## **THE METHODIST CHURCH – HIGH WYCOMBE CIRCUIT** 

## **CHARITY COMMISSION TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 2020** 

## **Section B – Structure, Governance and Management** 

The Circuit is one of 21 Circuits in the Northampton District. The Circuit is ultimately accountable to the Methodist Conference. 

Risk management is considered as part of its overall duties by the Circuit Leadership Team which takes appropriate professional advice whenever it feels that this is necessary. 

The Circuit has for many years adopted a safeguarding policy in respect of children and has encouraged and indeed ensured that all Churches within the Circuit have also adopted a suitable policy. In 2012 it adopted and has since annually updated a revised policy covering both Children and Vulnerable Adults. Suitable training is arranged to support those holding office. 

## **Section C – Objectives and Activities** 

The objects are set out in The Methodist Church Act 1976 (Clause 4), a synopsis of which is “advancement of religion and any charitable purpose of the Methodist Church or Church organisation (see Methodist Church Act 1976).”  The Circuit provides advice, support and resources to the 9 Churches that form the Circuit and through them undertakes a range of religious activities for the benefit of the general public/mankind. 

Methodist Circuits are not defined as external grant making bodies. Surplus funds, both short term and longer term are invested with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes as required by Standing Orders. 

The majority of the work of the Circuit, other than that undertaken by ordained ministers and paid lay workers, is undertaken by voluntary lay persons. 

## **Section D – Achievements and Performance** 

The Circuit has continued to support a wide range of activities undertaken by the Churches within the Circuit. This has involved substantial investment in resources both in areas of proven growth and where there is potential for development. This has taken the form of significant contributions for building improvements and also assistance with the funding of lay workers. 

The Circuit has continued its commitment to fund a diaconal appointment up to at least September 2023. The appointee is developing outreach work both by encouraging and training lay people, and by working alongside ecumenical partners. In addition he is actively involved in supporting the work of local Work Place Chaplains. 

## **Section E – Financial Review** 

The Circuit aims to maintain in general fund at least three months routine expenditure to cover timing delays in receipt of funds.  There are a number of designated funds which support defined activities. 

The other main fund is the Circuit Model Trust Money (formerly known as the Circuit Advance Fund) which is derived from the sale of redundant properties within the Circuit and its use is limited to those purposes defined in Standing Orders. 



The Circuit raises funds through the Circuit assessment which is contributions from all the Churches within the Circuit to meet the agreed budget for the year. 

The majority of the Circuit’s expenditure is related to the employment of staff and their associated accommodation etc. expenses plus a contribution to the costs of both the District and the Connexion collected through the District Assessment. 

## **Section F –** 

The Circuit continues to seek an effective strategy for its future development and direction. In 2020 a process was initiated to encourage all churches to review their ’20:20 Vision’ developed some six years earlier. This ‘Re-imagining’ exercise is being aligned with the Connexional ‘God for All’ initiative as well as taking into account recent changes in worship practice brought about by the current Covid restrictions. The work identified through these exercises will be developed as a priority and taken forward over the coming years both by the churches and the Circuit Leadership Team. 

-o0o- 



The Methodlst Church - High Wy¢omb• Clr¢ult
Statement of Flnan¢ial A¢tlvltles
for thè Yèar ended 31st August 2020
Unrestricted Re8tri¢ted
Fund5
Funds
Total
Funds
Total Funds
2019
Note5
INCOMING RESOURCES
Circuit Assessment5
Manse Rental Incorna
Grant5 Recewed
Bank and Trust Interest
Swial Collections
Sundry Incoffle & transfers from Naphill
To¢al Incomlng re50ur¢
186,651
37,140
50,666
186.651
37,140
50,666
950
8,470
1,246
285123
203.420
40,713
708
969
3,225
249.03S
8,470.35
1.246
276.653
8.470.35
RESOURCES EXPENDED
Stipends. National Insurance & Pensions
Lay Wotkers & Supernumerary
District Assessment
Manse ￿paIrS and maintsnance
Travel
Administration
Quiquennial inspections
Telephones and internet
Training
Pulpit supply and plans
Grants and Donation5
Collection paid over
Removal costs
Other expenditure
Depreciation
139,447
5,220
51.863
69,838
2.047
1.630
139,447
5,220
51,863
69,838
2,047
1,630
125,395
5,129
44,018
55,962
5,847
869
3,720
1,930
400
1.688
4,000
969
5,066
100
3.079
893
251
13,228
3.079
893
251
13,228
8,470
8,470 35
8,992
8,992
Total resource5 expondod
296 487
304,958
255.092
NET INCOMING RESOURCES
119,8341
119,8341
16,0571
INCREASE I IDECREASEI IN VALUE OF FUNDS
Manse ￿Valuation
Model Trust Fund
Oth8rTru5t Fund$
107,992
238,042
179
107,992
238.042
179
56,888
17.1891
20,822
NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
326 378
326.378
FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD
3.273,254
8,907 3,282.161 3,217,696
FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD
3.599.632
8.￿7 3,608,539 3,282.161

Thg Mothodist Church - Hlgh Wycombe Clreult
Balan¢¢ Shèèt at 31st Augu$t 2020
Not¢$
2020
2019
Tanglbl• FIx8d Assets
3,026,690
2,918.698
¢urr¢nt Assets:
Trustees for Methodist Church Pu￿Ose$
Central Finance Board
206,259
165,916
16,423
6,501
20.024
11.494
144.819
26,503
15,349
20,056
11.487
HSBC
CAF Bank Cash
CAF Bank Gold
Stipends paid in advance
Manse rental fees paid in advance
Sundry debtors
Mans8 Refurbishmen15 paid in advan
12,210
3,357,525
3,689,183
L•$s ¢4trrent Liabiliti¢s'.
Circuit assessments prepaid
Manse Rental Income
Manse repair and maintenance reserve
Accrued manse maintenance expensès
Accrued General Expenses
Accrued Quinquennial costs
Accrued special collection
48,153
44,231
50.OCM)
50,000
2,305
447
100,458
95.178
3,588 725
3,262,347
FINANCED BY..
Unrestrlcted Fund5'.
General Fund
M3n5e Refufbishmenl Fund
Manse Fund
Model Trust Fund
87.556
50.000
3.028.690
414,384
87.390
50.IY)O
2,918.698
176.342
3,558.629
3.232.430
Other Fund5
Trust 17252 Chilton Memorial Trust Fund
Trust 12975 (Sale of Landl Fund
Trust 20825 Alma Stevens bequest
2,829
6.183
21.084
2,829
6,142
20,945
30.096
29.917
TOTAL FUNDS
3,588,725
3.262 347

Th• Mèthodist Church - High Wycombe Circuit
Notos to the Accounts far th• yèar ended 31st August 2020
l. Accounti
al Basss of accountlng
The Accounls have been prepa￿d under the Historio Cost Convention &xcept where ass915 have been ststed al
valuation. Thi5 is In a￿Ordance with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Pra¢Uc8
appllcable lo charit*s prepanng their accounts in accordarbce ￿th the Fin3n￿41 Reportiry St8nd8rd for Smal*r
Enlil*S Ilhe FRSSEI leffectiv& 1 January 20151.
bl Valuotlon of Manse8
The Six manses c￿e￿ by the circul1v￿re originally valued on the ba￿5 of the mathel values of comparabL
propertie5 situated in thelr raspeclive areas, and adjusted by lakSng account of the charye in a house price index
during the year.
¢1 Deslgnation of Funds ac¢ording to Charlty L
The General Fund i% an unrestricte¢ fund.
The Manse Fund is an unieslricled designated fund.
The Chlllon Memorial Tnjsl Fund Is a Pemianenl Endowm8rtt.
The Model Trust FunLI. Trust (Sale of Landl Fund. and the Alma stevens b8qu8st are unrestricted funds.
nts Re
£30.IX)O was taken from the Model Trust FU￿ to cover Ihe cosl of employiny the Ceacon. A grant of £20,666 was
made by Connexion to ¢over part oflhe refurtii%hmenl woth on 222 Rulland Avenu8.
3. Model Tru$
fonner
the
Advance Fund
Movements on the m(￿81 Trust Fund duriNJ the yearw8re 35 lolbw5'.
2020
Z019
Balanc8 brought forward
Inleresl received Inel of TMCP thargesl
Nel pro(*Èds of sak ofyopert￿5
Less arnounts drawn lo support mission and outreach..
tliacanal appthntmenl
Circurt- Any Olhtr Purpose
Les5 D15th¢t Levy
Balance Carried Forward
176,342
2.619
271,740
202,737
1,243
40.iy)o
.20,OCK)
,317
414,384
-7.837
rTru
t Fund5.
These ￿MpriSe which wer& onginalty donated, wlletled or allocatsd for a 5pecthG. putFK)sè.
Movements during the year were as follows..
2020
2019
al ¢hllton Memorlal Tru8t 17252 Ipfrrman¢ntendowrnonti
Balance brought foward
Interest ￿dited (net of TMCP chary&l
Interest paid io ClroJrt
Èalancé ¢arrf•d I0￿0rd
2.829
2.829
2,829
2.829
bl Trust 12975 (sale of landl
Balance broughl forward
8,142
Interest credilad Irel ol TMCP charge)
41
Balanct cathed forward
6.183
Trusl 12975 resulted trom the sale of land bythe fotrnèr Bourr* End Meththjist Church. Follo￿n9 the
dosure of Ihe Church, the Tmsl was transferred lo the and the capital 15 available lo th2 cirtuit
as laid down in standin9 ordets.
6,102
40
,142
¢1 Trust 20825 Alma Stovons ￿quest
Balance brou9hl foTwardlCapilal Transferred
Interest crediled In&t of TMCP charge)
Interest paid lo Circuit
20.945
138
20.798
148
21,084
Tnjsl 20825was a bequest lo Naphill ￿h041st Church. Follo￿￿ thè dosure ofthe chuich In Juty 2018
Ihe TnJBtwa$ transferred lo the Circuit and is now avallabig to the Circuit as laKI down In slandiw orders.
20.945

The Methodist Church - High Wycombe Clrcult
Notes to th• Accounts for tho year ended 31st August 2020
5. Tan
Ible Fixed
2020
2019
Balance brought foTW8rd
2.Q18,698
2,901.290
Incre8StlDecrea5e in valuatlon
107.992
17.408
Balance Carrled forward
3.026.689
2 918.698
The value of the manses owned by the Circuit h85 been revalued using the Nab"onwde House price
index for August as in previous years. The year on y8ar chan9e was +3.7¥0
ts. Manse
6.La
wtsrkers and su
n merarie
The Circuit has not employed ariy laywkers during th& yaar.
7. Manse R
al Income
Two manses We￿ occupied forthe whole ofthe year.
and Don
A grant of £2.250was made in support of the FlaCkV￿lI ￿ath Young Farnilie5 Worker. and £3,200 in support of tro
Madow Youlh Worker. As In previous years, a don81ion of £2.000 was made lo support ihe work ofwycombe
omelts¥ ConneGtion.
- Manse R
irs and the
There has been furthei signfficant expenditure on the manse at 222 Rutland Avenup, but much of this was tovered
by a Connexional grant. Some unexpected refurbishment was also required 814 Fleet Close. Such expendrture 15
provided for by th& manse ￿SerVe bul have not taken money trom the resetvt on Ihls occasion as manse rentsl
exceeded the budgeted amount. The Manse Reserve Fund ha5 been niainiained at £50,000.
Inde
nde
mlnerfs Lln
The moth￿08t
R•$pgctiv• r•8ptsn6l￿lI10$ of TFv$t••s artd Examlnèr
AS the chantytrusteE5. you ale responsible forthe weparalbjnof thy8[￿￿li*." you con8hYerthatthè *Jdlt
rg4uir£ments of 4421 of the Charl￿$ Ad 1993 IthÈA¢t}do notapply Itis my responsibiinyto statè, on th¢ ba51S
ol wwedutES spe0r￿d In th• tseneral Direthnggrien by the ChaliLy Commis￿0￿8r8 undBrSec*ion 4317Kk>l of thè Arf
whetherpartI￿￿sr matters hav• wm8to my attention.
Bats16 of Ind•￿nd•￿t ExaMlm¢rfs Report
y ￿&Mination wascattiEd in accordance with thB Generdl Trrections Y￿fft by thèChanty¢llmmL*SKy*rs. An
oxamination In¢lud8s a revlow Otthe racotd$ kept by th•charity and a eompanson of bb8cEaunts prèaented
yfflth thoae reco￿$. 11 indude$ eonsldeialion oF?ny unusuAI itèms ordi$*)sutBS in the EKC￿nIS. and 5È0￿r
eW3nabons from you as Iru$t8ES COM￿mIng any mattBrs. picuduras undertaken do not pro¥hl@51 th2
ewdenc8 that￿￿Id bo rnquired in an audrt artd ￿nsequen#Y I do ￿￿e￿￿eSsa￿a￿JrtOwn10n on thè vKwgNfjn bythè
aetounts.
IndEpèndeni Exarnin•r'• Stat•m¢nt
In coThne¢bon my gxamination, no mattèr ha5 wmFtD my attention..
11} wh￿h gwes me reasonatrde ¢auseiD Wiève thatin ?Dy matsri4 reGpe¢tlh8 rO4￿rOm￿
to ka8p ￿unting re¢Nds In ac￿[danc&￿th Section 41 Act,. and
to Pfepare aCetsuntswhi¢h accord wih reco￿$ and to Mmptywrth the al%¥￿￿￿ng m4ulr8mants
of the Act havp nDt been m•t'. or
121 iOV4hith. in my opinicil. attention $￿0￿￿ L* drAwn In ordwlo Fn8tlEA pmperunderstsDding 01 tho o¢cwnlsto b
ned
Date

HKJh Wycombe Methodist Circuit
Statement of Financial ActivSties (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2020
Circurt No
23127
Notes to
Circutt Modol De6lgnat•d
G•nHal Fund
Trust
Funds
a¢¢ounts IUnre8trl¢tsdl Iunrestrlctodl lunrostrlcted)
Reslri¢t•d Endowmwni
Fund5
FuthLts
Total
2019-20
Incom&
1 Donations and legarAe5
2 Income from monetary Invesiments
3 Income trom investment yopths
4 Assessments on Churthe5
S Capital Recèipts
6 Grants rec¥ved
7 Other¢han￿ble Irumè
8 Total inwm•
Expenditur¥
9 Grants d(￿atiONS
10 S818nes and assotyaled costs
11 Property mainknance
12 Conrtxional assessment & modd ItU61
13 thsirict Assessment & Le
14 Depreci8tson
15 Office a*pense5
16 Othtrr outgoing5
17 Total ¢harltabbo expenditur•
18 Gainslllos5esl on monetary investment8
19 Gainsll1ossesl on Investrnem propertye5
20 Net inrDmollexpenditurg1
21 Transfer5 betrh*en tynds
22 Other gainslllossesl
23 Net mov•r￿￿t In funds
24Totsi funds brou8htforward
25Totèl fundsrarrled forward
950
2,852
24
302
1efj,651
186,651
271.710
50.
271.740
50.666
38.386
276.6
8.470
8,47
24
SS9,739
13,228
149.792
69.838
30.000
43.228
149.792
69,838
51.863
6.317
180
1,630
10,136
296,117
1,6JO
18.685
341,353
8.470
8,470
24
36.371
-19,634
238,220
218.386
-19.834
87,390
67,556
2J8,220
203,430
441,650
218,386
343,649
$62.035
50,000
so.ooo
2.829
2,829

HvJh Wycombè MethCrtl￿1 Circull
ClrcullNo 23127
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2020
r￿￿1 Fund
IUntrystrici*41
Clnull Modpl
Twsts
Dè&lwai•d
Fur
Restr**d
Funth
T*lt415
201WIO
TOLI
Fuhd&
circurt M4Th8e5 S Equwtyrrt
p￿￿￿￿
&026.690
$.028.690
s,0￿.6
,Q26,É90
Debto
L￿nts
IM ClrcL4t
441,
444.480
141.$1
61.90B
i.oD8
t8nlral FIr0r￿P¢ar￿Q1Pe5lI
¢a&hal Banka￿ Inhand
Y,619
61.
156,$27
50.OQD
441.650
50.MD
2.029
¢MdIl￿JldUe YWI
Grants
aWwtrin2018.19
TotslcurrèMtll•bUIW
ruJMt)t•ss•tsAi•tsQJO
156,W
000
,829
651.[
441.650
oo
2,a25
56TI.696
alterrnore than one
n15
after2016-19
Loansio mo Cl￿rt
tlet•ss•ts
3,183.216
441.650
so.000
2,¥29
3,677,696
GEnerdl Fmd
UnreJtrth
3,1￿.21$
441.650
I,
D￿$￿n￿d Fund5IUAiè>￿c1
3M74867
Restncled
ErrtJDwmenl
2.019
2,82
3.677,6*
I%B3.216
441.6YJ
50.000
Stgned
Circuit T￿asUrer