## Toll Gavel United Church Trustees Report 2024/2025 This report summarises the key activities, decisions, and progress of the Toll Gavel United Church Trustees from September 2024 to September 2025. It provides an overview of governance, service, evangelism, worship, learning, caring, and financial matters overseen by the Trustees. The Trustees, chaired by Fran Rhys, continue to provide governance and strategic direction for the church, ensuring that our mission and ministry serve the community effectively. ## **Trustees and Chair** Chair: Fran Rhys Trustees: Carolyn Nursey, Nigel Dykes, John Turner, Karen Smith (Secretary), Andrea Page, Colin Hogg, Janet Birt, Doreen Offen, David Powell ## **Governance and Strategic Oversight** Throughout the year, Trustees focused on strategic governance, overseeing church operations, and supporting mission-oriented initiatives. Key actions included reviewing policies, monitoring finances, property management, safeguarding, and planning for future leadership structures. ## **Mission and Vision** Trustees led the development of a refreshed Mission Statement: 'Toll Gavel United Church – Where faith, people and justice matter.' Workshops, including input from District advisors, helped establish this vision as part of wider plans for church growth and redevelopment. ## **Evangelism and Community Engagement** Significant progress was made in outreach, with the Faith, Space, Place Group (FSP) guiding redevelopment plans, including planning applications, funding applications, and community surveys. A Pioneer Pastor was appointed to lead initiatives under the 'New Place for New People' project. - Mission Statement : The mission statement has been redrafted and approved as: 'Toll Gavel United Church – Where faith, people and justice matter.' Work on this was led by Fran Rhys, with input from Trustees and members, and will be shared at the Congregational Meeting in October 2025. - Faith, Space, Place (FSP) Group : The FSP group continued work on the redevelopment project, including Heritage Lottery expression of interest, pre-planning applications, TMCP consents, and business plan preparations. Funding support from the District and Circuit has been secured to cover planning costs and professional fees. Trustee oversight ensured robust financial and project management. - New Place for New People (‘Rooted in Hope’) : A Pioneer Pastor was appointed and started in August 2025. Early engagement with young people’s groups has progressed positively. Trustees reviewed lone working policies and supported implementation. ## **Worship** Trustees supported stewards and volunteers in planning and delivering worship services, including Advent and Christmas activities, communion accessibility, and informal services trials. Property improvements supported the worship experience, including painting, repairs, and accessibility adaptations. - Property Management : The Property Team, including John Turner, Steve Green, and Martyn Page, have maintained church buildings and coordinated works including repainting, window repair, and ongoing maintenance. The team introduced safe access codes for uniformed groups and ensured health and safety compliance. - Stewards and Services : Changes in stewarding personnel were noted, and informal worship trials were held. Special services such as Advent and Christmas, as well as inclusive communion practices, were successfully implemented. - Coffee Morning Contributions : Funds collected through coffee mornings continue to be directed to Embrace charity. ## Service - Governance and Leadership : Trustees have continued to focus on strategic vision while delegating worship responsibilities to Stewards. Monthly and bi-monthly meetings, vision workshops, and use of discussion boards have improved communication and planning. - Stationing Update : Fran Rhys’s appointment extended to August 2028, with congregational feedback sought to support her ongoing ministry. - Financial Stewardship : Trustees reviewed accounts, maintained reserves, and monitored increased utility and pension costs. Workplace pension contributions have been adjusted in line with regulations. ## **Learning and Caring** Trustees promoted learning and pastoral care through safeguarding training, dementia awareness, and engagement with local Christian unity events. Health, safety, and first aid measures were monitored, with training opportunities supported. - Safeguarding : Trustees and volunteers completed required forms and attended training sessions. Policies were reviewed and updated to comply with Circuit and District standards. - Community Engagement and Events : Activities included Biblical Responses to Crisis events, Advent Retreat, Table Talk sessions, membership engagement meetings, Heritage Weekend, and Alzheimer’s Society roadshows. Participation and feedback were positive. - First Aid : Minor incidents were recorded and managed appropriately, ensuring safety across all church activities. ## **Financial Oversight** The Trustees maintained careful oversight of finances, including monitoring accounts, Gift Aid, income from rentals, grants, and reserves. Financial planning supported the redevelopment project and ensured sustainability in line with rising costs and obligations. ## Summary - The church maintained a surplus last year with a healthy balance on the church financial statement for year ending August 31. There were some exceptional incomes for the year which will not be repeated. notably income from Barclay's and monies received from The United Reform Church, which was the residue of money left when Lairgate Church closed. This could only be used for paying for the minister's stipend. predicted deficit of £37,000 next year. This would need to be covered by external donations, legacies, or initiatives like the Gift Day. Last year these amounted to £4,000. Trustees will consider how this is to be managed. - Expenditure will increase as we now have to pay the minister's stipend from normal funds. Also, the wages bill has increased due to an increase in hours and the change in national insurance payments. Our previous energy contracts protected us from some of the energy increases we have all experienced, but for the new ones we will be paying the full increases. The tide is turning. So, by the end of this current financial year the story will be starting to change, a copy of the accounts and 2025/26 budget is available - Gift Aid contributions were successfully claimed (£8,069.40), and careful oversight of spending on redevelopment and property maintenance ensured financial stability. - Barclays banking and energy contracts were reviewed and renewed strategically to balance cost and flexibility. - Fundraising and grant applications were actively pursued for major projects, including Stage 3 planning, pre-planning applications, and new community initiatives. ## **Property and Operations** Property management included refurbishment, maintenance, safety compliance, and equipment upgrades. Trustees approved contracts for repair, redecorating, and accessibility improvements, and monitored storage and energy efficiency initiatives. ## Property Highlights - De-fibrillator installation and registration as a community resource. - Ongoing repair works to toilets, windows, and external surfaces. - PAT testing completed and safety checks implemented. - Management of storage and communal areas improved, with plans for Spring sales to reduce clutter. ## **Key Events** Events coordinated and supported during the year included Heritage Weekend, community fairs, retreats, Advent activities, and engagement with local groups, ensuring the church remained active and welcoming to all. **Future Planning** - Trustees approved a vision morning workshop facilitated by District support to guide long-term mission planning. - Ongoing review of church governance and leadership structures, including representation from uniformed groups, social responsibility, and safeguarding. - Engagement with multi-site church discussions to explore wider ministry collaboration. ## **Next Steps for 2026** - Continue strategic development of the mission statement and business plan. - Support redevelopment project through planning, funding, and community engagement. - Strengthen volunteer recruitment and training. - Expand community outreach and inclusive worship initiatives. ## **Conclusion** The Trustees remain committed to strategic leadership, supporting the church’s mission, and fostering a vibrant community. Their work over the past year has strengthened governance, stewardship, and community engagement, preparing Toll Gavel United Church for future growth. ## **Acknowledgement** The Trustees thank all members, volunteers, and staff for their commitment, time, and energy throughout the year. Special thanks to John Turner and Colin Hogg for property and redevelopment oversight, and to all those contributing to worship, learning, and community engagement. Report prepared by: Karen Smith – Secretary 08/11/2025 Signed: Karen Smith, Secretary On behalf of the Trustees, Toll Gavel United Church, 2025 CHURCH RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS THE METHODIST CHURCH STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS TOLL GAVEL UNITED CHURCH Church FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025 YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE CIRCUIT Circuit Circuit no. 29102 Registered Charity - Charity Regvstration number If not a registered charity His Majews Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number (The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in temis of e￿den￿ of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see e￿den￿ of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered chanties are excepted from règistration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242) 1140314 Minister. Revd Fran Rh Church Stewards: Mrs Karen Smith Mr Davld P¢)well Mrs Andrea Page Mrs Carolyn Nursey Mr Colin Hogg Wendy Pearse Mr John Turner Mrs Janet Birt Treasurer. Mr Nigel Dyk&s Church-receiptSryand-payments-2025_Normal 1of5 ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 TOLL GAVEL UNITED CHURCH Church Totsls last year SEcnoN A Fund5 Funds a1 RECEIPTS a2 Offerin s and Tax recovered Bank and CFB interest and Investment inwme 46.555 42,328 a3 3,227 55.798 121,349 222,702 a4 Lettin 64,184 12.391 127.351 fA.184 53,236 168.197 a5 Other receipts TOTAL RECEIPTS a6 (a7) SECTION B b1 PAYNIENTS b2 Circuit Assessment or Share 10,826 152 42.781 53.607 49,599 130 b3 Donations 152 Repair5 and Maintenan Utilities {InSUran￿$. water char es, heatin & li htin es&Em 9.397 10.262 12,409 b5 21.516 28.036 11,221 81.149 21.516 31.512 34.418 151A67 17,745 Wa ment Costs 3,475 23.196 70,317 21,961 11,173 113.017 b7 Other payments TOTAL PAYMENTS b8 Ib91 SECTION C NET RECEIPTSIPAYMENTS c1 (a&b8 46,202 29.472 16.730 109.685 Total funds brought fOr￿ard from last year 84.494 91,896 176,390 66,705 Sub total {c1+c2) 130,696 62,424 193,120 176,390 Transfers and ad" {c71 c5 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR {c3+c4) 130.696 62.424 193,120 {c81 176,390 {¢61 SECTION D FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS these amounts are not to be included in totsl recei d1 Balance brou ht forward from last 35 d2 Offeri sIGifts- received for extemal o 2.826 3,210 d3 OfferingslGifts - passed to extemal orwi5ations 2.826 3.245 BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d31 2of5 TOLL GAVEL UNITED CHURCH C￿￿￿h CTrLIRCHAec SECTION E ctub 3,597 3.417 4.530 e7 Organi￿bon5tUfidA 3.597 3.417 Chur¢h a¢cou#ts Itc4 2-totalstolumnl 16Q197 (an 151 14730 1¢7> 176,390 {c81 193.120 BYCHURCH 171,794 180,740 197.650 Continueffia Sep¥*￿*t il necewryaTwJ briru lot815 fowar(I TOTALRECEIPTS TOTAL ENTOF CLOSING BAL￿￿CEs 142 220 8wk Cunv*ALrEyJnt 10.162 15.128 Bank 92234 f4 CetttAI Finan￿ Board .871 16.900 TFUSIe￿rormeth0d￿t Churth FIJ Other1￿05 SVB TOTAL.Chu¢chac¢ourrt5 Ttstsi funds1￿d by Inlun*0rgan￿3*ar￿￿C txlatK%tatsl fromabovel le121 176.￿j 193.120 Ic8 (e11} 4.$30 le1• 180.740 Ixl 197.650 SECTION G At 31 Aw5t2025 OTHERASSETSand LIABILIT Investrnents Land & Buddin Other LWIths 14 Indud8 Fur￿ he￿ atthe Bcwd f5 Indude only Fund$ he￿ alTD￿ee$f￿M￿X¥jlstetr￿th FIwF 176,390 {c81 193.120 BYCHURCH 171,794 180,740 197.650 Continueffia Sep¥*￿*t il necewryaTwJ briru lot815 fowar(I TOTALRECEIPTS TOTAL ENTOF CLOSING BAL￿￿CEs 142 220 8wk Cunv*ALrEyJnt 10.162 15.128 Bank 92234 f4 CetttAI Finan￿ Board .871 16.900 TFUSIe￿rormeth0d￿t Churth FIJ Other1￿05 SVB TOTAL.Chu¢chac¢ourrt5 Ttstsi funds1￿d by Inlun*0rgan￿3*ar￿￿C txlatK%tatsl fromabovel le121 176.￿j 193.120 Ic8 (e11} 4.$30 le1• 180.740 Ixl 197.650 SECTION G At 31 Aw5t2025 OTHERASSETSand LIABILIT Investrnents Land & Buddin Other LWIths 14 Indud8 Fur￿ he￿ atthe Bcwd f5 Indude only Fund$ he￿ alTD￿ee$f￿M￿X¥jlstetr￿th FIwF