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2025-08-31-accounts

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Charity number: 1137097

Trustees Report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

page 1 of 7

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

Introduction

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities ‘Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 2025’ as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard for Smaller Entities (FRSSE) 2015.

Reference and administrative details

Charity registration

Charity number: 1137097

Principle address

Altrincham Methodist Church Barrington Road Altrincham WA14 1HF

Trustees

The members of the Circuit Meeting are the charity trustees. A full list of trustees is at Appendix A of this report.

Auditor

McKellens 11 Riverview The Embankment Business Park Vale Road Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN

Advisers

The charity’s investment managers are:

Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, Central Buildings, Oldham Street, Manchester, M1 1JQ The Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church, 9 Bonhill Street, London, EC2A 4PE

Ministers

The following ministers acted throughout the year: Rev. Jackie Bellfield (superintendent) Rev. Glayne Worgan Rev Raj Patta (Part time – 2 sessions a week)

page 2 of 7

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

The charity is controlled by it’s governing document, a deed of trust, and constitutes an unincorporated charity.

The charitable trust is constituted by the Deed of Union 1932, the Methodist Church Act 1976, is part of the Methodist Church of UK. Appointment of trustees is governed by the Methodist Church Act 1976. The managing trustees of churches and the circuit are empowered by our Standing Orders to appoint new trustees and to fill vacancies arising through resignation or death of an existing trustee.

Circuit managing trustees have regular meetings where the circuit’s main areas of activity, and by extension the aims of the charity, are discussed and agreed. The day-to-day functioning of the circuit is governed by Standing Orders as set out in the Constitution, Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. The charitable trust is registered with the Charity Commission.

Financial review

The merger of the three circuits was effected by Altrincham Circuit changing its name to Trafford and the assets and liabilities of the other two circuits being transferred in at 1 September 2025. The prior year income and expenditure comparatives in the accounts relate to Altricham Circuit only.

Total income in 2024/25 was £602k. The biggest element was from the assessments that the churches contribute towards the running of the circuit which amounted to £264k. The circuit gratefully received some grants towards Makers Nook, Connect Dads groups and the Operations Manager role. Property income from renting out unused manses and non-worshipping church buildings was £85k. The circuit holds a restricted fund for the Cornerstone church redevelopment project; its income in the year included a levy refund of £130k.

Over the year, the circuit had total expenditure of £1,251k. Payroll and associated expenses of circuit ministers and lay workers amounted to £237k. Expenditure from the restricted fund on the Cornerstone church redevelopment, which completed subsequent to year end, was £785k.

Looking at unrestricted funds only, a relatively modest deficit of -£20k arose in the year from income of £428k less costs of £448k. Unrestricted funds carried forward at 31 August 2025 were £4,804k, of which £3,975k are held in fixed assets, leaving most of the balance of £829k in cash. The fixed assets, whether manses in use or manses and other church buildings held as investments, are carried at valuation based on an RICS valuation exercise that was conducted during the year.

Reserves policy

General funds include funds tied up in fixed assets of £3,975,000 which are either held as manses in use or as investments. This leaves £828,838 in liquid reserves, mostly cash. Of this, £213,000 is deemed prudent to retain for contingencies based on approximately 6 months of annual general expenditure. The balance of liquid reserves, £615,838, has been built up primarily as a result of property sales. The Circuit has committed substantial annual funds to investing in mission related lay workers, the costs of which are not covered by the regular general budgeted income, instead the balance of liquid funds will be utilised over a number of years.

Restricted funds comprise the Cornerstone church redevelopment project (final part), Trafford community engagement project, Maker’s Nook new Christian community project and Connect groups funded through grants. These funds are each ringfenced in our accounts to ensure that only expenditure for their specific purposes is allocated to them.

page 3 of 7

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

Risk management

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

Safeguarding

The circuit is committed to ensuring the implementation of the Connexional Safeguarding Policy, government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the circuit and in the churches.

Investment powers

The Methodist Church Act 1976 authorises the trustees to make and hold investments using the general and other funds of the charity and such investments are presently held and shown within the financial statements at their current value.

Charitable objectives and activities

Trafford Circuit's aim is to advance the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church for the benefit of the public. This has been enabled by the merger of three former circuits Altrincham, Sale and Stretford & Urmston to further the mission focus and share governance responsibilities more appropriately

We confirm that the Trustees had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, and, specifically, the guidance relating to charities for the advancement of religion.

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the Gospel of God’s love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission. It does this through worship, learning and caring service and evangelism.

The Mission and Ministry plan of the Trafford Circuit provides in depth information and details the strategy of how we will respond to the call of God through Methodism in finding ways to inspire, encourage, equip and enable the local churches to be disciples, grow disciples and make disciples of Jesus Christ. We seek to be a welcoming, inclusive and justice seeking church.

To develop this mission we have identified four key mission areas

We will support churches as they seek to do new things and respond to the objectives above, stand alongside areas where fragile work should be sustained, employ Presbyters to provide pastoral support to all linked with our Methodist churches and facilitate mission opportunities and provide lay employees to support our ministers and support mission.

We will produce a monthly preaching plan with a clear emphasis and priority on new and growing acts of worship.

page 4 of 7

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

We will provide learning and development opportunities and provide coaching and support to all engaged in ministry.

We will provide support for environmental change within our church buildings and ensure all buildings are safe, fit for purpose and in line with our strategy for mission.

Achievement and performance

This year has been greatly influenced by the merger of the former Altrincham, Sale and Stretford & Urmston circuits.

During the 2024/2025 year the key emphases have been:

Successful implementation of the Circuit Transition Plan following the merger of three circuits ensuring all regulatory, financial and governance oversight was maintained.

Integration of resources into one circuit. Discussion with all employed staff to create new job descriptions to ensure full coverage of mission support across the new circuit and developed cross circuit specialisms following a skills audit.

Increase in attendance at new and emerging acts of worship - New Song Cafe, Looking Deeper, Story Church and Messy Churches.

Support and implementation of 2 projects under the banner of New Places for New People – Makers Nook and Telugu fellowship allowing for new and fresh ways of missional engagement.

Successful engagement of lay volunteers in the key officer roles within the new Trafford Circuit.

Encouragement of merger of churches under the model one church on multiple sites in readiness of seeking a new minister for September 2026.

Creation of new missional, property and ministry strategies based upon authentic and realistic conversations around availability and appropriate and suitable premises for manses, churches and land.

Conversations commencing on a commitment, in line with the Methodist Church’s net zero in carbon emissions by 2030, to use model trust funds and replacement levy funds on manses and growing churches for alternative heats sources and solar panels.

Conformation of agreement and consent to sell a former Bowling Green and one church building (Carrington Lane) following all charity and methodist processes (agreed previously within the Sale Methodist Circuit).

Children and families work developed with school visits, holiday clubs, messy church and story church. There is increased engagement by young people and families throughout the connexional year resulting in a over 13 group New Generations.

Statement of trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing this report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

page 5 of 7

Trafft)Td Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31, August 2025 The law applicablè to charities in England and Wales. the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed requires Ihe trustees lo prepare financial statements for each financial ye2r. The statements must give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial stalemenls, the trustees are required lo.. Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Observe the methods and principles in the Charity SORP Make judgements and 8Stimales that are reasonable and prudent Prepare th8 financial staternenls OF) the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume thal the charity will continue in business The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose wlth reasonable acGuraGy al any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them lo ensure that the financial statements comply wtth the Charities Act 2011, the Charily (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. Approved by order of the Circuit Meeting on 8, June 2026 and signed on il's behalf by.. /6/207 Rev, Glayne Worgan page6of7

Trafford Methodist Circuit trustees report for year ended 31[st] August 2025

Appendix A - Trustees 2024/25

The members of the Circuit Meeting are the charity trustees as set out below as at 31[st] August 2025:

2025:
Circuit Superintendent Rev’d Jackie Bellfield
Presbyter Rev’d Glayne Worgan
Circuit Stewards Graham Axford
Elizabeth Harwood
ElizabethJeremy
Gillian Holden
RitaBorgen
Colin Norman
Treasurer Thomas Hague (until 1/12/2025)
Safeguarding Officer SusanCowlishaw
Local Preachers Secretary Stella Walker
Avenue Joan Ball
Cynthia Fowler
AndrewJeffries
Cornerstone Angela Bourne
Rhona Carter
Eillen Deaves (until 31/8/2025) then Juliet
Fairlee
Hazel Maxfield
Laura Maxfield Row
Partington HelenJones
Ruth Julian
Carol Partington
Sevenways Dorothy Catte
Julie Glencross
Linda Longdon
South Trafford Annette Elliott
LesleyEntwistle
Christina Green
Jacqueline Griffith
Sarah Hague
Beryl Hunwick
KevinJaquiss
Ian Roberts
PaulineRoberts
Susan Taylor
Susan Woods
The Village Peter Harry Bayley
Christine Clarkson
DavidHudson
Jean Munford

page 7 of 7

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of the

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of the Trafford Methodist Circuit (the 'charity') for the year ended 31 August 2025, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activity, Balance Sheet, Statement of Cash Flows 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 Standards comprising Charities SORP – FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) as amended by the requirements of Methodist Conference.

In our opinion the financial statements:

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor’s 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 statements 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 relating 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 original financial statements were authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Trustees’ Report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report 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.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, 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 there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. 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.

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of the

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Opinion on other matter prescribed by the Charities Act 2011

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the audit:

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of our knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the Trustees’ Report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters where the Charities Act 2011 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities [set out on page 8], the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, 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.

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted 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 taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of the

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

• the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

• we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with trustees and other management, and from our knowledge and experience of the charity sector;

• we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including the Charities Act 2011, taxation legislation and data protection, anti-bribery, employment, environmental and health and safety legislation;

• we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence; and

• that identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

• making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud;

• considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations; and

• understanding the design of the charity’s remuneration policies.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

• performed analytical procedures to identify and unusual or unexpected relationships;

• assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining accounting estimates set were indicative of potential bias; and

• investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but not limited to:

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Independent Auditor's Report to the Trustees of the

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the trustees, as a body, in accordance with the Charities Act 2011. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s 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.

...................................... Paul Roper (Senior Statutory Auditor) McKellens Ltd 11 Riverview The Embankment Business Park Vale Road Heaton Mersey Stockport SK4 3GN

Name of Circuit

Circuit No

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

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

Notes to
the
accounts
Income
1 Donations and legacies
2
2 Income from monetary investments
5
3 Income from investment properties
5
4 Assessments on Churches
3
5 Capital Receipts
6
6 Grants received
2
7 Other charitable income
3
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Grants and donations
10 Salaries and associated costs
14
11 Property maintenance
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy
13 District Assessment & Levy
14 Depreciation
15 Office expenses
16 Other outgoings
17Total charitable expenditure
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
19a Gains/(losses) on tangible fixed assets
19b Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20Net income/(expenditure)
21 Transfers between funds
Transfer in Sale & S&U funds at 1st Sep 24
Transfer in Sale land and buildings at 1st Sep 24
Adjs R&Ps to accruals accounting at 1st Sep 24
22 Other gains/(losses)
16
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds at 1 September 2024
25 Total funds carried forward

General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2024-25
£
£
£
£
£
£
30
-
-
20
-
50
10,038
23,195
-
22,488
150
55,871
84,691
-
-
-
-
84,691
263,853
-
-
-
-
263,853
-
-
-
-
-
0
-
-
-
21,220
-
21,220
46,542
-
-
130,176
-
176,719
405,154
23,195
-
173,905
150
602,405
175
175
229,332
8,000
237,332
90,463
90,463
0
73,293
20,421
93,714
0
24,267
24,267
8,758
1,641
794,306
804,704
426,287
22,061
0
802,306
0
1,250,655
0
227,817
227,817
1,854,736
1,854,736
2,061,420
1,134
0
-628,401
150
1,434,303
0
307,621
247,730
814,578
6,198
1,376,127
1,095,897
1,095,897
783,723
2,651
786,374
0
4,248,661
248,864
0
188,828
6,348
4,692,701
49,191
257,122
3,349
309,662
4,297,852
505,986
-
192,177
6,348
5,002,363

Circuit No

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) Charity SORP format

(Including Income and Expenditure account) for the year ended 31 August 2025

Note
Income and Endowments from:
Donations and legacies
2
Charitable activities
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
Capital receipts
6
Other income
7
Total
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
8
Charitable activities
9
Other
10
Total
Net gains/(losses) on investments
Net income/(expenditure)
Transfers between funds
Other recognised gains/(losses)
16
Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets
Transfer in Sale & S&U funds at 1st Sep 24
Transfer in Sale land and buildings at 1st Sep 24
Adjs R&Ps to accruals accounting at 1st Sep 24
Other gains/(losses)
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward		 Unrestricted
funds
Restricted
Funds
Endowments
Total funds
Prior period
total funds
30
21,240
-
21,270
6,500
310,395
130,176
-
440,572
155,567
-
-
-
-
-
117,924
22,488
150
140,562
16,816
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
428,349
173,905
150
602,405
178,883
-
-
-
-
-
444,269
802,306
-
1,246,575
262,968
4,080
-
-
4,080
-
448,349
802,306
-
1,250,655
262,968
19,999
-
628,401
-
150
648,250
-
84,085
-
-
-
-
-
-
19,999
-
628,401
-
150
648,250
-
84,085
-
2,082,553
2,082,553
555,351
814,578
6,198
1,376,127
1,095,897
1,095,897
783,723
2,651
786,374
4,497,525
188,828
6,348
4,692,701
84,085
-
306,313
3,349
-
309,662
393,747
4,803,838
192,177
6,348
5,002,363
309,662

Name of Circuit

Circuit No

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024

Notes to
the
accounts
Income
1 Donations and legacies
2 Income from monetary investments
3 Income from investment properties
4 Assessments on Churches
5 Capital Receipts
6 Grants received
7 Other charitable income
8Total income
Expenditure
9 Grants and donations
10 Salaries and associated costs
11 Property maintenance
12 Connexional assessment & model trust levy
13 District Assessment & Levy
14 Depreciation
15 Office expenses
16 Other outgoings
17Total charitable expenditure
18 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments
19 Gains/(losses) on investment properties
20Net income/(expenditure)
21 Transfers between funds
22 Other gains/(losses)
23Net movement in funds
24 Total funds brought forward
25 Total funds carried forward

General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(unrestricted)
Restricted
Funds
Endowment
Funds
Total
2023-24
£
£
£
£
£
£
0
996
15,820
16,816
0
94,146
94,146
0
6,500
6,500
25,042
36,379
61,421
120,184
15,820
-
42,879
-
178,883
2,807
2,807
118,199
118,199
33,393
33,393
0
30,996
30,996
0
14,867
1,105
15,972
4,548
20,330
36,723
61,601
202,003
21,435
0
39,530
0
262,968
0
-81,819
-5,615
0
3,349
0
-84,085
125,000
125,000
-
0
43,181
-130,615
0
3,349
0
-84,085
6,010
387,737
-
393,747
49,191
257,122
-
3,349
-
309,662

This SOFA has been prepared on a receipts and payments basis as this is the basis on which the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were prepared. No figures relating to Sale Circuit or Stretford and Urmston Circuit are included in this SOFA.

Name of Circuit

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Circuit No 137

Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
General Fund Circuit Model Designated Restricted Endowment Total Total
Notes to the (Unrestricted) Trusts Funds Funds Funds 31 Aug 25 31 Aug 24
(Unrestricted) (Unrestricted)
Accounts £ £ £ £ £ £ £
N/A
Fixed Assets
Circuit churches, Manses & Equipment 18 1,075,000 1,075,000 2024
Investment properties 19 2,900,000 2,900,000 accounts on
Investments 0 receipts and
Total fixed assets 3,975,000 0 0 0 0 3,975,000 payments
basis - no
Current Assets balance
Debtors 20 15,299 15,299 sheet.
Loans by the Circuit 37,189 37,189
Investments with TMCP 21 505,985 177,189 6,312 689,486
Central Finance Board Deposits 21 230,927 230,927
Cash at Bank and in hand 21 58,715 14,988 36 73,739
Total current assets 342,130 505,985 0 192,177 6,348 1,046,640
Current liabilities
Creditors (due in under 1 year) 22 19,277 19,277
Grants payable within 2024/25 0
Total current liabilities 19,277 0 0 0 0 19,277
Net current assets/liabilities 322,853 505,985 0 192,177 6,348 1,027,363
Total assets less current liabilities 4,297,853 505,985 0 192,177 6,348 5,002,363
Long term liabilities
(due after more than one year)
Grants payable after 2024/25 0
Loans to the Circuit 0
0
Net assets 4,297,853 505,985 0 192,177 6,348 5,002,363
Funds of the Circuit
General Fund (Unrestricted) 24 2,215,299 2,215,299
Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted) 24 505,986 505,986
Designated Funds (Unrestricted) 24 0
Total Unrestricted Funds 24 2,721,285
Restricted Funds 24 192,177 192,177
Revaluation reserve (Unrestricted) 24 2,082,553 2,082,553
Endowment Funds 24 6,348 6,348
Total Funds 4,297,852 505,986 0 192,177 6,348 5,002,363
----- End of picture text -----

Signed

Circuit Treasurer

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Circuit No

137

Cash flow statement for the year ended 31 August 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
2025
Statement of cash flows Note £
Cash from operating activities
Net cash used in operating activities 543,929
Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends,interest and rents from investments 140,562
Proceeds from the sale of property,plant and equipment
Purchase of property,plant and equipment
Purchase of intangible assets
Proceeds from the sale of investments
Purchase of investments
Other
Net cash provided by investing activities 140,562
Cash flows from financing activities
New borrowing
Repayments of borrowing
Net cash used in financing activities 0
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period 684,492
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period 309,660
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period 994,152
2025
Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities £
Net income for the reporting period ( as per statement of financial activities) 4,692,701
Adjustments for:
Capital receipt of properties transferred in -1,095,897
Movement from receipts and payments to accruals basis accounts -786,374
Depreciation and amortisation charges
Profit on the sale of fixed assets
Loss on the sale of fixed assets
(Gains)/losses on tangible fixed assets -227,817
(Gains)/losses on investment properties -1,854,736
Dividends, interest and rents from investments -140,562
Decrease/(increase) in stocks 0
(increase)/decrease in debtors -42,462
increase/(decrease) in creditors -924
Net cash used in operating activities 543,929
2025
Analysis of cash and cash equivalent £
Cash in hand
Short term deposit (less than 3 months) 994,152
Total cash and cash equivalents 994,152
----- End of picture text -----

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

1 Basis of accounting and accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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 (FRS102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 as modified by the requirements of the Methodist Church.

No comparatives for any balance sheet figures have been included in these accounts because the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 were prepared on a receipts and payments basis.

Funds

Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the Circuit. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds set aside for specific purposes at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose. Details of each material fund are disclosed in the final note to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.

Basis and public benefit

The Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to the accounts.

Consolidation

The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operational control of those Churches and their governing bodies except in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the financial statements of Churches within the circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.

Income Recognition

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

Where gifts in kind are received, these are included in donations.

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.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements

Grants

Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment. When the grant is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years is treated as a provision for future commitments in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years as instalments are paid in accordance with the originally agreed terms.

Pensions

The accounts include costs relating to pension contributions on behalf of employees. Two schemes were contributed to: a defined contribution scheme for layworkers and the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme (MMPS), a defined benefit scheme for ministers.

For the defined contribution scheme, the charity has no liability beyond making its contributions and paying across the deductions for the employee's contributions.

The MMPS should be accounted for as a group plan as all the participating employers, namely the Circuits and Council, are under the common control of the Conference. Because it is part of a multi-employer scheme and the information specific to this charity is not available, the payments have also been accounted for as a defined contribution scheme in accordance with the Charities SORP.

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

The properties are shown in the accounts at fair value, determined regularly by external valuers. Changes in fair value are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that they had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than their current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The properties have been reviewed for impairment.

Investment Properties

From time to time, properties under the managing trusteeship of the Circuit are not required for use by the Circuit or wider Methodist Church and are rented on the open market. Where this is the case, the property would be included in the accounts as an investment property.

Investment properties are included in the accounts at fair value, determined regularly by external valuers. Changes in fair value are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

2
3
4		 Donations and legacies including grants
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
General donations
30
20
50
Grants
21,220
21,220
6,500
Legacies
0
Total
30
0
0
21,240
0
21,270
6,500
Charitable activities - other
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Church assessments
263,853
263,853
94,146
Rental of Manses
34,478
34,478
Recharge of salaries and other costs to churches
0
Other income
12,064
130,176
142,240
61,421
Transfer of church properties into Circuit
0
Transfer of church bank accounts into Circuit
0
Total
310,395
0
0
130,176
0
440,572
155,567
Other trading activities
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
None
-
-
Total
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 August 2025

Circuit
137
Trafford Methodist Circuit
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the year ended 31 August 2025
5
6
7		 Investment income
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Central Finance Board
10,038
10,038
16,816
TMCP Model Trust Fund
23,195
22,488
150 45,834
Rental of Church property
84,691
84,691
Other
-
Total
94,729
23,195
-
22,488
150
140,562
16,816
Capital receipts
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
None
-
-
Total
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Other income
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
None
-
-
Total
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

8
9		 Expenditure on raising funds
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
None
-
Total
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Expenditure on charitable activities
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
£
£
£
£
£
£
£
Grants and donations
175
175
2,807
Salaries and associated costs
229,332
8,000
237,332
118,199
Property maintenance
90,463
90,463
33,393
District Assessment & Levy
73,293
20,421
93,714
30,996
Depreciation
0
0
Office expenses
24,267
24,267
15,972
Other outgoings
4,678
1,641
9,392
15,710
61,601
Capital exp Cornerstone development project
784,914
784,914
0
0
Total
422,207
22,061
0
802,306
0
1,246,575
262,968

Included in Capital expenditure on the Cornerstone development project are costs of £98,023 that were invoiced to Stretford and Urmston Methodist Circuit on 22 August 2024. Rather than including these costs as an opening adjustment arising on the change of accounting basis from receipts and payments in the prior year to the accruals basis in the current year, the costs have been reported together with the rest of the capital expenditure for clarity.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

10
**11 **		 Other expenditure
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
-
Governance costs
4,080
-
-
-
-
4,080
-
Total
4,080
-
-
-
-
4,080
-
Governance costs
Included in other expenditure above are governance costs as detailed below
General Fund
(Unrestricted)
Circuit Model
Trust Fund
(Unrestricted)
Designated
Funds
(Unrestricted)
Restricted
Endowment
2025
Total
2024
Total
Audit fees
4,080
4,080
-
-
Total
4,080
-
-
-
-
4,080
-

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

----- Start of picture text -----
12 Payment to Trustees This year Last year
Payments made to trustees for
additional services provided to the 0 0
Circuit by agreement with the Circuit £
Number of trustees who were paid
0 0
expenses
There were no payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Circuit
by agreement with the Circuit Meeting. These figures also exclude stipends and costs
paid on behalf of the Circuit by trustees and reimbursed.
Total amount paid £ 0 0
13 Fees for examination or audit of the accounts
Independent examiner’s or auditors'
£ 4,080 0
fees for reporting on the accounts
Other fees (eg: advice, accountancy £ 0 0
14 Paid employees
Staff Costs paid during the year were:
Gross wages, salaries and benefits in £
179,968 91,150
kind
£
Employer’s National Insurance costs 17,644 9,571
£
Pension costs 13,930 11,091
£
Total staff costs 211,542 111,812
Average number of staff employed during the year were:
Ministers 2 1
Lay staff working for the Circuit 7 2
Total 9 3
----- End of picture text -----

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

These figures represent the ministerial staff working in the circuit who are employed by The Methodist Church centrally and lay staff employed directly by the Circuit.

No employee earned £60,000 per annum or more.

15 Pensions

The accounts include costs relating to pension contributions for the year of £13,930 (2024: £11,091) on behalf of employees. Two schemes were contributed to: payments of £3,696 (2024 £3,552) to a defined contribution scheme for layworkers and £10,234 (2024: £7,539) to the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme (MMPS), a defined benefit scheme for ministers.

At the last triennial valuation 31 August 2023, the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme was in surplus by £33.7m. At the previous triennial valuation at 31 August 2020, the scheme had been in deficit and The Methodist Council agreed a recovery plan and long term funding objective for the Scheme in April 2022. In light of the surplus revealed at the latest valuation, a recovery plan is not required.

16 Other recognised gains/(losses)

There were no other recognised gains/(losses)

17 Operating lease commitments

The total future lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are:

Within one year
Between 2 - 5 years
After 5 years		 Equipment
Land and
Buildings
Total
Equipment
Land and
Buildings
Total
2025
2025
2025
2024
2024
2024
£
£
£
£
£
£
2,390
0
2,390
2,390
0
2,390
3,386
0
3,386
5,777
0
5,777
-
-
-
-
-
-
5,777
0
5,777
8,167
0
8,167

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

18 Tangible Fixed Assets

----- Start of picture text -----
Payments on
Other fixed Fixtures,
Residential Other account and
Cost or valuation Other Land Manses assets inc fittings and Total
Land buildings assets under
motor vehicles equipment
construction
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Balance brought forward 0
Additions 0
Revaluations (+/-) 227,817 227,817
Impairment (-) 0
Disposals (-) 0
Transfers and
847,183 847,183
adjustments
Balance carried forward 0 0 1,075,000 0 0 0 0 1,075,000
Accumulated depreciation
Balance brought forward 0
Depreciation charge for
0
year (-)
Revaluations (+/-) 0
Disposals (-) 0
Transfers and
0
adjustments
Balance carried forward 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Net book value
-
Brought forward
Carried forward - - 1,075,000 - - - - 1,075,000
----- End of picture text -----

The Manses are included in the Balance Sheet at valuation and the breakdown is as follows:

Manses held at valuation 2025
2024
1,075,000
1,075,000
-

Included in tangible fixed assets are 2 manses. Both are freehold.

On 1 September 2025, the Altrincham Methodist Circuit became the Trafford Methodist Circuit and the assets of Stretford & Urmston and Sale Methodist Circuits were transferred in. All three entities were using receipts and payments accounting at 31 August 2024 and section G of the 2024 accounts gives details of 'Other assets and liabilities' and in particular g2 includes details of land and buildings. Where an amount had been included here, this is the value that has been transferred into the circuit and included as 'transfers and adjustments' above.

From 1 September 2024, Trafford Methodist Circuit is required to use accruals accounting and has chosen to account for land and buildings on a valuation basis. The difference between the amounts transferred into the circuit and the valuation at the end of the year is included in the 'Revaluations' line above.

Further details of the valuation basis used are included in accounting policies in note 1.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

19 Investment properties

----- Start of picture text -----
(There are a Other fixed Payments on
Other Fixtures,
Residential total of 3 assets account and
Other Land buildings - 3 fittings and Total
Land manses) including assets under
Manses churches motor vehicles equipment construction
£ £ £ £ £ £ £ £
Balance brought forward 0
Additions 0
Revaluations (+/-) 625,000 304,736 925,000 1,854,736
Impairment (-) 0
Disposals (-) 0
Transfers and
0 1,045,264 1,045,264
adjustments
Balance carried forward 0 625,000 1,350,000 925,000 0 0 0 2,900,000
----- End of picture text -----

On 1 September 2025, the Altrincham Methodist Circuit became the Trafford Methodist Circuit and the assets of Stretford & Urmston and Sale Methodist Circuits were transferred in. All three entities were using receipts and payments accounting at 31 August 2024 and section G of the 2024 accounts gives details of 'Other assets and liabilities' and in particular g2 includes details of land and buildings. Where an amount had been included here, this is the value that has been transferred into the circuit and included as 'transfers and adjustments' above.

From 1 September 2024, Trafford Methodist Circuit is required to use accruals accounting and has chosen to account for land and buildings on a valuation basis. The difference between the amounts transferred into the circuit and the valuation at the end of the year is included in the 'Revaluations' line above.

Further details of the valuation basis used are included in accounting policies in note 1.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

20 Analysis of current assets

Debtors and prepayments
£
£
Other debtors
£
Total debtors and prepayments
£
urrent assets
Pre paid assessments
Accrued income		 This year
£
0
15,299
15,299		 Last year - N/A
£
0
ash at bank
£
£
£
£
Total Cash and Bank
Bank balance held in current accounts
Bank balance held in CFB
Bank balance held in TMCP		 This year
£
73,739
230,927
689,486
994,152		 Last year - N/A
£
0

21 Analysis of cash at bank

22 Analysis of current liabilities and long term creditors

Trade Creditors
£
Other Creditors
£
Total Current Liabilities
£
urrent liabilities and long term creditors		 This year
£
19,277
19,277		 Last year - N/A
£
0

23 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.

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

24 Detailed analysis of individual fund movements

Unrestricted Funds

----- Start of picture text -----
Opening Transfer in Adjs R&Ps to Closing
Unestricted Fund Name Income Expenditure Revaluations Purpose of the fund
Balance Sale & S&U accruals Balance
General 49,191 405,154 426,287 1,403,518 783,723 2,215,299
Circuit Model Trust 257,122 23,195 22,061 247,730 505,986
Totals 306,313 428,349 448,349 1,651,248 783,723 0 2,721,285
----- End of picture text -----

Restricted Funds

----- Start of picture text -----
Opening Transfer in Adjs R&Ps to Closing
Restricted Fund Name Income Expenditure Revaluations Purpose of the fund
Balance Sale & S&U accruals Balance
Cornerstone development 0 152,665 787,554 812,078 177,189 Approved building project
Trafford Community Local initiative for which a District grant was received in prior
0 0 1,122 2,500 1,378
engagement project year
Makers' Nook new District Caleb grant received towards costs of new Christian
3,349 5,020 2,058 2,651 8,962
community project community
Connect Dads
4,220 1,173 3,048 Trafford Council grant for running Connect Group
Broomwood
Connect Dads Sevenway 4,000 2,400 1,600 Trafford Council grant for running Connect Group
District grant funding Grant from North West England District funding operations
8,000 8,000 0
operations manager manager
Totals 3,349 173,905 802,306 814,578 2,651 0 192,177
Endowment funds 0 150 0 6,198 6,348
Revaluation reserve 0 2,082,553 2,082,553 revaluation of tangible assets and investment properties
Total funds 309,662 602,405 1,250,655 2,472,024 786,374 2,082,553 5,002,363
----- End of picture text -----

Circuit

137

Trafford Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025

24 Detailed analysis of individual fund movements (continued)

Comparative analysis of restricted and designated funds in prior year

----- Start of picture text -----
Opening Closing
Unestricted Fund Name Income Expenditure Transfers Adjustments Purpose of the fund
Balance Balance
General 6,010 120,185 202,004 125,000 49,191
Circuit Model Trust 387,737 15,820 21,435 -125,000 257,122
Totals 393,747 136,005 223,439 0 306,313
Restricted Funds
Opening Closing
Restricted Fund Name Income Expenditure Transfers Adustments Purpose of the fund
Balance Balance
Makers' Nook new
0 6,000 2,651 3,349
community project
Other 0 36,879 36,879 0
0
Totals 0 42,879 39,530 0 3,349
Total funds 393,747 178,884 262,969 0 309,662
Endowment funds at 31 August 2024 0
Total funds including endowments 309,662
----- End of picture text -----