerning 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. My 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 (other than as disclosed below*)

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act.
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with
the accounting requirements of the Charities Act

have not been met, or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

(3) I have ~~/have-not~~ obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of E 10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date, via sight of bank statements and fund statements.

----- Start of picture text -----
Name of independent Elaine Glover
examiner
Signature of
independent examiner
Relevant Professional
ACMA
qualification of
independent examiner
Name of firm
Haywood Accounting Solutions Ltd
(where appropriate)
Address
4 Coppenhall Mews, Coppenhall
Staffordshire
ST18 9BA
Date: 27.06.2026
----- End of picture text -----