Annual Report of the Camelford & Week St Mary Methodist Circuit Rev Steve Swann (Superintendent Minister) Signatory
TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2025 CHARITY 1150386
Objectives and Activities
The objectives of the charity are: Provision of public religious worship open to all; Promotion of prayer as a vital part of life; provision of pastoral care to all that require it; Promotion of education and training in the Christian faith; Support and nurturing worshipping communities; promotion of faith based education and activity for the young.
The circuit is composed of 9 churches (following the closure of two Chapels) as at the end of August. This has been a year of growing numbers in most fellowships, it has also been a year of consolidation on the progress of last year as redundant buildings have been sold, more new projects started and even though the Circuit Leadership team has had some change, its members continue to grow in confidence.
Achievements during the year
The circuit has seen some growth in activities this year with six ‘Open the Book’ teams going into a new school to share primary age activities, we have also been able to offer other events too, such as Easter journey at one school. Tintagel chapel continues to host a ‘The Coach House’ food hub, it also works with the gleaning network. Work has been done to update the building at Canworthy Water with work on the ‘Coach House due to begin soon so as to offer an even more appropriate building. A new youth group for yr7+ has also started at Tintagel meeting every other Friday.
We have also started a men’s monthly breakfast and both a men’s mental health support group and a women’s support group.
Work has been done on the Canworthy Water Manse to bring it up to the required standard of Methodist manses in readiness for the arrival of a Deacon next year. Many community coffee mornings, lunches and other activities continue to benefit the local fellowships and communities by offering ‘warm welcoming spaces,
Week St Mary Chapels ‘Bright Sparks’ children’s drama group continues to provide quality tuition and performances for the local community’. The youth fellowship has continued with steady numbers for year 7+.
Canworthy waters firework and bonfire party was again attended by around 200 people and plans are afoot to develop use the paddock. Easter activities across the circuit proved popular with two dawn services and a walk of witness.
Churches together in Tintagel has continued despite changes in leadership and events have taken place together throughout the year including a lent course,
Bethel chapel have continued to develop their family activities on a monthly basis to serve the local community. Camelford chapel have been doing a monthly ‘Messy Church’ which is for families, this continues to grow in number’, Tintagel chapel’s Toddler group continues to be well attended as has the craft afternoon, both offer a warm welcome space.
There have been a significant number of funerals again, though less than the previous year, these have included burials in Methodist Cemeteries. A number of these were church members. We support families through the bereavement of a loved one.
Financial Review
The budget for the year showed an increase in expenses and the receipts showed a sharp decline due to two churches closing. No increases were asked due to the use of reserves with
the Circuit being able to make up the shortfall. No churches were sold during the year and so the deficiency is being funded by the Circuit Trustees Advance Fund. This Fund being composed of church sales after costs including the levy imposed by the national Methodist Church from sales and also administration fees. The full accounts can be viewed on the relevant page of the Charity Commission website. The Circuit Model Trust Fund is used as a reserve fund to meet exigencies within the running costs of the Circuit. The balance as at 31[st] August 2025 was £208911.56. Funds have been drawn from TMCP to help fund refurbishment works at Living Water. Working capital residing in the Community Accounts of Barclays and the Central Finance Board (known as the General Fund) amount to £186097.10.
Structure, government & management
The governing document is laid out on the Charity Commission website. We are a part of the Methodist Church in Britain and are now part of the West Peninsula Methodist District who offer some oversight of our governance. The Circuit Meeting has an average of 34 members acting as Trustees. Other than officers who are on the body because of the office they hold, serving members are as set out in the Methodist Church Constitution, Practice and Doctrine and are elected annually by local church members and various circuit working groups. The day-to-day management is exercised under the leadership of the Superintendent Minister together with the Circuit Stewards including the Treasurer and Circuit Meeting Secretary who meet regularly. The circuit complies with the Safeguarding requirements of the Methodist church, this includes an annual review of the policy, keeping training up to date and displaying relevant information for all users of the various buildings within the Circuit.
Staffing
Two whole time staff are currently employed: Rev Steve Swann (Superintendent Minister) and Mrs Julie Swann (Church and Community Worker), we also employ an administrator/treasurer part-time.
Reference and administrative details
The Charity is known as the Camelford & Week St Mary Methodist Circuit, Charity Number 1150386. The List of Trustees is available on the Charity Commission Website; the senior Trustees at year end were Rev Steve Swann (Superintendent Minister), Rev Bryan Ede (Supernumerary), Mrs Julie Swann (Church and Community Worker), Circuit Stewards – Mrs Chris Smith Mr Roger Lyle, Mrs Karen Emnett, Mrs Eve Langley, Mr Peter Daniel (Property) and, Treasurer – Mrs Deborah Price, Circuit Meeting Secretary Mrs Alison Gill. The Charity is blessed by so many people giving their time and talents as well as financial giving for the life of the circuit, each church and in the community.
Date of approval by Camelford & Week St Mary Circuit Trustees: December 2025
Steven Swann (Superintendent Minister) Alison Gill (Secretary) Deborah Price (Treasurer)
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