NEWPORT & LOWER WYE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2025
INTRODUCTION
The Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit is part of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Circuit acts as the umbrella body and a resource provider for fourteen Methodist chapels in our area, which covers Newport and parts of South East Wales and Herefordshire.
The Circuit also contains a Local Ecumenical Partnership Church with the URC and the Presbyterian Church of Wales at Dan-y-Graig in Risca.
AIMS AND ORGANISATION
Aims and organisation (including the Circuit Mission statement)
Further to the Methodist Church’s statement “Our Calling” and “Priorities for the Methodist Church”, the Newport and Lower Wye Circuit has the following policy:
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To discern the will of God for us a Circuit.
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To support all of the churches within the Circuit and to engage in mission in clearly defined areas where the local Church has a vision for mission.
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To prioritise the work within the Circuit and to resource these priorities.
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To encourage ecumenical activities and have good links with other denominations in the area.
When planning our activities for the year, the Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit has considered the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on Charities for the advancement of religion. There is a particular emphasis on impacting on the community beyond the membership of the churches. Many of our church buildings are used by community groups requiring safe and suitable spaces for meetings and the Circuit encourages this. Many of the Churches run groups on the church premises which may not be specifically church orientated but are certainly for the public benefit – examples are Parent and Toddlers Groups, Uniformed Organisations for girls and boys, Coffee Mornings and Luncheon Clubs, Welsh Classes, Kids Theatre groups and much more, which enhance the way of life in the communities in which they are located, improve wellbeing and reduce isolation and loneliness.
The Circuit prepares a quarterly plan of services and preachers for all our Churches.
The Circuit encourages Hospital and Prison Chaplaincy
The Circuit encourages ecumenical links within the Circuit, not least with regard to its work with and for the smaller chapels in cooperation with a Baptist rural missioner in the northern end of the Circuit, as and when appropriate.
REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Our Superintendent is now Revd Bethany Willers, who took over from Revd. Sue Keegan von Allmen, following Sue’s retirement.
The Circuit welcomed two new ministers in September 2024. Revd Ian Griffiths joined the Circuit as a presbyter with responsibility for pastoral care at Chepstow, Monmouth, Gwehelog, Broad Oak and Llancloudy. Revd John Brobbey joined the circuit as a deacon providing a pastoral presence for the communities of Trinity Church Newport, Crosskeys, and a link with the Dan-y-Graig LEP in Risca. On a sadder note, we said goodbye to Revd Les Jones, who retired in August 2025 as minister in Newport.
Our churches have continued to recover slowly after the Covid restrictions of 2020-21 although we have seen evidence of the continuing strain on elderly members of our congregations. Our use of Zoom, which was assisted by grants from the Wales Synod, has allowed people to join in our worship and some of our other activities virtually. We have also continued to send out regular printed acts of worship to the many people for whom using technology is difficult.
The Circuit has continued to reach out to our local communities. Many of our Churches have been able to continue running their coffee mornings and offering refreshments and company to people who would like it. A couple have more formal cafe or lunch club offerings. It is good to see how our churches have opened their buildings as spaces, where people can meet others, keep warm and save on heating bills. Some churches have been involved in ecumenical initiatives and getting involved with neighbouring schools. The Circuit has made donations to local food banks in Newport, Chepstow and Monmouth.
Many churches are exploring ways of offering creative worship both during Sunday mornings and at other times. We have churches running cafe churches in new places, as well as running Messy Church in their current buildings. Several churches have thriving youth clubs. The Circuit has supported work with young families in Chepstow.
Sadly, worship ceased at Trellech Methodist Church in August 2024 after a long period of Christian witness in this place. Trellech merged with Monmouth Methodist Church in September 2024 and sessions of Open The Book have continued in the Trellech schools. The church building at Trellech has now been sold.
The former church of St David’s and the Resource Centre in Ty Sign Risca, were leased to a secular charity, Community Volunteers Wales, from November 2024. Although formal Christian witness has ceased, it is good to see how the buildings continue to play an active role in the life of the local community in Ty Sign.
The Circuit has continued to support the training of local preachers. The role of Local Preacher Tutor in 2024-25 has been taken on by Revd Anne Ellis. We are very grateful for the way the work of the Local Preacher Tutor has been supported by Wales Synod Cymru.
We pray that the Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit will continue as worshipping people that stay connected to their local communities, attract new people by taking part in online worship, and open their doors to different groups.
FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE YEAR
Income Trends
The total income of the Circuit was £450,513 in 2024-25, or £320,807 excluding capital receipts. The income of the Circuit in 2023-24 was £511,889, or £299,388 excluding capital receipts.
The Circuit’s main source of funding was the assessments paid by the churches to the Circuit. These assessments are reviewed annually and a budget agreed which is intended to cover the costs of the Circuit in fulfilling its mission, whilst maintaining adequate reserves in line with the Circuit Reserves Policy. Assessments were £260,144 in 2024-25 compared with £245,430 in 2023-24.
The Circuit received £18,500 in income from lettings in 2024-25 compared with £13,250 in 2023-24.
Capital receipts totalling £129,706 were received in 2024-25 from the sale of Trellech Methodist Church and the manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport. This compares with capital receipts of £212,501 in 2023-24.
The Circuit received a grant of £3,510 in 2024-25 from Wales Synod Cymru to support the work of a tutor for local preachers in the Newport & Lower Wye and Gwent Hills & Vales Circuits. In 2023-24, the Circuit received grants totalling £6,173 from the Wales Synod Cymru and Gwent Hills & Vales Circuit.
Income from monetary investments totalled £24,299 in 2024-25 compared with £25,737 in 2023-24 Other income received in 2024-25 totalled £14,354 compared with £8,798 in 2023-24.
Expenditure Trends
Under Standing Orders, the Circuit must meet its financial obligations in relation to the support of its ministers, the maintenance of the manses, other running expenses and making contributions to District, Connexion and other Methodist Funds. Total charitable expenditure during 2024-25 was £483,454 compared with £414,646 in 2023-24.
Salaries and associated costs, which form the largest single element of Circuit expenditure, were £202,296 in 2024-25 compared with £199,368 in 2023-24. The Circuit pays pensions and national insurance contributions, travelling, telephone and other expenses of ministers. In 2024-25 there were three full-time Presbyters in the Circuit (including the Superintendent) and one full-time Deacon. The Circuit also employed a lay part-time Circuit administrator. The average number of staff employed was 5.0 in 2024-25 compared with 7.0 in 2023-24.
The Circuit pays for maintenance, insurance, council tax, water charges, etc. on its manses and on other property. Total expenditure in 2024-25 was £59,236, which included £ 7,579 on professional and legal fees in connection with the sale of Trellech Methodist Church and the manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport. Total expenditure in 2023-24 was £55,005, which included £10,691 on professional and legal fees relating to the sale of properties.
The Circuit made payments to the Wales Synod District and the Methodist Connexion of £170,986 in 2024-25, compared with £122,964 in 2023-24. These payments included Connexional Priority Fund levies in both years on the proceeds of the sale of properties.
During 2024-25, grants and donations totalling £42,325 were approved by the Circuit Meeting, compared with £27,000 in 2023-24. Grants were made of £5,775 for mission related activities and community work with toddlers and children in Chepstow, £34,900 on church property projects, £500 to the Methodist Church Fund for Property and 1,150 to local food banks.
In 2024-25, the Circuit spent £4,653 on office and administrative costs, and £3,958 on other outgoings. The latter includes the expenses of lay preachers and supernumerary (retired) ministers, who play an important role in ensuring that regular worship takes place at all the Circuit’s churches.
Overall, after allowing for gains and losses on investments, income in 2024-25 was £32,963 less than expenditure. This deficit was partly because the increase in running costs exceeded that of assessments and partly because of the size of the Connexional Priority Fund levy on 1 St Julian’s Avenue. In 2023-24, in contrast, income exceeded expenditure by £97,360, largely because of the proceeds of sales of properties.
Circuit Properties
At 31 Aug 2025 the Circuit had five properties (one less than at 31 Aug 2024). Three manses were occupied by ministers; the manse at Charles Close, Monmouth was leased to a private tenant; the former church of St David’s, Ty Sign and the associated Resource Centre were leased to a local charity. (The manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport was sold during the year.)
The combined value of the properties at 31 August 2025 was £1,620,000 compared with £1,836,000 at 31 August 2024.
Fund Balances
The General Fund, at 31 August 2025, comprised the Circuit's current and deposit account balances (net of debtors and creditors) of £67,752 and the Circuit Model Trust Fund of £485,501. Restricted, designated and endowment funds were £163,151 so that total reserves of the Circuit (excluding investments) were £716,404 compared with £533,347 at 31 August 2024.
The overall aim of the Circuit is to have adequate reserves in the General Fund to meet unexpected expenditure. The guidance from Connexion and the Charities Commission suggests that charities should have reserves of about 50% of annual expenditure. As the majority of the income and expenditure of the Circuit is predictable, the Circuit’s policy is that reserves should not fall below 40% of annual expenditure.
At 31 August 2025 the Circuit General Fund stood at 237% of annual expenditure. The overall level of the reserves is therefore satisfactory.
Plans for 2025-26
A budget was prepared for 2025-26 on the basis that there would be four full-time ordained ministers and a part-time circuit administrator. Provision was made for anticipated increases in stipends. It was assumed that one manse would be let throughout the year and another property let for part of the year. The budget required assessments to increase by 5% compared with 2024-25 in order to break even.
In addition, money will be set aside in the reserves for the purchase of a new manse in Newport.
BASIS OF PREPARATION AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK
The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard (FRS) 102
Full Name of Charity: Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit Registration Charity Number: 1137596 Date of registration: 26 August 2010 Main communication address: 27 Church Road, Caldicot, Monmouthshire, NP26 4HN
The members of the Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.
Full membership is shown at Appendix A to this report.
Circuit Ministers and officers in 2024-25
| Active Circuit Ministers | Revd B Willers (Superintendent) | Revd B Willers (Superintendent) |
|---|---|---|
| Revd L Jones | Revd I Griffiths | |
| Deacon J Brobbey | ||
| Circuit Stewards | Mrs M Ham | Mr K Harvey |
| Mrs B Quinlan | Mr R Bafico | |
| Mrs J Horrod-Tottem | Mr R Langford | |
| Safeguarding Officers |
Mrs P Lloyd | Mrs G Benson |
| Administrator: | Mrs P M Farr |
Mr R Langford acted as the principal officer overseeing the day-to-day financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year.
Independent examiner Mr R J Lewin, 17 Wyelands View, Mathern, Chepstow Monmouthshire, NP16 6HN
Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Aims and organisation
Charity objective is to act as a Resource provider within the area around Newport and the lower Wye Valley for the Methodist Church:
The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the Date of Union the advancement of:
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a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;
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b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit. local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
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c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;
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d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church
The Circuit aims to achieve this through:
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a) The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.
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b) The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.
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c) The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
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d) Taking religious assemblies in local schools.
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e) Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
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f) Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions.
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, the Circuit Finance and Property Committee and the Circuit Policy 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 is part of the Wales Synod Cymru District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.
The following Methodist Churches were linked to the Circuit in 2024-25:
Bishpool Ringland, Broad Oak, Caldicot, Chepstow, Crosskeys, Earlswood Hope, Earlswood Valley, Gwehelog, Llancloudy, Monmouth, Penycaemawr, Rogiet, St Julian’s, Trinity Newport
Dan-Y-Graig Church (LEP) is also linked to the Circuit.
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:
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the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
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the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
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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.
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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.
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We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
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We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust.
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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.
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In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice.
The Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation, guidance and safe practice in the Circuit and in the churches.
The Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 40% of normal annual expenditure. 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.
APPENDIX A
NEWPORT & LOWER WYE METHODIST CIRCUIT
MEMBERSHIP OF CIRCUIT MEETING 2024-25
MINISTERS
Reverend Bethany Willers Reverend Lesley Jones Reverend Ian Griffiths Deacon John Brobbey
SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS Reverend Anne Ellis
MINISTERS IN APPOINTMENTS NOT IN CONTROL OF THE CHURCH
Reverend Andrew Webster Reverend Rachel Frank
LAYWORKERS
Pauline Farr
CIRCUIT STEWARDS
Miriam Ham Keith Harvey Roger Bafico Jacqueline Horrod-Tottem Beryl Quinlan Pam Lloyd Roger Langford (Treasurer)
Circuit Local Preachers & Worship Leaders representatives
Michael Gray
Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinator
Pam Lloyd
CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES
| Church | 1 | Caldicot | Rep | 1 | Catrin Edwards (from June 2025) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rep | 2 | Gareth Edwards | |||
| Rep | 2 | Jack Healey | |||
| Church | 2 | Rogiet | Rep | 1 | Marion Edwards |
| Rep | 2 | Hazel Bennett | |||
| Rep | 3 | Jack Healey |
| Church | 3 | Earlswood Hope and Valley | Rep 1 | Helen Smith |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rep 2 | vacant | |||
| Church | 4 | Penycaemawr | Rep 1 | Sandra Hanbury |
| Rep 2 | Jill Ellis | |||
| Church | 5 | Chepstow | Rep 1 | Stuart Nuttall |
| Rep 2 | Margaret Harvey | |||
| Rep 3 | Allan Strange | |||
| Church | 6 | Monmouth | Rep 1 | David Evans |
| Rep 2 | Ann Langford | |||
| Church | 7 | Gwehelog | Rep 1 | Margaret Jenkins |
| Rep 2 | Mrs J Williams | |||
| Church | 8 | Gwern-y-Saint | Rep 1 | (Closed) |
| Church | 9 | Trellech | Rep 1 | (Closed) |
| Church | 10 | Llancloudy | Rep 1 | Robin Hill |
| Church | 11 | Broad Oak | Rep 1 | Robin Hill |
| Church | 12 | St Julian's | Rep 1 | Simon Oram |
| Rep 2 | Sian Llewellyn | |||
| Rep 3 | Gill Benson | |||
| Rep 4 | Elizabeth Chonka | |||
| Rep 5 | Chris Morgan | |||
| Rep 6 | Mike Lavis | |||
| Ruth Musker (from | ||||
| Rep 7 | May 2025) | |||
| Church | 13 | Shaftesbury | Rep 1 | (Closed) |
| Church | 14 | Crosskeys | Rep 1 | Michael Gray |
| Rep 2 | Ruth Gray | |||
| Rep 3 | Rosemary Carnell | |||
| Church | 15 | Trinity | Rep 1 | Miriam Ham |
| Rep 2 | Brian Shier-Jones | |||
| Rep 3 | Martin Lougher | |||
| Rep 4 | Ann Mackie | |||
| Rep 5 | Pat Dicker | |||
| Rep 6 | Margaret Nicholas |
| Church | 16 | St David's | Rep 1 | (Closed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church | 17 | Bishpool | Rep 1 | Penelope Blakemore |
| Rep 3 | Ann Waldron | |||
| Rep 4 | Jennifer Suter | |||
| Rep 5 | Dr Rob Goodson | |||
| Church | 18 | Langstone | Rep 1 | (Closed) |
| Church | 19 | Dan-y-Graig | Rep 1 | Carol Aldridge |
| Rep 2 | Sarah Jones |
Circuit Accruals Accounts THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025 Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit Reglstered Charlty_ Rggl$tration number 1137596 Wales Synod District District No I Circuit No 02119 Ministe Rev Bethany WILLERS Re¥ Le8 JONES Rov18n GRIFFITHS Deacon John BROBBEY Circuit Stewards Miriam HAM Keith HARVEY Roer BAFICO Be_1 QUINLAM J8Cgueline HORROD=TOThEM Pam LLOYD Gill BENSON Pauline FARR Ro9er LANGFORD Circuit Treasurer Roger LANGFORD
Name of CircLit riewport& LoweFWye method15tc1rf( Circuit No 02119 ststem•nt of Financial Aetivitiès ISOFAI ftsr the ye4r ondgd 31 August 2025 Fund tru4t Fu Bccounts IUnr•sthctsdl IUrrfMtrkt•dl lunrnsl£t&d) To 2025 Ttstsi 2023-24 Ftsnd& Income 1 fyjnalons kng8CleS 2 Iw)rne FFQM monotsry 3 Irn 2.6t4 25.n7 le,) 260.144 71, 3.510 14.354 iisoo 260.144 129.706 3.511? 11354 45),513 245.430 212.1 S Cats1 Retéipts 582 iO.N8 6fDt 1614 Exp8Trdlture io 31.6T5 42,325 202, 59.236 142.734 28.252 2t,( 202J96 11 Propertymainténane 12CoThnexthal assÈssmÈTht& 1301sthtl Asst&vl&Lll 14 Depre£1) 150f9xE5E %2 13 13 5.574 97.09 22.5(M) 55.005 103.303 19.661 45.6qQ 5.752 3.1 &6 4153 J,958 483N51 -22 31108Y tM871J 411646 22 2Q Nv11comp?ndUr•I 21 Trr$ tyhvpen 52.617 2,98S 97.3 -209.BIJ 169.967 .52J83 2.370.946 7D 2.JJ7.96S g7. 22F3.586 2,J70,91e 24Tolalfdlb10Usht lotwaid 2STotb1 lunds¢aYYiodforn•id 54.912 1.W.752 486.478 1•5,819 1687752 86478 779 2337981 237(W6
Name of Circuit Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Cirtult Circuit No 02119 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 G•n•ral Fund iunF•IrtedI Clr¢uhlAott•l Trusts Tol•1 ZDWIS Fnd& Fwnos lQ23ff24 CITCUII 1.385.IKM) 235.lw 1.385.IK) 235{} lrtwÈshiiÈnl TOPS¢$ 235 000 1.620.OQtr 977 602 I37.5#$ CurrontAsy•ls 15226 193.1 208.425 14.204 b the cir Tk4CP IT Finarre BDard DekwII3 20 2¥1302 104.6 st.939 2.416
S2.4
62.868 46B 469 S9239 412 28 732 23 122.382 4aS501 57.355 171 771,034 CurrÈntll•bHWÈ IIDns Idue I 51) 24 42 470 25 s4.0 716,404 42.4TD 513.347 ST.752 415.501 10S.819 .J55 17Y 1.6B7.752 4W7B sr.355 2.337,983 2J70.941 lStenD IlJN4des duE after rnarethan ane G[ts payth afterone 26 Netw•ts 1,687.752 486.47B 11JS,619 S7.3SS 2.357.983 2.3711.946 G0nBral F{W luslI1Ct&yl TIU5lFl (UnrostrKI Fth*s (Unltr11 1.667,752 1.68Y.752 486478 1,897.615 486.478 2,279.849 2J1523J Res11 FLrt$ Fd$ Y.912 779 779 TalFun$ 1,887,752 488,478 104619 57.355 2.337.983 2,370,946 Signed Circuit Treasuror
Name of Circuit Newport & Lower Methodist Circuit No...02119 Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 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 and address of treasurer Roger John Langford, Spindlewood, 122 Hereford Road, MONMOUTH, Monmouthshire Post Code NP25 3GD Presontation to the Circuit meeting I confirm that the annual report and accounts for th ear ended 31 August 2025 werelwill ' be presented to the Circuit meeting held on.. . Il/i.&llo %f. Signature of the Chair of the meeting.. Name of the Chair of the meeting.. Revd Bethany Willers Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit Charity Number . .02119 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages . to As the Circuit's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit's accounts 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){bl of the Act. delete or circle as appropriate
Name of Circuit Newport & Lr Wye Methodist Circuit No 02119 Independent Examinerf8 Statement The Circuivs gross ino)me exceeded £250,000 arKI l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Instiiute of Chartered Accountsrrts in England & Wales. I have (YNrleted my examination. l )nfirM that no matertal matter5 have come to my attentron in Inection with Ihe examination (other than that disclosed below") whiGh give me cause to believe that in. any mateTial respect.. accountin9 re(x)rds were not kept in accordan with seclion 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not aord with the a¢countiTrJ records,. or the accounts do not hpIY with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf vrew, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination the trustees, annual report is not consistent %*ryth the accounts. I have no concem5 arkd have come across no other matters in connection with tP examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I have rM>t obtained independent verifi>ton of all investments with the Trustees for Methixlist Church Purposes or held in other trusts. bank balances arKJ funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church whith are indivKlually in ex$ of £10,000 {ten thousand pounds) at the bafance sheet date. Signalure of independent examiner Name of independent examiner.. Raymond John Lewin FCA Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner. Chartered Accountanl Name of finn . Feakes & Co Solicitors Address: Riverside Court. Beaufort Patk, Chepstow. Post Code: NP16 5UH
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
1. Basis of Accounts and Accounting Standards
i Accounting standard
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective from 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS 102)).
Ii Public benefit entity
The Newport and Lower Wye (NLW) Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s) below.
iii 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. The accruals basis has been used and trustees present accounts that show a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial position and activities.
iv Content
The financial information presented is relevant, reliable, comparable and complete. Where estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are expressed in £Sterling, rounded to the nearest pound.
v FRS102 SORP2015 [applies to 2016-17 onwards]
These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with the FRS102 SORP 2015. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable charity law in England and Wales this being the Charities Act 2011 and SI 2008/629 (Charities Accounting and Reporting Regulations) and, pending the making of replacement Regulations specific to SORP 2015 in accordance with Reg.8(4)(d) of SI 2008/629, the charity trustees have departed from the requirement of Reg.8(5) by following SORP (FRS 102) instead of SORP 2005 to the extent necessary to give a true and fair view in the circumstances.
vi Going concern
Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2025, the trustees believe that the Circuit is a going concern.
vii 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 the Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.
viii Income recognition
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Income is brought into account when there is entitlement and the amount is reliably measurable once it is more likely than not that the economic benefit of the income will be forthcoming.
Individual amounts categorised as Other income in the SOFA will be shown separately if they are considered material.
The Circuit acts as agent in two matters:
• the collection from Churches and payment over of their contributions to various Funds controlled and administered by The Methodist Church – “Connexional Funds”.
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The administration (application, collection and disbursement) of grants requested by
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Churches within the Circuit from, but not limited to, the District and Connexion.
In all these matters the transactions are not reflected in the SOFA because they are the income of either the Connexion or the Churches as appropriate. Instead the transactions are disclosed in the Notes to the Accounts as required by SORP (FRS 102), module 19.12.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the time of volunteers is not recognised. Further information on this matter is provided in the Trustees’ Annual Report. If goods are donated, a value will be shown in the SOFA or Notes where the value is considered material.
ix Expenditure
This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, where the amount is reliably measurable and it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit.
x Grants
Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement if there are no performance conditions, or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment if it is subject to performance conditions.
xi VAT
Since the Circuit is not VAT registered, all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.
xii Tangible fixed assets
Fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000.
The freehold and/or long leasehold residential property is shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost. Valuations (2015 or later) for the manses have been used as they become available. All valuations are dated 2015 or later. The valuations will be reviewed periodically.
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. In the absence of any evidence of impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the property would be immaterial. The property has been reviewed for impairment.
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
xiii(a) Monetary Investments
The Circuit’s investments in monetary assets are classified as basic financial instruments under FRS 102. These monetary assets, with the exception of the endowment Charity of William Richards, are held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) as custodian trustees and the valuations, at market value, are those provided by TMCP. The endowment Charity of William Richards is held in the COIF Charities Investment Fund and the valuations, at market value, are those provided by COIF. The unrealised gains arising on investments at the end of the year are shown in the SOFA and in Note 20 below.
xiii(b) Investment Properties
From time to time the Circuit may hold residential property (formerly manses) which is surplus to its normal staffing requirements. When this is the case and it is anticipated that the property is unlikely to be used as a manse within a period of two years, the property is classed as Investment Property (whether let or not) and any lets are at market rates unless there is a compelling reason not to do so in furtherance of the Circuit’s charitable objectives.
xiv Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash (Basic Financial Instruments)
Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are initially recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where normal credit terms apply, or the amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently creditors that are current liabilities are measured at the cash or other consideration expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank balances and deposit fund balances are shown at the realisable values.
xv Methodist Connexional Funds
The Methodist Church Connexion raises levies against Circuits and these are paid quarterly to their Districts. The Circuits raise assessments against churches in the Circuit. The District quarterly remits to The Methodist Church Fund most of the sum received from Circuits. A small sum is retained by the District to meet its own costs. The Circuit may act as agent for ad hoc collections for various funds controlled and administered by The Methodist Church. These are detailed at Note 28 below.
xvi Funds
The trustees have adopted a policy for all unrestricted reserves which is available as a separate document.
xvii Endowment Funds
Where the Circuit holds money that may not be spent and must be retained (as capital) to generate an income, the money or assets to be retained are classified as an Endowment Fund. The capital will be shown in the balance sheet in the column for endowment funds. The income may be restricted or unrestricted depending on the terms of the endowment.
xviii Ministers’ manse costs
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
The Circuit is required to provide accommodation for each minister in the Circuit and their families and this is seen as a benefit to the Circuit. Ministers are expected to occupy the manse provided for them, except in exceptional circumstances. The Circuit bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, buildings insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These figures are not separately disclosed as benefits-in-kind for ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of ministers.
2. Glossary of terms
CFB : Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a series of pooled investment funds for Methodist entities in Great Britain and provides investment advice to those entities
Church : a group of members from a minimum of 12 to more than 300
Circuit : a group of Methodist Churches near each other, typically between 10 and 30
Circuit Meeting : the trustees of the Circuit, most of whom are appointed by their local Churches and others by virtue of a role they undertake for the Circuit and/or their local Churches
CLT (Circuit Leadership Team) : a group (comprising mostly but not exclusively) of Circuit trustees responsible for the day-to-day administration and policy formation of the Circuit. Generally, the CLT comprises the Presbyters and Deacons stationed within the Circuit, the Circuit Stewards and sometimes other Circuit officers (who may not be trustees)
CMTF : Circuit Model Trust Fund
Connexion : The Methodist Church in Great Britain which includes the Head Office at Methodist Church House, all Methodist Districts, Circuits and Churches in Great Britain
Connexional Funds : the designated and/or restricted funds held and administered by the Connexion in furtherance of its charitable and mission objectives
District : a group of contiguous Circuits, usually between 15 and 30
DAF : District Advance Fund
FRS : Financial Reporting Standard
HMRC : His Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
Lay employees : personnel employed by the Circuit on generally accepted commercial employment terms
MMPS : Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme
NEST : National Employment Savings Trust, the organisation through which the Circuit arranges an auto-enrolment pension scheme for its lay employees
PASLEMC : Pensions and Assurance Scheme for Lay Employees of the Methodist Church
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Presbyters (including Superintendent) : Probationer or Ordained Methodist Ministers and/or Deacons who have pastoral and administrative responsibility for the Churches within the Circuit
SOFA : Statement of Financial Activities
SORP : Statement of Recommended Practice
TMCP : Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds
INSERT SOFA AND BALANCE SHEET FOR 2024-25
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
3. P rior Year
3.1 Restatement of comparative figures
In preparing the accounts the trustees have considered whether, in applying the accounting policies required by FRS 102 [not Section 1A] and the Charities SORP FRS 102, the restatement of comparative items was required. There have been no changes of classification between categories of expenditure in the accounts of 2024-25 compared with those for 2023-24. No restatements were necessary and a reconciliation of opening balances is therefore not required.
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
4. Donations and legacies
No donations or legacies were received in 2024-25 or 2023-24.
5. Income from investment properties
| Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Leasing – St David’s Church, | 7,000 | 7,000 | - | ||||
| Ty Sign, Risca | |||||||
| Lettings – 5 Charles Close, | 11,500 | 11,500 | 12,000 | ||||
| Monmouth | |||||||
| Total | 18,500 | - | - | - | - | 18,500 | 12,000 |
The former manse at 5 Charles Close, Monmouth, was let to private tenants from November 2023 to August 2025. The former church and resource centre of St Davids’s at Ty Sign, Risca were leased to a secular charity, Community Volunteers Wales, from November 2024. Letting income is gross of fees and commission.
6. Assessments on Churches
The following 15 chapels were linked to the Circuit during 2024-25:
| Bishpool Ringland Methodist Church | Gwehelog Methodist Church |
|---|---|
| Broad Oak Methodist Church | Llancloudy Methodist Church |
| Caldicot Methodist Church | Monmouth Methodist Church |
| Chepstow Methodist Church | Penycaemawr Methodist Church |
| Crosskeys Methodist Church | Rogiet Methodist Church |
| Dan-Y-Graig Church (LEP), Risca | St Julian’s Methodist Church, Newport |
| Earlswood Hope Methodist Church | Trinity Methodist Church, Newport |
| Earlswood Valley Methodist Church |
Each church is assessed for a contribution towards the overall costs of the Circuit. This Assessment on Churches is determined annually by the Circuit and the Churches using a process which takes into account the income of each church, including receipts from lettings, and the number of worshippers.
Trellech Methodist Church closed to regular worship during 2023-24 and no assessments were due from them in 2024-25.
All Churches paid their full annual 2024-25 assessments by 31 August 2025 and their full 2023-24 assessments by 31 August 2024;
Assessments on churches are payable quarterly in advance and are treated as pre-payments on a receivable basis. If any church has not paid its assessment by the due date, the sum in question is also treated as a creditor. Such cases are detailed in Notes 21 and 24.
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
7. Capital Receipts
| Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow- ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sale of Manses | ||||||||
| Gross sales proceeds | 287,500 | 287,500 | - | |||||
| (less) Book Value | (216,000) | (216,000) | - | |||||
| Sale of Churches | ||||||||
| Gross salesproceeds | 58,206 | 58,206 | 212,501 | |||||
| Total | 71,500 | 58,206 | - | - | - |
129,706 | 212.501 |
In 2024-25, there were capital receipts from two properties. The manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport and Trellech Methodist Church were both sold in June 2025.
During 2023-24, Langstone Methodist Church was sold in January 2024.
8. Grants received
| Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wales Synod | 3,510 | 3,510 | 3,510 | ||||
| Gwent Hills & Vales Circuit | 0 | 2,663 | |||||
| Total | 3,510 | - | - | - | - | 3,510 | 6,175 |
From December 2022 to August 2024, the Circuit employed a part-time presbyter to act as a tutor for local preachers in the Newport & Lower Wye and Gwent Hills & Vales Circuits. The work of the tutor was supported by grants from the Wales Synod Cymru and Gwent Hills & Vales Circuit. (See also Note 11.1 below.)
9. Other charitable income
| Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Letting income | 0 | 1,250 | |||||
| Pension Reserve Fund | 0 | 7,139 | |||||
| Shaftesbury Street funds | 0 | 81 | |||||
| Langstone Church funds | 13,824 | 13,824 | |||||
| Other income | 530 | 530 | 1,578 | ||||
| Total | 14,354 | - | - | - | - | 14,354 | 10,048 |
The undistributed funds of Langstone Methodist Church were passed to the Circuit in September 2024.
The manse at Hilltop, Newport Road, Chepstow was occupied from November 2022 to November 2023 by a private tenant.
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
In August 2024 the Pension Reserve Fund refunded a donation made by the Circuit in December 2021; see Note 11.2 below.
The funds of Shaftesbury Street Methodist Church were distributed by the Church Council to other churches in 2022-23; a residual amount was held by the Circuit as a contingency.
10. Grants and donations given
Grants and donations as listed below were made during the year.
| Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Circuit Churches: | |||||||
| Chepstow | |||||||
| (Toddler Worker) | 0 | 3,000 | |||||
| Chepstow (Early Years Worker) | 5,775 | 5,775 | 5,500 | ||||
| Trinity (Heating System) | 8,000 | 8,000 | 6,000 | ||||
| St Julian’s (Projects) | 24,900 | 24,900 | 12,000 | ||||
| Other Church projects | 2,000 | 2,000 | |||||
| Methodist Church Property Fund | 500 | 500 | 500 | ||||
| Local food banks | 1,150 | 1,150 | 0 | ||||
| Total | 3,650 | 38,675 | - | - | - | 42,325 | 27,000 |
In 2024-25, the Circuit donated £1,500 to help in reducing the heights of three conifers in the graveyard of Earlswood Valley Methodist Church, and £500 towards the Trinity Garden Project in Newport.
11. Salaries and associated costs
11.1 Stipends, salaries and associated costs
| Pres- byters Lay People Unres- tricted CMT Fund Desig- nated Rest- ricted Endow -ment 2025 Total 2024 Total |
Pres- byters Lay People Unres- tricted CMT Fund Desig- nated Rest- ricted Endow -ment 2025 Total 2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|
| Gross stipends and salaries Employer’s NI contributions Pension costs Payroll Bureau Apprentice levy Travel Telephone Stationing and relocation costs Other expenses |
130,001 10,399 14,125 443 24,816 624 480 650 51 12,080 114 2,542 129 4,000 1,842 |
140,400 140,400 136,701 14,568 14,568 10,310 25,440 25,440 33,313 480 480 480 701 701 683 12,194 12,194 8,203 2,671 2,671 3,381 4,000 4,000 - 5,538 1,842 1,842 759 |
| Total | 190,056 12,240 |
202,296 - - - - 202,296 199,368 |
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
In 2024-25 there were four full-time Presbyters in the Circuit (including the Superintendent). The average number of presbyters employed was 4.0 (2023-24: 6.0) or 4.0 full-time equivalents (202324: 4.3). The Circuit employed one part-time lay employee, a Circuit administrator; the average number of lay employees was 1.0 (2023-24: 1.0) or 0.5 full-time equivalent staff (2023-24: 0.5). The average total staff in the Circuit in 2024-25 was 5.0 (2023-24 7.0) or 4.5 full-time equivalent staff (2023-24: 4.8).
No employees received employee benefits of more than £60,000. There is no accrual for holiday pay as it is immaterial; the holiday year ends on 31 August. All staff are paid at or above the living wage.
11.2 Pensions costs
Most ordained presbyters and deacons are members of the Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme (MMPS). This is a defined benefit scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist ministers (which term includes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insurance Contributions and pension contributions, the terms ‘employer’ and ‘employee’ are used as they would be in an employing body.
The Connexion shows the accounts for the MMPS pension scheme in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts. There has been an unprecedented change in the valuation of the Pension Schemes since the last valuation three years ago. The long-term strategy of the Pension Trustees to reduce investment risk was achieved in about two years, not the fifteen that had been envisaged. Consequently, it has been possible to reduce the level of funds held in the Pension Reserve Fund and the funds that were voluntarily donated to the Pension Reserve Fund. In particular, a donation of £7,139 was returned to the Newport & Lower Wye Circuit in 2023-24. In addition. Circuit contributions to the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme have been reduced from 26.9% to 20.0% from 1st September 2024.
Lay employees are contractually employees and have the option of joining a pension scheme. The Circuit has complied with government legislation on workplace pensions and lay employees have since May 2016 been enrolled in a National Employment Savings Trust (NEST) pensions scheme. This is a defined contribution scheme.
11.3 Cost of superintendent, presbyters and trustees
The Superintendent of the Circuit, the other presbyters and the remaining members of the Circuit Leadership Team are considered as Key Management Personnel. The Superintendent chairs the meetings of the CLT and Circuit Meetings. The members of the Circuit Meeting are the trustees of the Circuit. The stipends, employer’s NIC, employer’s pension contributions and other expenses of the presbyters of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit. The stipends, employers’ National Insurance contributions and pension contributions of the presbyters on the CLT were as follows:
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
| Cost of Presbyters | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Stipends of Presbyters | 130,001 | 119,611 |
| Employers’ National Insurance contributions | 14,125 | 10,214 |
| Employer's pension contributions to a | ||
| defined benefit pension scheme | 24,816 | 30,771 |
| Apprenticeshiplevy | 650 | 598 |
| Total |
169,592 | 161,195 |
The manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the properties. The value of the Council Tax and water charges paid by the Circuit is not revealed here as HMRC does not regard this as a benefit-in-kind in the hands of the minister.
Each presbyter is entitled to three months’ sabbatical leave every seven years. No sabbatical leave was taken during the year 2024-25 (2023-24 one period of sabbaticals). The Circuit does not accrue for holiday pay cover since the remaining staff cover the presbyter’s absence as needed without extra pay. Had additional cover been required the cost of this is estimated as £10,282 per sabbatical period, being the appropriate proportion of a single annual stipend plus NIC, pension and other normally incurred expenses.
11.4 Payments to trustees
It is Circuit policy to offer to reimburse members of the Circuit Leadership Team and others involved in the administration of Circuit affairs for expenditure properly incurred in carrying out their duties.
The presbyters of the Circuit undertake the primary executive role within the Circuit. The travel costs of presbyters in attending CLT and other Circuit meetings are included within their overall travel expenses (detailed in Note 11.1) and is not separately determined.
The current Circuit administrator is both a Circuit trustee and an employee of the Circuit, who receives a salary and other employment-related expenses (as detailed in Note 11.1).
Apart from the presbyters and the Circuit administrator, no member of the CLT received payment for work undertaken on behalf of the Circuit in 2024-25. (2023-24: no one).
In addition, CLT and Circuit Meeting members may sometimes be reimbursed for travel or computing costs incurred in the work of the Circuit. In 2024-25 three Circuit Meeting member were reimbursed for travel costs incurred in the work of the Circuit (2023-24: three CLT members).
| Trustees’ expenses | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Number of trustees who were paid expenses | 3 | 3 |
| Total amount paid (£) | 157 | 231 |
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Some lay preachers and supernumeraries are also Circuit trustees because they attend the Circuit Meeting as nominees from their churches, and any travel costs in attending Circuit Meetings are included within their overall expenses (detailed in Note 15 below).
12. Property expenses
Expenditure on property during the year is shown below.
| Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow- ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Expenditure on Manses: | |||||||
| Manse maintenance | 14,622 | 14,622 | 13,524 | ||||
| Council Tax | 6,885 | 6,885 | 8,140 | ||||
| Water charges | 5,032 | 5,032 | 4,162 | ||||
| Insurance | 4,386 | 4,386 | 3,858 | ||||
| Gas and electricity | 52 | 51 | 1,420 | ||||
| Other charges | 3,878 | ||||||
| Purchases and Sales: | |||||||
| Legal and Professional Fees | 2,005 | 5,574 | 7,579 | 10,691 | |||
| Other Property Expenses: | |||||||
| Quinquennial reviews | 11,986 | 11,986 | 9,540 | ||||
| Castleton graveyard | 395 | 395 | 190 | ||||
| Gwern-Y-Saint church | 1,110 | 1,110 | 1,092 | ||||
| Langstone church | 583 | ||||||
| Trellech church | 1,557 | 1,557 | |||||
| St David’s Church, Ty Sign | 554 | 555 | |||||
| Lettingexpenses | 1,200 | 1,200 | 1.805 | ||||
| Total | 53,662 | 5,574 | - | - | - | 59,236 | 55,005 |
During the year the Circuit was responsible for the maintenance of six manses or former manses, for the payment of Council tax and water charges (except where these were paid by a tenant) and for landlord’s annual gas inspections and home service agreements. The Circuit also paid the gas and electricity charges on unoccupied properties.
In 2024-25 the Circuit spent £14,622 on manse maintenance; £5,510 was spent on refurbishing the manse in Rogerstone, Newport in preparation for occupation by a new minister, £5,150 on repairs and maintenance of the manse at Chepstow and £3,962 on maintaining the other properties. (In 2023-24 the Circuit spent £13,524 on manse maintenance. £8,265 was spent on refurbishing the manse in Chepstow in preparation for occupation by a new minister, £3,566 on repairs and maintenance of the manse at Caldicot and £1,693 on maintaining the other properties.)
In 2024-25 the Circuit spent £7,579 on professional and legal fees in connection with the sale of Trellech Methodist Church, the sale of the manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport and the leasing of St David’s, Ty Sign, Risca. (In 2023-24, the Circuit spent £10,691 on professional and legal fees in connection with the sale of Langstone Methodist Church, Newport and the leasing of St David’s, Ty Sign, Risca.)
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Gwern-Y-Saint Methodist Church closed on 7 October 2018 and the Circuit has now taken on responsibility for the property.
The manse at 5 Charles Close, Monmouth, has been let to private tenants since November 2023. The manse at Hilltop, Newport Road, Chepstow was occupied by a private tenant from November 2022 to November 2023. The church and resource centre of St David’s, Ty Sign, Risca, has been let to a charity since December 2024. An agency was employed to manage the letting of the manses in Monmouth and Chepstow.
13. Connexional and District assessments and levies
The Connexional and District assessments are paid to the Wales Synod District, which determines the assessment to be paid by each Circuit in accordance with a formula based on the number of presbyters and lay employees in each Circuit (see also Note 1xv).
| Connexional assessment and Priority Fund levy |
Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow- ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Connexional assessment | 45,640 | 45,640 | 45,564 | ||||
| Connexional Priority Fund | |||||||
| levy | - | 97,094 | 97,094 | 57,739 | |||
| Total | 45,640 | 97,094 | - | - | - | 142,734 | 103,303 |
The Connexional Priority Fund levy is taken from the proceeds of the sale of former manses or churches. During the current year, a levy of £7,641 was charged on the proceeds of sale of Trellech Methodist Church and a levy of £89,453 on the proceeds of sale of the manse at St Julian’s Avenue. (A levy of £57,739 was charged in 2023-24 on the proceeds of sale of Langstone Methodist Church.)
| District assessment and levy |
Unres- tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| District assessment | 5,752 | 5,752 | 5,740 | ||||
| District Advance Fund levy | - | 22,500 | 22,500 | 13,921 | |||
| Total | 5,752 | 22,500 | - | - | - | 28,252 | 19,661 |
The District Advanced Fund levy is calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the Circuit Model Trust Fund account balance at 31 August in the previous financial year.
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
14. Office and administration costs
| Office and administration costs |
Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conference minutes and | |||||||
| materials | 371 | 371 | 762 | ||||
| Circuit Stewards’ and Circuit | |||||||
| officers’ expenses | 157 | 157 | 231 | ||||
| Printing, postage, stationery | |||||||
| and computing supplies | 1,775 | 1,775 | 2,141 | ||||
| Office equipment | 0 | 0 | |||||
| Office telephone, | |||||||
| broadband and website | 100 | 100 | 90 | ||||
| Independent Examiner’s fee | 350 | 350 | 330 | ||||
| TMCP Administration and | |||||||
| Investment Management | - | 1,027 | 326 | 171 | 1,524 | 1.004 | |
| fees | |||||||
| Other admin costs | 376 | 376 | 152 | ||||
| Total | 3,129 | 1,027 | 326 | 171 | - | 4,653 | 4,710 |
The Circuit office is at Caldicot Methodist Church, where the Circuit uses a room on four mornings a week. The Circuit does not pay rent for use of the room, but pays half of the Church’s telephone, broadband and website costs.
During the year the Circuit paid £1,525 to TMCP, the custodians of the Circuit’s investments (202324: £1,004). The fees charged represent a levy of 0.325% on the value of the funds at the beginning of the year. and are allocated among the funds as shown in the table above.
15. Other outgoings
| Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preaching and worship: | |||||||
| Local preacher’s expenses | 161 | 161 | 282 | ||||
| Supernumerary ministers’ | |||||||
| fees and expenses | 3,157 | 3,157 | 4,367 | ||||
| Other Expenses: | |||||||
| Training | - | - | |||||
| Events | - | - | |||||
| Miscellaneous | 640 | 640 | 950 | ||||
| Total | 3,958 | - | - | - | 3,958 | 5,599 |
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
The Circuit offers to reimburse lay preachers and supernumerary ministers for the costs of travel to the churches where they conduct services and supernumerary ministers may also claim a preaching fee.
16. Gains and losses on monetary investments
There were total net losses on monetary investments of £22 in 2024-25 compared with net gains of £117 in 2023-24. A detailed breakdown is immaterial. See also Notes 20 and 27 below.
17. Transfers between funds
| Transfers between funds | Unres- Tricted CMTF Desig- nated Rest- ricted Endo- wment 2025 Total 2024 Total |
|---|---|
| Interest from CMTF Fund William Richards Charity Sale of St Julian’s manse Quinquennial inspections Refurbishment of manse at 8 Soane Close |
12,383 ( 12,383) 0 - ( 17) 17 0 - (287,500) 287,500 0 - 8,004 ( 8,004) 0 - 4,620(4,620) 0 - |
| Total | (262,510) 262,493 17 - - 0 0 |
During the current year, the interest earned by the Circuit Model Trust Fund was transferred to the general fund. The proceeds for sale of the manse at St Julian’s Avenue, Newport were transferred from the general fund to the CMTF. In addition, £17 was transferred to the designated fund for the Charity of William Richards, £4,620 was transferred from the CMTF to the general fund to cover the costs of refurbishing the manse at Soane Close, Risca, and £8,004 was transferred from the CMTF to the general fund to cover the costs of quinquennial inspections during the year.
18. Gains and losses on investment properties and other gains and losses
There were no gains or losses on investment properties in 2024-25 or 2023-24.
19. Manses and other property
At 31 August 2025, the Circuit had five properties (one less than the number at 31 August 2024). Three manses were occupied by ministers; the manse at Charles Close, Monmouth was leased to a private tenant; the former church of St David’s, Ty Sign and the associated Resouce Centre were leased to a local charity. (The manse at 1 St Julian’s Avenue, Newport was sold during the year.)
The manse at 5 Charles Close, Monmouth has been classified as an investment property. (see xiiib).
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
The value of the Resource Centre @ St David’s, Ty Sign, was revised in September 2023 in line with a designated adviser’s report. The valuation includes the former Church of St David’s, Thistle Way, Ty Sign.
The office equipment in the Circuit office has not been capitalised since the items individually cost less than £1,000 (see xii).
General advice was sought from estate agents in Newport, Monmouth and Abergavenny as to the value of land as a proportion of the total value of residential properties in different parts of the Circuit. Where no other information exists, the value of the manses has been apportioned between land and buildings on the basis of this information.
Recent valuations (2015 or later) are available for the four manses at Charles Close, Monmouth, Soane Close, Newport, Church Road, Caldicot and Newport Road, Chepstow, and for St David's Church and Resource Centre, Thistle Way, Ty Sign. These valuations have been taken as the deemed values of these properties.
19.1 Cost or valuation of fixed assets
| Invest- ment Prop- erties |
Land | Buildings | Other Buildings |
Other Fixed Assets incl. Vehicles |
Fixtures, Fittings, etc |
Assets under constru- ction |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Balance brought | ||||||||||
| forward | 235,000 | 501,300 | 949,700 | 150,000 | 1,836,000 | 1,836,000 | ||||
| Additions in the | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| year | ||||||||||
| Revaluations | 0 | |||||||||
| Less: Disposals in | ( | 35,500) | (180,500) | (216,000) | 0 | |||||
| the year | ||||||||||
| Transfers between | 0 | 0 | ||||||||
| categories | ||||||||||
| Balance carried | ||||||||||
| forward | 235,000 | 465,800 | 769,200 | 150,000 | 1,620,000 | 1,836,000 |
19.2 Accumulated depreciation and impairment provision
| Basis Rate |
N/A N/A N/A N/A - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 501,300 949,700 150,000 - - - 1,836,000 2,200,526 |
||
|---|---|---|---|
| Balance brought forward - Depreciation charge for year Revaluations Disposals Transfers Balance carried forward - 19.3 Net book value Brought forward 235,000 |
- - |
||
| Carried forward | 235,000 | 465,800 769,200 150,000 - - - 1,620,000 1,836,000 |
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
20. Investment Assets (and TMCP Funds)
The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund, the designated funds for Buildings and Mission activity, the Mary A Curtis Bequest and the Kelly Legacy are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds or CFB Managed Mixed Funds on which interest is credited to the accounts each month or each quarter. 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 policy as determined by the Methodist Conference.
The Charity of William Richards Endowment is invested in the COIF Charities Investment Fund. The Fund is a Common Investment Fund established by the Charity Commission under the Charities Act 1993 section 24 and investment in the Fund is only available to charities within the meaning of section 96 of the Charities Act.
| Investment Assets and TMCP |
Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow- ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CFB Managed Mixed | |||||||
| Funds | 977 | 977 | 975 | ||||
| COIF Charities Investment | |||||||
| Fund | 602 | 602 | 624 | ||||
| Total Investment Assets | 0 | 977 | 0 | 0 | 602 | 1,579 | 1,599 |
| TMCP Trustees Interest | |||||||
| Funds | 292,302 | 104,606 | 54,939 | 177 | 452,024 | 468,469 | |
| Total | 0 | 293,279 | 104,606 | 54,939 | 779 | 453,603 | 470,068 |
21. Debtors and Prepayments
All sums shown as debtors on 31 August 2024were received during the following year. All sums paid in advance at 1 September 2024 were for events that have been held during 2024-25. Similarly, it is expected that all payments in advance at 1 September 2025 will be expended in 2025-26 and all income owed at 1 September 2025 will be received in 2025-26.
| Debtors and Prepayments | Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow -ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stipends, pensions and NI | |||||||
| paid in advance | 14,502 | 14,502 | 13,764 | ||||
| Disposal of manse | 193,199 | 193,199 | - | ||||
| Other debtors | 724 | 724 | 440 | ||||
| Total | 15,226 | 193,199 | - | - | - | 208,425 | 14,204 |
22. Loans by the Circuit
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
The Circuit has no outstanding loans at 31 August 2025 (2024: £0).
23. Central Finance Board and Bank Balances
Monetary balances at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and at HSBC Bank Limited are all available on demand without loss of interest or other penalty.
| Bank balances and cash in hand |
Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow- ment |
2025 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central Finance Board Deposits | 59,239 | 1,013 | 2,416 | 62,668 | 64,412 | ||
| Balance held at HSBC | 47,517 | 47,517 | 28,332 | ||||
| Cash in hand | 400 | 400 | 400 | ||||
| Total | 107,156 | - | 1,013 | 2,416 | - | 110,585 | 93,144 |
24. Creditors, accruals and income in advance
All sums accrued at 31 August 2024 were paid before 31 August 2025. It is expected that all sums accrued at 31 August 2025 will be paid by 31 August 2026.
| Current Liabilities | Unres- Tricted |
CMTF | Desig- nated |
Rest- ricted |
Endow ment |
2024 Total |
2024 Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Church assessments paid in | |||||||
| advance | 43,106 | 43,106 | 39,600 | ||||
| Assessments paid late | 0 | - | |||||
| Ministers and staff | |||||||
| expenses | 714 | 714 | 263 | ||||
| Other expenses | 1,371 | 1,371 | 171 | ||||
| Stipends, pension and NI | 0 | - | |||||
| Taxation and Social Security | 0 | - | |||||
| Other creditors | 9,439 | 9,439 | 2,436 | ||||
| Total | 54,630 | - | - | - | - | 54,630 | 42,470 |
25. Grants payable in 2025-26
The Circuit has established a committee to provides grants to support mission related projects within the Circuit and has set aside a dedicated fund of £50,000 to support mission activity. The Circuit Meeting has also granted £5,775 for a project at Chepstow Methodist Church in 2025-26 and allocated a budget of £1,150 in 2025-26 to support local outreach activity and make small donations. Sufficient funds are available to support these grants and donations.
26. Loans to the Circuit repayable in 2025-26
The Circuit had no loans repayable in 2025-26 (2024-25: no loans).
27. Commitments in 2025-26
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
In 2025-26 the Circuit has allocated a budget of £11,000 for manse maintenance which will be paid out of the annual receipts of the Circuit.
28. Detailed Analysis of Individual Funds
The individual funds of the Circuit are as follows:
| Name | Type | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| General Fund | Unrestricted & Undesignated |
General mission as directed by the Circuit Meeting |
| Circuit Model Trust Fund |
Unrestricted & Undesignated |
General mission as directed by the Circuit Meeting |
| Manse Expenses | Designated | Expenditure onpurchase or renovation of manses |
| Fund for Mission Projects |
Designated | Expenditure on mission projects. |
| William Richards (Income) |
Designated | Support for other churches in the Monmouth sector of the Circuit as directed bythe Circuit Meeting |
| Vera Holt | Restricted | As directed by the Circuit Meeting for youth work and training |
| Mary A Curtis Bequest | Restricted | General mission as directed by the Circuit Meeting |
| Manse Expenses | Restricted | Expenditure on purchase or renovation of manses (reclassified as a designated fund) |
| Newport FamilyWorker | Restricted | Funds of the Newport FamilyWorkerproject |
| KellyLegacy | Endowment | Maintenance of Castletongraveyard |
| Charity of William Richards |
Endowment | Support for other churches in the Monmouth hub of the Circuit as directed bythe Circuit Meeting |
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Summary of Fund Movements - 2024-25
| Funds | Balance at 31/8/24 Income Expend- iture Transfers Gains / Losses Balance at 31/8/25 |
|---|---|
| General Fund Circuit Model Trust Fund Total unrestricted & undesignated Manse Expenses Fund for Mission Projects William Richards (Income) Total designated Vera Holt (CFB 020) Mary A Curtis Bequest (21224) Newport Family Worker (030) Total restricted Kelly Legacy Charity of William Richards Total endowments |
1,897,615 370,258 (318,087) (262,510) 1,687,752 316,511 71,618 ( 75,417) 262,493 70 575,205 2,214,126 441,876 (393,636) ( 17) 70 2,262,957 50,155 2,392 ( 163) 52,384 50,000 2,385 ( 162) 52,223 952 43 17 1,012 101,107 4,820 ( 325) 17 0 105,619 1,711 78 1,789 52,602 2,508 ( 171) 54,939 599 28 627 54,912 2,614 ( 171) 0 0 57,355 177 8 (8) 177 624 (22) 602 801 8 (8) 0 (22) 779 |
| Total of All Funds | 2,370,946 503,745 (406,502) 0 117 2,426,710 |
Summary of Fund Movements - 2023-24 (for comparison)
| Funds | Balance at 31/8/23 |
Income | Expend- iture |
Transfers | Gains / Losses |
Balance at 31/8/24 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Fund | 1,915,117 | 269,246 | (316,329) | 29,581 | 1,897,615 | |
| Circuit Model Trust Fund | 302,275 | 251,607 | ( 90,022) | (127,419) | 70 | 316,511 |
| Total unrestricted & | ||||||
| undesignated | 2,217,392 | 500,853 | (406,351) | ( 97,838) | 70 | 2,214,126 |
| Manse Expenses | 0 | 8 | 50,147 | 50,155 | ||
| Fund for Mission Projects | 0 | 50,000 | 50,000 | |||
| William Richards (Income) | 869 | 45 | 38 | 952 | ||
| Total designated | 869 | 53 | 0 | 100,185 | 0 | 101,107 |
| Vera Holt (CFB 020) | 1,626 | 85 | 1,711 | |||
| Mary A Curtis Bequest (21224) | 50,040 | 2,704 | ( 142) | 52,602 | ||
| Manse Expenses | 147 | ( 147) | 0 | |||
| Newport Family Worker (030) | 2,758 | 41 | ( 2,200) | 599 | ||
| Total restricted | 69,539 | 2,830 | ( 142) | ( 2,347) | 0 | 54,912 |
| Kelly Legacy | 177 | 9 | (9) | 177 | ||
| Charity of William Richards | 577 | 47 | 624 | |||
| Total endowments | 754 | 9 | (9) | 0 | 47 | 801 |
| Total of All Funds | 2,273,586 | 503,745 | (406,502) | 0 | 117 | 2,370,946 |
29. Related Parties
Circuit number 02/19
Newport and Lower Wye Methodist Circuit
Year ending 31 August 2025
Notes to the Accounts
Related parties include the Methodist Connexion and its funds, the Wales Synod Cymru District, the Churches within the Newport & Lower Wye Circuit, other Methodist Circuits in Great Britain, CFB and TMCP.
Year ending 31 August 2025
| Income | Payments | Loans | Amount | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Related Party | Relation- ship |
Description | from Related |
to Related |
to Related |
owed by RP on |
| Party | Party | Party | 31.08.24 | |||
| Assessment | ||||||
| Wales Synod Cymru District | Donee | and Levy | 28,252 | |||
| Wales Synod Cymru District | Donor | Grant | 3,510 | |||
| Methodist Church Connexion | Donee | Assessment | 53,281 | |||
| Churches within NLW Circuit | Donor | Assessment | 260,144 | |||
| Churches within NLW Circuit | Donee | Grant / | 40,675 | |||
| Donation | ||||||
| Methodist Church Fund for | Donee | Donation | 500 | |||
| Property | ||||||
| Gwent Hills & Vales Circuit | Donor | Grant | 3,878 | |||
| Trust for Methodist Church | Donee | Admin | 1,526 | |||
| Purposes | Charge | |||||
| Total | 263,654 | 128,112 | 0 | 0 |
Year ending 31 August 2024
| Income | Payments | Loans | Amount | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name of Related Party | Relation- ship |
Description | from Related |
to Related |
to Related |
owed by RP on |
| Party | Party | Party | 31.08.24 | |||
| Assessment | ||||||
| Wales Synod Cymru District | Donee | and Levy | 19,661 | |||
| Wales Synod Cymru District | Donor | Grant | 3,510 | |||
| Methodist Church Connexion | Donee | Assessment | 103,303 | |||
| Churches within NLW Circuit | Donor | Assessment | 245,430 | |||
| Churches within NLW Circuit | Donee | Grant / | 26,500 | |||
| Donation | ||||||
| Methodist Church Fund for | Donee | Donation | 500 | |||
| Property | ||||||
| Gwent Hills & Vales Circuit | Donor | Grant | 2,663 | |||
| Pension Reserve Fund | Grant | |||||
| Donor | returned | 7,139 | ||||
| Trust for Methodist Church | Donee | Admin | 1,004 | |||
| Purposes | Charge | |||||
| Total | 258,742 | 150,968 | 0 | 0 |
None of the Circuit trustees made donations directly to the Circuit in the current year or the previous financial year. All of the Circuit trustees are members of one or another Church within the Circuit and may be trustees of their Churches.
Circuit Accruals Accounts THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS (ACCRUALS BASIS) for the year ended 31 August 2025 Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit Reglstered Charlty_ Rggl$tration number 1137596 Wales Synod District District No I Circuit No 02119 Ministe Rev Bethany WILLERS Re¥ Le8 JONES Rov18n GRIFFITHS Deacon John BROBBEY Circuit Stewards Miriam HAM Keith HARVEY Roer BAFICO Be_1 QUINLAM J8Cgueline HORROD=TOThEM Pam LLOYD Gill BENSON Pauline FARR Ro9er LANGFORD Circuit Treasurer Roger LANGFORD
Name of CircLit riewport& LoweFWye method15tc1rf( Circuit No 02119 ststem•nt of Financial Aetivitiès ISOFAI ftsr the ye4r ondgd 31 August 2025 Fund tru4t Fu Bccounts IUnr•sthctsdl IUrrfMtrkt•dl lunrnsl£t&d) To 2025 Ttstsi 2023-24 Ftsnd& Income 1 fyjnalons kng8CleS 2 Iw)rne FFQM monotsry 3 Irn 2.6t4 25.n7 le,) 260.144 71, 3.510 14.354 iisoo 260.144 129.706 3.511? 11354 45),513 245.430 212.1 S Cats1 Retéipts 582 iO.N8 6fDt 1614 Exp8Trdlture io 31.6T5 42,325 202, 59.236 142.734 28.252 2t,( 202J96 11 Propertymainténane 12CoThnexthal assÈssmÈTht& 1301sthtl Asst&vl&Lll 14 Depre£1) 150f9xE5E %2 13 13 5.574 97.09 22.5(M) 55.005 103.303 19.661 45.6qQ 5.752 3.1 &6 4153 J,958 483N51 -22 31108Y tM871J 411646 22 2Q Nv11comp?ndUr•I 21 Trr$ tyhvpen 52.617 2,98S 97.3 -209.BIJ 169.967 .52J83 2.370.946 7D 2.JJ7.96S g7. 22F3.586 2,J70,91e 24Tolalfdlb10Usht lotwaid 2STotb1 lunds¢aYYiodforn•id 54.912 1.W.752 486.478 1•5,819 1687752 86478 779 2337981 237(W6
Name of Circuit Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Cirtult Circuit No 02119 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 G•n•ral Fund iunF•IrtedI Clr¢uhlAott•l Trusts Tol•1 ZDWIS Fnd& Fwnos lQ23ff24 CITCUII 1.385.IKM) 235.lw 1.385.IK) 235{} lrtwÈshiiÈnl TOPS¢$ 235 000 1.620.OQtr 977 602 I37.5#$ CurrontAsy•ls 15226 193.1 208.425 14.204 b the cir Tk4CP IT Finarre BDard DekwII3 20 2¥1302 104.6 st.939 2.416
S2.4
62.868 46B 469 S9239 412 28 732 23 122.382 4aS501 57.355 171 771,034 CurrÈntll•bHWÈ IIDns Idue I 51) 24 42 470 25 s4.0 716,404 42.4TD 513.347 ST.752 415.501 10S.819 .J55 17Y 1.6B7.752 4W7B sr.355 2.337,983 2J70.941 lStenD IlJN4des duE after rnarethan ane G[ts payth afterone 26 Netw•ts 1,687.752 486.47B 11JS,619 S7.3SS 2.357.983 2.3711.946 G0nBral F{W luslI1Ct&yl TIU5lFl (UnrostrKI Fth*s (Unltr11 1.667,752 1.68Y.752 486478 1,897.615 486.478 2,279.849 2J1523J Res11 FLrt$ Fd$ Y.912 779 779 TalFun$ 1,887,752 488,478 104619 57.355 2.337.983 2,370,946 Signed Circuit Treasuror
Name of Circuit Newport & Lower Methodist Circuit No...02119 Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi that these accruals-based accounts for the year to 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 and address of treasurer Roger John Langford, Spindlewood, 122 Hereford Road, MONMOUTH, Monmouthshire Post Code NP25 3GD Presontation to the Circuit meeting I confirm that the annual report and accounts for th ear ended 31 August 2025 werelwill ' be presented to the Circuit meeting held on.. . Il/i.&llo %f. Signature of the Chair of the meeting.. Name of the Chair of the meeting.. Revd Bethany Willers Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of the Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit Charity Number . .02119 Responsibilities and basis of report I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Newport & Lower Wye Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages . to As the Circuit's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Act,). I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit's accounts 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){bl of the Act. delete or circle as appropriate
Name of Circuit Newport & Lr Wye Methodist Circuit No 02119 Independent Examinerf8 Statement The Circuivs gross ino)me exceeded £250,000 arKI l am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Instiiute of Chartered Accountsrrts in England & Wales. I have (YNrleted my examination. l )nfirM that no matertal matter5 have come to my attentron in Inection with Ihe examination (other than that disclosed below") whiGh give me cause to believe that in. any mateTial respect.. accountin9 re(x)rds were not kept in accordan with seclion 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not aord with the a¢countiTrJ records,. or the accounts do not hpIY with the applicable requirements conceming the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf vrew, which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination the trustees, annual report is not consistent %*ryth the accounts. I have no concem5 arkd have come across no other matters in connection with tP examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. I have rM>t obtained independent verifi>ton of all investments with the Trustees for Methixlist Church Purposes or held in other trusts. bank balances arKJ funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church whith are indivKlually in ex$ of £10,000 {ten thousand pounds) at the bafance sheet date. Signalure of independent examiner Name of independent examiner.. Raymond John Lewin FCA Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner. Chartered Accountanl Name of finn . Feakes & Co Solicitors Address: Riverside Court. Beaufort Patk, Chepstow. Post Code: NP16 5UH