METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Registered Charity Number 1138024
Beds, Essex & Herts District - Circuit Number 34/6
1
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| CONTENTS | |
|---|---|
| Page | |
| Index | 2 |
| Trustees’ report | |
| - Chair of Trustee report |
3-5 |
| - Treasurer report |
5-6 |
| - Further Trustee report sections |
7-9 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 10 |
| Financial statements | 11 - 20 |
| Appendix I– Circuit Meeting membership | 21 |
| Appendix II– Glossary of Terms | 22 |
2
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Chair of Trustees Report
Circuit life has continued to grow and develop throughout the past year building on the consolidation work of 2023 – 24. This year has continued to see a good period of stability for the Circuit as it continues to reflect on its mission and ministry.
In June 2025, the Circuit celebrated with their probationer presbyter at her ordination. This was a time of great joy for everyone and it has been wonderful for the Circuit and churches to walk alongside someone in their early years of ministry and seem them grow and flourish. All ministers are required to take a three month sabbatical every seven years of ministerial travel. In line with this expectation, the Superintendent took a sabbatical during the course of this year. The plans which had been put into place worked effectively and the needs of the Circuit were well covered with the support of people from within the Circuit, the Chair of District and a Supernumerary minister who, until last year, had resided in the Circuit.
The expertise of the Circuit Stewards team and the Circuit Leadership Team are incredibly appreciated. These groups of people work tirelessly for the good of the Circuit and to ensure that the needs of the Circuit and local churches are reflected upon. The broad range of skills and gifts of these teams mean that meaningful conversations are had which enable a broad range of voices to be included. The stability provided by these groups is very much valued. The time spent in establishing new structures for the overseeing of Circuit Finance have worked well. The Circuit Finance Officer’s expertise is greatly appreciated and we were pleased to welcome a new member of the Circuit Finance Group to the team during the year. Work on the property overseen by the Circuit has continued with much work in the background being undertaken. Overall, it has been a quieter year than some on the property front.
Communications within the Circuit continue to run smoothly. The Circuit Administrator effectively and efficiently liaises with the Church Email Hub Co-Ordinators and office holders as required, maintains the Circuit Directory and website, whilst also ensuring that Circuit Meetings run smoothly in relation to the collation of the required documentation. Several Circuit office holders also hold District roles which enhances the Church-Circuit-District-Connexion communications. The Circuit Christmas Celebration was well received and supported as a social event to bring people from across the Circuit together.
Zoom continues to be used as a highly effective platform for the Circuit, in relation to worship and Bible studies as well as some meetings. Sunday evening worship and the Bible Studies all run through Zoom with an average of thirty people attending each week. It is good to see a slightly broader representation of churches at these events over the past year. The use of Zoom for some meetings means that a broader representation of people can be gained whilst also having a positive impact on the carbon footprint.
The Circuit has a Mission Plan which is based around the Methodist Church’s ‘Our Calling.’ This promotes both spiritual growth as well as outreach. The Mission Plan is the primary strategic document for the Circuit and has a monthly review. Great progress has been made on implementing the two year plan. It is intended that an appendix to focus on particular areas for the second year of the plan will be incorporated prior to a deeper review for a new plan to be in place for September 2026. During the year, the majority of churches now also have their own mission plans which have been worked on with appropriate support.
As part of the Mission Plan, one of the main areas of work this year has been to explore the possibility of how the Circuit can best work with, and support, older people, recognising that everyone’s definition of an older person will be different! Small group working is now well established within the
3
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Circuit, and a small group was convened to explore ways in which this could be done. As a result of their work, a proposal for an Anna Chaplain (who is a commissioned person to work alongside older people, working under the licence from the Bible Reading Fellowship) was presented to Circuit Meeting who agreed to an employed lay worker role for 20 hours per week. Following the preparation for, securing of grant funding and recruitment period, we are delighted that an Anna Chaplain will be joining the team in September 2025. This has been a particularly significant piece of work for the Circuit as we look to the future.
During 2023-24 the Circuit Meeting approved a Circuit Grants Policy. This is now fully in operation with two churches applying for and receiving Circuit grant funding to help them realise their mission plans. One was for eco church improvements and the other for a building project. Other Circuits have shown interest in the Grants Policy which has been shared as a starting point for other Circuits to produce their own to meet their own contexts and needs. Local churches continue to serve their communities throughout the week in many and varied ways. As the churches continue to reflect on the communities they serve, the Grants Committee will support and encourage applications for work which meets the criteria of the policy which was reviewed and updated during the year.
The Circuit remains indebted to the Local Preachers team and Worship Leaders who support the leading of worship on a weekly basis. We do not currently have any Local Preachers in training. One Worship Leader, who completed the Connexional training course, was commissioned during the year. One further Worship Leader is in training following a more locally based training course. For various reasons, there has been an increase in the number of services needing to be covered by local churches. Exploring alternative approaches is an area of Circuit work over the next twelve months as we try to find more innovative ways of supporting weekly worship.
Membership numbers across the Circuit on 1 November 2024 stood at 287. This represents an increase of 7 on the previous year which is pleasing to see. Average attendance figures had also increased slightly. It is pleasing to see this visible sign of growth in people’s and church’s spiritual journeys.
The Circuit acknowledges and is very thankful for the significant efforts of its volunteers within the churches and the Circuit. There is a wide array of gifts, skills and talents which is seen in the depth of commitment which cannot be underestimated. This is representative of the strong faith and commitment shown by so many. There is a strong sense of mutual care and support which is wonderful to see and which makes a huge difference as we serve God and witness to the love of Christ. The members of the Circuit Meeting work diligently in exercising their duties and we are grateful to everyone for all their work.
Looking ahead to next year the main strategic foci will be on the establishment of the Anna Chaplain role within the community, considering the approach to the preaching plan to make the best use of the resources available, work on moving towards becoming an Eco Circuit and supporting the churches in their Energy Efficiency work and reviewing the Mission Plan.
The Circuit will continue to be available to support churches with their mission and growth planning as churches continue to build on the work they have already undertaken and in reaching out into the local communities as they seek to share the love of Christ in the communities they serve. We look forward to sharing in God’s work in Colchester, through the leading of the Holy Spirit, in the coming year.
Rev Chris Preece Superintendent Minister 29th August 2025
4
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Treasurers’ Report
During this year the work of the Circuit Finance Group has settled and consolidated. We have had one change in personnel, ensuring we maintain a wide representation from across the Circuit. We have continued to work collaboratively with our Finance Officer and report to both the Circuit Leadership Team and the Circuit Meeting. We have supported the establishment of a Circuit Grants Policy and this has begun to be used by Churches seeking support with local projects.
Income Trends
All our churches were able to and paid their assessment for the year in line as per budget and we would like to record here our deep gratitude for this support. Investments returned above budget levels of income as rates were elevated on deposit funds during the year. Marks Tey (rental) income is in line with the contract.
Expenditure trends
The stipend levels for our 2 full time Minsters are set by Connexion centrally, we are so grateful for their guidance and also the lay services of our part time Administrator and Finance Officer. The District Levy was higher, reflecting CMTF balance increases as we received property proceeds in prior year. Property maintenance was on budget overall this year, £7,400 of spend related to Marks Tey work of which half on roof repairs.
Fund balances
We are grateful God has provided for us again this year and enabled His work in Colchester to continue. Note 16 to the accounts shows the full analysis of reserves movements by fund this year.
General Unrestricted funds total £1,379,744 at year end General Unrestricted surplus for the year was £37,864, after transfers. CMTF unrestricted ended the year at £341,024, a deficit in CMTF fund of £486,501 was driven by the creation of designated CMTF Mission fund (see below). The unrestricted Sylvia Bristowe trust at TMCP grew slightly this year and ended at £2,801.
The creation of a designated CMTF fund (Mission purpose) which received a transfer in of £399,563 during the year (from unrestricted CMTF) and stood at £418,215 at year end. Our designated fund for Ministerial relocation has not moved during the year, whilst Designated Property repair fund remains at £15,000, being £5,000 for each of: two manses and one let property. We created the Anna Chaplain Designated fund, again by transfer of funds out of CMTF, recognising future expense of this mission. This stood at £50,437 at year end.
Our Restricted Funds for Marks Tey (burial ground upkeep) is a TMCP trust which grew slightly this year and ended at £1,760. The Restricted Benevolent Fund received an allocation of investment income, ending the year at £1,621. Equally, the Restricted Tollgate Development Fund received an allocation of investment income, ending the year at £10,894 The Restricted Anna Chaplain Fund created during the year stands at £11,733 as at year end.
Finance Plans for 2025/26
The 2024/25 budget has been agreed and sustains current ministerial / lay staffing levels. Recently, Methodist Connexion informed a pension contribution rate decrease (Ministerial pensions) down to 20%, below that budgeted. The budget maintains assessment at roughly the level of the current year, one church having a minor increase. The budget contains a small deficit at circuit level, against reserves: £14,000, reduced to £10,000 post pension decrease (equivalent to 4% of total expenditure).
‐ The year 2024 25 will continue to be a year of consolidation alongside the development of plans for increased witness and Mission within Colchester by the Circuit and its Methodist churches. The Circuit Mission Plan (as explained above) will clarify the picture of how we best employ reserves for
5
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
God’s work in and around Colchester. The Circuit envisages supporting Methodist church initiatives; such matters will continue under Circuit scrutiny, potentially involving material spending.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy ordinarily provides for the Circuit to hold a sum equivalent to 6 months’ average operating (general fund) expenditure, equating to £82,363 for this year. We aim for this to increase to £100,000 over time, noting that the substantial designations would take our reserves to well over this amount. In normal times this should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure (for example on manses).
Current additional reserves are being held over this amount, with designations to support mission grants to churches, manse upkeep and other church projects, as described above.
.
Miss R van Staveren Chair of Circuit Finance Group 28 October 2025
6
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Basis of preparation and legal framework
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the 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)).
. Full name of charity Methodist Church Colchester Circuit Registration Charity Number 1138024 Date of registration 10 September 2010 Correspondence Address: C/O Castle Methodist Church, Maidenburgh Street, Colchester, CO1 1TT Circuit Ministers and officers ‐ Circuit Ministers Rev’d C Preece (Circuit Superintendent) Rev’d H Chun Circuit Stewards Mr T Trevers (Senior) Mr E Pentney (Property) Mrs S Crafer Mrs J Winward Circuit Finance Trustee: Miss R van Staveren
The self-employed Finance Officer (Alistair Jenkins) and the Finance Trustee above acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the circuit during the year.
The voting members of the Colchester Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees being a membership being made up of Circuit office holders, Ministers and Representatives appointed by the churches in the Circuit. Full membership of the Circuit Meeting at 31 August 2024 appears as Appendix A to this report.
Independent Examiner Mr V P Chandler FCA FCCA, of Moore Green Chartered Accountants 22 Friars Street Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AA 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 the Methodist Church Act (1976). The objects are in line with those for the overall Methodist Church.
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 (CLT).
7
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Trustee Training
A range of guidance produced by the Methodist Connexion to support effective running of the circuit, especially the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees. Other training resources are made available by the Methodist Connexional offices.
Related parties
The Circuit is part of the Beds, Essex & Herts District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The following Methodist Churches are members of the circuit – The Ark Highwoods, Castle, Lexden, Mersea Island, The Well, Wimpole Road and Wivenhoe.
Risk Management
The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Administration and the Circuit Treasurer with professional advice taken as required. There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.
Income and expenditure are being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a monthly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process.
Safeguarding
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s own image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ. Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.
Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:
-
The care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with all children, young people and adults
-
The safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and adults when they are vulnerable
-
The establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse
-
We will carefully select and train all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosure and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes
-
We will respond without delay to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, co-operating with the police and local authority in any investigation
-
We will seek to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care
-
We will seek to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust
-
We will seek to offer pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended against a child, young person or vulnerable adult
-
In all these principles we will follow legislation, guidance and recognised good practice
-
The 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 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.
8
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Trustees’ responsibilities
The trustees are required to prepare financial statements each financial year which give a true and fair view of the Circuit’s financial activities during the year and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees have:
-
Selected suitable accounting policies and applied them consistently;
-
Made judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
Followed applicable accounting standards;
-
Prepared the financial statements on the going concern basis.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Circuit and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the law. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Circuit and hence for taking steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
So far as each of the trustees is aware there is no relevant information that has not been disclosed to the auditors and each of the trustees believes that all steps have been taken that ought to have been taken to make them aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the auditors have been made aware of that information.
9
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT CHARITY COMMISSION REFERENCE NUMBER 1134248
I report on the accounts of the Methodist Church Colchester Circuit Charitable Trust for the year ended 31[st] August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustee of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 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 examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination and I believe that:
-
Accounting records were kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act.
-
The accounts accord with those records.
-
The accounts comply with the applicable requirements concerning 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 fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns 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.
Signed:____ Date20.05.2026_
Mr V P Chandler FCA FCCA, Moore Green Chartered Accountants 22 Friars Street Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2AA
10
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Financial statements for theyear ended 31 August 2025 | |
|---|---|
| Index: | Page |
| Statement of financial activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025 | 12 |
| Balance sheet as at 31 August 2025 | 13 |
| Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 | 14 - 20 |
| Appendix I –Circuit Meeting Membership | 21 |
11
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRcurr TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Colchester Circuit Circurt No 3416 Statement of Financlal Aclivltles ISOFAI forthe year ended 31 August2025 rsxt51D FTr Trrtat Total 25 I0-24 Income l DohJDons snd 2 Incorne Irom mon•ar¥ Inve5trronts 3 Incornelrom Intrrent propeTb 4 Asse55ments on Churthes 5 Clg1ts1 Rt¢tl ts 6 Gr4nts ieceived 7 Other charitable Income 8 Total income nditure 9 Grlhts and donstyons 10 Wories jnd J55004red costs 11 Prop mJinten4n 12 Connexionbl b55essrMnl & try511 13 DI%trIL1 Assessmt& 14 DegreciJDon 15 Ofrte%pense5 IS oth ou 12.500 650 12,5 45.3 20.04 157.22 7,701 20,042 157,228 37,013 46,361 19,567 155,620 129 12 I,B19 22a.567 185,101 17,oia ia.1s0 235.2 Ex 11.460 150 11.61 94.70 12.83 28.071 59,69 94,707 12,836 28,071 6.37J 92,121 12,439 26,722 24,073 io 53.324 12 13 14.030 8,719 164 717 14.03 12.031 14,866 9,349 179571 2,690 622 772 ndltufe 18 GèiThslllossesl on M¢netèry In¥trls 20 p4et in¢orne ex -19,001 -467.500 43,796 17 17,500 450.rMIo 22 OtheT 23 Net movement in lufyjs 3764 1.341.880 1 379,744 -486.501 827.525 341,024 438.940 52.725 491,265 12.378 13.631 26.009 2.281 2.235.761 2,238.04 2.191.965 2.23S,761 25 Ttst lundi trrd lorward 12
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 Fund Ttu¥ts (Ur¢•trthdI Totsl•2034 IUntEicd> Fix•d Chtth D•WrS & IJTT Loin5 Invmlmth TFACP 2801 341 •2 795711 832017 CON1Fate0wd t240 242 18947 138 hd Cuv•nt lbW ar 202>4 Ttl¢W¢vryty)¢ 674 13 13
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025
1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared under the Charities Act 2011 in accordance with the 2014 version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with FRS102 – the Charities SORP (FRS102) issued in October 2019.
The Methodist Church Colchester 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.
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that investments (including properties) 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.
2 Funds
The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Methodist Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Designated Funds are intended for a particular purpose, but remain unrestricted.
Restricted funds are those held for a defined purpose, as stipulated within the trust deed. There are no Endowment funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in Note 16 to these accounts and funds may be represented by cash or other assets.
3 Accounting Policies
A Income
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 only where considered material.
In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102), the time of our much valued volunteers is not quantified in these accounts (but our gratitude is). Further information on volunteer participation is provided in the Trustees’ Annual Report.
B Expenses / VAT
Expenses are recognised immediately when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, provided: (1) the amount is reliably measurable, and (2) it is considered more likely than not that there will be an outflow of economic benefit. This is the application of the accruals principle to expenses.
As a registered Charity, the Circuit is not VAT registered and all input VAT is charged within the related expense.
C Going Concern
The Trustees consider that it is appropriate to prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis. The going concern assumption is based on yearly budgeting and management review of outcomes. Both of these support the assertion that the charity will be able to operate into the foreseeable future, well beyond one year.
14
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
D Fixed Assets
These are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least £1,000
The freehold residential properties are shown in the accounts at deemed historical cost representing each property’s gross carrying value as at 1 September 2015, being the properties’ market value resulting from a professional valuation in 2015. Colchester Circuit last conducted an external valuation of properties at September 2021. The Circuit has made use of the deemed cost option on transitioning to FRS102.
No Fixed Asset depreciation is being provided because the trustees consider the current residual value of the properties in their present condition to be not less than the historical cost and, in the absence of any impairment, any depreciation provision for the buildings component of the properties would be immaterial.
E Investment Properties
The Circuit holds the previous church premises at Marks Tey as an Investment Property, given there are no plans to dispose of it and a rental income is being received. Also at West Bergholt we hold retained areas (newer burial ground and bus shelter footprint), and the newer burial ground at Boxted (former Methodist Church).
F Debtors and Prepayments
The main prepayment included in the accounts is in respect of the payment made, in late August 2025, to the Methodist Church centrally, being due early September.
G Creditors
Creditors relate to unpaid invoiced expenditure at August 31 2025, plus provision for amounts likely to become payable related to year ending August 31 2025.
4 Income from Monetary Investments
In all cases this has been derived from funds deposited with the Central Finance Board (CFB) and TMCP. Where a restricted fund does not have a unique TMCP account, then that fund is allocated a portion of general fund CFB investment income in equitable proportion.
6 Assessment on Churches
Each Circuit church is assessed for a yearly contribution towards meeting the costs of the Circuit’s operations, including the payment of Ministerial costs and the Circuit’s annual assessments in respect of the Beds, Essex & Herts Methodist District and the Methodist Connexion. The amount assessed on each church is considered and agreed annually by the Finance and Resources Committee and confirmed at the summer Circuit Meeting. Such amounts were all paid in full for this year and we are very grateful to our constituent churches for their co-operation.
7 Other Income
| General Fund Tendring Finance Officer Contribution Other Items TOTAL |
2025 2024 0 1,375 129 444 129 1,819 |
|---|---|
15
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 (continued)
7 Grants awarded and donations made
The circuit Grants committee awarded the below grants from the Designated CMTF Mission Fund.
| Designated CMTF Mission | 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| The Ark Highwood | 1,460 | 0 |
| Wimpole Road | 10,000 | 0 |
| Restricted Fund for Anna Chaplain | ||
| Donation for scheme membership | 150 | 0 |
| TOTAL | 11,610 | 0 |
8 Salaries and Associated costs
(a) Costs relating to Superintendent and Presbyter
‐ In the Connexional year 2024 25 the Circuit had 2 full time Presbyters (August 2024 – 2). The stipends, employer’s National Insurance Contributions and employer’s pension contributions and other expenses of the Presbyters of the Circuit are paid by the Circuit. Manses are provided by the Circuit and the Circuit maintains the property.
The Superintendent of the Circuit, the Presbyter and the remaining members of the CLT are considered as Key Management Personnel. The Superintendent chairs meeting of the CLT and Circuit Meetings. The members of the Circuit Meeting are the trustees of the Circuit (see Appendix).
(b) Pensions
All presbyters 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) 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 accounts for this pension scheme and full pensions disclosures in the annual Methodist Church in Great Britain accounts.
(c) Stipend related costs
| General Fund 2025 Stipends 65,142 Pension Contributions 12,408 NI / Apprenticeship Levy 7,133 Computer Grant 414 Travel 2,272 Council Tax 5,462 Water charges 1,876 TOTAL 94,707 |
2024 60,984 13,564 7,820 388 2,325 5,532 1,508 92,121 |
|---|---|
16
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
9 District & Connexional Assessment and Levy
(a) Assessment on the circuit
The Connexional and District Assessment on circuit is calculated relative to the proportion of church members, and staffing (Presbyters and Mission staff only) of all Circuits in the Beds, Essex & Herts District. For Colchester Circuit this year this amounted to £34,444.
(b) Levy assessed on the Circuit
An annual levy is charged, calculated on a sliding scale percentage of the Circuit’s CMTF Account balance as at 31 August the previous year. For this year, this amounted to £53,324 on our CMTF Fund.
10 Property Maintenance
The maintenance costs of properties includes costs of Quinquennial inspections, and £7,338 of the total relates to the maintenance of Marks Tey rental property.
The cost of repair and maintenance for the Circuit Manses and investment property, are supported by a designated fund, which is a buffer against occasional larger items of spend impacting Property Maintenance. In line with Connexional recommendations and in concurrence with the Property Steward, this is targeted at £5,000 per property (see reserves Note 16).
11 Office expenses
| General Fund | 2025 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lay Administration / Staff | 12,545 | 12.790 | ||
| Independent Examination | 1,050 | 1,200 | ||
| Other Office expenses | 435 | 876 | ||
| TOTAL | 14,030 | 14,866 | ||
| 12 Other outgoings | ||||
| General Fund | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Supply preacher fees (Incl. travel) | 693 | 436 | ||
| Telephone | 1,912 | 1,626 | ||
| Professional Fees | 480 | 1,374 | ||
| Insurance | 4,487 | 4,264 | ||
| Mission related | 351 | 500 | ||
| Other | 796 | 150 | ||
| General CMTF Fund | ||||
| Investment Management Fees | 2,690 | 999 | ||
| TOTAL | 11,409 | 9,349 | ||
| - | - | |||
| Restricted Funds | 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Investment Management Fees | 5 | 5 | ||
| Staff related costs (AC) | 617 | ___ | ||
| TOTAL | 622 | 5 |
The insurance charge (general fund) includes 2 Manses and Marks Tey expense. Marks Tey reimburse the expense, which is included within rental income.
17
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
13 Property
Ongoing Use
At 31 August 2025 the Colchester Circuit owns 2 Manses, inhabited by Circuit Presbyters, at Cambridge Road and Robin Crescent. Note C to accounting policies covers the valuation dates. Property given a nominal value are as follows: West Bergholt retained areas (newer burial ground and bus shelter footprint), as well as the newer burial ground at Boxted (former Methodist Church).
Investment Property
Principal Investment Property is Marks Tey (former Methodist Church), controlled by the Circuit, and ‐ let to a Life Skills training organisation under a 5 year Lease.
The Trustee for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP) is the legal owner and custodian trustee of all Methodist Trust property, Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for day ‐ to ‐ day management of trust property. TMCP ensure that, through providing advice and acting under their direction, the local Managing Trustees comply with Charity law and Methodist law and polity as determined by the Methodist Conference.
18
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024 (continued)
14 Debtors and Prepayments
| General Fund Prepaid stipends 15 Creditors and Accruals – due in under 1 year Unrestricted Fund Trade creditors Accruals Independent Examination Fee TOTAL |
2025 7,377 2025 300 3.782 1,200 5,282 |
2024 7,003 2024 311 3,269 1,200 4,780 |
|---|---|---|
16 Reserves
Unrestricted (General) Reserves
General / unrestricted funds are those which have not been earmarked and are available to further the general purposes of Colchester Methodists. General Fund includes the Circuit Model Trust Fund, which is an unrestricted fund, much of which emanates from the sale of former church buildings.
Designated Reserves
1 CMTF Mission - This aligns with Methodist core purpose to carry the gospel message and is available for Circuit Grants over 3 years, in accordance with Circuit Grants policy.
2 Property Maintenance - The cost of repair and maintenance for the Circuit Manses and investment property, are supported by a designated fund, which is a buffer against occasional larger items of spend impacting Property Maintenance. In line with Connexional recommendations and in concurrence with the Property Steward, by year end this has reached the desired £5,000 per property (2 manses and 1 investment property).
3 Ministers Re-location - This is to provide for re-location costs and current level is considered adequate.
4 Anna Chaplain Designated – Circuit funds allocated for Anna Chaplain identified future expense.
Restricted Reserves
Restricted funds are those held for a defined purpose, as stipulated within the trust deed.
1 Development Tollgate - For use in Development and Outreach work in establishing a Methodist presence within the physical area of new housing - the Tollgate area of Colchester
2 Benevolent - Available to provide support to those less well off at the ministers’ discretion
3 Marks Tey Burial Ground - Bequest specified for maintenance of the burial grounds at Marks Tey, which is linked to a specific interest earning TMCP fund.
4 Anna Chaplain Restricted – Specific funds ring fenced for Anna Chaplain Mission work,
19
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
Reserves Movement over the Year
The transfers above relate to:
-
(1) The creation of Anna Chaplain Designated fund
-
(2) Circuit approval of Designation for CMTF Mission Fund
Analysis of Reserves by Net Assets
As shown on face of balance sheet:
-
(1) the unrestricted general reserve is made up of circuit Fixed Assets, as well as Current Asset (Debtors and Creditors) and a proportion of the cash and investments.
-
(2) Restricted Reserves, all designated reserves and the Sylvia Bristowe unrestricted reserve are split between TMCP investment funds and cash at Central Finance Board (CFB) deposit fund.
17 Related parties and Trustees expenses
No Trustees made donations to the Circuit during the year. All of the Trustees are members of a church in the Circuit and may also be on the Church Councils of those churches. Related parties include the Methodist Conference, the Beds Essex & Herts Methodist District, other circuit churches, ‐ CFB and TMCP. Only one Trustee has indicated a non beneficial link via family marriage with a supplier to the Circuit. Expenditure solely for Circuit expenses giving rise to reimbursement to Trustees amounted to £nil.
18 Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities
There were no capital commitments or contingent liabilities existing at year end.
20
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Appendix I
Colchester Methodist Circuit Managing Trustees
Ministers Rev Chris Preece (Superintendent) Rev Hannah Chun Supernumerary Minister Rev Ron Smith Circuit Stewards Mrs Sally Crafer Mr Edward Pentney (Property) Mr Tony Trevers (Senior Steward) Mrs Judith Winward Local Preachers Secretary Mr Ron Firmin Safeguarding Co-ordinator Dr Geoff Casey Chair of Finance Group Miss R van Staveren
Representatives appointed by Circuit Churches:-
Castle (up to 5 reps) Mr Clive Carrington (Treasurer) Mr Derek Coe Mr Bob Finch Mr Richard Pettit Mr Chris Pratt (Senior Steward) The Ark (up to 4 reps) Mrs Pat Baker Mrs Gail Chapman (Senior Steward) Miss R van Staveren (Treasurer) The Well (up to 4 reps) Miss Tracey Chapman (Treasurer) Mrs Judith Fletcher Mr John Jones Mrs Di Thompson (Senior Steward) Lexden (up to 4 reps) Mr Neil Austin Mr Alan Beesley (Senior Steward) Mr Geoff Wilcox (Treasurer) Mrs Vivian Wilcox
Mersea (up to 3 reps) Mrs Ann Brook Mr John Brook (Treasurer) Mrs Joan Moody (Senior Steward)
Wimpole Road (up to 4 reps) Mr Peter Broom Mrs Margaret Clubb Mrs Christine Firmin (Senior Steward) Mr Edward Pentney (Treasurer)
Wivenhoe (up to 4 reps) Mr Phil Bingham (Senior Steward) Mrs Joan Keeble (Treasurer) Mrs Betty Rampling
21
METHODIST CHURCH COLCHESTER CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Appendix II
Glossary of Terms
CFB: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a series of pooled investment funds for the Methodist Church in Great Britain and provides investment advice to those entities. Church: a group of members from fewer than 10 to more than 90 Circuit: a group of Methodist Churches near each other, typically between 10 and 20 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 which comprises the Presbyters (Ministers) and pastors stationed within the Circuit, the Circuit Stewards and the Circuit Treasurers 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: Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs Lay Employees: Personnel employed by the Circuit on generally accepted commercial employment terms. MMPS: Methodist Ministers’ Pension Scheme PASLEMC: Pensions and Assurance Scheme for Lay Employees of the Methodist Church Pensions Trust: The Pensions Trust, the organisation though which the Circuit arranges a pension scheme for its Lay Employees Presbyters Probationer or Ordained Methodist Ministers (including the Superintendent) 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
22