Charity registration number: 1141130
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as
Swan Bank Church
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 August 2025
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Contents (continued)
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 to 2 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 3 to 6 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 7 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 8 to 9 |
| Balance Sheet | 10 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 11 to 23 |
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Cameron Sheeran, Chair Stephen Adams, Treasurer Rev Kathryn Stephens, Superintendent Minister Rev Ruth Jeffries, Minister Howard Dobson Sarah Dobson Susan Simcoe Matthew Nixon Janet Bagnall Lauren Brabbs Nigel Johnson Rita Taylor, (resigned June 2025) Stewart Chapman Alan Taylor, (resigned June 2025) Jonathan Boult Thomas Hall Rev William Wakelin Opelo Kgari Keith Stubbs Bethany Peake Shaun Follett Shirley Brooks Craig Rome Ethan Blood Sandra Hearson David Potter Joseph Hearson, (resigned June 2025) Philip Dann Elizabeth Thompson Mercy Macheka Sylvina Johnson Phillip Andrews, appointed June 2025 Neil Barnett, appointed June 2025 Lloyd Gray, appointed June 2025 Kieran Hughes, appointed March 2026
Page 1
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Reference and Administrative Details (continued)
Senior Management / Leadership Team
Rev Kathryn Stephens, Superintendent Minister Rev Ruth Jefferies, Minister
Charity Registration Number
1141130
Principal Office
Independent Examiner
Burslem Methodist Church Swan Square Stoke on Trent ST6 2AA D Denson VAST The Dudson Centre Hope Street Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
Page 2
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
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.
Public benefit
The mission statement for Swan Bank Church is 'Loving God; Loving people' and that is what we aim to do through our members, our resources and our belief. The aim of Swan Bank Church is to intentionally bring the Kingdom of Heaven to Burslem by creating disciples through prioritising the people of Burslem. Equipping, training and empowering those that gather, to reach out into the local community and creating space that is attractive, relevant and safe in Burslem. Our objective is to live out our faith through worship and prayer, bible study and teaching, providing pastoral care and support to our members and community, and through mission and outreach.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Use of volunteers
The work of Swan Bank Church is dependent on a team of committed volunteers who give of their time freely to work together for the good of the community and to fulfil our aims and objectives. We have benefitted from the expertise of volunteers who have been successful in securing grants to help pay staff salaries.
Page 3
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Trustees' Report (continued)
Achievements and performance
Our membership officially stands at 371 people. We have made 29 new members this year as new people have found their way into the life of the church. Because of the diverse needs and requirements of our membership, Swan Bank usually offers 3 services each Sunday, 9am Traditional, 10.30am Family Worship (which is livestreamed) and 6.15pm Praise and prayer. Each Sunday, collectively, there tend to be approximately 230 adults and children who attend the services and where we have baptisms and special occasions those numbers increase significantly. We also have an online congregation watching the morning service live on Facebook or Youtube and we continue to get feedback from our online people who are very appreciative of this opportunity. For some people this is a lifeline particularly for those who are housebound. We have people across the country who regularly join us solely via our internet provision.
We try to ensure there are no barriers to attending any of our services and we will endeavour to make each person feel welcome and at home with us.
As an inner city church we deal with many pastoral issues on a daily basis. We are well known in the town centre of Burslem as a community church and consequently have a constant flow of people from all walks of life visiting us daily for help and support. We are regularly visited by local homeless people, those in addiction and those in need who come for showers, clothing, support and referral to other agencies. This work has significantly increased over this last year and so we have launched our Hope and Hospitality which is our work with the homeless and isolated communities. In November we launched a Soup Kitchen which now gathers twice a week for cooked brunch, showers, clean clothes etc we have up to 50 people per session and this is volunteer led. This year has also seen us combine our Community Lounge each Wednesday afternoon with our longstanding Food Bank. We are working with the City Council to be a space where people in need can come and find help, advice and support. The Lounge includes various agencies to offering advocacy and we continue to house the busiest FoodBank in the City which is run and staffed by committed volunteers.
Once again we are celebrating the continued success in our recruitment of new volunteers and this continues to be an area of real growth and great potential.
October 2022 began our partnership with The Message Trust (an organisation based in Manchester but working nationally) to open a Community Grocery. This affordable food provision project continue to offer a lifeline of practical, emotional and spiritual support to our community.
We continue our work with our toddler group, summer holiday club for children and youth, Youth Clubs for 11-18yrs, study groups, Gospel Choir and Messy Church, Tuesday Club (for 50 plus age group) Knit and Natter group and Chatty Café (which includes community digital inclusion workshops), our work alongside the Douglas MacMillan Hospice,where we facilitate a Dementia Activity Group offering support to individuals with Dementia and those who care for them. Many people who attend these events are from non-church backgrounds.
Page 4
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Trustees' Report (continued)
We have a large team of Volunteers who belong to a structured Pastoral Network of Care, which has a Co ordinator and a small Steering group which meets monthly. All church members, visitors and the extended community are supported Pastorally at their first point of contact. This may be at one of our Worship Services, at a Small / Home group, or Interest group eg, Women’s Walking group, Dementia Activity group, Chatty Cafe etc. Most of these have a Pastoral Lead and they co ordinate with the Pastoral Coordinator. Pastoral Link visitors support members who are not able to leave their homes, or need a little extra support, they deliver four gifts a year to remind people they are loved and not forgotten. Emergency teams support people through challenging times, eg Hospital Visiting, Meal rotas when people are unable to cook for themselves, Supportive Telephone calls, Home visiting. We provide meals, gifts and support for parents. Our Communication team sends cards to people who are going through tough times or have had a funeral at Church in the previous year, write to students who have gone away to college and write a monthly handwritten letter to the At Home group which includes a copy of the Church Magazine. Craft activities are very much a part of our Pastoral Evangelism. Groups meet to create gifts which are placed around the town or to be distributed at Town or City events.
The Remembrance Day service was planned and managed by us and was very well attended with many people from the community of Burslem. We held our Memorial Service which was well attended by relatives and friends of those for we held funeral services during the previous year. We also offer provision of services in care homes including carol services.
As well as these activities, we opened the Centre on Christmas Day for 73 people; offering a full Christmas lunch and entertainment to those who would otherwise be alone or incapable of providing themselves with a meal. Alongside this, we delivered a Christmas lunch to 322 people along with a Christmas gift; most of which is provided by donations. Most of these people were unknown to the church and most were either housebound, on their own or suffering from food poverty. We had the input of a fabulous team of volunteers to help deliver the meals and help in the Centre.
Financial review
The results for the year are set out in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Policy on reserves
Swan Bank aims to hold 3-6 months of expenditure in reserve, which is between £50,000 to £100,000. As at 31 August 2025 the charity had £284,423 (2024:£298,946) of unrestricted funds and £486,131 (2024:£486,253) of restricted funds of which £465,000 (2024:£465,000) is the value of the building.
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank) was established as a charity (registration number 1141130) in England and Wales in April 2011 under the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976) adopted 20/09/1932.
The Methodist Church as a whole is established and constituted by an Act of Parliament, currently the Methodist Church Act 1976.
Page 5
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Trustees' Report (continued)
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The Church Council is the decision-making body of the church and generally meets quarterly. Members are elected to the role for a maximum of 4 years when they must step down or apply for re-election. The General Church Meeting is held annually and is where new appointments are made.
Organisational structure
Swan Bank Church (Burslem Methodist Mission) is governed according to the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church. As such our governing structure is a Church Council made up of Trustees representing different areas of church life. Members of the church council also form other teams to oversee, maintain and develop different areas of church life. These are: Property Team, Finance Team, PA/Visuals Team, Pastoral Team as well as occasional meetings to plan specific work liike Outreach and seasonal working parties. Non-council members can be co-opted onto these teams as necessary if their expertise is required.
As well as this we have a Church Leadership Team, now called Minister's Support Team which is not a decision-making body but meets regularly with the Ministers to discuss and discern the future programs, structure, growth and development of the mission.
Staff Team
Working with our very committed and able volunteers we have a paid team of staff which comprises Superintendent Minister, Minister, young people and families evangelist (started February 2024) and Centre Manager (started July 2024).
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 9 June 2026 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Stephen Adams Trustee
Page 6
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank) for the year ended 31 August 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank) 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 Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)'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
Since Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)'s gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of ACMA, which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank) as required by section 130 of the Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting 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.
...................................... D Denson ACMA
VAST The Dudson Centre Hope Street Stoke on Trent ST1 5DD
25/06/2026 Date:.............................
Page 7
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2025
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 4 Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 14 |
Unrestricted funds £ 233,465 11,890 11,398 256,753 (271,276) (271,276) (14,523) (14,523) 298,946 284,423 |
Restricted funds £ 39,013 - - 39,013 (39,135) (39,135) (122) (122) 486,253 486,131 |
Total 2025 £ 272,478 11,890 11,398 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 295,766 | |||
| (310,411) | |||
| (310,411) | |||
| (14,645) | |||
| (14,645) 785,199 |
|||
| 770,554 |
The notes on pages 11 to 23 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 8
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Investment income 4 Other income Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Gross transfers between funds Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 14 |
Unrestricted funds £ 251,812 9,168 10,924 867 272,771 (195,529) (195,529) 77,242 10,597 87,839 211,107 298,946 |
Restricted funds £ 9,093 - - - 9,093 (22,876) (22,876) (13,783) (10,597) (24,380) 510,633 486,253 |
Total 2024 £ 260,905 9,168 10,924 867 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 281,864 | |||
| (218,405) | |||
| (218,405) | |||
| 63,459 - |
|||
| 63,459 721,740 |
|||
| 785,199 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 14.
The notes on pages 11 to 23 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 9
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
(Registration number: 1141130) Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 12 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 13 Net current assets Net assets Funds of the charity: Restricted income funds Restricted funds 14 Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 14 |
2025 £ 475,084 324,565 (29,095) 295,470 770,554 486,131 284,423 770,554 |
2024 £ 477,162 309,638 (1,601) |
|---|---|---|
| 308,037 | ||
| 785,199 | ||
| 486,253 298,946 |
||
| 785,199 |
The financial statements on pages 8 to 23 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 9 June 2026 and signed on their behalf by:
.........................................
Stephen Adams Trustee
The notes on pages 11 to 23 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 10
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank) meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. 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 note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
Voluntary income including donations, gifts, legacies and grants that provide core funding or are of a general nature is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Donations and legacies
Donations and legacies are recognised on a receivable basis when receipt is probable and the amount can be reliably measured.
Grants receivable
Grants are recognised when the charity has an entitlement to the funds and any conditions linked to the grants have been met. Where performance conditions are attached to the grant and are yet to be met, the income is recognised as a liability and included on the balance sheet as deferred income to be released.
Deferred income
Deferred income represents amounts received for future periods and is released to incoming resources in the period for which, it has been received. Such income is only deferred when:
- The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or - The donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.
Investment income
Dividends are recognised once the dividend has been declared and notification has been received of the dividend due.
Page 11
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Government grants
Government grants are recognised based on the accrual model and are measured at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are classified as relating either to revenue or to assets. Grants relating to revenue are recognised in income over the period in which the related costs are recognised. Grants relating to assets are recognised over the expected useful life of the asset. Where part of a grant relating to an asset is deferred, it is recognised as deferred income.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets costing £0.00 or more are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Page 12
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Restricted income funds are those donated for use in a particular area or for specific purposes, the use of which is restricted to that area or purpose.
2 Income from donations and legacies
| Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Grants, including capital grants; Government grants Grants from other charities Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Grants, including capital grants; Grants from other charities |
Unrestricted funds General £ 185,303 - 48,162 233,465 Unrestricted funds General £ 189,288 62,524 251,812 |
Restricted funds £ 2,870 10,000 26,143 39,013 Restricted funds £ 5,493 3,600 9,093 |
Total 2025 £ 188,173 10,000 74,305 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 272,478 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 194,781 66,124 |
|||
| 260,905 |
Page 13
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
3 Income from charitable activities
| Room Hire Weddings and Funerals Choir events Youth Room Hire Weddings and Funerals Choir events 4 Investment income Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits Interest receivable and similar income; Interest receivable on bank deposits |
Unrestricted funds General £ 4,267 4,665 354 2,604 11,890 Unrestricted funds General £ 4,322 4,247 599 9,168 Unrestricted funds General £ 11,398 11,398 Unrestricted funds General £ 10,924 10,924 |
Total 2025 £ 4,267 4,665 354 2,604 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,890 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 4,322 4,247 599 |
||
| 9,168 | ||
| Total 2025 £ 11,398 |
||
| 11,398 | ||
| Total 2024 £ 10,924 |
||
| 10,924 |
Page 14
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
5 Expenditure on charitable activities
| Christmas Community shop Household support Community outreach Governance Utilities Insurance Property repairs and maintenance Bank charges Office costs Circuit costs Outreach Staff expenses Ministry and pastoral costs Depreciation |
Unrestricted funds General £ - - - - 1,434 23,699 7,815 46,948 2,243 8,346 169,650 312 476 9,354 999 271,276 |
Restricted funds £ 5,662 15,900 9,722 6,772 - - - - - - - - - - 1,079 39,135 |
Total 2025 £ 5,662 15,900 9,722 6,772 1,434 23,699 7,815 46,948 2,243 8,346 169,650 312 476 9,354 2,078 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 310,411 |
Page 15
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
| Christmas Livestream and broadcasting Community meal Community outreach Ukraine and Ghana Governance Utilities Insurance Property repairs and maintenance Bank charges Office costs Circuit costs Staff expenses Ministry and pastoral costs |
Unrestricted funds General £ - - - - - 1,500 19,693 7,571 17,057 2,119 14,918 129,391 284 2,996 195,529 |
Restricted funds £ 8,600 1,270 8,772 3,804 430 - - - - - - - - - 22,876 |
Total 2024 £ 8,600 1,270 8,772 3,804 430 1,500 19,693 7,571 17,057 2,119 14,918 129,391 284 2,996 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 218,405 |
6 Government grants
£10,000 was received from Stoke on Trent City Council from the Household Support Grant to support vulnerable households with essential costs, including food, utilities, housing and transport costs. The amount of grants recognised in the financial statements was £10,000 (2024 - £Nil). There were no unfulfilled conditions at the year end.
7 Net incoming/outgoing resources
Net (outgoing)/incoming resources for the year include:
| Depreciation of fixed assets | 2025 £ 2,078 |
2024 £ 2,146 |
|---|---|---|
Page 16
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
8 Trustees remuneration and expenses
During the year the charity made the following transactions with trustees:
Rev Kathryn Stephens
Rev Kathryn Stephens received remuneration of £31,020 (2024: £29,040) and £2,501 (2024: £2,485) of expenses were reimbursed to Rev Kathryn Stephens during the year.
This remuneration was paid via the circuit who also paid £3,787 (2024: £3,180) of Employer's National Insurance and £3,309 (2024: £3,098) in allowances.
Any expenses reimbursed were for Rev K Stephen's paid employment and not in relation to her role as a trustee.
Pension contributions have been made to a defined contribution scheme. £6,204 (2024: £7,812) of pension contributions were paid for Rev K Stephens during the year.
Rev Ruth Jeffries
Rev Ruth Jeffries received remuneration of £31,020 (2024: £29,040) and £1,314 (2024: £1,266) of expenses were reimbursed to Rev Ruth Jeffries during the year.
This remuneration was paid via the circuit who also paid £3,346 (2024: £2,779) of Employer's National Insurance and £207 (2024: £194) in allowances.
Any expenses reimbursed were for Rev R Jeffries paid employment and not in relation to her role as a trustee.
Pension contributions have been made to a defined contribution scheme. £6,204 (2024: £7,812) of pension contributions were paid for Rev R Jeffries during the year.
Elizabeth Thompson
Elizabeth Thompson received remuneration of £26,264 (2024: £2,651) during the year.
£3,139 (2024: £261) of Employer's National Insurance was paid for Elizabeth Thompson.
Pension contributions have been made to a defined contribution scheme. £1,609 (2024: £nil) of pension contributions were paid for Elizabeth Thompson during the year.
The legal authority under which remuneration was given to those also acting as trustees of the charity is the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church, which states that subject to compliance with Standing Orders as to conflicts of interest, the trustees may employ or engage the services of any managing trustee or connected person at remuneration and on terms not more preferential than would be accorded to a member of the public with the same qualifications and experience.
No trustees have received any other benefits from the charity during the year.
Page 17
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
9 Independent examiner's remuneration
Examination of the financial statements
| 2025 | 2024 |
|---|---|
| £ | £ |
| 1,434 | 1,500 |
10 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 September 2024 At 31 August 2025 Depreciation At 1 September 2024 Charge for the year At 31 August 2025 Net book value At 31 August 2025 At 31 August 2024 12 Cash and cash equivalents Cash at bank 13 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Other creditors Accruals Deferred income |
Land and buildings £ 465,000 |
Furniture and equipment £ 32,122 32,122 19,960 2,078 22,038 10,084 12,162 2025 £ 324,565 2025 £ 10,500 1,595 17,000 29,095 |
Furniture and equipment £ 32,122 32,122 19,960 2,078 22,038 10,084 12,162 2025 £ 324,565 2025 £ 10,500 1,595 17,000 29,095 |
Total £ 497,122 497,122 19,960 2,078 22,038 475,084 477,162 2024 £ 309,638 |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 465,000 | 32,122 | ||||
| - - |
19,960 2,078 |
||||
| - | 22,038 | ||||
| 465,000 | 10,084 | ||||
| 465,000 | 12,162 | ||||
| 2025 £ 324,565 2025 £ 10,500 1,595 17,000 29,095 |
|||||
| 2024 £ - 1,601 - |
|||||
| 1,601 |
Page 18
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
Resources deferred in the period
2025 £ (17,000)
Deferred income during the year is for grant funding received in advance for the next financial year.
Page 19
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
14 Funds
| Unrestricted funds General General Restricted funds Christmas day Donations & crowdfunder Community Church building Live stream Circuit broadcast Community Shop Household Support Grant Benevolent fund Soup Kitchen Total restricted funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 September 2024 £ 298,946 10,356 1,976 465,000 5,720 1,201 2,000 - - - 486,253 785,199 |
Incoming resources £ 256,753 1,055 1,500 - - - 21,798 10,000 1,815 2,845 39,013 295,766 |
Resources expended £ (271,276) (5,662) (4,606) - (879) (200) (15,900) (9,722) (307) (1,859) (39,135) (310,411) |
Balance at 31 August 2025 £ 284,423 5,749 (1,130) 465,000 4,841 1,001 7,898 278 1,508 986 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 486,131 | ||||
| 770,554 |
Page 20
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
| Unrestricted funds General General Restricted Christmas day Ghana Donations & crowdfunder Community Church building Live stream Circuit broadcast Community Shop Community meal Ukraine Total restricted funds Total funds |
Balance at 1 September 2023 £ 211,107 13,503 235 14,557 465,000 6,754 1,437 - 8,792 355 510,633 721,740 |
Incoming resources £ 272,771 5,453 40 1,600 - - - 2,000 - - 9,093 281,864 |
Resources expended £ (195,529) (8,600) (75) (3,804) - (1,034) (236) - (8,772) (355) (22,876) (218,405) |
Transfers £ 10,597 - (200) (10,377) - - - - (20) - (10,597) - |
Balance at 31 August 2024 £ 298,946 10,356 - 1,976 465,000 5,720 1,201 2,000 - - |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 486,253 | |||||
| 785,199 |
Page 21
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
The specific purposes for which the funds are to be applied are as follows:
Christmas Day
This fund is to work with those in our community, particularly those who are isolated, lonely and financially challenged to provide them with a full Christmas meal, entertainment and friendship on Christmas Day in the Church building or "meals on wheels" for those who are unable to leave their home.
Compassion/Ghana
Restricted funds to support link project(s) in Ghana working to relieve poverty.
Break-in donations and crowdfunder
This money came in through donations following a break and was donated to help the church in it's outreach work with vulnerable people particularly at Christmas but also throughout the year. To be used directly and also to enable the upkeep of the spaces in the premises used by those in the "vulnerable" category.
Church Building
This fund represents the valuation of the premises of Swan Bank Church and Swan Bank Methodist Mission.
Live Stream & Circuit Broadcast
This fund was set up to enable services to continue online during Covid-19. The online giving funds wer set up to allow viewers to donate towards production costs. The balance on the fund is the written down balance of the assets purchased being written off over a number of years.
Community Meal
This is a grant to provide a weekly meal and support for families throughout the year.
Ukraine
Funds collected for refugees from the Ukraine.
Community Shop
Funds were donated by Stoke- on -Trent City Council and Stoke- on -Trent Foodbank to help set up a community shop.
Household Support fund (attached)
Government funding from Stoke-on-Trent City Council as part of a national programme to support vulnerable households with essential costs, including food, utilities, housing and transport costs.
Benevolent Fund
The fund is administered at the discretion and prior authorisation of the Ministers (ideally both) for the purpose of offering immediate help to individuals in urgent financial need.
Soup Kitchen
Alongside the Community Grocery and the Food Bank the aim of the fund is to provide a warm and safe space for everyone to enjoy a free, hearty and personalised breakfast.
Page 22
Burslem Methodist Mission (Swan Bank)
known as Swan Bank Church
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 August 2025 (continued)
15 Analysis of net assets between funds
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 13,968 289,050 (18,595) 284,423 Unrestricted funds General £ 4,967 295,580 (1,601) 298,946 |
Restricted funds £ 461,116 35,515 (10,500) 486,131 Restricted funds £ 472,195 14,058 - 486,253 |
Total funds at 31 August 2025 £ 475,084 324,565 (29,095) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 770,554 | |||
| Total funds at 31 August 2024 £ 477,162 309,638 (1,601) |
|||
| 785,199 |
16 Related party transactions
During the year the charity made the following related party transactions:
Cornerstone Construction and Renovations Limited
(Cornerstone Construction and Renovations Limited of which Stewart Chapman, a trustee, is a director.)
The company was paid to carry out repairs to the church. An amount of £17,026 was paid during the year (2024: £3,696 was paid during the year). At the balance sheet date the amount due to/from Cornerstone Construction and Renovations Limited was £Nil (2024 - £Nil).
Page 23
Swan Bank Church Accounts 31.08.2025
Final Audit Report
2026-06-25
Created: 2026-06-19 By: Daryl Denson (accounts@vast.org.uk) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAAIU67Iq4v4qmZPu2FHLW15U2g_Su1_zPc
"Swan Bank Church Accounts 31.08.2025" History
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