## **Bishop Auckland and Shildon Methodist Circuit**
**Charity Registration number: 1162844**
**Annual Report and Unaudited Financial Statements for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Contents**
## **Pages**
- 1 to 5 Trustees' Annual Report 6 to 8 Standard Form of Accounts
- 9 to 11 Notes to the Standard Accounts
- 12 Declarations and Scrutiny
- 13 Independent Examiner's Report
**Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## **Information**
**Full name of charity:**
Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit
**Charity registration number:** 1162844 **Address:** Bishop Auckland Methodist Church 21 Cockton Hill Road Bishop Auckland County Durham DL14 6EN
## **Trustees during the year ended 31 August 2025**
Members of Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit meeting are the Charity Trustees. Membership is made up of Ministers, Circuit office holders and representatives appointed by the local Churches as shown below:
## **Circuit meeting membership**
David Payne Superintendent and Chair of Circuit Meeting Rachel Pinkney Probationer Presbyter, ordained on 29 June 2025 Marion Anderson Circuit Steward Carol Bean Circuit Steward, Circuit Safeguarding Officer, Witton Park representative Helen Eales Circuit Treasurer, Dene Valley Representative Alan Hill Circuit Assistant Treasurer Clifford Laverick Circuit Steward - Property Jeanne Spencer Circuit Steward Edwin Hird Local Preacher Secretary Margaret Nodding Local Preacher Representative Evelyn Swinbank Local Preacher Representative Dorothy Bailey Quinquennials Clifford Holliday Home Mission, Dene Valley Representative Olive Ingram MWiB Secretary Audrey Dinning MWiB Treasurer Christine Bennett MHA Sheelah Stevens Supernumerary Presbyter (resigned 25.02.25)
## From each Church:
|From each Church:||
|---|---|
|Kathleen Biggs|Bishop Auckland|
|Ralph Ingram|Bishop Auckland|
|Keith Teasdale|Bishop Auckland|
|Nora Amess|Cockfield|
|Dorothy Milroy|Cockfield (to 09.03.26)|
|Joan Thompson|Cockfield|
|June Holliday|Dene Valley (appointed 09.09.25)|
|Shirley Welsh|Dene Valley (appointed 09.10.25)|
|David Cadman|Etherley|
|Michael Ellis|Etherley|
|Diane Hall|Etherley|
|Enid Clinton|Hamsterley|
|George Richardson|Hamsterley|
|David Powell|Heighington|
|Pauline Clayton|Newton Aycliffe|
|Dale Cochrane|Newton Aycliffe|
|Kim Rowling|Newton Aycliffe (appointed 19.03.2025)|
|Joyce Hird|Shildon|
Page 1
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025**
|John Hodgson|Shildon|
|---|---|
|Patricia Scott|Shildon|
|Elly Studham|Shildon|
|Jennifer Atkinson|Witton Park|
|Joyce Proctor|Witton Park|
|Jane Armstrong|Woodhouse Close|
|Peter Hall|Woodhouse Close|
|Ross Tonner|Woodhouse Close|
|**Lay Employees – members of the Circuit Meeting but not trustees:**||
|Jenny Prior|Circuit Support Manager and Circuit Meeting Secretary|
|Chris Russell|Lay Pastoral Assistant (to 12.09.25)|
## **Structure, governance and management**
The governing document for the Circuit is the Deed of Union (1932) and the 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).
## **Objectives and activities**
The charity's objective is to act as a resource provider within the area around Bishop Auckland and Shildon. The purposes of the Methodist Church are, and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union, the advancement of:
- The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of the Methodist Church.
- Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, local or other organisations of the Methodist Church.
- Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church.
- Charitable objectives are delivered through the provision of activities and services, which include:
- The organisation and resourcing of regular public acts of worship open to members of the church and non-members alike.
- Conducting baptisms, weddings and funerals on behalf of the Methodist Church.
- The teaching of Christianity through sermons, courses and small groups.
- The resourcing of pastoral work including visiting the sick and bereaved.
- Provision of community space and support.
- Taking religious assemblies in local schools.
- Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
## **Circuit Mission Statement**
We are called to worship, love and serve God so that the world may believe.
## _**Worship**_
The church exists to increase awareness in God's promise and to celebrate God's love.
- The Circuit plan ensures the provision of preachers and services for local churches on Sunday and also midweek.
- Circuit Services provide an opportunity to come together as a family for worship and fellowship.
- • The local preachers meeting supports and offers further opportunities for study and enrichment of this calling.
- Make use of technology in services and as a means of reaching those unable to attend, also to be used as a tool for mission.
- Involve children and young people in appropriate activities.
Page 2
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## _**Learning and caring**_
The church exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care.
- Opportunities for learning through Bible studies.
- Opportunities for people to meet for midweek fellowship around the circuit.
- Encourage members to commit to a path of lifelong learning based on God's teachings.
- Show that the church is welcoming, accepting all as children of God.
- Nurture and care for all in our circuit.
- Provide opportunities for groups to meet for relaxation and fellowship.
## _**Service**_
The church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice.
- Supporting the needs of our local communities, providing food and financial help.
- Encourage churches to support Fairtrade.
- Encourage practical responses to the climate crisis, collectively and individually.
- Give generously to those in need at home and abroad.
- Challenge injustice.
## _**Evangelism**_
The church exists to make followers of Jesus Christ.
- Witness to those we meet outside the church in daily life.
- Use opportunities presented at baptisms, weddings, funerals, Christmas and Easter to share our faith.
- Showing love and respect to all we meet through simple acts of service.
- Working ecumenically in the community e.g. food bank, holiday club, passion play performance and school and hospital visiting.
_“Truly I tell you, inasmuch as you have done it for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you have done it for me.”_
Matthew 25:40.
## **Public benefit**
We confirm that the trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
## **Review**
The Bishop Auckland & Shildon Circuit embraces 10 churches. The geographical dimensions of the Circuit are approximately 16 miles by 6 miles with a mixture of both town and country churches.
Our Ministers are Rev David Payne and Rev Rachel Pinkney.
David is the Superintendent Minister and had pastoral charge of:
Cockfield Etherley Hamsterley Newton Aycliffe Shildon Woodhouse Close
St Michael’s, Heighington – letter of welcome to former Methodist members of Heighington Methodist Church.
Rachel, in her second year as a Probationer Presbyter, had care of: Bishop Auckland Dene Valley Witton Park
Page 3
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025**
We had two lay employees in the year. Jenny Prior is the Circuit Support Manager and Chris Russell is the Lay Pastoral Assistant who is primarily based in the churches where David is in pastoral charge.
We have services available each Sunday throughout the Circuit, as shown on the quarterly 'Circuit Plan'.
The Circuit membership on 1 November 2024 was 323. The larger membership churches are based in the towns of Bishop Auckland (Bishop Auckland and Woodhouse Close), Newton Aycliffe and Shildon. The smaller membership churches are located in more rural locations.
Woodhouse Close is a single congregation LEP with the Church of England (and also includes a “Letter of Welcome” to members of the former local URC). Hamsterley is an LEP with the local Anglican Church.
The Church of England at Heighington has a Covenant of Welcome to former members of the Heighington Methodist Church and the normal Sunday morning service is led by a Methodist minister or preacher monthly.
After completing the necessary process, we were delighted to extend Rev David Payne's appointment in the Circuit. This was agreed at the Circuit Meeting on 9 September 2024. The extension begins on 1 September 2025 for one year.
In May 2025 Rev David Payne indicated that he intends to “sit down” as Superintendent of our Circuit with effect from 31 August 2026. We have valued his leadership and energy and the Circuit will miss his dedicated and enthusiastic ministry. We entered the stationing process for a Superintendent Minister.
We rejoiced as Rev Rachel Pinkney was received into full connexion at the Methodist Conference in Telford and then ordained at St Chad’s Church, Shrewsbury on 29 June 2025. We held a “Welcome Back” Circuit Service for Rachel on 6 July at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church.
In July 2025 Chris Russell arranged “Holiday @ Home”, three afternoon sessions to provide some fun, activities and treats for those of our membership who can no longer go away on holiday or indeed don’t go very far at all. It was held at Witton Park Methodist Church, with helpers and guests from across the Circuit. Guests were able to be involved in painting, card making, flower arranging and board games. On the final afternoon there was musical entertainment and an afternoon tea.
## **Reserves policy**
The Circuits Reserves Policy is:
- To secure and sustain the Circuit's viability and future.
- To give reassurance to the general public that the Circuit, which is a charity, intends to use all the money coming into its care for the purpose of the charity
- The Circuit's Reserves Policy is to hold a balance of unrestricted funds equivalent to at least six months unrestricted expenditure.
- The Circuit's Superintendent Minister is leaving in August 2026. The Circuit has entered stationing for a replacement and, if successful, the incoming Superintendent's appointment would run until August 2031. The other Minister has a further three years of their appointment to run. The Circuit has sufficient funds to meet its financial obligations in relation to the support of its ministers and maintenance of its two manses.
- • It is recognised that regular income is not meeting annual expenditure and that reserves will be further drawn upon going forward.
- The Circuit has sufficient funds to finance its future plans.
## **Property**
Quinquennial Inspections took place at: Hamsterley Methodist Church on 11 September 2024. The manse in Shildon on 26 September 2024.
Page 4
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Trustees' Annual Report for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## **Unconscious Bias training**
An Unconscious Bias training session was held on 20 May 2025.
## **Safeguarding**
We are committed to ensuring that our churches are safe places to be. This means that safeguarding is central to the safe operation of the Circuit and at every meeting we seek to affirm that safeguarding is central to what we do.
We signed our Circuit Safeguarding Policy at the Circuit Meeting on 9 September 2024, listing Carol Bean as the Circuit Safeguarding Officer.
We have three qualified Foundation Module trainers in the Circuit. The Foundation Module has been rewritten by the Methodist Church and our trainers attended their “train the trainers” course to enable them to deliver the new material.
We held a Foundation Module training session at Bishop Auckland Methodist Church on 29 January 2025 when 18 people attended. We invited feedback and asked people to include one key think they have learnt. Some responses included “how crucial recording of situations is”, “the support that is available”, and that “Safeguarding is for all”.
A Church Safeguarding Officers Meeting was held on 20 May 2025.
## **Declarations**
The trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ Report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
## _David M Payne_
## **Rev David M Payne**
Page 5
**CIRCUIT RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS**
# **THE METHODIST CHURCH**
# **STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS**
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist**
Circuit
**FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025**
|**District**
Darlington|**Circuit no**|13/10|
|---|---|---|
|**Registered Charity - Charity Registration number**|||
||1162844||
## If not a registered charity **His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number**
(The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242 )
Ministers:
Rev David M Payne Rev Rachel Pinkney
Circuit Stewards: Marion Anderson Carol Bean Alan Hill Cliff Laverick Jeanne Spencer Treasurer: Helen Eales
Page 6
## **ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 August 2025**
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
||**SECTION A**|||£
£
£
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Un -**
**restricted**
**Funds**
**Circuit**
**Model Trust**
**Fund**|£
£
£
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Un -**
**restricted**
**Funds**
**Circuit**
**Model Trust**
**Fund**|£
£
£
**Restricted**
**Funds**
**Un -**
**restricted**
**Funds**
**Circuit**
**Model Trust**
**Fund**|£
**133,954**
**16,937**
**4,500**
**13,112**
**Totals this**
**year**|£
**133,954**
**16,937**
**4,500**
**13,112**
**Totals this**
**year**|£
105,100
520,846
9,845
15,299
5,898
**656,988**
96,442
15,509
13,567
33,732
582
180,000
66,687
**406,519**
**250,469**
138,193
**388,662**
**Totals last**
**year**|£
105,100
520,846
9,845
15,299
5,898
**656,988**
96,442
15,509
13,567
33,732
582
180,000
66,687
**406,519**
**250,469**
138,193
**388,662**
**Totals last**
**year**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|a1|**RECEIPTS**||**Note**||||||||
|a2|Assessment/Share||3|133,954|||**133,954**||105,100||
|a3|Capital receipts||4||||||520,846||
|a4|Bank and CFB interest and
Investment income|||2,356|14,581||**16,937**||9,845||
|a5|Grants||5|||4,500|**4,500**||15,299||
|a6|Other receipts||6|13,112|||**13,112**||5,898||
|a7|**TOTAL RECEIPTS**|||**149,422**|**14,581**|**4,500**|**168,503 **|**(a8)**|**656,988**||
||||||||||||
||**SECTION B**||||||**115,719**
**8,597**
**4,052**
**50,476**
**1,200**
**7,952**||||
|b1|**PAYMENTS**||||||||||
|b2|Stipends, salaries, NIC, Pension and
travel costs||7|113,219||2,500|**115,719**||96,442||
|b3|Manse Costs||8|8,597|||**8,597**||15,509||
|b4|Administration etc||9|4,052|||**4,052**||13,567||
|b5|District Assessment and Levy||10|33,732|16,744||**50,476**||33,732||
|b6|Grants & donations||11|500||700|**1,200**||582||
|b7|Bridgingloan repaid||||||||180,000||
|b8|Otherpayments||12|6,159|1,105|688|**7,952**||66,687||
|b9|**TOTAL PAYMENTS**|||**166,259**|**17,849**|**3,888**|**187,996 **|**(b9)**|**406,519**||
||||||||**(19,493)**||||
||**SECTION C**||||||||||
|c1|**NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR**
**THE YEAR**||**(a7-b9)**|**(16,837)**|**(3,268)**|**612**|**(19,493)**||||
||||||||||||
|c2|Total funds brought forward from lastyear|||87,215|339,987||427,202|(c6)|138,193||
||||||||**407,709**||||
|c3|**Sub total**
**(c1+c2)**|||**70,378**|**336,719**|**612**|**407,709**||||
||||||||||||
|c4|Transfers and adjustments|||45,000|(45,000)|||(c7)|38,540||
||||||||||||
|c5|**TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR**
**(c3+c4)**|||**115,378**|**291,719**|**612**|**407,709 **|**(c8)**|**427,202 **|**(c6)**|
||**SECTION D**|||
|---|---|---|---|
|d|**FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS**
2,098
2,098
**(these amounts should not be included in total receipts/payments above)**
Offerings/Gifts -passed to external organisations
**BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1 + d2 - d3)**
Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations
Balance brought forward from lastyear|||
|d1|Balance brought forward from lastyear|||
|d2|Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations||4,085|
|d3|Offerings/Gifts -passed to external organisations||4,085|
|d4|**BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1 + d2 - d3)**|||
Page 7
**Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist**
**Circuit**
## **SUMMARY OF CIRCUIT ACCOUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATION REPORTING TO THE CIRCUIT MEETING**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
|||
|---|---|
|SECTION E|Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page|
|Summary of the Circuit accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 and Internal Organisations reporting to the Circuit Meeting. Note that the funds of|
|an Internal Organisation would normally be Restricted funds unless it could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. This|
|section must be completed to arrive at the gross receipts and payments totals of the Circuit. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold of|
|£250,000, then the Accruals method of accounting AND A DIFFERENT FORM must be used to report the accounts (see Methodist website). Please|
|refer to the guidance notes regarding transfers between the Circuit and connected Circuit Organisations.|
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|INTERNAL|Net Receipts/|Opening|
|ORGANISATIONS|Receipts|Payments|Payments|Adjustments|balances|Closing balances|
|e1|
|e2|
|e3|
|e4|
|e5|
|e6|
|e7|
|Sub total of Internal|
|e8|Organisations funds|(e11)|(e12)|
|Circuit accounts (totals|
|brought forward from|
|e9|page 2 - totals column)|168,503|(a8)|187,996|(b9)|(19,493)|(c7)|427,202|(c6)|407,709|(c8)|
|TOTAL CASH FUNDS|
|e10|HELD BY CIRCUIT|168,503|187,996|(19,493)|427,202|(x)|407,709|(y)|
|Continue on a separate|TOTAL|
|sheet if necessary and bring|TOTAL RECEIPTS|PAYMENTS|
|the totals forward|
**----- End of picture text -----**
## **SECTION F**
## **STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|OPENING|CLOSING|
|CIRCUIT - CASH FUNDS HELD at 31 August 2025|BALANCES|BALANCES|
|f1|Cash in hand|
|f2|Bank Current Account|16,469|21,521|
|f3|Bank Deposit Account|
|f4|Central Finance Board|70,746|94,469|
|f5|Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes|339,987|291,719|
|f6|Other funds|
|f7|SUB TOTAL|427,202|(c6)|407,709|(c8)|
|Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing|
|f8|balance totals above)|(e12)|(e11)|(e12)|
|f9|TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CIRCUIT|427,202|(x)|407,709|(y)|
|SECTION G|At|At|
|OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES|1 September 2024|31 August 2025|
|g1|Investments (include Endowments)|
|g2|Land and Buildings (see notes re Insurance value)|Cost|460,795|460,795|
|g3|Other Assets|
|g4|Loan(s) - show amount outstanding at year end|
|g5|Other Liabilities|
**----- End of picture text -----**
f4 Include only Funds held at the Central Finance Board
f5 Include only CFB Funds held at Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes
g1 Include any other investments (not the cash element of TMCP trust accounts this is inserted in line f5)
Page 8
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Notes to the Standard Form of Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025**
## 1. **Charity information**
- The charity (registered number 1162844) is a public benefit entity, established in the UK and governed by The Methodist Church Act 1976. The address of the principal office is: 21 Cockton Hill Road, Bishop Auckland, County Durham DL14 6EN. The nature of the charity's operation and principal activity is the advancement of the Christian faith.
## 2. **Basis of the preparation of the Standard Accounts**
- The accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis. In previous years the accounts were prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis with the exception of Share income and Stipends which were included on an accruals basis. Adjustments in respect of 2024 accruals are shown in notes 3 and 7 to these accounts.
## 3. **Assessment/share income**
|**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Share income received in the year
109,954
-
Adjustment re accruals basis
24,000
-
133,954
-
**Capital receipts**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Sale of Churches
Wind Mill
-
-
Auckland Park
-
-
South Church
-
-
Sale of manse
Bishop Auckland
-
-
-
-
**Grants**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
District grant received: bridging loan
interest
-
-
District grants received: other
-
-
-
-|**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**£**
-
4,500
4,500|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
109,954
24,000
133,954
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
-
4,500
4,500|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
105,100
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||105,100|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
146,638
90,293
29,276
254,639|
||||520,846|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
10,799
4,500|
||||15,299|
4. **Capital receipts**
5. **Grants**
Page 9
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Notes to the Standard Form of Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025**
|6.
**Other receipts**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Donations and gift aid tax
4,220
-
Income relating to Churches closed
in previous years
3,657
-
PAYE & NIC refund re 2017
4,861
-
Other income
374
-
13,112
-
7.
**Stipends, salaries, NIC, pension and travel costs**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Gross salaries
82,201
-
Pension costs
12,174
-
Employer's National Insurance
7,925
-
Apprenticeship levy
485
-
Travel
3,432
-
Adjustment re accruals basis
7,002
-
113,219
-
8.
**Manse costs**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Council tax
5,583
-
Water services
489
-
Repairs and maintenance
508
-
Insurance
1,297
-
Quinquennial reports
720
-
8,597
-
9.
**Administration etc.**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Salaries, NIC and pension costs
-
-
Hire of room as office
500
-
Postage, stationery and printing
1,199
-
Sundry expenses and supplies
1,770
-
Telephone
583
-
4,052
-|**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**£**
2,500
-
-
-
-
-
2,500
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
4,220
3,657
4,861
374
13,112
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
84,701
12,174
7,925
485
3,432
7,002
115,719
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
5,583
489
508
1,297
720
8,597
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
-
500
1,199
1,770
583
4,052|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
4,165
1,254
-
479|
|---|---|---|---|
||||5,898|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
71,502
15,356
6,181
454
3,075
(126)|
||||96,442|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
7,995
950
230
6,334
-|
||||15,509|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
9,577
500
1,116
1,897
477|
||||13,567|
Page 10
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Notes to the Standard Form of Accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025**
|10.
**District assessment and levy**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
District assessment
33,732
-
Annual CMTF contribution
-
16,744
33,732
16,744
11.
**Grants and donations**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Grants awarded to Circuit Churches
500
-
500
-
12.
**Other payments**
**Circuit Model**
**Unrestricted**
**Trust Fund**
**£**
**£**
Bridging loan interest
-
-
Light and heat: unoccupied Churches
868
-
Quinquennial inspections
720
-
Repairs and maintenance: Churches
194
-
Insurance: unoccupied Churches
3,246
-
Insurance: liability
526
-
Outreach
-
-
Other
605
-
Annual CMTF contribution
-
-
Administration fee
-
1,105
CPF levies - sale of Churches
-
-
6,159
1,105|**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
**Restricted**
**£**
700
700
**Restricted**
**£**
-
-
-
-
-
-
688
-
-
-
-
688|**2025**
**Total**
**£**
33,732
16,744
50,476
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
1,200
1,200
**2025**
**Total**
**£**
-
868
720
194
3,246
526
688
605
-
1,105
-
7,952|**2024**
**Total**
**£**
33,732
-|
|---|---|---|---|
||||33,732|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
582|
||||582|
||||**2024**
**Total**
**£**
10,799
1,300
1,440
-
-
-
-
831
2,443
278
49,596|
||||66,687|
Page 11
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit No 13/10**
## **Declarations and Scrutiny**
I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 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
## _H Eales_
Date 21/02/2026
Name and address of treasurer: Helen Eales
31 Haslewood Road, Newton Aycliffe, County Durham DL5 4XF
## **Presentation to the Circuit meeting**
I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 were/ ~~will be*~~
presented to the Circuit meeting held on 9 March 2026
Signature of the Chair of the meeting _David M Payne_
Date 03/06/2026
Name of the Chair of the meeting : Rev David M Payne
Page 12
## **Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit No 13/10**
## **Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit**
## **Charity Number 1162844**
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Bishop Auckland & Shildon Methodist Circuit for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 6 to 11. As the Circuit’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Circuit’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent Examiner’s Statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination ( ~~other than that disclosed below*)~~ which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
- the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or
- the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.
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.
I have ~~/have not*~~ obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.
Signature of independent examiner
## _B E Merifield_
Name of independent examiner Barbara Elizabeth Merifield
Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner N/A
Name of firm (where appropriate) N/A
Address …141 Byerley Road, Shildon, County Durham DL4 1HT
Date 23/05/2026
* delete or circle as appropriate
Page 13