2023-08-31-accounts - Nantwich Methodist Church

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Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1st September 2022 Period start date To 31[st] August 2023 Period end date

Charity name: Nantwich with Broad Lane Methodist Church

Charity registration number: 1170226

Objectives and Activities


Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	We are a local Methodist Church, primarily a worshipping and praying fellowship of Christians. Our mission statement is to “Show Christ to Others”. We meet for a weekly act of worship at 2 church buildings in Nantwich in Hospital Street and Broad Lane. Our worship is advertised and all are welcome to attend. Additional services are held at Easter and Christmas and occasional all age worship. We seek to provide opportunity for prayer, Bible study and fellowship through various activities at church. All groups are advertised with an open invitation to attend.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	We provide a number of regular activities to support both members of the church and people in need within the community. We also make the building available for community use. Regular activities include: Drop’n’Shop This provides activities for primary school aged children on a Saturday morning, allowing parents free time to shop. This meets once per month. Friendship Group This is a monthly group to support socially isolated people. People meet for chat, games, craft activities and occasional speakers on relevant topics. Noah’s Ark This is a weekly group aimed at very young children and their parents and carers. The aim is to introduce children to the teachings of Jesus through story, song and craft alongside time for free play. Thursday Lunches Monthly lunches provide a further opportunity for fellowship and social interaction and are very popular. Coffee Club A weekly coffee club is held at Broad Lane to combat social isolation. Train Rides Free rides are offered every Saturday morning on the miniature railway running alongside the church. This

Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document

We are a local Methodist Church, primarily a worshipping
and praying fellowship of Christians. Our mission
statement is to “Show Christ to Others”.
We meet for a weekly act of worship at 2 church buildings
in Nantwich in Hospital Street and Broad Lane.
Our worship is advertised and all are welcome to attend.
Additional services are held at Easter and Christmas and
occasional all age worship.
We seek to provide opportunity for prayer, Bible study and
fellowship through various activities at church. All groups
are advertised with an open invitation to attend.

Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.

We provide a number of regular activities to support both
members of the church and people in need within the
community. We also make the building available for
community use.
Regular activities include:
Drop’n’Shop
This provides activities for primary school aged children on
a Saturday morning, allowing parents free time to shop.
This meets once per month.
Friendship Group
This is a monthly group to support socially isolated people.
People meet for chat, games, craft activities and
occasional speakers on relevant topics.
Noah’s Ark
This is a weekly group aimed at very young children and
their parents and carers. The aim is to introduce children to
the teachings of Jesus through story, song and craft
alongside time for free play.
Thursday Lunches
Monthly lunches provide a further opportunity for fellowship
and social interaction and are very popular.
Coffee Club
A weekly coffee club is held at Broad Lane to combat
social isolation.
Train Rides
Free rides are offered every Saturday morning on the
miniature railway running alongside the church. This

	provides opportunity to engage with people and for fundraising. Donations received are split between four children’s charities. The train operated as a “royal train” for the coronation of the King. Brownies Brownies meet at the church on a weekly basis and take part in occasional all-age worship on a Sunday morning. Warm Spaces The church remained open after the Sunday morning service until around 3.00pm to provide a “warm space” for anyone concerned about heating their own home or for people seeking companionship in a warm safe environment. This took place weekly from October to March. People were provided with a hot drink and soup, toast or teacake. Ecumenical outreach activities Members of the church have continued to support mentoring of pupils at Brine Leas High School. Assemblies have been led at Acton and Worleston primary schools. Churches Together provided a presence at the Nantwich Show, undertaking a litter pick as a means of engaging with people and also provided a baby change facility. A Christmas Day lunch was held for people who would otherwise be on their own. Transport was provided if required, a traditional Christmas meal and entertainment. Use of premises by external organisations The premises are used on a regular basis by a Bereavement group. We have received a grant from Cheshire East to make rooms available free of charge for community groups such as this. The building is also offered for hire to external organisations and is being used by Nantwich Choral Society, Baby Time, U3A History Group, and the Modelling Group.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 17 of the Charities Act having due regard to public benefit as per guidance published by the Charity Commission.

provides opportunity to engage with people and for
fundraising. Donations received are split between four
children’s charities.
The train operated as a “royal train” for the coronation of
the King.
Brownies
Brownies meet at the church on a weekly basis and take
part in occasional all-age worship on a Sunday morning.
Warm Spaces
The church remained open after the Sunday morning
service until around 3.00pm to provide a “warm space” for
anyone concerned about heating their own home or for
people seeking companionship in a warm safe
environment. This took place weekly from October to
March. People were provided with a hot drink and soup,
toast or teacake.
Ecumenical outreach activities
Members of the church have continued to support
mentoring of pupils at Brine Leas High School.
Assemblies have been led at Acton and Worleston primary
schools.
Churches Together provided a presence at the Nantwich
Show, undertaking a litter pick as a means of engaging
with people and also provided a baby change facility.
A Christmas Day lunch was held for people who would
otherwise be on their own. Transport was provided if
required, a traditional Christmas meal and entertainment.
Use of premises by external organisations
The premises are used on a regular basis by a
Bereavement group. We have received a grant from
Cheshire East to make rooms available free of charge for
community groups such as this.
The building is also offered for hire to external
organisations and is being used by Nantwich Choral
Society, Baby Time, U3A History Group, and the Modelling
Group.

Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty
in Section 17 of the Charities Act having due regard to
public benefit as per guidance published by the Charity
Commission.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Policy on grant making	We do not make grants. We make occasional collections and donations for specific purposes such as emergency disaster relief
Policy on social investment including program related investment	N/A
Contribution made by	All activities are highly dependent on volunteers, mostly from church members but with some support for

volunteers	Drop’n’Shop, the train and warm spaces from community volunteers. Noah’s Ark is supported by a lay worker employed by the Circuit.. Due to a fall in member numbers and increasing age, the number of active volunteers has reduced but the volunteers we have make an enormous contribution. The expansion of activities is limited by the availability of volunteers.
Achievements and Performance

Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.

Sunday Worship
We have been pleased to welcome the “Young Voices”
choir to all age worship for Mothering Sunday and harvest
festival.
A special “remembering “service was held before
Christmas for people who have been bereaved.
A monthly Sunday evening “Open Table” communion
service was introduced in December .
We have been pleased to host open table which is run by,
and for, LGBTQIA+ people, their friends and families. We
welcome people of any faith, colour or background. We
welcome people of every gender identity and sexual
orientation. This has been well attended with people
enjoying a simple meal together before the service.
Activities
All activities have been sustained throughout the year.
Attendance has increased although some have not fully
returned to pre-pandemic levels. Outreach is provided to
young families through Noah’s Ark and Drop’n’Shop and to
older, socially isolated people through the Friendship
Group and lunches. The group is open to people with
dementia and we are a “dementia friendly” church.
Warm Spaces was successful in attracting a number of
younger, socially excluded people who would not
traditionally attend church events.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set	Performance against 2021-22 Objectives *Appointment of a lay worker during 2022/23 to support* *the activities of a group of churches within the circuit* *working together as a “hub”* This has been deferred pending research into local needs assessment and how a lay worker could best be used.. *Application to Cheshire East Social Franchise to* *become a Connected Communities Centre.* This bid was successful. In return for the grant, we have provided free rooms for Warm Space and Bereavement Support. The grant included a sum for IT which has been used to install a smart TV in the coffee lounge and main lounges *Schools Outreach. To offer a Remembrance Event for* *2 local primary schools in November 2022. This was not possible to plan within the timescale and availability of the lay worker. Christmas Day Lunch. To work with Churches*

Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against
objectives set

Performance against 2021-22 Objectives
Appointment of a lay worker during 2022/23 to support
the activities of a group of churches within the circuit
working together as a “hub”
This has been deferred pending research into local needs
assessment and how a lay worker could best be used..
Application to Cheshire East Social Franchise to
become a Connected Communities Centre.
This bid was successful. In return for the grant, we have
provided free rooms for Warm Space and Bereavement
Support. The grant included a sum for IT which has been
used to install a smart TV in the coffee lounge and main
lounges
Schools Outreach. To offer a Remembrance Event for
2 local primary schools in November 2022.
This was not possible to plan within the timescale and
availability of the lay worker.
Christmas Day Lunch. To work with Churches

	*Together to host a Christmas Day lunch for people* *who would otherwise be alone. This was achieved and much appreciated by approximately 40 people who attended. To introduce regular “open table” communion* *services.* This commenced in December 2022 on a monthly basis. *To make an application for registration with the* *Inclusive Church Network*. The application was supported by the Church Council in March 2023 and the application submitted and approved. The Church is registered for same sex marriage and the first same sex wedding took place in July.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	The Church has been concerned about reduced income against increased costs. This has been drawn to the attention of all members. In addition a “Gift Day” was held in August to encourage one off additional donations. This raised around £7,000.
Investment performance against objectives	N/A
Other	Objectives for 2023-24  Appointment of a lay worker to support the activities of a group of churches within the circuit working together as a “hub”.  To enhance the offer of Drop’n’Shop to support neurodiverse children. This would be dependent on a successful grant application to a charitable trust.  To extend Drop’n’Shop to weekly rather than monthly meetings.  To support the development of a Street Angels scheme in Nantwich by offering the premises as a base.  To work with Churches Together to publish a leaflet publicising church services and activities to distribute to the new housing developments.  To develop the use of the church building as a community centre.  School outreach – to support a mentorship scheme at Malbank School. To offer the “Easter Hope” interactive event to 2 local primary schools.

Financial Review

Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Accounts attached. The financial forecast for 2022/23 was that the church would need to draw on reserves. A fundraising initiative was successful, however, and some members were able to increase their regular contribution. The final position was a surplus of £19,300
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	We have a small reserves account with the Methodist Central Finance Board for contingencies
Amount of reserves held	2 deposits of £14,979 and £2,224 as at 31.08.2023
Reasons for holding zero reserves	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	At present there are no uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	The main source of income is regular giving on a weekly basis by members of the congregation. Gift Aid is claimed as appropriate. This is supplemented by various fundraising activities. In addition, income is received from hire of the premises and leasing car parking spaces. We also received a grant from Cheshire East Council to be a Connected Communities Centre, offering free use of the premises to voluntary groups.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	As the congregation continues to age, the risk of declining membership is a reality. There is also the challenge from rising costs and the potential need for expenditure to replace equipment such as the boilers.

The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)

The main source of income is regular giving on a weekly
basis by members of the congregation. Gift Aid is claimed
as appropriate. This is supplemented by various
fundraising activities.
In addition, income is received from hire of the premises
and leasing car parking spaces.
We also received a grant from Cheshire East Council to be
a Connected Communities Centre, offering free use of the
premises to voluntary groups.

Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted

N/A

A description of the principal
risks facing the charity

As the congregation continues to age, the risk of declining
membership is a reality. There is also the challenge from
rising costs and the potential need for expenditure to
replace equipment such as the boilers.

Structure, Governance and Management

Structure, Governance	and Management
Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Nantwich with Broad Lane Methodist Church is part of the ‘Methodist Church of Great Britain’ whose status as a charity has historically been derived from the Deed of Union 1932 and the Methodist Church Act 1976. We are connected to Cheshire South Methodist Circuit which itself is part of the Chester & Stoke-on-Trent Methodist District. We operate in the administrative unitary authority area of Cheshire East. Our constitutional practices can be found in www.methodist.org/ministers-and-office-holders/cpd
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	As a Methodist Society we are accountable to Circuit, District and Connexion and are required to comply with regulations laid down in the Constitution, Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church, which is updated annually. As a Society we make decisions at Church Council meetings of which we are required to hold at least two per year and more as and when required by the local situations. Voting members of Church Council must be members of The Methodist Church of Great Britain and trustees of Nantwich with Broad Lane Methodist Church. The Church Council is supported by a number of sub-committees responsible for such things as finance, property, stewards, pastoral care.
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Church Council members are the Trustees. The Chair is the minister who is employed by the Methodist Church at national level and stationed at the invitation of the local Circuit. The Council is made up of:  Church stewards  Treasurer  Property Steward  Pastoral Secretary  Church Council Secretary  Representatives of the congregation. The appointments are made at the Church General Meeting and confirmed annually. The appointments should be for no longer than 6 years but this can be extended by agreement if there are no alternative volunteers.

Reference and Administrative details

Charityname	Nantwich with Broad Lane Methodist Church
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1170226
Charity’s principal address	Nantwich with Broad Lane Methodist Church c/o The Church Office Hospital Street Nantwich CW5 5RP.

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Rev. Robin Fox	Chair
	Sheila Crosbie	Secretary
	Yvonne Alcock	Treasurer
	John Walkington	PropertySteward
	Margaret Kirkman	Pastoral Secretary
	Elizabeth Grundy	Senior Steward
	Marcus Appleby	Church Steward
	John Coulter	Church Steward
	Edward George	Church Steward
	David Maidment	Church Steward
	Eileen Robertson	Church Steward
	Patricia Maidment	Circuit Steward
	Erik Kirkman	Associated Presbyter
	Jaqueline Holland
	Denise Lawson
	Joyce Platt
	Anne Robinson
	Doreen Thomas

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets N/A held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s) Rev Robin Fox

Sheila Crosbie

Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc)

Date 26.2.24

Receipts and Payments accountfor	theyearen	ded 31st August2023	ded 31st August2023
GEI{ERALFUI{DS.RECEIPTS		2022I2023 f€			2021I2022 €€
O{ferings & Tax recovercd Colbdiorsdr		6,1ffi-17		E	5,618.64
RegdarCh,AB		1,511-{X}		E	2,445.00
StandhgOnders GiftAkr Belnk,Cft&lwegtngft rprrp lnbresf{Btrt&CFB} fefl*rf		18,{x)8_S t{t358.71	S,{5{r,1 57:&75	€18,631.96 € -		E I	26,695.60 46.32
Roomlke			9,3Ht*.S			I	6,985.90
O&efieea{E CarParkFees		&rts.{X)				t	7,750.50
Cateqinaon{erd!'a*qg} DonatforEGDCtrffitr		4,{6.[-96 93r3.88		f. €	2,412.02 591.55
DonalisrteCtfircfttromfrnn€t*ffiUp GrantB lnterndOrggisdbnDoodiorB		1"57-m 33S.00 ,{}-00		I E	500.00 301.42
Wffirgersdbes S{ilarR6rd		rm.00 r,s29		f E	780.00 1,554.42
tt{EscelkteoefuceipE			29f5cr3	t	257.00	E	6,396.01
GE$ERALFTTI{DSTOTARECETPTS			75'584.82			E	47,874.33
GETiIERILFUT.DS- PAYUETT'S
Circuit Asessment,orShare
AsssaerE			32,250-00			t	42,699.96
Oon&rs
Donalids-CorsGrdio$d Donaliom-OfsFrm&		50-ms.fit				t	2,725.00
Repc,irs&ltlarin#rlane Repairs&iffienarre Cleanirgoeb	IYZIS 18Ar_45		q?8r-73	f €	4,805.84 936.00	E	5,741.84
lJdlilics(hrurcnce,WaW,Hafrng&lighting) ln$trarcetl&ErGs uitrtft:s FurdraisirgEAs OufreadrFurd		3,i[S7-76 u,fin-w. 1,33,*-60 388.77	rs,zBts	f t € €	3,180.00 5,502.84 863.42 1,549.13	€	8,682.84
Grante)esffi.re Tehfiorrc&Broe&rd		1,3[il].07 s65.GB		€	s90.98
OtreErF6		ffi.06		f	98s.35
lrlis€$steorspalments		11524	q976,82	€	678.06	[	4,666.94
GEI{ERALFUXDSTOTALPAYffixTS			5q384-et			c	64,516.58
GESEIALRTITS	FORnErErn		rgp0o.s			-€	16,U2.25

Restricted Funds Receipts&Payments	OponingBal necelpt3	OponingBal necelpt3	PaymentsClosingBa!
Conns Funds(JMA) Conn Funds (EasterOftrirg/WorldMission) Action forcfiildren	5ffi-99 0.00 fi7.37	1243.87 2o,2-w 100,00	-1750.86 -n2.N 487.37	0.00 0.00 0.00
Allu,eCan FoodBank Pakistan St Lukes	100,00 0.00 0.00 0.00	1135.00 97.10 141.00 57.12	-1235.00 -97.10 -141.00 -57-12	0_00 0.00 0.00 0.00
Turkey Earthquake Ukraine Mission	0.00 0.00	527.10 115.00	-527.10 -115.00	0.00 0.00
TOTAL RESTRICTED FUNDS	974.fi	3618.19	4592.55	0.00

AccountAnalysis
Unrestricted Funds	24200.55756il.6256384.23	43500.94
Restricied Funds	974.#3618.194592.55	0.00
TOTAL	25174.9',t79W2.8160976,78	43500.94

2544	1054.@
22545	{67.37
22546	2418.10
2547	476.@
DilA	8.25
2549 ffi	69.6

sepaE*e
Women's Fellowship	Openingbalance 110.31	Receipts 521.94	PaymentsClosingBalance 239.20393.05
Drop'n'Shop Men's supperclub Friendship Group Church Flcmers PastoralFloilers Noah'sArk	271.64 156.81 2!t1_94 17.37 59.74 203.08	2327.27 0.00 3,,8.% 92.m 0.00 213.10	2287.88310.99 0.00156.81 350.54249_68 108"09't.28 54.85 4.89 265.99150"19
	1070.85	3502_59	3306.551266.89