THE HANTS4URREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Page Contents Referen and administrative details Trustees, Report Independent Examinerfs Report statement of Financial Activities Balance Sheet Notes to the Financial Statements 10-14
HAMtS-SURRFI BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT REFERENCE AND ADMINISTR4TIVE DAlLs Trustees Ann Adams (From Sept 2024) Aileen Ashby Rev Kyung Mi Banks (From Sept 2024) Mdvyn Buckett Gill Bunch (resigned June 2024) Kym Burgess Denis Compton Loise Cushing Nina Curley Steve Curtis Alex Day (Resigned September 2024) Rev Anne Day Steve Dewey Carole Gaines Joy Everingham (From Sept 2024) Frances Gawthrop Liz George Neil Gray Rita Greig Rev Gina Hoff (Resigned 31 August 2024) Rev Michael Hopkins (resigned Jan 2024) Christopher Hunter Margarel Janes Liz Jones Rev Gisela Lawson David Moll lan Moore Jayne Moore Michael Morrice Judith Nicholls Alison Noakes Rev Nicholas Ot)orski Thomas Oborski Andy Osbome (from Sept 2023) Sally Press Elizabeth Read Heather Richards Alex Sanderson lan Sargeant Brian Sexton Rev Philip Simpkins Muriel Simpson Sue Smith Gill Ter Kuile Graham Tttterington Mutsa Ushewokunze (From Sept 2024) Jill Whittingham Carol Woodruffe (From March 2024) David Kember Key Management Personnel REV NICHOLAS OBORSKI REV ANN DAY REV GINA HOFF REV MICHAEL HOPKINS REV PHILLIP SIMPKINS ELIZ4BETH ANNE GEORGE DAVID WILLIAM MOLL JAYNE BEVERLEY MOORE MICHAEL JOHN MORRICE Page I
HANBSURREY BORDER MEtHODIST CIRCUIT REFERENCEAND ADMINISTRATIVE DAlLs Principal office 12 Glen Road FLEET Hampshire GU513QR Independent Examiners Jacob Cavenagh & Skeet 5 Robin Hood Lane Sutton SM12SW Bankers CAF Bank 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling Central Finan Board of the Methodist Church 9 Bonhill Street London EC2A 4PE The Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M11JQ Charity registration number: 1137593 Page 2
THE HANTSuRREy BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 The Trustees present their report and financial statements of Hants-surrey Border Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2024. These have been prepared in compliance with the Charrties Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and Financial Reporting Standard 102 (FRS 102). Structure, govemance, and management The charty was established by a Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) adopted on 26 August 2010. Recruitment and appointment of trustees Trustees, selection method: . Certain Officers and elected representatsves of local churches. . Ministers appointed to the Circuit by the Methodist Conference. Additional governance issues The Circuit comprises nine churches". Aldershot, Alton, Cove. Fleet. Frimley Green, Hale, Hartley Wintney, North Camp. Rowledge and two LEPS: Elvetham Heath (Fleet LEP),The Spire (Farnham LEP). Work continued through the year to further develop the Circuit to help it effectively fulfil its purpose as mentioned below under objectives and activities. The Ash Vale Chapel (a building owned by the Circuit) is a °Fresh Expression. of church managed jointly w.rth St Mary's Church, Ash Vale. This is tated as a Circuit 'project' with the operating costs met from Chapel's income from users and donations wrth the intention of it being self-supporting. There is a local management group wrth Methodist and St Mary's Church membership which has responsibilty for routine maintenance of the property. A part time manager appointed by the management group has day-to4ay oversight of its activities. Objects of the Circuit The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of - the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church. any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit. local or other organisation of the Methodist Church" any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church. The principal activlties of the Circuit The Circuit is where new initiatives and changes in the pattem of church life originate. This is where the staffing capacity and resources for ministy are organised, where fresh expressions of church or new pioneer ministries are launched, and where decisions to close churches in the interest of re-shaping mission priorities are debated. Page 3
THE HANTS-SURREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 We act as an umbrella and resourcing body for the 9 local churches, 2 LEP churches, 1 Fresh Expressions project and a Garison Worker in the Circuit. The object is thal they can effectively fu11 their mission statements to engage with all those who seek God andlor spiritual dimension to their lives. We organise. provide leadership of. and administer the Circuit Meeting as the Circuit's governing body. and provide the link upwards to District and Conference. Anyone is welcome to attend and contribute to the meets.ng by invitation We administer the stipends and expenses of ministers and salaries and expenses of lay workers in the Circuit, provide pastoral support and, where appropriate, provide their accommodation. We promote the well-being of Circuit churches and open access to all who wish to participate in their activities. through oversight of individual church councils and their decision-making, and in consultation with their representatives in the Circuit Meeting (who are also twstees of the Circuit). We prepare the quarterly Circuit preaching plan that assigns ministers and lay preachers to church services, to which all are welcome. We encourage ecumenical work and activities wth other Christian denominations and their congregations. Public Benefft The Trustees are aware of their duty. set out in section 4 of the Charrties Acl 2006, to have due regard to the public benefft guidance published by the Charity Commission. The Circuit is part of the Methodist church which exists, to.. 1. Increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love; 2. Help people to leam and grow as Christians, through mutual support and care; and 3. Be a good neighbour to people in need and challenge injustice. The trustees consider that for these reasons the charity meets these public benefit requirements. Revlew of Progress - 23124 Through the local churches represented in the Circuit, and the resources allocated to them, the following achievements have been made: Continued opportunities for public worship in many of the larger towns and villages in the CircuiL The continued abilty to offer occasional Servi (e.g. baptisms, weddings, funerals) to both church members and others. as required. Continued pastoral care of a wide range of age groups, both within the church membership and the wider communty. Continued participation in various communty-based projects. Page 4
THE HANTS4URREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YB4R ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Continued support for the work of local charities and communty groups. The continued management and maintenance of properties required to achieve the aims and objectives of the Circuit. The ecumenical arts and community project (Fresh Expressions) based at The Chapel in Ash Vale is provided in partnership with St Mary's Church. The project is supervised by a local Management Committee with representatives from the Circuit and St MarS PCC. The Circuit employs a lay worker as a youth and family worker in the Aldershot militsry garrison who lives in a flat provided by the MOD in their base. They work wrth schools associated with families based in the garrison. The churches continue to meet the challenge of a reducing membership. The Circuit is working with the local churches to understand their vision for their future. Flnancial Review and ReseNes Income and expenditure The Circuit Assessment is reviewed annually and set at a level to cover the cost of meeting its objectives, and activrties listed below. It is shared between 9 local churches on an equitsble basis. The LEPS pay a contribution to the Circuit on a dffterent basis under their respective sharing agreements. Under Stsnding Orders. the Circuit must meet its financial obligations in relation to the support of its Presbyters. fve manses and Connexional requirements. The Circuit therefore, needs to generate a reasonable surplus to meet these OblatIonS and ensure that the 'reserves policies. relating to its various funds are maintained Overall, the net movement in fvnds for the year was £20,052 (2023 - £17,081) Reserves pollcy The Trustees have considered the level of reserves they wish to retain that are appropriate to the Circuit's needs. This is based on the Circuivs size and the level of financial commitments held. The Trustees aim to ensure the charty will be able to continue to fulfil its charitable objectives even if there is a temporary shortfall in income or unexpected expenditure. The Trustees will endeavour not to set aside funds unnecessarity. General fund expenditure during the financial year was £409,800 (2023 - £422,169). General fund balance was £263,808 (2023 - £262.980). This represents around 11 months expenditure - more than the 6 months required by the Circuit's Reserves Policy. Other unrestricted (designated) funds are generalty perfonning sats'sfactorily. Page 5
THE HANTS4URREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Excluding frhold propety, the balan of the unrestricted funds stands at £695.500 {2023 £675,448). The Circuit has a balance owed to Wessex Trust of £51,472.23 as its contribution towards the new manse required for Church on the Heath. This will be released when the sharing agreement has been signed. Risk Analysis and Management The Trustees actively review the major risks which the charrty fa on a regular basis and believe that maintaining the free reserves stated combined with the annual review of the controls over key financial systems carried out on an annual basis will provide sufficient reSoUrS in the event of adverse conditions. The Trustees have also examined other operational and business risks which they face and confinn that they have established systems to mits'gate the significant risks. Trustees. Responsibilities The law requires those responsible for the administration of charrttes to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charty and of the surplus or deficit of the charity for that year. In preparing those financial statements, they are required to: select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP., make judgements and ests"mates that are reasonable and prudent; state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed. subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements: and prepare the financial statements on the going conrn basis. They have overall responsibilty for ensuring that the charity has appropriate systems of control. financial and otherwise. Those responsible for the administrab'on of charities are required to keep proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accura at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. For and on behalf of the trustees PrfkL Rev Philip Simpkins Date: 5 December 2024 Page 6
INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF THE HANTS-SURREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRcurr I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of The Hants-surrey Border Methodist Circuit (the Charity) for the year ended 31 August 2024. Responsibilitles and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Acf). I report in respect of my examination of the tharitS accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examinevs statement sin the Charty's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 ACL I confirm that l am qualified to undertake the examination because l am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies. I have completed my examination. I confinn that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect". accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act" or the accounts do not accord with those records: or the accounts do not compty with the applicable requirements conceming the fonn and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Report) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no COnrnS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Paul Newton FCA Jacob Cavenagh & Skeet 5 Robin Hood Lane Sutton Surrey SM12SW 10 December 2024 Page 7
THE HANTS-SURREY BORDER MHoDIsTcIRCu STATEMENT OF FINANCIALACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 2024 2023 Income from: Note Charitable Activities Donations Grants Investment Income Interest Other Trading Activities Manse rental Total Income 329,684 34.100 33,668 32,400 429,852 331.494 68,209 19.637 19.909 439.249 Expenditure on: Charitable Activities Total Expenditure Ongoing activities 41)9,800 409,8DO 422.169 422.169 Net (expenditure)Ilncome 20.052 17.080 Reconclllatlon of Funds Funds brought forward on I September2023 2,831.879 2.814.799 Funds carried for4vard at 31 August2024 2,851.931 2.831.879 Page 8
THE HANTS-SURREY BORDER CIRCUIT BALANCE SHEAs AT31 AUGUST 2024 2024 2023 Note Flxed Assets Tangible Assets 2,156.431 2,156,431 Current Assets Debtors 52,709 Prepayments 226 Cash at bank and in hand 754,574 709,157 754,800 761,866 Credttors: Amountsfaliingduewithin one year (59.300) (86,418) Net current assets 695,500 675,448 Total assets less current Uabllltles 2,851,931 2,831,879 Reserves Unrestricted income funds 2.851.931 2,831,879 Total Charity Funds 2,851.931 2,831,879 Approved bytheTrustees on 5 December2024 and signed on their behalf by Rev. Philip Simpkins Trustee Page 9
HANTS4URREY BORDER METHODIST CIRcufT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 AccouKfiNG POLICIES THE HANTSuRREy BORDER METHODIST CIRCUIT was foed on 1. September 2012. The principal office is. 12 Glen Road FLEET GU51 (a) Basis of accounting These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with FRS 102 "The Financtal Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" {"FRS 102°), °Accounting and Reporting by Charities. the Stalement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102, the Chartties Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practi. The circuit is a Public Benefft Entity as defined by FRS 102. The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the circuit. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. (b) Going concern At the time of approving the financial statements. the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence forthe foreseeable future. Therefore, the trustees continue to adopt the going concem basis of accnunting in preparing the financial statements. (c) Income Voluntary income and donations (induding legacies) are accounted for On the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable the income will be received, and the amount of inco receivable can be reliably rneasud. Vthere material assets are donated to the circuit for its use, these are capitalised at the estimated market value at the date of the grft and included under income. (d) Expendlture Expenditure is accrued as soon as a liabilty is considered probable, discounted to present value for longer temi liabilities. Charitable expenditure includes all support costs in respect of the charity activities. (e) Grants payable Grants payable are accounted for as they are agree by Circuit Meeting. (fj Governance This comprises all the expenditure incurred in Mting the constitutional requirements of the charity and is included in charitable expenditure. Page 10
HANTS-SURREY BORDER MEfHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 (continued) AccouNfiNG POUCIES {continued) (g) Fixed assets Land and buildings are induded at deemed cost. Freehold land is not depreciated. Vthere the charity adopts a policy of maintaining properties to a standard that prolongs their lives and enhances their residual value, the charity considers any depCiatIon arising to be insignificant and the properties are not depreciated. (h) Debtors Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. (i) Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short temi highty liquid investments with a short maturty of three months or less from the date of opening of the deposit. (i) Creditors and provisions Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation arising from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at their settlement amount. (k) Financial instruments The charty onty has financial assets and liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initialty recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value. (l) Penslon contributions Contributions to personal pension schemes are charged as they fall due. Page11
Hants- Surrey Border Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 Au ust 2024 (continued) INCOME FROM CHARITABLEACTMTIES 2024 2023 Circuit Assessments Contributions ChapelAsh Vale 309,570 7.000 13.114 329.684 311,963 66 19,465 331,494 EXPENDITURE ON CHARrrABLE ACTIVITIES 2024 2023 Connectional and DistrictAssessments Staff Costs Staff Expenses Staff Costs Property Costs Mission Projects Legal & professional Fees Bank Charges Governance Costs 86,332 206,248 15,412 8.208 57,994 28,263 4.282 76.468 207,946 15,599 14,066 67,948 35,325 908 Office 1.029 2.880 422.169 Independent Examiner 2100 409.800 STAFF COSTS 2024 2023 Salaries Employevs National Insurance Contributions Employe¢s Pension Contributions Contribution to other salaries and other costs 162,283 14,920 33,103 4,150 214,456 166,753 14,686 30.916 9,657 222,012 The average nurnber of employees duringthe yearwere No employees received remuneration of more than £60,000 TRUSTEES REMUNERATION The stipends. employerfs NIC and employer's pension contributions of the Presbyters, who are Trustees, are paid bythe Methodist Connection. buttheircosts are funded bythe Circuit. These are included in the staff costs note in these accounts. The Trustees were reimbursed expenses of £7.754 (2023 £5.964) There were no other related party transactions in the year. Page 12
Hants- Surrey Border Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financialstatements For the Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS Freehold Property Cost At 31stAugust2024 At 31st August 2023 2,156,431 2,156,431 CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one year 2024 2023 Accruals Deferred income 20,300 39,000 59,300 14,820 71.598 86,418 FUNDS I September 2023 Income 31 August 2024 Expenditure Transfers Unrestrlcted General Fund 262,980 326.957 286.129 140,000) 263.807 Designated Funds Ashvale Chapel(Freehold) Manse Fund (Freeholds) Manse Repair Fund Frimley Green Worker North Campworker Garrison Worker Mission Support The ChapelAsh Vale 750,482 1,405,949 91,819 19.527 24.313 211,618 46,622 18,569 750,482 1,405,949 89,867 38,527 24,313 207,660 52,320 19,005 4,926 19.000 57,994 51,116 33,455 32.400 13.114 37,413 16.390 11,874 {10,3121 1804) Total Funds 2.831.879 429,852 409,800 2,851.931 The Deslgnated Funds are represented bythe Charitys cash rsetves andfixed asset investments and General Fund General reserves comprise the fundswhich are either not designated or restricted. Ashvale Chapel is a freehold church used bythe Circuitfor a fresh expressions church Manse Fund isthe 5freehold properties used bythe Circuitto house Presbyters Manse Repair Fund is monies set asideto maintsin and refurt)ish the manse dwellings used by the Presbyters Frimley Green Worker Fund is monies received from grants forthe employmentof a taywotkerforthe Frimley Green and Cove churchesto workwith families and young people North Camp Layworker Fund represents monies received as grants to be used forthe employmentof a families and youth worker at North Camp Methodistchurch Ashvale Chapel (Freehold) Manse Fund (Freeholds) Manse Repair Fund Frimley Green Worker North Campworker Page 13
Hants- Surrey Border Methodist Circuit Notes to the Financial Statements Forthe Year Ended 31 August 2024 (continued) FUNDS (conllnued) Garrison w0er Garrison Worker Fund representsfunds set asideto employa workerto supportfamib'es and youth in the Aldershot Garison. Mission Support isfunds available to circuitchurches for speciflc The Chapel is a Fresh Expressions church run as in partnership with St Mission Support The ChapelAsh Vale 31 August 2022 Income Expenditure Transfers 31 August 2023 Unrestrlcted General Fund Designated Funds Ashvale Chapel (Freehold Manse Fund {Freeholds) Manse Repair Fund Frimley Green Worker North Camp Layworker Garrison Worker Mlssion Support The ChapelAsh Vale 269.753 332.166 269,548 (69,391) 262,980 750,482 1,405,949 99.767 750,482 1,405,949 91,819 19.527 24,313 211.618 46,622 18,569 67,948 13,473 60,000 18,000 15,000 12.709 40,000 19,909 19.465 11,604 207,492 66,511 3.241 35,874 21,798 13,528 {18,0001 9,391 Total Funds 2,814,799 439.249 422,169 2,831,879 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS TanbleA$$etS Netcurrent Assets Total 2024 2,156.431 695.500 2,851,931 2023 2,156.431 675,448 2,831,879 Page 14