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2022-08-31-accounts

THE METHODIST CHURCH REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

(ACCRUALS BASIS)

For the year ended 31 August 2022

WEALD OF KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT

Registered Charity – Registration Number

1155413

South East District No 36 Circuit No 18

Ministers Rev John Ritson Rev Sharon Lovelock Rev Dermot Thornberry Circuit Stewards Dr Helen Richardson Mrs Julia Bevis Mr Rodney Stone Mr Ian Beavis

Circuit Treasurer Mr Christopher Towers

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Introduction

Included in the report are the aims of the Circuit and a commentary of the financial aspects of its work. The report has been prepared based on the activities and plans as they are known at the current time. The Circuit exists for the benefit of the six Methodist Churches, one joint Anglican/Methodist Church, and one joint URC/Methodist Church, employing the Circuit staff and providing financial support for major projects.

Circuit Mission Statement

Led by the Spirit to work together to enable our churches to share the Good News of Jesus . This we do through :

Leadership: to encourage, support and challenge each church to worship God, fulfil its own mission and spread God’s word.

Communication: to facilitate effective and relevant communication between churches and encourage two-way communication with wider Methodism. Maximising Resources: to ensure the most effective use of all resources across the Circuit and the development and use of our God-given gifts.

Review of the Year

Income Trends

Circuit income is primarily drawn from the assessment paid by the Circuit churches.

Expenditure Trends

Stipend expenditure has increased each financial year in line with Conference approved increases. 23% of general fund expenditure is the Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion, of which a significant part is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.

Grants from the Model Trust Fund were two payments totalling £27000 to support the Circuit churches. In addition, the Circuit paid £24221 for professional fees relating to the redevelopment of a Circuit church.

Significant Transactions

At a Circuit Meeting held in September 2022 the Circuit decided that it was unable to afford the cost of a new church building as had been previously planned on the site of one of the churches. This was disappointing but was a reflection of the significant increase in construction costs since the Covid epidemic. The Circuit now plans to refurbish the existing building and has committed £500000 from Model Trust Funds to assist with the cost. The accounts reflect the release of the grant that had been allocated from the Model Trust Fund for the new build but the refurbishment grant will be shown in the next year's accounts when the commitment was made.

The Circuit continues to incur costs relating to a redundant church property. The property is under offer but contracts have yet to be exchanged. Once a sale is achieved the Model Trust Fund will receive a proportion of the proceeds.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

One of the Circuit churches requires significant repairs to its fabric following the quinquennial report. A grant of £25000 has been paid from the Model Trust Fund towards the cost of this work and the level of assessment has been temporarily reduced to assist the church with its finances.

The Circuit approved a grant of £15000 to one of the churches spread towards the cost of employing a Community Lead who will have responsibility for work in the local area of that church. The grant will be spread over three years and the whole sum was outstanding at the year end.

The Circuit had previously agreed a grant of £40000 towards the costs of a major refurbishment of another Circuit church. During the year this amount was paid plus a further grant of £10000 to cover increased costs.

The Model Trust Fund continues to support the mission of the churches by funding staff and travel costs. The accounts also reflect the Circuit Meeting decision to cover the previous year's deficit on General Fund which was caused by the effect of lock down on church income.

Fund balances

As at 31 August 2022 the net current assets on general fund of the Circuit were £95270 giving approximately 4 months cover for general expenditure. There are substantial funds held in the Model Trust Fund which support the Circuit and individual churches’ development plans.

Plans for 2022 – 2023

Circuit financial plans for the coming year have been prepared on the basis that there remains three ordained staff with the anticipated cost of living stipend increases combined with an increase in the assessment paid to the District and the Connexion.

As mentioned under Significant Transactions the Circuit is supporting the refurbishment of one of the churches by a grant of £500000. It plans to be actively involved in the planning and control of the work. Currently professional advice is being considered to determine the best way to progress the refurbishment.

The Circuit hopes to exchange contracts for the redundant church. Under the terms of the offer received completion will take place after planning permission has been obtained.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Basis of preparation and legal framework

The Charity’s annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the Accounting and Reporting by Charities; Statement of Recommended Practice 2015 as applicable to the Financial Reporting Standard 102.

Full name of Charity Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

Registration Number 1155413 Date of Registration 21 January 2014 Main communication address Otford Methodist Church High Street Otford, Sevenoaks TN14 5PH

The members of the Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of Circuit office holders, ministers and representatives appointed by the local churches.

Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report.

Circuit Ministers and Officers

Active Circuit Ministers Rev John Ritson Rev Sharon Lovelock Rev Dermot Thornberry Circuit Lay Workers Mr Philip Staddon Mr Richard Cannam Circuit Stewards Dr Helen Richardson Mrs Julia Bevis Mr Rodney Stone Mr Ian Beavis

Administrator Mrs Helen Atkinson

Mr Christopher Towers acted as the principal officer overseeing the day to day financial management and accounting for the Circuit during the year.

Independent examiner Nash Harvey Group LLP The Granary Hermitage Court Hermitage Lane Maidstone ME16 9NT Investment Bankers Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Aims and organisation

Charity objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Sevenoaks, Tonbridge and Tunbridge Wells for the Methodist Church.

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

The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non members alike.

The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.

The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved. Taking religious assemblies in local schools.

Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.

Provision of chaplaincy services to the local university and other institutions.

Public Benefit

We confirm the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit.

Structure, Governance and Management

The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976)

Detailed governance arrangements are outlined within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church by order of the annual Conference (CPD)

Day to day management of the Circuit is undertaken by the Circuit Leadership team along with the Local Preachers meeting and the Circuit Finance and Property Committee.

Trustee Training

A range of guidance produced by Methodist Connexion to support the effective running of the Circuit, specifically the leaflet ‘The Role of a Trustee in The Methodist Church’ is given to all new Circuit meeting members as induction to their role as trustees.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

Related Parties

The Circuit is part of the South East District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference.

The following Methodist Churches are linked to the Circuit: East Peckham Hawkhurst Horsmonden Otford Paddock Wood (jointly with Church of England) Sevenoaks Tonbridge Tunbridge Wells (jointly with URC)

Risk Management

The major risks have been identified and recorded by the Circuit Finance and Property committee with professional advice taken as required.

There is a regular annual review process undertaken and recorded.

Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a regular basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process.

Safeguarding

Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of male and female in God’s image and likeness. Christians see this potential as fulfilled by God’s re-creation of us in Christ.

Among other things this implies a duty to value all people as bearing the image of God and therefore to protect them from harm.

Methodist Connexional practice outlines commitment to the following principles:

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT ON FINANCE AND GOVERNANCE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2022

The Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit commits itself to ensuring the implementation of Connexional Safeguarding Policy; government legislation and safe practice in the Circuit and in the churches.

The Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training to lay and ordained people that will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults who may be vulnerable.

Reserves Policy

The reserves policy for the Circuit is to hold a minimum sum equivalent to 15% of the general fund annual expenditure budget plus twice the annual budget for manse repairs. This should be sufficient to meet any unforeseen item of major expenditure on manses and/or to be able to continue, in the short term, funding planned activities in the event of any inability to raise the full Circuit Assessment from churches. The balance on General Fund at 31 August 2022 disregarding the value of land and buildings complies with the Circuit Reserves Policy.

Funds are retained in the Model Trust Funds to be available to meet grant and loan requests for expenditure from the Circuit and the churches in the Circuit falling within the categories approved by the Methodist Church.

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WEALD OF KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the year ended 31 August 2022

Note General Model Total Total
Fund Trust 2021/22 2020/21
Fund
£ £ £ £
Charitable activities:
Assessments 199202 199202 195858
Investment income 267 4348 4615 2946
Other income 5 - - 407428
______ ______ ______ ______
Total Income 199469 4348 203817 606232
______ ______ ______ ______
Stipends and salaries 7 120785 120785 120302
District assessment 11202 11202 9076
Methodist Church Fund 41302 41302 43467
Telephone and travel 12232 12232 8703
Insurance and utilities 18646 18646 18600
Maintenance of manses 14108 14108 9462
Expenditure on circuit property 24489 24489 21844
Examiners fee 900 900 900
Other expenditure 8072 2771 10843 5884
Grants and donations 100 61221 61321 27955
Provision for outstanding grants 13 -673487 -673487 743746
Contributions to Connexional
Priority Fund 8 64172 64172 171618
______ ______ ______ _
Total Expenditure 227347 -520834 -293487 1181557
_ _ _ _
Net Income/Expenditure -27878 525182 497304 -575325
Transfers between funds 24932 -24932 - -
Gains (losses)on revaluation
of fixed assets 312774 312774 44086
Gains/losses on investment assets -286
-286
686
_ ______ _ _
Net movement in funds 309828 499964 809792 -530553
Reconciliation of Funds
Total funds brought forward 1906165 237547 2143712 2674265
_ _ _ _
Total funds carried forward 2215993 737511 2953504 2143712
_ _ _ _

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

WEALD OF KENT METHODIST CIRCUIT

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 AUGUST 2022

Note
General
Model Total Total
Fund Trust 2022 2021
Fund
£ £
£

£
Tangible Fixed Assets
Land and buildings 9 2120723 2120723
1807949
Investments 10 4004 4004
4290
_ ______ _ _
Total Fixed Assets 2120723 4004 2124727 1812239
_ ______ _ _
Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments 11 46655 46655 20066
Trustees for Methodist Church
Purposes deposits 902362 902362 968000
Central Finance Board deposits 79435 79435 122585
Cash at bank 1285 1285
13679
_ _ _ _
Total Current Assets 127375 902362 1029737 1124330
Creditors, Accruals and Provisions
Due under 1 year 12 -32105 -138596 -170701 -49111
Provision for outstanding grants 13
-30259 -30259 -743746
_ _ _ _
Net Current Assets 95270 733507 828777 331473
_ _ _ _
Net Assets 2215993 737511 2953504 2143712
__ _ _ _
Funds of the Circuit
General Fund unrestricted 2215993 2215993 1906165
Model Trust Fund unrestricted 737511 737511 237547
_ _ _ _
Total Funds 2215993 737511 2953504 2143712
_ _ _ _

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

Notes to the Accounts

1. Basis of preparation of financial statements

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015) – (Charities SORP (FRS102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland (FRS102) and the Companies Act 2008.

Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy.

2. Funds

The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. There are no Restricted funds. Details of each material fund are disclosed in note 14 to these accounts. Any funds may be represented by more than just cash.

3. Accounting Policies

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 Circuit’s financial position and activities.

Income Recognition

Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Circuit becomes entitled to the resources, and the trustees are reasonably certain they will receive the resources; and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.

Resources Expended

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 outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Circuit to pay out resources.

Grants

Grants made by the Circuit from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Circuit accepts that there is a legal or operational obligation to make the payment. When the grant is recurrent over more than one year the balance payable in future years is treated as a provision for future commitments in the Balance Sheet against the appropriate fund, the provision being released in future years as instalments are paid in accordance with the originally agreed terms.

VAT

Since the Circuit is not VAT registered all input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.

Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit

The freehold property is shown in the accounts at 2022 values based on the sums insured except where a sale is anticipated in the near future where realisable value is used. The

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

land component is not recognised in these figures. No depreciation is provided on the buildings because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the year-end) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The property has been reviewed for impairment.

Investments

Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end. Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year end are shown in the SOFA.

Debtors and Prepayments

Debtors relate to the payment of the September stipend in August and other debtors and prepayments.

Creditors

Creditors on General Fund include receipts in advance relating to the 1[st] quarter assessments received in advance. Creditors on Model Trust Fund include a grant received in advance that is considered repayable.

Cash Flow Exemption

The financial statements do not include a cash flow statement because, as a small charity, it has taken exemption for cash flow in accordance with FRS 102, update bulletin one, in preparation of these financial statements .

4. Investment Income

The income consists of interest of £4243 from deposits with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes, £267 from deposits with the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church and dividends of £105 from listed investments.

5. Other Income

The receipt on the Model Trust Fund in the previous year relates primarily to proceeds from the sale of redundant churches.

6. Payments to Trustees

There were no payments for additional services to trustees for the current and previous year excluding the amounts reported under note 7 relating to stipends and salaries.

7. Stipends and Salaries

Stipends and Salaries Stipends and Salaries
The total amounts paid relating to stipends amounted to £90828 (£89618)
Staff costs paid during the year were:
Gross salaries 26117 26721
Pension costs 1458 1603
Employers National Insurance 1846 1799
Apprentice Scheme Levy 536 561
_____ _____
£29957 £30684
______ ______

Average number of full time equivalent employees were 2 (2).

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

8. Contributions to Connexional Priority Fund

As required by the Methodist Church contributions are made from property sales to the Connexional Priority Fund. An annual levy is also required and the total paid over during the year amounted to £64172 (£171618).

9. Land and Buildings

The total relates to the five manses held by the Circuit throughout the year.

Balance brought forward 1807949 Revaluation surplus 312774 _ Balance carried forward £2120723 _

10. Investments

The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund and the Manses Fund are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited monthly. These are regarded as medium and long term investments.

TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustee of all Methodist Model Trust property, including Legacies, Endowments and Accumulated Funds. Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management 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 determined by Methodist Conference.

Analysis of investment movements:
Market value brought forward 4290
Loss on revaluation - 286
____
Market value carried forward £4004
____
All investments are listed on a registered Stock Exchange and generated income of £105
(£69) for the year.

11. Analysis of Current Assets

. Analysis of Current Assets
Debtors and prepayments
Stipends in advance 7879 7509
Other debtors and prepayments 38776 3554
_____ _____
£46655
£11063
______
______
The bank balance is held at HSBC Plc.

Other debtors include the balance due from the Model Trust Fund of £34654

12. Current Liabilities

The liabilities for the current and previous year relate to Other Creditors. There are no long term liabilities.

Other creditors for the General Fund include the balance due to the Model Trust Fund of £34654 and a refundable grant of £103492.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

13. Provision for Outstanding Grants

Following the Circuit Meeting decision not to proceed with a new church building the unused part of the previously approved grant totalling £688487 has been reversed. A grant towards the cost of employing a Community Lead worker at a Circuit church for a total of £15000 was approved and will be paid over three years; this grant has been provided in accordance with the Accounting Policy on Grants. The result of these two matters is a net credit of £673487 on the Outstanding Grant Provision shown on the Statement of Financial Activities.

14. Capital Commitments and Contingent Liabilities

At 31 August 2022 the Circuit has no capital commitments. No contingent liabilities were identified at 31 August 2022

15. Detailed Analysis of Individual Fund Movements

Unrestricted Funds

Unrestricted Funds
General Model Trust Total
Fund Fund
Opening balance 1906165 237547 2143712
Income 512243 4348 516591
Expenditure - 227347 520548 293201
Transfers 24932 - 24932 -
__ _ __
Closing balance £2215993 £737511 £2953504
__ _ __

The purpose of the general fund is the administration of the Circuit.

The purpose of the model trust fund is to make grants and loans to the Circuit churches and to improve the manses.

The transfer between the funds related to support from the Model Trust Fund for the ministry of the Circuit.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

16. Related Party Transactions

The following schedule shows the related party transactions for the year and amounts outstanding at the year end. The Circuit churches and other Methodist organisations are considered related parties for the purpose of determining related party transactions.

2022 2021
Circuit Churches:
Assessment income 199202 195858
Grants
61221 27855
Funds transferred on closure - 21618
Assessments paid in advance 31114 30994
Methodist Church Organizations:
District Assessment 11202 9076
Chairman's Benevolent Fund
100 100
Methodist Church Fund contribution 41302 43467
Connexional Priority Fund contribution 64172 171618
Deposit – Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes 902362 980000
Deposit – Central Finance Board 79435 122585

17. Post Balance Sheet Events

Since the year end the Circuit Meeting has approved a grant of £500000 from the Model Trust Fund towards the refurbishment costs of a Circuit church. This amount will be reflected in the 2022/2023 accounts.

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

DECLARATIONS

Treasurer

I confirm that these accrual based accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 have been prepared from the records of the Circuit and that they include all funds under the control of the Circuit Meeting.

Signature of Treasurer …….……………… Date ???

Name of Treasurer Christopher Towers Address 40 Willow Park Otford Kent TN14 5NF

Presentation to the Circuit Meeting for approval.

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2022 were presented to the Circuit Meeting at its meeting on ………………… 2023 and were approved.

Signature of the Chair of the Meeting ……………………………

Name of the Chair of the Meeting Rev John Ritson

Date ????

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

Independent examiner’s report to the Trustees of the Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the ‘2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner’s report

Since the charity’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 the Institute of Charted Accountant in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:

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.

Signed:

Name: Lisa Pattenden ???

Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales

Address: The Granary, Hermitage Court, Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, ME16 9NT

Date:

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

Appendix A

CIRCUIT MEETING MEMBERSHIP

At 31 August 2022

MINISTERS

Rev John Ritson Rev Sharon Lovelock Rev Dermot Thornberry

MINISTERS IN OTHER APPOINTMENTS

Rev Helen Warmington

SUPERNUMERARY MINISTERS

Rev John Curnow Rev Gerald Gardiner Rev John Butt

LAYWORKERS

Mr Philip Staddon Mr Richard Cannam

CIRCUIT STEWARDS

Dr Helen Richardson Mrs Julia Bevis Mr Rodney Stone Mr Ian Beavis

Circuit Local Preachers & Worship Leaders representative

Mrs Sue Ward

Circuit Safeguarding Co-ordinators

Mr Philip Staddon Dr Helen Richardson Mrs Helen Atkinson

Property and TMCP Advisor

Mr Michael Richardson

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Weald of Kent Methodist Circuit

CIRCUIT CHURCH REPRESENTATIVES

East Peckham

Mrs Julia Bevis Mrs Alison Farr Mrs Eileen Hayward

Horsmonden

Mr Henry Edwards Mrs Rachel Sheppard

Otford

Mrs Ann Suaznabar Mrs Carol Oakley Mrs Kathryn Ritson

Tonbridge

Mr Roi Arden Mr Hugh Taylor Mrs Valerie Lovett

Hawkhurst

Mr Ken Barnes Miss Valerie Manser Mr Reg Rummery

St Andrew’s Paddock Wood

Mrs Jean Saggers Mr Peter Crouch Mr Carl Warren Mrs Carol Barnett

The Drive Sevenoaks

Mr John Archer Mrs Sally Dagnall Mr Philip Smith

Tunbridge Wells

Mrs Gillian Langstaff Mr Dave Holton Mr Alan Spencer

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