EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS
METHODIST CIRCUIT
Registered Charity Number 1153209
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT
for the year ended
31 AUGUST 2024

EASTSOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
Objectives and activities
In setting our objectives and planning our activities, the Circuit Meeting (under the
leadership of the Circuit Leadership Team), which meets three times in each year, has
given careful consideration to the Charity Cornmissioners, general guidants on public
benefit and, in particular, to its supplementary public benefit guidan￿ on advancing our
objectives and conforms to the Charities Act 2011.
Our Mission is to resour￿ and enable the Local Churches of the Circuit to pursue the
mission of God through worship, leaming and caring, Servi￿ and evangelism.
This is done for as many people as possible within the geographical area the Circuit serves
through the provision of staff, preachers, education and pastoral oversight. This enables
the local Methodist Churches to provide Christian worship, spiritual development, and
pastoral care both to church members and to the wider communities in which they are
located.
The Circuit supwrts the advan￿ment of the Christian Faith through ecumenical liaison
with other Christian groups.
There is a significant increase in general house building and also acGommodation for older
people within the Circuit footprint. This is seen to be a growing opportunity for Mission and
Outreach.
Achievements and performance
In common with other Circuits and churches of other denominations, this has again
been a year with both challenges and encouragements.
Digital Church continues to provide a Servi￿ online for (almost) all Sundays of the year
and subscriber numbers have increased. We are pleased to see a small increase in
responses online. These ServI￿S enable individuals to access a worship service on
Sundays if they are unable to get to a churGh building. It also provides a service which
congregations can use on occasions when it is not possible to provide a preacher. In
addition to the weekly services, we have developed sorne 'shorts', especially as Lent
Reflections.
One major challenge is filling the appointments on the Preaching Plan. The availability
of several resources, including our own Digital Church services, means thal we can be
encouraged by the development of members of local congregations in leading worship.
Vthilst we were not in stationing for the 202￿ Connexional Year there has ben some
change in responsibilities. Our part-time Supernumerary Minister responsible for one
church has come to the end of the appointment and that church has been added to the
responsibilities of another Minister. There will always b8 more than enough to do for the
ministry time available and one of the challenges in the distribution of different fom)s of
ministry as most appropriate to the needs across the Circurt.
We continue to work with the Diocese of Guildford and the United Reformed Church in
relation to the church in Bordon to meet the needs of a rapidly expanding population.
We have been encouraged by the appointment of a Pioneer Minister for the Compass
Project, Portsmouth from 1 September 2024.

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
The Circuit's Vision and Mission Plans have come together and now move into the
phase of enabling local churches to form their own Mission Plans alongside the
reflection and exploration of appropriate forms of ministry in each part of a diverse
Circuit. We have been encouraged by a third individual with a call to Anna Chaplaincy
ministry among older people.
2.1 Plans for future years
To continue to resource and enable Ihe local churches to focus on worship and
spiritual development.
To continue to focus on mission activity that will lead new people into faith and so
grow the number of Christians.
To continue to work with the Diocese of Guildford in developing the Local
Ecumenical Partnership at Bordon.
To support the Pioneer Ministerfs work with the Compass Project, Portsmouth.
To continue to support the Methodist people in Portsmouth as they se8k to
discem the future location of the society.
To review with local churches the availability of local leadership and consider
whether their witness would be enhanced by joining together
To continue to seek ways to support local churches with practicalities of buildings
and finance.
To continue to align our property portfolio with the needs of the Circuit going
forward so that we make best use of our buildings.
To continue to explore ways to respond to the Climate Emergency.
Financial review
During the year the Circuit re￿iVed total income of £1,380,802 (2022-23: £713,993) and
dispersed £939,598 (2022-23: £863,655). Total unrestricted reserves carried forward were
£1,553,451 (2022-23: £1,112,247). £102,968 of these reserves are designated: £49,993 in
the Mission Fund and £52,975 in the Manse Fund. The balan￿ of £1,196,501 in the Circuit
Model Trust Fund (CMTF) is held by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP).
The trustees of the Circuit have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going cOn￿rn.
principally because all except one of the Circuit's churches continue to meet their
assessments and the Circuit has adequate reserves to cover any shortfall in anticipated
income. The one church that was unable to meet its full assessment in 2022-23 paid its debt
in full and its full assessment this year. There was one church that was unable to pay 2
months of its assessment this year, however, the trustees are confident that the Circuit has
sufficient reserves to support any churches who have or fall into financial difficulties. There
are no subsidiary undertakings.
The Circuit has the following sources of funds:
Interest on investments
Assessments on churches within the Circuit
Income from let manses
These sums are used to administer the Circurt and to provide grants to churches and
individuals in the Circuit so that they may embark on or continue with projects that fulfil the
mission of the Circuit by bringing more people to Christ or by providing facilities that rnight
enable this to happen.

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS MEfHODISTCIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
3.1 Remuneration policy
The remuneration for ministerial staff is detennined by the Methodist Conferen￿, and the
recommended basis of the annual increase is the average of the increases in the Consumer
Price Index and the Average Weekly Eamings Index. The Circuit then applies the same
annual increase to the salaries of its lay staff which is approved by Circuit Meeting as part of
the annual budget
3.2 Investment Policy and Performance
To comply with Methodist Standing Orders, monies for long tenn investment are lodged with
TMCP who act as custodian trustee for all real estate held by Circuits, for all large (over
£20,000) bequests, and for the prO￿edS of sale of any property formerly owned by the
Circuit. These sums are invested in unitised investments or held on deposrt. The
inveslment retums are close to tracking the movements in the ￿sE100 index. The deposit
income mirrors the deposit rates available elsewhere. East Solent and Downs Methodist
Circuit trustees, inveslment policy is aligned with that of the Central Finan￿ Board (CFB)
and TMCP because these organisations take into consideration the social, environmental
and ethical considerations, both negatively and positively, that make investments suitable for
the Methodist Church.
Short term deposits are lodged directly with the CFB and attract comparatively good rates of
interest.
There are no benchmarks for the expected retums or appreciation on investments at ThfjCP
and CFB. It 18 the Circuit's policy to manage the cash and investment resources of the
Circuit so that a rate of return on investment- both by way of dividend and capital
appreciation - obtained is at least as good as market rate. considering the Circuit's low
appetite for risk.
3.3 Reserves level and policy
The unrestricted reserves readily available total £1,553,451: of whith £1,196,501 is held by
TMCP in the CMTF; and the balan￿ of £356.950 represents the year*nd level of reserves.
within which £49,993 has been designated for mission activity and £52,975 has been
designated for future major repairs to manses: leaving £253,982 in the General Fund,
The Circuit has a reserves policy covering all its unrestricted funds which is reviewed
annually. Grants are made annually out of the CMTF, most of which a￿ paid in full, some
will be paid by annual instalments and others may be applications for funding anticipated to
be required in fvture years. The trustees seek to ensure that there are SLrffiGient funds in the
CMTF to meet these antr'cipated requests and they now recognise future grants as liabilities
on the Balance Sheet.
Reserves Policy
(a) The reserrfes policy for the Circuit's General Fund is to hold at least six month's
expenditure in hand. The balance of £253,982 in the General Fund at 31st August 2024
amounted to 42.750h of the 2024-25 General Fund expenditure budget {£594,100). The
202425 General Fund income budget plans to draw £117,768 from the CMTF reserves to
support this expenditure.
(b) The reserves policy for the designated Mission and Outreach Fund is to achieve a
balance of £20,000. The 2022-23 committed grants of £62,061 have all either been paid out

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
or ceased because they were no longer needed. The dosing balan￿ in the Mission and
Outreach Fund at 31st August 2024 was £49,993.
(c) The reserves policy for the designated Manse Fund is to maintain a balance of £38,500
which equates to £3,500 per manse. In 2024-25 the cost of manse repairs is expected to
increase. The balance in the Manse Fund at 31 August 2024 was £52,975.
(d) The reserves policy for the CMTF is to maintain a minimum balance of £300,000. With
increased missional vision in the Circuit this will need to be supported in terms of both
people and buildings. Our policy is that no more than 50% of the fund shall be expended in
any one year. The balance in the CMTF at 31 August 2024 was £1,196,501.
3.4 Collaborative arrangements with connected charities
The Circuifs main Sour￿ of funding was the assessments obtained from each Church within
the Circuit based on the membership and ability to pay and this was used to defray some of
the cost of administering the Circuit which amountsd to £939,598 (2022-23: £863,655).
The Circuit holds no funds as custodian trustee.
Trustees, responsibilities
For each financial year ending on 31st August the Trustees are required to Prepa￿ financial
statements that give a true and fair view of the Circuit's financial activtties during the year
and of its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing these financial statements,
the Trustees must..
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently using the accruals
method
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
follow applicable accounting standards
prepare accounts to comply with the Charities SORP
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with
reasonable acGuracy at any time the financial position of the Circuit and enables them to
ensu￿ that the financial statements Gomply with the law. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the Circuit and hence taking reasonable steps for the prevention
and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The Truslees are responsible for the rna1ntenan￿ and integrity of the corporate and financial
information included on the Circuit's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing
the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other
jurisdictions.
4.1 Risk
The Circuit is largely risk averse. Risks are managed by being aware of them, quantifying
their impact not only in cost terms but in possible reputational or structural damage, laying
them off through an insurer and rninimising them by not taking them or by setting up control
systems that report any significant change in the risk. The four signrficant risks that have
been identified are:
1 . Inability to appoint ministers and being without presbyteral staff. This is managed by
giving careful attention to future workforce planning. trying to ensure that we do nol
have multiple vacancies in any one year, and by engaging in early conversation with
the District Chair who has a significant role in stationing decisions.

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
2. The Circuit's main source of funding is the assessments levied on each church and
there is an increasing risk that some churches may not have sufficient funds to pay
their assessment. This risk is managed by holding sufficient reserves. planning
ahead with an annual budget and continually monitoring expenditure against budget,
3. Safeguarding children and vulnerable adults. The Cir¢￿It policy is to adhere to the
Methodist Church's poliGy on Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults and to
require all churches to comply with the Methodist Church's Safeguarding policy. The
Circurt provides regular safeguarding training that can be accessed by churches
within the Circuit to support them in complying with the policy.
4. The Circuit's manses and church buildings are at risk from damage to property and
theft which is minimised by all manses and churGh buildings being adequately
Govered by appropriate insurance policies with Methodist Insurance.
Structure, governance and management
The Circuit is an unincorporated association and is governed by the Methodist Church Act
1976, the Deed of Union and the Model Trust Deeds of the Methodisl Church and was
registered with the Charity Commissioners on 2 August 2013.
5.1 Structure
The Circuit is the coordinating charity for local groups of Churches, some of whom are
registered as independent charities and the balance of whom are excepted charitie8. The
Circuit pays the stipends of the ministers and employs lay staff to serve its Churches; most
decisions are made at or rattfied by the Circuit Meeting. The Circuit is part of the
Southampton District which is the coordinating charity for a group of contiguous CirGUits.
District decisions are made at the half yearly synod to which the Circuit appoints both lay
and ordained representatives. The Methodist Conference meets once each year as the
supreme denominational body for all Methodist Churches.
Overall regulatory authority rests with the Methodist Conference.
The Connexional offi￿ implements decisions made by conferen￿ and is also
respon8ible for the stationing of presbyters and deacons (collectively known as
ministers) in individual Circuits.
Connexional decisions are passed via Districts to Circuits for local implementation by
the Superintendent Minister, ministerial staff and Circuit Stewards, and authority is
delegated to the Circuit Meeting for ￿rtain matters.
The Circuit Meeting passes regulatory control down to Church Councils for local
implementation by the presbyter, the Church Stewards, and other officers, and this
regulatory authority is then exercised by Church Councils as Managing Trustees of
their charity.
6.2 Purpose of the Circult
The Circuit is an expression, over a wider geographical area than any Church, of the
Connexional character of the Church.
The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date
of the union the advancement of:
the Christian faith in accordan￿ with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the
Methodist Church, and

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
any charitable purposes for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local
or other organisation of the Methodist Church, and
any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or
ancillary to the Methodist Church, and
any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary of
the Methodist Church.
The primary purpose of this Circuit is to advance the mission of the Church in areas of
Hampshire, Surrey and Sussex
by providing opportunities for Churches to work togetheT and support each other
by offering to Churches resources of personnel and expertise and occasionally
finance
The Circuit serves the Local Churches and the Conference in the support, deployment and
oversight of the various ministrie8 of the Church, and in programmes of training.
5.3 Governance
The Circuit operates Wlthin a statutory framework of regulation and seeks to ensure that it
follows Methodist Standing Orders. It relies on the Connexional offi￿ at Methodist Church
House, 25, Tavistock Pla￿, London WC1 H 9SF to provide guidance on changes that could
affect the Circuit.
The Circuit Meeting meets three times a year and is the decision-making body for the Circuit.
Membership of the Circurt Meeting is made up of Presbyters and Deacons who are stationed
in the Circuit. Supernumerary Ministers stationed in the Circuit who chose to be members,
two representatives from eaGh Church chosen annually by each church, Circuit stewards
who are appointed annually by the Circuit Meeting and individual members appointed
annually by the Circuit Meeting to ensure that all areas of the Circuit's work is appropriately
represented.
The Circuit Leadership Team, whose membership comprises the Presbyters and Deacons
stationed in the Circuit together with the Circuit Stewards, meet regularly between Circuit
Meetings to implement the decisions of Circuit Meeting and to provide strategic leadership to
the Circuit by formulating policies and proposals to bring to the Circuit Meeting for approval
that will advance the Mission of the Circuit. There is a Circuit Finance and Property Group
who meet when needed during the year and who report to and are accountable to the Circuit
Meeting.
Reference and Administrative Details
6.1 Name ofthe charity
The East Solent and Downs Methodist Circuit.
6.2 Charity registration number
1153209. registered in England and Wales

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS MEfHODISTCIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
6.3 Principal Office
19121 High Street
Emsworth
Hampshire, P010 7AQ
Telephone 01243 371806
6.4 Circuit Superintendents
Revd David Muskett and Revd Elize Goddess
6.5 Circuit Treasurer
Mr Mark Wade
6.6 Names of trustees
The following served as trustees throughout part or all of the year 202>24 or were trustees
at the time of this report being approved-
M Avis
D Beesley
D Beesley
Mrs
J Brandon
Mis
S Bond
Mrs
S Calvert
Mrs
L Collins
Mrs
Corrigan
Revd D Coote
N Cox
Revd P Crispin
Mrs
P Cuckow
A Dabbs
T De Graft Eshun
S Dewberry
P Dey
Miss P Dimmid(
B Dyer
Revd D Faulkner
Revd E Goddess
Revd R Goddess
Mrs
A Griffiths
P Gregory
J Hacon
A Haynes
Mrs E Hodges
Mr
R Hollingbery
Huntingdon-
Thresher
B James
Revd
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Mrs
Revd
Mr
Mr
Mrs
Mrs
Mr
Mrs
Revd
Mrs
Dcn
Mrs
Mrs
Mr
Mr
Mr
Mrs
Mrs
Mr
Illsley
S Mann
Martyn
B Mcaleer
Minnell
S Mitchell
H Murphy
D Muskett
H Nightingale
A Painter
Pannell
N Parker
M Petter
A Ri
D Rice
G Richardson from 11112123
S Richardson
B Ross
D Sales
D Sawyer
R Smith
G Smithers
R Standford
A Steinhausen
E Strankalis
M Thomas
M Travell
E Wade
M Wade
M Wheeler
from 25105124
from 11107124
from 24106124
from 29101124
from 08107124
from 11112123
from 02103124
Mrs
from 27102124
from 01109124
from 01103124
Dcn
from 12102124
from 01109124
Mrs
until 01108124
Mr
Mrs

EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS MEfHODISTCIRCUIT
Year ended 31 August 2024
C JanseVanRensburg from 01103124
B Keefe
from 04106124
C Wilkins
C Withers
Mrs
until 31108124
No trustee claims exemption from disclosure of his or her name here.
6.7 Bankers
CAF Bank Ltd
25 Kings Hill Avenue
Kings Hill
West Malling
Kent
ME194JQ
Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church
9 Bonhill Street
London
EC2A 4PE
6.8 Investment managers and custodian trustees
Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
Central Buildings
Oldham Slreet
Manchester
M1 1JQ
6.9 Auditors appointed 1 March 2016
Morris Crocker
Chartered Accountants
Station House
North Street
HAVANT
P091QU
Approvals
The Trustees, Report and the Financial Stalements were approved by the Circuit Leadership
Team on behalf of the Trustees on 17 De￿mber 2024
Signed on behalf of the Circuit, as authorised:
David Muskett (signed)
Mark Wade (signed)
David Muskett
Circuit Superintendent
Mark Wade
Circuit Treasurer
Date: 17 December 2024
Date: 17 December 2024

Name of Circuit
East Solent and Downs Methodist Circuit
Clr¢utt No 28107
Statement of Flnanclal Actlvlties (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024
Noles to
cIr￿lt Model Deslgnaled
G•￿Tal Fund Trust Fund
Funds Endowmerf Total
accounts (Unrestricted) (Unrestri¢t•d) (Unrestricted
Funds
2023-24
Totsl
2022-23
Income and Endowments
In¢ome from inv95tmen15
Income from charitable actmtles
Assessments on churches
Capitsl ￿Ceipts
Total from charitable actMJ¢s
Letting$
Total charitable Income
Other Income
Total incom• arKI endovmients
16353
65.111
81A64
39,441
378,396
23,451
401W17
97,799
515.999
3,032
519,031
378,396
779,111
1,157,507
97,799
1,336,770
44,032
1380.802
374,868
200,000
574.868
92,272
706.581
7,412
71a.993
13
755,660
755,660
820,771
41.000
861,771
Expenditure
Expendlture on charflable a¢tlvltle8
Grants and donations
Stip8nds and assodated costs
maintenan￿ on manses
Office expenses
Telephone and travel
Insuran￿ and utllity ¢osts
Dlstrfct assessment
Melhthll$t Church Fund
CMTF ￿vIeS pald
Expenditure on othw cirojit property
Other outgolngs
Tolal charltable expendllure
18,595
344,352
550
7,594
23,171
20,316
16A60
89.184
-7.045
11.550
344.352
39,944
7,594
23,171
30,018
16,860
89,184
330,355
26,756
19.814
939,598
58,129
315,229
70,482
6,968
23,382
34.90D
14,084
79,780
155.052
49,957
55,692
863,655
39,394
10
10
11
9,702
13
330,355
26,756
17.502
564,880
12,13
2,312
332,667
41051
Net incrynel(expenditurB} belore
Investm8nt galn$llosses
gain51(108se8) on inveStr￿nts
45.849
529,104
42,051
441,204
494
-149,062
-283
13,17
494
Net IncompA(8x￿nrtI1Urn)
bèfore transfws
45,849
529,104
42,051
494
441,698
-149.945
Transfers betr￿en fundj
Other gai[￿{10$Se5)
14
72.608
-153A12
81.104
345,530
Net movement In fund8
26,759
375.Z92
39,153
494
441.698
195,585
Total funds brought fof%rdrd
21-23
3,681,650
821209
63015
6,391
4,573,065
4.377N80
Total funds Carried forward
21-r3
3.708,409
1.196.501
102,968
6,885
5.014,763
4,573,065
io

Name of Circuit
East Solent and Downs Methodist C[￿urt
Clrcuit No 26107
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2024
Goneral Fund
{Uftrtstslct*d}
Clrcuit Mod•l
Tn￿t Fund
(ilnrnstrlcted)
D•Blgnated
Funds
IUnrgstriGlod
Endo￿nI
Funds
T(*al¥ 2024
Tolals
2023
Fixed Assgts
anses
Inveslmenls
3,454,427
3,454.427
6.885
3.461.312
3.454,427
8,391
3.460,818
17,23
6,885
Tothl fix￿•*$¢(•
3.454,427
Currant Assèts
Deblors and
repa
Loans
th& Circuit
Inv¢slm&nts ￿th TMCP
C6ntral Finance Board Deposlts
Cash al BAnk and In hand
Total cuffenlassets
nts
16
16
17
18
32.934
20.262
5.126
43,024
20,262
1.191,537
320,507
19,371
1.594.701
60.282
1.5CIO
817.209
320.375
12,026
1.211.372
1,191,537
230,589
11.267
295.052
89.918
8.104
103.148
18
1.196.￿1
urront Ilobllltl••
Crei*ttors (d￿ In urmjer 1 year)
Grants payable 1 year
Totsl cumntHabllltlès
at current assoWllabllhles
19
41,070
41,250
37.064
62.(181
99,125
1.112,247
41,070
253,982
41,2SO
1,$53.451
1.195.501
102,968
3.708.409
1.19S.501
1ff2,968
5,014.763
4.573.065
N•1 ass•ts
3.708,409
1,196.501
102,968
6.885
5,014,763
4,573.065
Funds of thg cIr￿lI
Unrestricted:
General Fund
Pro
Circuil Model Trust Fund
21.1
21.1
21.2
21.3
253.982
3,454.427
253,982
3,454,42T
1.196.501
102.968
5.007.878
6.885
5014763
227,223
3,454,427
821,209
63,815
4.566,674
6,391
4.573,065
1.196.50t
naled FuThY$
102.968
Endowment Funds
Total Funds
3.708A09
1.196.501
102,968
6085
ThE finanrAal statements were approved on t)ehaff ofthe &ffjrd of Tnths on 17th Detembw 2024
Theymwe Signed on behaLf of the B¢wd 0lTrt￿tee$ ty:
ReKt D Mu¥kett
li

Name of C1￿Ul1
East Solont and Downs Alethotht Ctreult
Ctrcult No 26107
Statement of cash flows for the.year ended:
31 August 2024
(229, 136):
i229,1￿)
, N•t ¢•h pro¥id•d by lu••d ITr) operatTrng actlvili•s
Cash lity￿ frtyri InvestinL%tl¥tt1￿.
Inier•ii recav&l frrm Irweglm8nts
39.441
1.932
.N•t ¢￿h prfwided by {u8•d In) In¥estlng •cl*
81.464
hatyo In cash •nd In th• r•portlNJ p•riod
361,8051
1187.7631
Cash and cash •qui*dl8nts •tthè bqiTrnI￿0fth9 repOrtIn￿r￿ad
1,337 913
C•sh and cash •1 •nd of th• r•p(*Ung ￿140￿.
1,531 955
1.1X).150
1 R•conclliatiori of net in¢0m￿l•¥p•ndl￿rn) io rnt￿h flow frnrn rtovltkns
2024
lknt In¢tyMll•xpndlturollorthg 1•POrtin￿_
p•nod {aB per th•
9Liigrngnt of flnanctsl a¢tlvltl•*l
Adjustments for.
ains1c￿ Imi&sbn
149.9451
283
139.4411
(24.536}
115,497)
1229,1361,,
D*rt*linws#j in dabtors
(1,5241
(57.8751
Ne¢ providÈd ty (used In) 9￿1.1￿ •cOvltlo0

Accounting framework and accounting policies
i Accounting framework
The financial statements have been prepared in accordan￿ with the Charities SORP (FRS 102)
'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) (effective from 1 January 2019),. Financial Reporting
Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland,
and the Charrties Act 2011.
li Public benefit entlty
The East Solent and Downs (ESandD) Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under
FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost ortransaction value unless
otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy notes below.
iii Basis
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost, except that investments are
shown at their market value at the end of the year. on the accruals basis to show a true and fair
view of the Circurt's financial position and activities.
iv Content
The financial infonnation presented is relevant, reliable. comparable and complete. Vvhere
estimates are used these are based on experience, research and judgement. The accounts are
expressed in £Sterling. rounded to the nearest pound.
v FRS102 SORP2015
These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with the FRS102 SORP 2019.
vl Going concern
Based on the monetary assets and human resources available at 31 August 2024, the trustees
believe that the Circuit is a going Con￿rn and there is no material uncertainty with regards to this
assumption.
vii Income recognitlon
Income is brought into account when it is more likely than not that Ihe economic benefit of the
income will be forthGoming. No attempt is made to measure the value of services donated by
volunteers and. in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) the time of volunteers is not
recognised. Individual amounts categorised as other income in the SOFA will be shown
separately if they are considered material. The Circuit acts as agent in the collection of donations
to Connexional Funds from churches which are paid to the relevant Connexional Fund Dn
regular basis. The transactions are not reflected in the SOFA because the sums received cannot
be recognised as income in the Circuit as they are the income of the Connexional Funds.
viii Expenditure
This is recognised when a liability is incurred, or a constructive obligation arises, that results in
the payment being unavoidable. Liabilities are recognised as soon as an outllow of economic
benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing
the Circuit to pay out resources.
ix Grants
Grants are recognised in full when the award is made On￿ the Circuit accepts that there is
legal or constructive obligation to make payment and that such payment is probable.
x VAT
The Circuit is not VAT registered and all input VAT is charged with the expense to which it refers.
13

xi Tangible fixed assets
These are capitalised rf they can be used for more than one year, and individually cost at least
£1,000. The freehold propety is shown in the accounts at the total cost value of all the manses
on 1 September 2015, except for new manses purchased after 1 September 2015, which are
brought into the accounts at their purchase pri￿. The total land component is deemed to be
£1,151,476, see Note 15. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees
consider the residual value of the manses is not less than cost and the depreciation would be
immaterial. The CirGUit makes use of the deemed cost transitional provisions of the FRS 102
SORP.
xii Investsnent Properties
There are no investment properties. Those properties owned by the Circuit but not used as
manses, are rented out, and are being kept by the Circuit, pending future stsffing requirements
xiii Investments
The investments of ESandD Circuit a￿ held by the Trustees for Methodisl Church Purposes
(TMCP) as custodian trustees. The valuations, at market value, are those provided by TMCP.
The unrealised gains arising on investments at the end of the year are shown in the SOFA and
in Notes 13, 17 and 23 below.
xiv Financial Instruments
The charity only enters into basic financial instruments transactions that result in the recognition
of financial assets and liabilities like trade and other accounts receivable and payable investments
in stocks and shares. The rneasurement basis used for these financial instruments is detailed
below.
xv Receivables and Payables; Bank and Cash
Debtors are stated at the amounts owed to the Circuit or prepaid. Creditors are initially
recognised at settlement amount after any trade discounts, where nonral credit terms apply, or
at amount advanced to the Circuit. Subsequently, Creditors that are current liabilities are
measured at the cash or other consideration, are expected to be paid. The liquid funds of bank
balances and d8POSit account balan￿S are shown at the realisable values.
xvl Loans
Vthere cOn￿SsiOnary loans (i.e., free of interest) are made to (or received by) the Circuit to further
its charitable purposes, and are repayable after more than one year, they are initially recognised
at the amount paid [or re￿IVed], with the carying value adjusted in subsequent years to reflect
repayments and any accrued interest, adjusted for any impainnent, rf necessary.
Where there is objective eviden￿ of impaimient, an immediate impairment loss is recognised in
the Statement of Financial Activities. Subsequent reversals of an impairment loss that objectively
relate to an event occurring after the impainnent loss was recognised, are recognised
immediately in the Statement of Financial Activities.
Glossary of terms
CFB: Central Finan￿ Board of the Methodist Church manages a Common Deposit Fund and a
series of pooled investment funds for Methodist entities in Great Brrtain and provides investment
advice to those entities
Church: a group of members from fewer than 12 to more than 300
Circuit: a group of Methodist Churches near each other, typically between 10 and 30
CMTF: Circuit Model Trust Fund
Connexlon: The Methodist Church in GB which includes the national office at Methodist Church
House, all Methodist Distiicts, Circutts and Churthes in Great Britsin
14

FRS: Financial Reporting Standard
MCF: Methodist Church Fund
SOFA: Statement of Financial Activities
SORP: Statement of Recommended Practice
TMCP: Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all
Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endovdments and Accumulated Funds
15

3 Ststement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 August 2023
General
Circuit Model
Designated
Fund6
Trust Fund
Funds
Unrestrictsd Unrestrlctsd Unrestrlcted
Endowment
Funds
Total
202243
Income and Endowments
In¢omo from investments
Income from charltable
activities
Assessments on churches
CMTF levies refunded
Total from charitabl• activities
Lettings
Total charitable Income
Other income
Total income and endowments
Expenditure
Expenditurn on charitable activities
Grants and donats'ons
Stipends and associated costs
Maintenance on manses
Office expenses
Telephone and travel
Insurance and utility costs
District assessment
Methodist Church Fund
CMTF levies paid
Expenditure on other circuit
property
Other outgoings
Total charitable expenditure
Net income before investment
(losses)Igalns
Net (losses)Igains on
investments
13,546
25,895
374,868
374 868
200 000
574,868
92,272
706,581
7,412
713.993
200,000 1
200.000
374 868
92,272
225,895
7,412
488,098
225 895
2,913
315,229
480
6,968
23.382
24.902
12,58S
42,631
58,129
315,229
70,482
6,968
70,002
9,998
34,900
14,084
79.780
155 052
40,298
9.6S9
1,033
178,329
49,957
55,692
863 655
562,695
122.631
-74,597
47,566
-122,631
-149 662
-283
-283
Net (8xpendsture)fincome
before transfers
-74,S97
47.566
-122,631
-283
-149,945
Transfers beiween funds
Other g8insl{losses)
-33,032
65,135
345,530
Net movement In funds
237,901
-57.496
-283
195 $85
Total funds brought forward
3A43.749
805 746
121311
4 377 480
Totsl funds carried foThrnrd
3,681,650
821,209
63,815
4,573,065
16

Assessments on Churches
The Circuit oversees the work of the following Churches:
Bedhampton Methodist Church
St Mark's Church, Bordon
Drayton United Church
Emsworth Methodist Church
Fareham Methodist Church
Gosport Methodist Church
Hart Plain Church
Haslemere Methodist Churth
Havant Methodist Church
Lee on the Solent Methodist Church
Lindford Methodist Church
Liphook Methodist Church
Midhurst Methodist Church
Petersfield Methodist Church
Portchester Methodist Church
Portsmouth Methodist Church
Stubbington Methodist Church
Wymering Methodist Church
The assessment paid by churches is calculated using a fomiula that is approved by Circuit Meeting
of 25% membership and 75% ability to pay. The exceptions to this are the local ecumenical
partnership churches at Hart Plain and St Mark's Church, Bordon who pay a parish share to the
relevant Diocesan authority and the contribution they make to Circuit funds is redU￿d to take
account of this. For 2023-24, the overall assessment to be raised represented a 2.59A increase
cornpa￿d to 2022-23. In addition, it was decided to cap the increases at 50/0 and decreases at
20A. Any shortfall was to be met from reserves.
Portsmouth Methodist Church paid its assessment debt of £24,731 during 2023-24. Havant
Methodist Church were unable to pay 2 months of their assessment during 2023-24 and owe
£1,530. This will be reviewed in 2024-25. See Note 16.
Payments to trustees
It is Circuit policy to offer to reimburse Ministers, Circuit Stewards, Local Preachers and
Supemumerary Ministers for expenditure properly incurred in canying out their duties. Expenses
that have been reimbursed are itemised under office expenses, telephone and travel, and other
outgoings under Notes 10 and 12. The total amount reimbursed is £20.533 to 11 trustees. This
is a slight increase when compared to 2022-23 (£19,918).
Other income
The figure of £44,032 (2022-23-. £7,412) is: £3,032 to the General Fund which is £2,379 from
bookkeeping services offered to Churches and £653 received as collections from Circuit serviGes
and paid out to the Methodist Church Fund for Training. £41,000 to the CMTF which was the
retum of the voluntary contribution made to the Pension Reserve Fund in September 2021 .
Grants and donations and related support costs
Several grants were made during 2023-24 to pay". the interest re￿iVed from the Gane Bequest
and to churches for property projeGts and mission work. The contributions to the costs of
minister to continue the work ofthe Beacon Church were oased from January 2024 as they were
17

no longer being used for their intended purpose and the remaining grant for this was ￿moVed.
A net total of £11,551 {2022-23: £58,129).
2023-24
2022-23
From General Fund".
Gane Be
uest interest
aid to Gos
Grants
aid to churches for
ro
Total
From Circuit Model Trust Fund-
Pro
ro
ect
rant to Hart Plain Church
Total
From Mission & Outreach Fund:
Increase to Haslemere Mission Intern
rant
Grants to Churches for mission
ro
ects
Remove a
reed
rant to Beacon Church
Write off un
aid assessments
Grant for Havant Passion Pla
Total
Total
rtmc
ro
ects
175
18,420
18,595
178
2,735
12,585
3,800
27,022
-29,193
8,809
-7.045
rants and donations
$8,129
Salaries and associated costs
Gross salaries paid to 11 (11 in 2022-23) employees were as follows:
2023-24
2022-23
Gross
Employerfs National Insuran￿ Contributions
Employerfs pension corrtribLrtions to defined
benefit schemes
Totsl stipends and associated Gosts
271,301
23,446
248,985
20,756
49,605
344,352
45,488
315.229
No employees received employee benefrts that totalled more than £60,000. There were no
accruals for holiday pay. All staff were paid at or above the living wage. There are no key
management personnel.
Most ordained presbyters and deacons are rnembers ofthe Methodist Ministers, Pension Scheme
(MMPS). This is a defined benefrt scheme. The Supreme Court held in 2014 that Methodist
ministers (which term indudes presbyters and deacons) are not employees of the Church. For
simplicity, however, when dealing with National Insuran￿ Contributions and pension
contributions, the tenns 'employerf and 'employee' are used as they would be in an employing
body.
ESandD Circuit is registered with the NEST Pension Scheme and contributes 60A of gross salary
for its eligible employees and any other employees that elect to join the pension scheme. This is
in accordance with the directive from Conference.
18

Maintenance on manses and expenditure on other Circuit property
2023-24
2022-23
maintenan￿ and repairs on manses
Quinquennial inspections on manses
Maintenance on manses total
From General Fund:
Quinquennial inspections on churches
Letting agent fees
Copnor Church building costs
Bridgemary Church building costs
Manse legal fees
Totsl
From Circuit Model Trust Fund:
Manse legal fees
Totsl
Expenditure on other Circuit property total
39,394
550
39,944
70,002
480
70.482
1,675
6,350
1,147
17,584
1,295
5,625
15,607
14,052
3,719
40,298
26.756
9,659
9,659
49,957
26,756
10 Office expenses and telephone and travel
2023-24
2022-23
Ministers, & La
em
Circuit office costs
Office ex
nses total
Ministers, & La
ern
lo
ees. travel costs
Circuit Stewards, travel costs
Ministers, & La
em
lo
ees, tele
Tele
hone and travel total
lo
ees office costs
1,146
6,448
7,594
18,372
171
4.628
1,041
5,927
6,968
18,000
1,086
4,298
hone costs
11 Insurance and utility costs
2023-24
2022-23
Manses insurance
Manses council tax
Manses water & sewera
Total
9,702
17,729
2,587
30,018
9,998
20,234
4,668
34,900
e rates
12 Other outgoings
2023-24
2022-23
From General Fund".
Local preachers, expenses
rnumeraries, ex
enses
Circuit Stewards, other costs
Trainin
and Develo
ment costs
Audit fees
1,686
4,535
167
165
4,195
2,000
2,706
90
469
4,063
19

Youth work
Cha
lainc
costs
Bank char
es
Contribution to URC for Dra
Miscellaneous costs
Removal costs
Relocation allowance
Loans
aid out
Welcome Service collection
Manse rental costs
Totsl
From Circuit Model Trust Fund:
TMCP admin cha
Total
Other outgoings total
24
75
on United Church
2,022
3,017
972
3,135
21,132
1,200
aid out
653
249
18,040
54,659
17.502
2,312
2,312
19,814
1,033
1,033
55,692
None of the ￿MainIng individual arnounts
aggregated as 'miscellaneous costs, above - is
considered material and therefore, are not listed separately.
13 Investment management
During the year the Circuit paid an administration charge of £2,312 (2022-23: £1,033) to TMCP,
the custodians of the Circuit Model Trust Fund (CMTF). This was levied at 0.285% on the value
of the funds at the end of the previous year (£811,209) and is shown in the othei outgoings line
on the SOFA and in Note 12 above.
The Circuit paid £52,091 (2022-23: £18,427) as its annual contribution to the District Advan
Fund (DAF) of Southampton District which was levied on an asset value in the CMTF of £811,209
as at 31 August 2023. In addition, the Circuit paid a Connexional Priority Fund (CPF) Levy of
£278,264 based on the prO￿edS of £755.660, shown on the Capital re￿IPtS line of the SOFA,
from the sale of Copnor Methodist Church. CPF Levy is calculated in accordanGe with CPD
Standing Order 972. The total levies paid were £330,355 (2022-23: £155,052). An additional
amount of £23,451 was paid into the Circuit's current account being the reimbursement of various
fees in connection with the sale of Copnor Methodist Church, also shown on the Capttal re￿iptS
line of the SOFA.
The amount of £494 {2022-23: -£283) on the net gainsl(losses) on investments line of the SOFA,
represents the net unrealised gain in the Gane Bequest endowment fund. More information can
be found at Notes 17 and 23.
14 Transfers between funds
The transfers between funds shown on the SOFA represents: transfers of budget amounts and
transfers from the CMTF as agreed by the Trustees at Circuit Meeting. The net £72,608
transferred into the General Fund is made up of: £100,000 from the CMTF as a transfer from
reserves to balance the 2023-24 budget plus £7,608 for work at Bridgemary Church., less £35.000
to the Manse Fund for manse repairs and insuran￿. The £153,812 out of the CMTF is made up
of: £107,608 to the General Fund and £46,204 to the Manse Fund. The £81,204 into the Manse
Fund is made up ofr. £25,000 for manse repairs budget and £10,000 for manse insurance budget
from the General Fund" £28,571 from the CMTF for garden landscaping works and finishing the
new kitchen at 6 St Thomas Close, plus new windows and doors for Nicholson Way. plus £17,633
to restore the balance in the Manse Fund at the start of 2023-24 to the reserves policy level of
£38,5000 (£3,500 per manse).
20

15 Manse and other property
The basis for the deemed cost of the 11 manses is the total of the buildings value on 1 September
2015 except for any new manse purchased after 1 September 2015 for which the purchase value
was used. This amount has been split into one third land value and two thirds buildings value.
The frozen valuation option has been adopted.
There is no depreciation on the manses as the informal review of the manses as carried out at
the end of the year by the Circuit stewards. confinned that the current residual market value of
the buildings was greater than the carrying value of that part of the asset's cost to date.
Cost or valuation
Land Buildings
Total
Balance brought forward at
31 August 2023
Transfers between categories
Balance carried forwar(l at
31 August 2024
1,151,476 2,302,951 3,454,427
1,151,476 2,302,951 3,454.427
16 Debtors and prepayments
All sums paid in advance at 1 September 2023 were for costs incurred during 2023-24. Similarty,
it is expected that payments in advance at 1 September 2024 will be expensed in 2024-25. The
unpaid church assessrnents 2022-23 were paid in full in 2023-24
Debtors and p￿paYrnents were made up as
follows:
Debtors
Contribution for Prayer handbooks
Unpaid church assessments 2022-23
Unpaid church assessments 2023-24
Rent owed from 2023-24
Prepayments
Ministers, stipends paid in advance
Deposit paid for work to be done in 2024-25
Accrued income
August rent paid in September
CMTF interest due for 31 August
Refund received in October for Copnor
Church building insurance paid in May
Total
2023-24
2022-23
211
213
24,731
1.530
1,200
23,643
5.126
24,063
6,350
3,950
4,000
3,305
60,262
43,024
Loans by the Circuit
Bedhampton Methodist Church
Havant Methodist Church
Lee on the Solent Methodist Church
Totsl
9,000
5,000
6,262
20,262
1,500
1.500
Total Debtors
63,286
61,762
21

17 Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
The CMTF is held by TMCP in a Trustees Interest Fund on which interest is Credited to the account
each month. The Gane Bequest endovllnent fund is held by TMCP in a CFB Managed Mixed
Fund on which the dividend distribution is credited to the Circuit's CFB deposit account each
quarter. These are regarded as medium and long-tenn investments.
Market value
As at 1 September 2023
Revaluation
As at 31 August 2024
Net book value
As at 31 August 2024
As at 31 August 2023
6,391
494
6,885
6,885
6,391
TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, induding
legacies, endowments and accumulated funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local
Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day-t(Fday managemerrt of trust property. TMCP
ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees
comply with charity law and Methodist law and policy as detemiined by the Methodist Conferen￿.
18 Central Finance Board and Cash at Bank
The Circuit has one Current account at CAF Bank Ltd, an authorised institution. The sums held
on that account are immediately available. In addition. the Circutt has one deposit account at the
Central Finance Board (CFB), a common deposit fund. Interest is earned on this account and is
credited monthly to the account; the sums deposited can be withdrawn without noti￿ and withoLrt
loss of interest. These sums are viewed as being liquid.
19
Creditors, accrued expenses and deferred income
2023-24
2022-23
Creditors:
Audit fee
Expenses reimbursed
Farewell sendi￿ collection owed to
Methodist Church Fund for Training
Accruals-
Accrued expenses
Manse repairs owed
Totsl creditor8 & accruals
Deferred Income:
Assessments paid in advan
Rent paid in advan
Total deferred Income
Total credltors
4,190
2.761
4.063
2,189
389
2.389
180
9,520
1.182
888
8.711
30,695
27.318
1,035
1.035
31,730
28,353
41,250
37,064
Deferred
Released
Deferred
Deferred
Deferred income
01-Sep23
in year
in year
31-Aug-24
Assessments paid in advance
27.318
(27,318) 30,695
30.695
Rent paid in advan
1.035
(1,035) 1,035
1.035
Total
28.353
(28,353) 31,730
31.730
Deferred income represents amounts received in advance of the relevant service delivery period and
is recognised as income in the SOFA as the associated obligations are fulfilled.
22

20 Grants payable within 1 year
It is Circuit policy to ￿COgnise committed grants immediately as expenditu￿ and thus accrue the
unpaid amounts at the year-end as liabilities. During 2023-24, the balance of the grant for Beacon
Church was removed, see Note 7: and £25,800 was paid to Haslemere MC, leaving the Circuit
with no comrnitments to pay grants from any funds.
2023-24
2022-23
From MIs8ion Fund:
Remainin
rant a
reed for Beacon Church Bordon
Grant a
reed towards Haslemere MC Mission Intem
Total a
rants
able
36,261
25,800
21 Unrestricted Funds
21.1 General Fund
£3,681,650)
balance £3,708,409 at 31 August 2024 (2023:
The purpose of Ihe fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees In the furtherance of the general
objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other wrposes. 93.20A of this
fund is held as 11 freehold properties which are used as manses for the ministers of the Circuit.
Those manses that are not currently needed for ministers are rented out until such time as they
are needed.
21.2 CMTF - balance £1,196,501 at 31 August 2024 (2023: £821,209)
The CMTF is held by the TMCP, Note 17. and is where the majority of the reserve funds of the
Circuit are held. These fvnds are not restricted by any document or deed to a specific purpose.
21.3 Designated Funds
£63,815)
balance £102,968 at 31 August 2024 (2023:
The designated funds of the Circuit are.. the Manse Fund which is funds that have been set aside
to meet the repairs and maintenance as deemed ne￿SSary for the Circuit's manses,. the Mission
and Outreach Fund which was funded by the equivalent salary costs of 3 lay employees made
redundant in 2016-17 until 2021-22 when no further transfers were made, as agreed by Circuit
Meeting; its purpose is to provide grants to Churches to assist with any mission andlor outreach
projects. All of these funds have been set aside for specific purposes but none of them are
reslricted lo that purpose alone by any document or deed. The balan￿ at 31 August 2024 of
£102,968 is rnade up of: £52.975 in the Manse Fund. £49,993 in the Mission and Outieach Fund.
22 Endowment Fund- Gane Bequest
The Gane Bequest endowment fund is from a bequest left to Lees Lane Methodist Church and is
held by TMCP in the Ex-Lees Lane Trust within the CFB Managed Mixed Fund. The dividends
from this fund are paid into the Circuit's CFB deposrt fund and are paid over to Gosport Methodist
Church, by agreement of the trustees.
23

23 Movement in significant individual funds
Movement in funds for current year 12 months:
Balance at
01-Sep-23 Income
Gainsl Balance at
Losses 31-Aug-24
Fund
Expenditure
Transfers
General Fund
Property Reserve Fund
Circuit Model Trust Fund
Manse Fund (Des)
Mission & Outreach (De8)
Total unrestrlcted funds
Gane Bequest
Total endowment funds
Total funds
227,223
3,454,427
821,209
20,867
42,948
4,566,674 1,380,802
6,391
6,391
4 573 065 1380 802
519,031
564,880
72,608
253,982
3,454,427
1,196.501
52,975
49,993
0 5,007,878
494
6,885
494
494 5 014 763
861,771
332,667 (153,812)
49,096
81,204
(7,045)
939,598
939,598
Comparatives for movement in funds for prior year 12 monlhs:
Balan￿ at
01-SeFF22 Income
Gainsl
Losses
Balance at
31-Aug-23
Fund
Expenditure Transfers
General Fund
Property Reserve Fund
Circuit Model Trust Fund
Manse Fund (Des)
Mission & Outreach (Des)
Total unrestricted funds
Gane Bequest
Total endowment funds
Totsl funds
332,920 488,098
3,110.829
805,746 225,895
35,731
85,580
4,370,806 713,993
6,674
6,674
4 377 480 713.993
562.695
{31,100)
(1,932)
(32,103)
65,135
227,223
345,530 3,454,427
821,209
20,867
42,948
345.530 4,566,674
{283)
6,391
283
6,391
345 247 4 573 065
178,329
79.999
42,632
863,655
863,655
A current year 12 months and ptior year 12 months combined position is as follows:
Balan￿ at
01-Sep-22 Income
Gainsl
Losses
Balance at
31-Aug-24
Fund
Expenditu￿ Transfers
General Fund
332,920 1,007,129
Property Reserve Fund
3,110,829
Circuit Model Trust Fund
805,746 1,087,666
Manse Fund (Des}
35,731
Mission & Outreach {Des}
85,580
Total unrestrlcted funds 4,370,806 2,094,795
Gane Bequest
6,674
Total endowment funds
Totsl funds
1,127,575
41,508
(1,932)
510,996 {185,915)
129,095
146.339
35,587
1.803,253
253,982
345.530 3,454,427
1,196,501
52,975
49,993
345,530 5,007,878
211
6,885
211
6,885
345,741 5,014.763
4,377 480 2 094,795
1803,253
24

24 Volunteer contributions
Every entity (Connexion, District, Circuit and Church} within the Methodist Church in GB is heavily
reliant on volunteers who contribute their skills, time and money in the furtherance of the work of
the Church. Principally this contribution is by serving on committees of the Circuit that deal with
mission, manses, finance, policy, grants. training, development. We are grateful to all of them for
their help and commitment. It is impossible to put a monetary equivalent value on this.
25 Capital commitments and contingent liabilities
There were no capital commitments or contingent liabilities at the year end.
26 Auditor
An accrual has been made for the fee of the audilors in the surn of £4,190 for the year 2023-24
(2022-23 £4,063).
27 Related party disclosures
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 August 2024.
25

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF
EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Opinion
Vve have audited the financial statements of East Solent and Downs Methodist Circurt (the 'charity') for the year ended
31 August 2024 which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities, the Balance Sheet, the Cash Flow Statement
and 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
{United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements..
give a true and fair view of the state of the charity's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of its incoming
resour￿$ and application of resources for the year then ended"
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting
Practice; and
have been p￿pared in accordance with the requirements of the CharIt￿S 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 Auditors responsibilities for the audtt 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 Stsndard,
and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit
eviden￿ we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial ststements, we have concluded that the trustees, use of the going concem 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 charity's ability to continue as a going
concern for a period of at least iwelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilrties and the responsibilities of the tfustees with respect to going concem are described in the
relevant sections of this report_
Other infomiation
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 Report of the Independent Auditors thereon.
Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other infomiation and, except to the extent otherwise
explicitly stated in our report, 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 whelher the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge
obtsined in the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated_ If we identify such material inconsistencies or
apparent material misstatements. we are required to delemiine whelher 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 infom]ation, we are required to report that fact. We have
nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the ft)Ilowing matters where the Charities Act 2011 require5 US to report to you
if, in our opinion..
the information given in the Report of the Trustees is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial
statements . or
sufficient 2ccounting records have not been kept. or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records and retums. or
we have not received all the informats'on and explanations we require ft)r our audit.

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF
EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRcurr
Responsibilftles of trustees
As explained more fulty in the Ststement of Trustees Responsibilities. the trustees are resp)nsible for the preparation
of the financial statements which give a true and fair view. and for such intemal control as the trustees determine is
necessary to enable the preparats'on 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 concem, disclosing, as applicable, matter5 related to going concem and using the going concern basis of
accounting unless the trustees erther intend to liquidate the charity or to ￿ase operations, or have no realistic
altemative but to do so.
Our responslbllltles for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditors 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 assuran￿ about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from
material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue a Report of the Independent Auditors 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 a￿ayS detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from
fraud or error and are considered material if, individualty 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 wtth laws and regulations. We design procedures in line
with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. To
the extent to which our prO￿dureS are capable of detecting irregularits'es. including fraud is detailed below.
From discussion wrth management and those charged with governan￿ infomation about the entity is documented to
assess the activity within the organisatj'on. ive discuss managements assessment of risk in respect of irregularities,
fraud and going Goncem.
Based on these discussions and our own assessments we determined that the key risk areas were income recognition
in respect of cut off issues and management override concerning the size of the organisation.
We set financial statement materialty level based on the level of income. As a not for profit organisation raising income
is its primary focus which is why income was used to detennine the level of materiality. Our overall assessment of risk
was used to dete￿nine Performan￿ materiality at an appropriate level.
Substantive audit tests were deS￿ned after assessing and performing vmlkthrough tests. The walkthrough testing
confirmed documented systems which have b￿n designed to act as a preventatrve measure against fraud and error
which appear to be operating as documented. Substantive testing tested a sample of the population. representative of
the population, to identify errors. The testing did not idenkn'fy any material misstatements in areas tested.
Audit substantive tests concluded no material errors over the key risk areas of income recognition and management
override.
The audit considers the organtsation is not exposed to material risk of error as a result of assessing laws and
regulations that are appropriate to the organtsation.
Management assessed there is no going concern risk. The audrt undertook a review of budgets, management
accounts and the review of board minutes and came to the same conclusion as management.
A further descnption of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting
Council's website at www.frc.or
.uklauditorsres
onsibilities. This description forms part of our Report of the
Independent Auditors.
27

REPORT OF THE INDEPENDENT AUDITORS TO THE TRUSTEES OF
EAST SOLENT AND DOWNS METHODIST CIRCUIT
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity's trustees, as a Lx)dy, in accordance with Secb'on 144 of the Charities Act 2011
8nd regulations made under Section 154 of that Act. 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 reFN￿. or for the opinions we have formed.
Morris Crocker Limtted
Chartered Accountants
Statutory Auditors
Eligible to act as an auditor in terms of Section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006
station House
North Street
Havant
Hampshire
P09 1QU
Date..
28