2025-08-31-accounts

THE METHODIST CHURCH

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS for the year ended 31 August 2025

Registered Charity number 1139091

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT

CONTENTS

Page

2. Administrative Information

3. Trustees’ Annual Report

8. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities

9. Auditor’s Report

12. Statement of Financial Activities

13. Comparative Statement of Financial Activities

14. Balance Sheet

15. Cash Flow Statement

16. Notes to the Financial Statements

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Registered Charity Registration number

Presbyters Hall, Rev'd. H Richard ** Armold, Rev'd Paul ** (until 37.8.25) Cooper, Rev'd Shalome M ** Hargreaves, Rev'd Denise (from 1.9.25)

1139091 Heinz, Rev'd George Skitt, Rev'd Julia** Summers Rev'd P Woodley, Deacon G. Carys

Circuit Stewards

Davies, Mrs A Evans, Mrs NC ** Gwatkin, John B

Circuit Treasurer

Eccleshall, Mr David **

Other Trustees Bache, Mrs J (until 31.12.24) Bayliss, G Mr (until 6.2.25) Birch, Mrs Jean (until 31.12.24) Biseker, Rev'd Frances C Blanchard, Mr J. Bradley Ms Lynne Brightwell, N Mr Burnham, Mr Paul Cartwright, Mrs G Chesworth. Rev'd J Chidiow, Miss J {until 6.2.25) Chrimes,Mrs Rosemary (from 20.3.25) Cockayne, Mrs A C Davies, Mrs Dorothy Dorsett, Mrs J Dutton Mr AD Dutton, Mr David C. Edlington, Mr Keith Edwards, Mrs PA Evans, Mrs E J (from 11.9.24) Faulkner, Mrs Christine Gibbon, Mrs J P Gilbride Mrs Linda Gwatkin, Mr David B Gwatkin, Mrs Jean Hallworth, Mr Michael J. Harmer, Mr Philip W Harrison-Koring Mrs R (until 9.1.25) Heyes, Mrs Zena Hayward, Mrs Cherry Heard, Mr Nicholas Heard, Mrs Susan Holt, Mrs Heather M. Hill, Robert (from 2.7.25) Huband, Rev’d, William Jackson, Mrs June (Until 6.2.25) Jennings, Mr C P Johnson, Mr Paul Jones, Mrs Dilys Jackson, Mr Kenneth (from 10.2.25) Jones, Mr JC (until 6.2.25) Jones, Mrs Sylvia M Jones, Mr Haydn (until 17.11.24)

Hailworth, Mrs B Knowles, Mrs V A ** Threadgold, Mrs A

Kennett, Mr Christopher Kennett, Mrs Mary (until 24.4.25) Killick, Mrs RY Knight, Mrs E R Knight, Mr M Lammie, Mrs Susan Leighton, Mrs Victoria Lewis, Mrs EA Lewis, Mrs Sandra M Littlehales, Ms V J Macinally, Rev'd S Maskell, Mrs Ruth Mathews, Miss Susan ** Moores, Mrs L Morrison, Mrs Patricia O'Connell. Ms S Owens, Mrs Lynne P Pickard Rev'd D (until 28.6.25) Pitchford Miss LM Price, Miss Heather G. Pritchard, Mrs Catherine M Pritchard, Mrs E (until 25.8.25) Purcell, Mr Phillip (from 17.12.24) Rees, Miss M Richardson, Rev'd Neil Roberts, Mr Barry Roberts, Mrs Doris Saimon, Mrs H H Schofield, Miss J Sheehy, Mrs V Shepherd, Mrs Heather Skaife, Mr lan (from 28.5.25) Smith, David Mr Snow, Mrs Beryl Taylor, Mrs S Thomas, Mr Stephen Thomas, Mrs Vivienne Turner, Mrs MC Vaughan, Mrs Judith Wise, Mrs Barbara Wood, Mrs Margaret O. Wright Mrs E Margaret Wright Mrs

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Weller, Mrs Olwen White Mr Henry E G Wilford, Mrs B Williams, Mr Adrian J **

Williams, Mrs Jean (until 13.4.25) Williams, Mrs Joyce Williams, Mrs S E (until 3.7.25) Wilson, Mrs J (until 13.12.24)

Contact

Shropshire and Marches Methodist Circuit, The Methodist Centre, Lansdowne Road, Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury, SY3 OHZ

Governing Document Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)

The Circuit is the primary unit within the Methodist Church in which Local Churches express and experience their interconnexion in the Body of Christ, for purposes of mission, mutual encouragement and help. It is constituted in accordance with Standing Orders set down in the Constitutional Practice & Discipline of the Methodist Church [C P D] that is updated each year by the Methodist Conference. The full C P D is available to view on the Methodist Church website via the following link: https:/Avwww.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/governance/cpd. The Circuit Meeting is the appointed authority for the management of the Circuit and its constitution and composition is dictated by the terms laid down in Standing Orders within the C P D. The basis on which Churches are represented by Trustees is there too and the process ensures that each has a voice. The meeting is chaired by the Superintendent Minister who is effectively the Chief Executive Officer of the Circuit. The basis of decision making within the Circuit Meeting is set down within the C P D. The day to day operation of the Circuit is delegated to an Executive Committee which is also chaired by the Superintendent Minister. This Committee is constituted in a way that allows representation from Presbyteral and Lay individuals who are also drawn from across the Circuit geographically. The members of this Committee have been identified in the list of Trustees that appears earlier in this document.

Should advice and guidance be required this is available within the Connexional structure of the Methodist Church either from the Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District or from the central Connexional Offices and Officials. Where it is appropriate and necessary reference is made to qualified Professionals. Financial and legal guidance is, where required, also available from the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes.

REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31st August 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)” (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Shropshire & Marches Methodist Circuit is an unincorporated charity, registered with the Charity Commission.

Trustees are not ‘recruited’ in the generally accepted sense. They are appointed to the Circuit Meeting in accordance with the requirements set down in the C P D. These include the basis on which each Church is represented at the Circuit Meeting. Whilst no formal training is in place the responsibilities of Trustees undertaking the role is communicated to them when they are first appointed. They have access to The Methodist Church website via https:/Avwww.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/office-holders/managing-trustees. This site is updated regularly.

In addition, Trustees are able to view various Charity Commission documents through the following links: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essentialtrustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do & https:/Avww.charitygovemancecode.org/en

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

OBJECTS OF THE CHARITY

The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of Union the

advancement of-— (a) the Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church; (b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church ; (c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church ; (d)} any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church’

REVIEW OF ACTIVITIES

In designing and monitoring the Charity's activities, the Trustees have paid due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit. The review of activities in the following sections demonstrates how the Charity has provided benefit directly to the individual churches in the Circuit and thereby to the congregations of those churches and other sections of the community in the area.

General Review

2024/25 was another year of significant challenge and reflection for the Circuit, with renewed focus on clarifying our mission and future direction. Across the year there was strong agreement that the heart of the church is its people rather than its buildings, and that our resources should increasingly support mission and outreach. It has been agreed that a greater proportion of income from property sales should be directed towards this aim with work being undertaken to establish specific priorities. Innovative projects such as the Mobile Outreach Trailer and the Borderland Rural Chaplaincy continue to demonstrate what mission can look like in our rural context, and online worship through Zoom and onlinechajel.uk is now an established part of our ministry.

The year also brought several staffing changes, including the arrival of Rev'd Phil Summers, the retirement of Revd Paul Arnold, the long-term illness of Rev'd Shalome MacNeill Cooper, and the Circuit's decision to seek an extension for Rev'd Richard Hall’s ministry. There will be a process to find a replacement minister for Rev Julia, following her intention to move on in 2026.

Membership trends continue to present difficulties, with a shortage of volunteers, an ageing profile, and limited capacity for some ministries, particularly Holy Communion. Nevertheless, valuable connections with younger families remain, including through the Mobile Outreach Trailer, Toddler groups, and early-years provision.

Financially, the Circuit remains under some pressure. Although reserves are heaithy due to property sales, day-today income does not meet expenditure. While using capital to support ministry is not sustainable indefinitely, it was recognised that achieving a balanced budget by cutting mission and ministry would be contrary to our calling.

The Circuit also made substantial progress on property reconfiguration, with several churches merging to form stronger multi-site congregations. These changes reflect a deliberate shift away from maintaining numerous buildings and towards sustaining a more flexible, mission-focused Circuit.

Overall, 2024/25 was marked by honest assessment, difficult decisions, and a shared commitment to shaping a Circuit fit for the future—one that prioritises mission, supports its people, and uses its resources wisely for the work of God.

Post Balance Sheet Event

With Effect from 1 September 2025 the circuit is a member ofthe newly created west midlands district of the Methodist church. The district has been established by a merger of Birmingham District and Wolverhampton & Shrewsbury District.

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

FINANCIAL REPORT

Generai Fund.

The overall position reveals a net deficit of £263,958 and this shortfall has been covered by transfers from the Circuit Model Trust Fund of £ 271,981

Income from Churches by way of assessment was only marginally short of the budget but transfers from Circuit Model Trust Fund were somewhat more than expected principally to cover costs incurred in connection with properties in the course of being sold. The amounts involved have been and will be recovered from the net proceeds of sale.

Circuit Model Trust Fund.

The fund has benefited from the disposal of seven Properties during the year. The net proceeds amounted to c £ 992,000 from which was deducted the Connexional Levy totalling c £ 238,000. This left c £ 754,000 available to the Circuit for its ongoing work.

Transfers totalling £ 271,981 have been made to the Circuit to cover certain specific costs and to provide general support. The annual District levy based on the balance held at the beginning of the year has been paid £55,848 (2024 — £21,649). This payment is our direct contribution to the work of the District and is used with allotted Connexional funds to provide grant support to Churches and Circuits within the District for approved projects. This Circuit received no grants during the year from the District (2024 - £ NIL).

A payment of £ 20,440 has been made to the District as a contribution to the employment costs of the District Agricultural Chaplain who is based within the Circuit.

Grants made available to Churches are specified in Note 10 of the Accounts.

The closing value of £ 1,400,007 is held as a reserve for the future work and development of the Circuit as indicated in the Reserve Policy Statement.

Endowment Funds.

Only minimal activity has occurred on these funds during the year in accordance with the inbuilt restrictions

Overall position.

Although the underlying financial position remains sound, it continues to be necessary to support the ongoing work of the Circuit from reserves. The challenge of balancing the cost of providing Ministerial leadership across such a wide geographical area within which are many small chapels and churches is immense. Fresh approaches are constantly being considered and implemented where potential is identified.

It is the case that all our Churches find it increasingly more difficult to balance their books.

Properties — Manses and redundant Churches— continue ta be sold as opportunities arise and the proceeds provide the wherewithal to maintain a significant involvement in the mainly rural communities that make up the Circuit. Executive Committee is constantly aware of the need to manage the financial position in a positive but careful manner thus seeking to ensure that the future work of this Methedist Church is not in doubt.

Aims

• Our aim is twofold: e Tosecure and sustain the Circuit's viability and future. e To give reassurance to the general public that the Circuit, which is a charity, intends to use ail of the money coming into its care for the purposes of the charity.

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT

ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

PROCESS

Mission Policy

A revised Mission Policy was approved by the Circuit Meeting on 20 June 2022. It reads as follows:

• ‘Our mission is to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbour as ourselves by the power of the Holy Spirit in our large and rural community. With God’s help we aim to: ¢ be aware of the differing needs of all our congregations and be prepared to adapt in order to offer mutual nurture and support

• e be aware of the needs of our Ministers, Lay workers and Local preachers and encourage them in their calling and mission

• e be aware of the needs of our local neighbourhoods and be witnesses for Jesus Christ within them * accept our responsibility towards the natural world by consciously caring for God's creation e be vocal in our commitment to inclusivity, ensuring our churches are places where all are welcome regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or any other issue which might be considered a barrier

• so that we may unite as a Circuit in enabling the worship of God, and be a toving, effective and constantly evolving Methodist presence in our communities.’

• Financial Plans. » The Circuit Assessment required to be paid by the individual Churches is reviewed annually and the income generated this year covered approximately 55% of the costs of the Circuit. The contribution made by each church is arrived at by having regard to the overall size of its membership and its ability to pay.

• » We make provision for a property maintenance programme for the Manses occupied by the Ministers by designating a sum agreed by the Circuit Meeting each year for this purpose. We also have regard to the longer term need arising from local inspections and Quinquennial reports and where necessary provide additional funds for these identified purposes.

• e The Circuit Fund (Unrestricted General Fund). Balance at the yearend excluding property and plant & machinery was £ 548,465 although this balance does include c £184,000 proceeds from a property sale that is held in suspense at the moment [See Note 21]. Under Standing Orders the Circuit must meet its financial obligations in relation to the support of its Ministers and the maintenance of the manses. Total costs for the last financial year were in the region of £720,000.

• • The Reserves Policy is to hold the equivalent of at least six months’ expenditure in hand t.e. £ 360,000; so the present figure meets that criterion.

• e Within the Circuit there are a large number of smaller Churches many of whom are struggling to meet their financial obligations including their commitment to Circuit finances. This situation places continuing pressure on the Circuit and, as is evident from the Accounts a substantial transfer has been required from reserves again to counter an operating shortfall. This position is constantly under review.

Circuit Model Trust Fund [CMTF].

The value at the yearend was £ 1,400.007 (2024 £ 956,337). This fund derives from sales of churches and chapels and other property and whereas this used to be a restricted fund it is now unrestricted. Although the fund can be used for a variety of purposes there are guidelines set down by the Connexion that need to be respected as well as the principles agreed by the Circuit Meeting.

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

Reserves Policy.

Qur Reserves Policy relates to our generat (unrestricted) funds which are freely available to be used for any or all of the purposes of the Circuit.

Other funds are also included for the sake of clarity and openness and to show that the Circuit has a policy for the management of all its money not simply those which are defined as reserves.

The Reserves Policy is to hold the equivalent of at teast six months’ expenditure in hand.

The Charity Commission has agreed that it is appropriate for the Trustees to set a policy for the management of this fund and that policy is set out below:

A proportion of the money held in the CMTF has been earmarked by the Trustees for the following purposes:

• e Contribution to the employment costs of lay employees within the Circuit of £ 53,000 for 2025/26.

• e General support of Circuit activities whilst it continues its ongoing review of the way in which its presbyters, lay workers and members pursue its mission policy. £226,000 is the budgeted amount for 2025/26 with a continuing recognition that support at this level and beyond cannot be sustained indefinitely.

• e Gircuit Meeting has provided financial support to the District for a number of years as a contribution towards the employment costs of the Agricultural Chaplaincy. A contribution of £ 20,440 has been made in 2023/24 and a commitment (agreed by Circuit Meeting) is in place to increase this in line with inflation in 2025/26.

• e Support for projects within individual churches — whether for property schemes or for mission ~ based on the principle that only 10% of cost will be provided by the Circuit in the normal course but larger amounts can be made available dependent upon the project details and the underlying objectives.

The balance is maintained to support the Circuit in achieving its objectives.

RISK ASSESSMENT

The Trustees acknowledge that there are areas of Risk within the Circuit, the principal ones being as follows:

• e Financial Position — The Circuit continues to operate with a significant shortfall that is counterbalanced by transfers from reserves. These are bolstered from time to time by the disposal of churches and chapels that have ceased to meet for worship and so have closed..

• The majority are under increasing financial pressure and so their contribution to the Circuit finances is Precariously balanced especially in the current difficult economic climate. It is also the case that the age profile of the membership is increasing and this accelerates the existential and financial vulnerability However, each of the Churches/Chapels has a value and so when closed each of them realises at least a modest sum which tends to replenish reserves. As has been said many times before, such a policy cannot be sustained over the long term. The members of the Executive Committee are constantly aware of this and continue to seek a solution that could be the basis of growth in the future. As indicated earlier in these Accounts a fresh look is being taken of the manner in which some of our substantial reserves may be invested in projects which, in time, may generate growth in membership and allow us to achieve our stated objectives.

• » Property - Directly, the Circuit includes within its Annual Accounts the properties occupied by its Ministers even though the title is actually vested in the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes. When Churches ‘cease to meet’ i.e.do not open for worship, responsibility for their maintenance reverts to the Circuit whilst arrangements are made for the property to be sold. Whilst always susceptible to the movement in the domestic property market, it is envisaged that the majority of properties ‘owned’ will not be disposed of in the foreseeable future and so the risk of loss of capital is not considered to be great.

• e Safeguarding — The aim of the Methodist Church Safeguarding policy is ‘to create Christian communities of love and care, where good practice in this area becomes a way of life.’ A handbook is made available to each Church and information is disseminated through Districts and Circuits via training and publications. Each Church has a nominated Safeguarding Officer and a policy agreed by its Church Council. The Circuit has responsibility for the overview of the Churches within its area.

• e Key positions — Within the Circuit there are key positions held by lay members of the Methodist Church who act on a voluntary unpaid basis. Principal among these are Circuit Stewards who represent different geographicai parts of the Circuit, a team of people who are responsible for overseeing all matters in 7

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

connection with Circuit property and the Circuit Treasurer who is accountable to the Circuit Meeting Trustees for all financial matters relating to the Circuit. The Executive Committee is aware of the dangers of having too much reliance on any one individual either for a significant part of the work or for a period that is unreasonably long. The Methodist Church policy is that in the normal course no officer should occupy a post for more than six years and so succession is an issue constantly under review and discussion.

Endowment Funds.

At the year end the following was the balance on these funds:

• e Endowment Funds, including Trusts domiciled with Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes £3,284 (2024: £3,278).

The income arising on these funds and the capital involved is available only for the various purposes originally designated.

STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES:

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• e select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• e observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgments and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• e state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements, and

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed/constitution. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees’ report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Rev H Richard Hall Superintendent Minister

Date 257 12-292¢

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR TO 31 AUGUST 2025

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of Shropshire & Marches Methodist Circuit (the “Charity”) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance sheet, the Statement of Cash flows and the notes to the financial statements, including a summary of significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102: The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of freland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

• e give a true and fair view of the state of the Charity’s affairs as at 31 August 2025 and of its incoming resources and application of resources for the year then ended;

• e have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice;

• e have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the association's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

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

Other information

The trustees are responsible for the other information. The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether there is a material misstatement in the financial statements or a material misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT IN RESPECT OF THEYEAR TO 31 AUGUST 2025 _

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if in our opinion:

• the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the trustees’ report; or

• e sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or «the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or e we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of trustees’ responsibilities, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as they determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the Charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations

We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. There were no specific legal or regulatory frameworks identified.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:

We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework applicable to the charity and the sector in which it operates, and considered the risk of acts by the charity that were contrary to applicable laws and regulations, including fraud.

We designed audit procedures to respond to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through collusion.

We focussed on laws and regulations which could give rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements, including, but not limited to, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities SORP: FRS 102. Our tests included agreeing the financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation and enquiries with management.

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INDEPENDENT AUDITORS’ REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT IN RESPECT OF THE YEAR TO 31 AUGUST 2025

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described above and, the further removed noncompliance with laws and regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it.

As in all our audits, we also addressed the risk of management override of internal controls, including testing journals and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the trustees that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

We did not identify any key audit matters relating to irregularities, including fraud.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council's website at: http:/Awww.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Other matters

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared financial statements in accordance with “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)” (as amended) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn.

This has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with current Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a body, in accordance with part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity's trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditors’ report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity's trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

MRS STACEY LEA FCA DYKE YAXLEY LIMITED CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS AND STATUTORY AUDITORS

1 BRASSEY ROAD OLD POTTS WAY SHREWSBURY SY3 7FA

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SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

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|||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |General Fund ||Circuit Model| |(Unrestricted)|||Trust Fund|Restricted|||[Endowment]|Totals this|Totals| |(Unrestricted)|Funds|Funds|year|2024| |£|£|£|£|£|£| |Income|and|endowments| |Assessment or share|r|||4006575,|||||«||400,575]|417,924||| |Capital|receipts|2|||60]|902795;|||«||992,255 ||1,106,989||| |Interest and Investment Income|[||—-23,287||52,181)|sid] S||75,487]|56,908||| |Grants|Se|as See|EE,|| (ee|eee| |Lettings|es|NSYT7-9)| |Other income|4|||33309f|||||Sd|83,309]|857,922||| |Total Income||| 457,231 ||1,044,326;|-|||—«69||4,501,626|||1,626,968||| |Expenditure| |Pension costs|5|456,338|456,338|454,047| |District assessment|T4405 |CSCC‘!14|OTS|191,432||| |Admin,|Telephone & Travel|6|||33,820)|2799)|||41)|36,630]|40,837||| |Insurance,|Utilities|etc|7||.34180|||||S|C—C~idC|8|1B]|83,504||| |Maintenance on Manses|r——t 712]|||||7 t82T|15,737||| |property|33,524|18,413| |Other expenditure|9|||14655)|||||58]|14,713|||15,229||| |Grants and|Donations|"40. ||10,775||270028;|||(||—-280,803||345,876||| |Fund|65,848|55,848|21,469| |Governance costs|a|||e400;|||||«i|8400]|6,000| |Depreciation|43.||.|114,300;|||||Sd|14300 ||11,001||| |Total|Expenditure|||724,189||328,675)|-|||S69]|1,049,933|||1,073,545||| |Net|incomel|(expenditure)||||(263,958))|745,651,|~~]|+|=||459,603|553,423 || |Transfers between funds|]_ 974981]|a7tgaty)SC| |Property value movement|43,1417,|28,000;|||||i|28,000]|(797,000)| |(Unrealised)|(4,970)|4,964| |Net Movement|in funds|||34,053||443,670,|-|||CG|||474,729|||247,785||| |Reconciliation|of|Funds|.| |Total funds|brought forward|r]3,283,004|956337]|-|||3278]|4,243,519|4,491,305||| |at end of|year|14,400,007|4,718,248|

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12

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |General Fund|||Circuit Model| |(Unrestricted)|||Trust Fund|Restricted|Endowment|Totals| |(Unrestricted}|Funds|Funds|2024| |£|£|£|£|£| |Income|and endowments| |Assessment or share|||4rg2ay|PC|47,924| |Capital|receipts|||2 ||7e6)~—s1,406,203]||||||‘,|106,989| |Interest and Investment Income|[||25,476]|37,400]|-|||82]|6,908)| |Grants|es| |Lettings|es|7.)7ee|eee| |Other Income|||4|||37g22,|||CC|8922 || |Tata! Income|||489,273)1,137,603];||C982]|1,626,968)| |Expenditure| |Expenditure|on|charitable|activities| |Pension|costs|454,047|454,047| |District assessment|||at agap11,42,| |Admin, Telephone| |Insurance,|Utilities etc& Travel|76||||33504)39680)|1,148,-|PC-|||988,50440,837)| |Maintenance on Manses|||45,737)|Ce|dT|85,737| |property|18,413| |Other expenditure|9|||15146)|||83}|15,29)| |Grants and Donations||10|||5,900]|~—S|339976,|-|||CC|||885,876| |Fund|21,469|21,469| |Governance costs|a|||6o0o,|PCC KC|«6,000| |Depreciation|/|13|||4400)|||1,007,| |Total Expenditure||||740,860|362,593)|-|||92]|1,073,545)| |INetIncome/ (expenditure)|||||——s(22t,587)||775,070,|=;|||||853,423)| |Transfers|between funds||||223,850]|(223.850)|- || |Property value movement|'43,14,17|(797,000)|||CC|| CC -|||797,000)| |(Unrealised)|(4,904)|235|(4,209)| |Net Movement in funds||||(799,644),|551,620)|-|||285]|(27,786)| |Reconciliation|of Funds| |Total funds|brought forward|[d)SC«4 083,545]|404,717)|||8,043)|4,491,305)| |at end|of|year|3,283,904|956,337|3,278|

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13

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025

:

i

||General Fund | CircuitModel
Other
|Endowment
(Unrestricted)
TrustFund
Funds
Funds
Totals
(Unrestricted)
(Restricted)
thisyear||Totals
2024| |---|---|---|---| ||£
£
£
£
£||£| |Fixed Assets
Manses etc
PlantandMachinery
Properties heldasinvestment
Investments
TotalFixedAssets|1,871,792;
°°#4|
|
4,871,792 |
22,700;
|
+i|
i|
—22,00)
a4).
SS,
—SYS
a5|
16457;
—C‘YYC
828
19,741
|
4,990,949;
- |
- |
3284)
1,914,233||1,871,792
34,000 |
___d
24,704
1,930,496|| |CurrentAssets
Debtorsand Prepayments|37,145)5000)
|
|
42,145||178,684| |Central Finance Board and|||| |Trustees for Methodist Church
Purposesdeposits etc
Properties heldforsale
Cash atBankand inhand
TotalCurrentAssets|572,412
41,395,007
1,967,419
872,000;
|
872,000
| |
4,076)
#+|
|
14,076
||
1,495,633
4,400,007,
- |«|
2,895,640 |||11,125
2,459,048| |Liabilities
Creditorsfallingduewithinone year
NetCurrentAssets|18
91,625
CSC
94,625|
146,025 |
Eee
1,404,008
41,400007;
- |
- |
2,804,015 |2,313,023|||| |current liabilities|3,314,957
1,400,007
4,718,248||| |Funds ofthecharit
GeneralFund(Unrestricted)
19 |
3314957)
|||
3,314,957 | 3,283,905
CircuitMode!TrustFund(Unrestricted)| 19|
——s| =~ .400,007|
|
|1,400,007|
956,337
Otherfunds(Restricted)
esee
EndowmentFunds
19).
|
SdiY——C |
8284]
3,284 |
3,278
TotalFunds
3,314,957
1,400,007/
- |
3,284,4,718,248|
4,243,519|||| |TheaccountsonPages 14to25 wereapproved bythe Board ofTrusteesandsignedon theirbehalfby:|||| |JAW
|
LYWV~ALEG
hk,
RevH Richard Hall
David Eccleshall|||| |SuperintendentMinister|CircuitTreasurer||| |Date16(>7207S|Date2¥-j2-2ory|||

14

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT STATEMENT OF CASHFLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

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Note 2025 2024
Net cash (used) / generated in operating activities 20 (1,064,731) (1,157,434)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Interest and dividends 75,487 56,908
Receipts from sale of tangible fixed assets 992,195 1,106,989
Payments from purchase of tangible fixed assets - -
Net cash provided by investing activities 1,067,682 1,163,897
Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year 2,95% 6,463
Cash and cash equivalents brought forward 41,125 4,662
Cash and cash equivalents carried forward 14,076 11,125
----- End of picture text -----

15

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTSFOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST[2025]

1 Accounting Policies

a) Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102)° (as amended for accounting periods commencing from 1 January 2019).

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant notes to these accounts

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concer.

b) Funds structure

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 Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose and Endowment funds which represent gifts, the capital normally being unavailable for spending, and the income from which is either Restricted or Unrestricted. Details of each material fund are disclosed in note 19 to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.

c) Income recognition

income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount

Grants are recognised on receipt unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount.

Capital receipts are recognised when the charity is entitled to the income.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

Investment income is recognised on receipt of the income.

d) Expenditure recognition

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

e) Allocation of governance costs

Administration expenses of the charity relate to the costs of running the Charity, such as insurance, accountancy fees and costs of statutory compliance, and include any costs which cannot be specifically attributed to another expenditure classification. See note 11 for basis of allocation

f) Charitable activities

The Shropshire & Marches Methodist Circuit exists to encourage and support the ministry and mission of all the churches in its care. Any expenditure specifically to achieve these objects is included in direct charitable expenditure.

16

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

g} Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit

Tangible fixed assets are capitalised at cost if they can be used for more than one year, and cost at least £1,000. Provision is made for depreciation where appropriate.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Manses etc. etc.

Manses etc. etc. Not depreciated Plant and Machinery 25% straight line

Properties used for the purposes of the charity are included in the Circuit's accounts when responsibility for maintenance etc. rests with the Circuit.

They are valued at cost or a reasonable value on receipt. Where cost is not available, the Circuit Meeting has estimated the buildings’ current value to the circuit, based on insurance values and taking account of the fact that cover will be based on demolition and reinstating the current building and not the original cost less accumulated depreciation.

When properties are sold, the Connexion is entitled to levy a proportion of the proceeds and therefore, when the decision is made to sell a property, the book value is adjusted to reflect the expected realisable value, net of levies and any other selling costs.

h) Investment Properties

investment property, which is property held to earn rentals and/or for capital appreciation, is measured using the fair value model and stated at its fair value at the reporting end date. The surplus or deficit on revaluation is recognised in net income/ (expenditure) for the year.

i) Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

j) Realised gains and losses

All gains and losses are taken to the Statement of Financial Activities as they arise. Realised gains and losses on investments are calculated as the difference between sales proceeds and their opening carrying value ortheir purchase value if acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and josses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value. Realised and unrealised investment gains and losses are combined in the Statement of Financial Activities.

k) Basic Financial Assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

• 1) Basic Financial Liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors are initially recognised at transaction price. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

m) Pensions

Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged as an expense as they fall due.

17

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

EEE

----- Start of picture text -----
2 Capital Receipts comprise the following Unrestricted funds
General Circuit Model 2025 2024
Trust Total Total
£ £ £ £
Balances and asset sale proceeds from Manses and closed churches - 786
Sale of Minsterley Manse 300,606 300,606 -
Sale of Asterley Chapel 52,076 52,076 -
Sale of Maesbrook Chapel 114,798 114,798 -
Sale of Shobdon Chapel 141,865 141,865 -
Sale of Leintwardine cottage 123,860 123,860 -
Sale of Northwood Chapel 128,312 128,312 -
Sale of Builth Wells Church 130,678 130,678 -
Sale of Chirk Bank Chapel - - 201,826
Sale of Eardisley Chapet - - 61,508
Sale of Ruyton X1 Towns Manse - - 318,251
Sale of Wattlesborough Chapel - - 136,794
Sale of Knolton Cottage - - 182,432
Sale of Green Chapel - - 58,518
Sale of Cleobury Mortimer Church - - 146,874
7 - 992,195 992,195 | 1,106,989
3 Grants 2025 2024
- -
4 Other income Unrestricted funds
General Circuit Model 2025 2024
Trust Total Total
£ £ £ £
Employment cost of Administrator at Ludlow office has been financed 24,636 24,636 22,686
by Ludlow Methodist Church and Hands Together Ludlow
Various sources towards employment of Pastoral Worker 5,794 5,794 §,265
Other 2,879 2,879 9,971
37,922
5 Staff costs Salaries National Pension Apprenticeship 2025 2024
Insurance Levy Total Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Ministerial 240,200 25,445 46,468 1,201 313,314 325,412
Lay employees 127,150 9,823 5,416 635 143,024 128,635
367,350.00 35,268.00 51,884.00 1,836.00 456,338.00 454,047
The average number of employees during the year was 16 (2024 - 17) with all employee time involved in providing support services to
charitable activities. All the Ministers are Trustees of the Circuit but stipends relate solely to their duties as Ministers.
The Charity considers its key management personnel comprises the members of the executive committee. The total employment
benefits including employer pension contributions of key management personnel were £170,195 (2024 - £164,364). No employees had
employee benefits in excess of £60,000 (2024 - none).
6 Telephone& Travel .
including Administration Unrestricted Circuit Model Restricted Endowment 2025 2024
Trust Fund Totai Total
£ £ £ £ £ £
Ministerial Travel 15,964 15,964 46,581
Supernumerary Travel 1,512 1,512 1,678
Lay Travel 5,662 5,662 6,030
Telephone - Ministers & Office §,209 5,209 9,944
Other administration 5,473 2,799 8,272 6,604
33,820.00 2,799.00 - - 36,619.00 40,837
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18

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

|7|Insurance, UtilitiesonoccupiedManses|Unrestricted|CircuitModel
TrustFund|CircuitModel
TrustFund|Restricted|Endowment|2025
Total||||2024
Total| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |||£|£||£|£|£|||£| ||Insurance
CouncilTax
Water rates|6,847
20,384
3,949|||||§,847
20,384
3,949|||7,017
22,568
3,919| |||31,180||-|-|-|31,180|||33,504| ||||Unrestricted||CircuitModel|Restricted|2025|||2024| |8|Exoenditureon otherCircuitProperty||||TrustFund||Total|||Total| ||||£||£|£|£|||£| ||OtherManses eitherunoccupied and forsale|||2,451|||2,451|||2,342| ||Otherpropertiesawaiting saleorsold|||25,269|||25,269|||13,933| ||Manse foroccupation by Minister|||5,474|||5,474|||-| ||CteoburyMortimer MethodistChurch premises|||0|||-|||2,000| ||Other|||330|||330|||138| |||||33,524|-|-|33,524|||18,413| ||||||||2025|}||2024| |$|Otherexpenditure
Presbyteral relocation allowances
Removal casts
SupemumeraryMinisters‘Fees||Unrestricted
£
600
2,868
4,080||CMTF|Endowment
£|Total
£
600
2,868
4,080||
|||Total
£
600
3,300
4,305| ||Bayston Hill Church for officeaccommodation
Worship Materials|||1,025
1,751||58|1,025
1,809|||840
1,844| ||Other incZoom related costs|||4,331|||4,331|||4,340| |||||14,655|-|58|14,713|||15,229| |10|Grantsand Donations||||Unrestricted|Circuit Model|2025|||2024| |||||||TrustFund|Total|||Total| ||||||£|£|£|||£| ||Connexional levy paid on sales& Grantsmade||||||-|||-| ||Levies|||||||||| ||Chirk Bank||||||-|||56,730| ||Eardisley
RuytonX1 Towns||||||-
-|||8,302
103,300| ||Wattlesborough
Knolton Cottage||||||-
-|||30,717
48,973| ||Green
MinsterieyManse|||||96,243|-
96,243|||7,704| ||AsterleyChapel|||||6,415|6,415|||| ||Maesbrook Chapel|||||21,919|21,919|||| ||Shobdon Chapel
LeintwardineCottage|||||32,746
25,544|32,746
25,544|||| ||Northwood Chapel|||||27,325|27,325|||| ||Buith WellsChurch|||||28,271|28,271|||| ||Grants made||||||-|||| ||Cleobury Mortimer
Bishops Castle MethodistChurch|||||5,000|-
5,000|||34,750
17,000| ||Welsh End Methadist Church||||||-|||5,000| ||Melville MethodistChurch||||||-|||7,500| ||DistrictAgricultural Chaplaincy|||||20,440|20,440|||20,000| ||St. Mary's Youth Project, Cleobury Mortimer **
HerefordshireChurches Together
ReaValleyChurches ( Refund in2024)||||400|5,000|-
400
5,000|||6,000
400
(500)| ||GravenArms|||||1,125|1,125|||| ||Chirk
Sundry||||10,000
375
10,775|270,028|10,000
375
280,803|||345,876|

** This amount is retumed to the Circuit as rental for the premises and is included in income received. The premises have now been sold to the lessee

19

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Sei ee

11 Analysis of support and governance costs

----- Start of picture text -----
||||| |---|---|---|---| |Support|Governance|2025|2024| |Auditors|remuneration|8,400|6,000| |-|-|8,400|6,000|

----- End of picture text -----

The total included in auditors remuneration relates to the audit and no other services are provided.

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |12|Payments to Trustees| |Number|of Trustees who were paid expenses|excluding|Presbyters|20259|||20246| |and|employed|lay|staff| |2025|2024| |Nature of the expenses|£|£| |Supernumerary Fees and Travel|expenses|3,609|3,975| |Lay Travel and expenses|excluding|costs|reimbursed|1,584|1,046| |Total amount|paid|5,193|5,021|

----- End of picture text -----

During the year £769 (2024: £610) was paid to 2 trustees ( 2024 - 1 Trustee) for carrying out PAT testing. This amount includes both mileage and labour cosis.

None of the Trustees received any remuneration in the year for their services as Trustees.

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |43|Tangible|Fixed Assets|Manses|Plant and|Total| |machinery| |£|£|£| |Cost| |Balance brought forward|1,871,792|45,001|1,916,793| |Additions|-| |Transfers|to|/ from|properties|held|for|sale|-| |Balance|carried|forward|1,871,792|45,001|1,916,793| |Depreciation| |Balance|brought forward|11,001|11,001| |Depreciation charged|in the period|11,300|11,300| |Balance|carried|forward|:|22,301|22,301| |Net|book|value| |31|August 2025|1,871,792|22,700|1,894,492| |31|August 2024|1,871,792|34,000|1,905,792|

----- End of picture text -----

20

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

14	Investment properties			2025	2024
				£	£
	Balance broughtforward			-	610,000
	Additions			-	:
	TransferfromTangible Fixed Assets			-	-
	Transferto propertiesforsale			-	(610,000)
	Revaluations			-	-
	Balance carried forward			-	-
	The investmentpropertieswerevalued by independentvaluerswith relevant professional				qualifications.
	Minsterleyand Overton properties are valued on the basis ofopen		market value in accordancewith
	Institute ofChartered Surveyors.
15	Fixed Asset investments
		Listed		Unlisted
		investments		investments	Total
		£		£	£
	Marketvalue
	Balance broughtforward	20,641		4,063	24,704
	Add net gainon revaluation	(4,970)		7	(4,963)
	Sale proceeds		-	-	_-
	Balance carried forward	15,671		4,070	19,741
	Netbook value
	31 August2025	15,671		4,070	19,741
	31August2024	20,641		4,063	24,704

The investment properties were valued by independent valuers with relevant professional qualifications. Minsterley and Overton properties are valued on the basis of open market value in accordance with The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.

All investments are carried at their fair value. Investment in equities and fixed interest securities are all traded in quoted public markets, primarily the London Stock Exchange. Holdings in common investment funds, unit trusts and open-ended investment companies are at the bid price. The basis of fair value for quoted investments is equivalent to the market value, using the bid price. Asset sales and purchases are recognised at the date of trade at cost (that is their transaction value).

16 Analysis of debtors and prepayments

----- Start of picture text -----
General Fund 2025 2024
£ £
Debtors 9,400 1,600
Prepayments 27,745 27,310
37,145 28,910
2025 2024
Circuit Model Trust Fund
Debtors 5,000 149,774
§,000 149,774
Total debtors and prepayments 42,145 178,684
----- End of picture text -----

21

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

on

----- Start of picture text -----
||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---| |17|Properties etc|held|for sale|2025|2024| |£|£| |Costivaluation| |Balance|brought forward|844,000|757,000| |Additions|302,000|940,000| |Revaluations|(45,000}||(111,000)| |Disposals|(229,000}||(736,000)| |Balance carried forward|872,000|844,000|

----- End of picture text -----

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Net|book value| |31|August 2025|872,000| |31|August 2024|844,000| |Analysis|of current current|liabilities| |Creditors under 1|year|2025|2024| |£|£| |Audit fee|8,400|6,000| |Deferred|income|83,225|85,275| |Other creditors|[CMTF]|-|54,750| |91,625|146,025| |Deferred|income|comprises|of assesments|received|in advance|to the|period|that they|relate|to:| |Balance as|at|1|September 2024|85,275| |Amounts|released|to income|in the year|(85,275)| |Amounts deferred|in the year|83,225| |Balance|as|at|31|August 2025|83,225|

----- End of picture text -----

18 Analysis of current current liabilities

19 Analysis of charitable funds

Analysis of movements in unrestricted funds

----- Start of picture text -----
|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Balance|Income|Expenditure|Transfers|Galns and|Fund| |bifwd|losses|clfwd| |£|£|£|£|£|£| |General|3,283,904|457,231|(721,189)|271,981|23,030|3,314,957| |CMTF|956,337|1,044,326|(328,675)|(271,981)|-|4,400,007| |i4,240,241|1,501,557|(1,049,864)|-|23,030|4,714,964| |Analysis|of movements movements|in|unrestricted|funds - previous year - previous year previous year| |Balance|Income|Expenditure|Transfers|Gains and|Fund| |bifwd|losses|clfwd| |£|£|£|£|£|£| |General|4,083,545|489,273|(710,860)|223,850|(801,904}|3,283,904| |CMTF|404,717|1,137,603|(362,593)|(223,850)|460|956,337| |4,488,262|1,626,876|(1,073,453)|-|(801,444)|4,240,244|

----- End of picture text -----

Analysis of movements movements in unrestricted funds - previous year - previous year previous year

The unrestricted funds are available to be spent for any purposes of the charity.

22

SHROPSHIRE & MARCHES METHODIST CIRCUIT NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

19 Analysis of charitable funds - continued

Analysis of movements in endowment funds

Balance	Income	Income	Income	ExpenditureTransfers	ExpenditureTransfers	ExpenditureTransfers	Gainsand	Fund
EndowmentName bifwd							losses	cHfwd
£		£		£	£		£	£
Hazel J Price Gift 315			7		(7)	-	-	315
George Parion Bequest 4,983			42		(42)	-	4	1,987
MaryAnn Price Legacy 980			20		(20)	-	2	982
3,278			69		(69)	-	6	3,284
Analysis ofmovements in endowmentfunds -				previousyear
Balance	Income			ExpenditureTransfers			Gainsand	Fund
EndowmentName bifwd							losses	clfwd
£		£		£	£		£	£
Hazel J Price Gift 292			9		(9)	-	23	315
George Parton Bequest 1,841			56		(56)	-	142	4,983
MaryAnn PriceLegacy 910			27		(27)	-	70	980
3,043			92		(92)	-	235	3,278
All the endowmentfunds are invested	in CFB		Managed Mixed Fund and			the	income is used	forgeneral
circuit purposes.
Reconciliation ofnetmovements infunds	fundstocashflowfrom operating						activities
							2025	2024
Net movement infunds							474,729	(247,786)
Deduct interest incomeshown in investing		activities					(75,487)	(56,908)
Deduct receipts fromsale of tangiblefixed		assets					(992,195}
Add backdepreciation							11,300	11,001
Decrease{increase) indebtors							126,539	(143,157)
Increase (decrease) in creditors Loss /(Gain)on revaiuation of properties							(54,400) (28,000)	49,595 797,000
Loss /(Gain)on revaluation offixed assetinvestments							4,963	11,129
(Gain) /Losson revaluation ofcurrentasset	asset investments						(542,180)}	(471,319)
							(1,064,731)

20 Reconciliation of net movements in funds to cash flow from operating activities

21 Contingent liability relating to the potential claim over a sold estate

It continues to be the case that a third party may have a claim over an estate which was sold during 2018/2019 financial year end. This amount cannot be reliably measured therefore no accounting provision has been recognised in the accounts.

23