THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Charities and Public Benefit Annual Report
For the year ending 31[st] August 2025
The Lantern Methodist Church
Registered Charity Number - 1178284
The church forms part of the Wimbledon Circuit of the Methodist Church – Circuit Number 35/26.
| Minister | Deacon Dawn Canham |
|---|---|
| Church Stewards | Dawn Downes |
| Wendy Siemaszko | |
| Juliette Jaeger | |
| Margaret Redway | |
| Angela Linton-Smith | |
| Church Treasurer | Alan Brown |
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31[st] August 2025. 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 Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (issued October 2019).
The members of the Church Council are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders, Minister and representatives appointed by the church at the Annual General Meeting and are listed in appendix A of this document. Further information about the Church Council is provided on page 9.
Governing Documents
The Lantern Methodist Church is part of the Methodist Church and as such it’s governing documents are the sections pertaining to local churches within the Constitutional Practice and Discipline (CPD) of the Methodist Church. A copy is available at https://www.methodist.org.uk/for-churches/governance/cpd/
Introduction & Executive Summary
Another exciting year at the Lantern Methodist Church as the charity has continued to develop new ways of worshiping and committing to hybrid gatherings through the use of various online social media.
Partnership is key to recovery and growth, it is in an ever-changing world at the core of our mission. The trustees of The Lantern Methodist Church would like to take this opportunity to underline that although in our financial statement it appears we have assets (buildings) which could realise if sold approx. £9,000,000 only a very small fraction of that sum would be available to The Lantern Methodist Church as all Methodist Churches are only managed by local trustees in a format of The Model Trust Fund. Any monies from the sale of Methodist Premises goes back to the Methodist Connexional accounts.
The Lantern Methodist Church in real terms has approx. £112,000 in unrestricted funds to manage and maintain our work across both Raynes Park and Wimbledon. The charity relies on donations, fundraising and rental of its premises.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Aims and Purposes
The charity’s objectives are contained within our: -
Vision and Mission Plan
We are called to live out the creative, inclusive, radical and transforming love of Jesus Christ.
We endeavour to do this through blending and partnering with our communities; celebrating what we have in common and respecting differences.
We are a diverse worshipping community with a contemporary programme of praise, reflection and learning which enables us to be transformed to reflect our values.
Targets for 2020-2025.
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live streaming of Sunday services.
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expand current bible study session; enabling more informal sessions, online groups and creative study sessions.
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develop weekday opportunities for prayer and reflection. (retreat days, craft days etc).
We are in partnership with a thriving Christian arts centre. As a wider family we believe in the transforming power of the arts, gifted by the Holy Spirit.
Targets for 2020-2025.
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formalising the partnership between The Lantern Methodist Church and The Lantern Arts.
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sensitively update, refresh and improve our buildings through The Lantern Centre Project.
We commit to sharing with our local communities; safe spaces, opportunities and creative tools to explore, develop and deepen our experience as human beings. Targets for 2020-2025.
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strengthen and develop links with the wider communities.
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provide accessible buildings (emotionally and physically).
Following the calling of the Methodist Church we endeavour to become lifelong learners; seeking to live with differences and to hold one another in love.
Targets for 2020-2025.
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deepen our links with Churches Together in West Wimbledon.
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expand opportunities to gather with other faith communities.
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provide e-learning services.
We believe all are truly welcome; reaching out to the margins of our communities, enabling social justice movements and discerning how we may serve all.
Targets for 2020-2025
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improve our environmental impact.
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affordable access to performances and paid activities.
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continue to develop our programmes designed to combat loneliness and social isolation.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
The purposes of the charity are: -
The advancement of: -
a) The Christian faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and discipline of The Methodist Church;
b) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, District, Circuit, Local or other organisation of The Methodist Church;
c) Any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution subsidiary or ancillary to The Methodist Church;
d) Any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church;
How Our Activities Deliver Public Benefit - Review of the year
The charity has continued to be a focal point in the local community and had an increasing number of people using the Church premises.
In addition to its regular activities the church held; prayer and praise for the 3rd age, ongoing pastoral support for the Lantern Arts Centre with pastoral team members present at all rehearsals and productions/events. The formation of a Project Group to assess the needs of the community in relation to the building and how with careful and thoughtful refurbishment of the entire Raynes Park site we may become a sustainable and welcoming community asset both physically and emotionally for many years to come. There have also been a number of successful fundraising events; for instance, our Christmas Celebration in partnership with Lantern Arts Centre (which includes performances, Christmas market, switch on of the outside Christmas tree and lights and foodie delights from our coffee house).
We also hosted the Merton Winter Night Shelter, in partnership with other local faith groups beginning in January for 7 weeks. Links have been maintained with those who stayed with us and support has been given.
The Lantern Hub is a community resource signposting people to not only the events and activities within the centre but also services and guidance in the broader Merton borough. People are encouraged to come in, socialise, learn new skills so as to alleviate isolation, loneliness and challenges related to mental health. This project is a collaboration with the Lantern Arts Centre, who were able to secure funding for human resources to manage the Hub.
Both sites provide facilities for community organisations to meet and provide social interaction in their local areas.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Financial Review
Income Trends
The charity's income comes from: -
The giving of church members / congregation, either in the Sunday collections or regular giving by standing orders. During 24/25 the income from giving rose by 6%.
Hall letting income: mainly from external users of the building, plus donations from church organisations and members of the congregation for use of the halls complex has risen by 10% in 24/25.
Rental income from two church owned flats which are part of the Wimbledon Church complex increased by 68% during the 24/25 year.
The church's total income for the year is 42% higher in the 24/25 year, the main increase being the increased rental income from the Wimbledon flats.
Expenditure trends
There has been a rise in utility and insurance costs due to rising prices of 10%, an increase in maintenance cost of 17% due to the site requiring more upkeep.
Reserves Policy
Reserves Policy This reserves policy covers all church funds held by the Lantern Methodist Church. At 31st August 2025 the Church held unrestricted funds of £9,377,239 (2024 £9,431,725) of which £9,265,648 (2024 £9,328,330) represented the value of the Church Property leaving net unrestricted funds of £111,591 (2024 £103,395).
The Church aims to hold Current Assets in reserve of at least 50% of the budgeted expenditure for the following year. Expenditure in 2025/26 is expected to be between £150,000 and £200,000, so the current level of unrestricted funds is as per the church's target.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Trustees’ Annual Report on Finance and Governance
Basis of preparation and legal framework
These accounts are compliant with FRS102 and with the SORP 2019 (FRS 102).
Full Name of Charity / Church: The Lantern Methodist Church of Wimbledon and Raynes Park Registration Charity Number: 1178284 Date of registration (if registered as a Charity) 8th May 2018 Main communication address The Lantern Methodist Church, Tolverne Road London SW20 8RA
The members of the Church Council are the Charity Trustees, membership being made up of church office holders, Minister and representatives appointed by the church at the Annual General Meeting.
Full membership is shown as Appendix A to this report.
Treasurer: Mr Alan Brown
Independent Examiners: -
Matthew Hunt ℅ Digivolve Accountants Delta House, Bridge Road, Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1UA.
Investment Bankers: Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church Trustees for Methodist Church purposes
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH
(of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Main Activities of the Charity
Worshiping God through the use of prayer, song and other acts of worship. 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, which includes visiting the sick and bereaved. Promotion of Christianity through the staging of events and services.
Encouraging links with the local community through providing a community centre for a range of community activities
The Lantern Methodist Church is a Methodist Church within the Wimbledon Circuit and serves the people of Wimbledon and Raynes Park.
Deacon Dawn Canham has ministerial responsibility for the Lantern Methodist Church and is supported in this by the other ministers within the Wimbledon Circuit.
As part of our mission, we continue to encourage links with the church, and our halls and facilities, to enable us to reach out to the local community and respond to their needs. Particularly, we reach out to those who may be less confident about their place in the community and their relationship with the church.
The Lantern Church is a friendly and welcoming church and uses a Café style of worship. The friendship and fellowship within the church is very highly valued by its congregation and we are committed to enabling as many people as possible to worship at our church and to become part of our church community.
As a church community, we have continued to support many activities in the local community and our thanks go to all those who have supported all the initiatives, activities and events that take place in our church and in the halls.
The Lantern Church has a close relationship with the Lantern Arts Centre which is based at the Raynes Park site. The Lantern Arts Centre, which was an offshoot of the church, focuses on the promotion of the Christian faith through Drama and other arts. The art centre runs activities for the young through to the old.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Achievements and Performance
Worship and Prayer
The Lantern Church provides a range of services. The church is normally laid out in a café style with chairs around round tables. The services usually involve interaction with the congregation for part of the services. Communion services are held when a member of the clergy team in the circuit is available to take the service. Prayer meetings are held on a weekly basis.
Sunday Services
A weekly Sunday Morning service is held at 10.30am at the Raynes Park site and a monthly service is held in the afternoon at Bradbury Court retirement complex, meeting the needs of those unable to leave their homes. A weekly service is also held at our Wimbledon site.
The Church and Church Halls
The premises are managed by our centre manager Steve Rees which includes not only income generation through lettings but also maintenance and upgrading of the buildings where required. We are also working closely with the Lantern Arts Centre on an ambitious reimagining of the grade 2 listed Raynes Park site.
What's on For Adults
A wide range of activities for adults take place at the Lantern Methodist Church each week, from social and support group (e.g. Weekly AA meetings and a fellowship group for the retired), through our partnership with the Lantern Arts Centre we offer film and book clubs, fitness and dance, amateur dramatics, prayer meetings and quiet/safe spaces. We also provide rooms on a daily and weekly basis for a foreign language church to meet. Our aim is to provide well maintained and well managed church premises for the local community to use for a diverse range of activities throughout the week and at the weekends. We provide facilities for groups from the church and in the local community, local charities and commercial organisations in order to develop our joint church into a true community church.
What's on For Children and young people
In partnership with the Lantern Arts centre we engage with our young people through the various theatre groups which run weekly - helping to make links between faith and the world, offering a safe space in which to explore difficult subjects and also to have fun. Through the Hub we offer a weekly play zone for young children and their carers, an enabled space to meet other carers, an opportunity for the children to learn and play and also an opportunity for the charity members to interact with the community and provide intergenerational interactions.
Through a diverse programme enabled by the Lantern Arts Centre the church community is actively encouraged to offer and enable the wide variety on offer.
At our Wimbledon site we have partnered with St John the Divine on the High Path estate, which is an area of social deprivation to provide a new toddler group, messy church and are working towards setting up a summer holiday club alongside the local primary school.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Pastoral Care
There is a small team chaired by the Minister and enabled by a pastoral secretary that coordinates all the pastoral visits, and cares for both the church/arts centre and community. Weekly bible study is enabled through our Raynes Park site, and we share in quarterly family meals within the main body of the church and this is extended to all who call the Lantern home (Hub staff, Arts Centre and costume store). Our weekly prayer group is attended by a wide, diverse group from both the church and community as it is becoming known as a safe space, with a listening heart for all. Church members and attendees are actively encouraged to see pastoral care as a whole life experience not limited to church space, but extended into every area of their lives.
Mission and Evangelism
The Minister is currently being enabled by the wider Methodist Church to research and promote healthy evangelism and to mission in its widest sense. This has seen the participation by the congregation in surveys to take the temperature of feeling to mission and evangelism, to envision growth and to seek to meet new people in new places, moving beyond the post-christendom position and into the 21st Century enabling a Christ-Centred space for all.
Future Plans
When planning our activities for the year, we consider the Commission’s guidance on public benefit and, in particular, the specific guidance on charities for the advancement of religion. In particular, we try to enable ordinary people to live out their faith as part of our church community through:
-
Worship and prayer; learning about the Gospel; and developing their knowledge and trust in God.
-
Provision of pastoral care for people living in the local area.
-
Missionary and outreach work.
To facilitate and support this work, it is important that we maintain the fabric of the church and halls buildings of The Lantern Methodist Church. The Raynes Park site, a grade 2 listed building which is about 111 years old needs refurbishment in order that it can support the work of the church in the local area. Our Building Project has continued to explore the way in which the site can be developed in a way that conserves the character of the building.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Structure, Governance and Management
The Lantern Methodist Church operates under the Constitution and Practice of the Methodist Church.
Church Council (CC)
The purpose of the Church Council (CC) with our minister, Deacon Dawn Canham, is to promote the whole mission of the Church – pastoral, evangelistic, social and ecumenical, in the local neighbourhood. The Church Council is the church’s governing body. Membership of the CC should therefore be taken seriously as it carries responsibility for financial and legal decisions made on behalf of the church. The CC appoints committees that have the authority to act within pre-defined areas of responsibility; supports the work of all such committees and receives their reports, making decisions on any matter of principle that may arise.
The CC membership includes the clergy, the Church Stewards, the CC Secretary, Church Treasurer, Convenors of Church Committees, Circuit Steward and 6 or more Ordinary Members. Ordinary Members are elected at the AGM to serve for a term of 3 years and can then be re-elected to serve a maximum of 6 years. Office holders are also elected annually, to serve a maximum of 6 years.
During the past year, the CC has overseen the work of the various Church Committees, giving approval as necessary. Church finances are steadily improving - see Finance Report for more details. Other church business dealt with over the year includes: -
The requirement for the church to produce an annual report to the Charities Commission to update them on our activities throughout the year, which also allows us to apply for a refund of tax under the ‘Gift Aid’ scheme.
Regular review of the church policies, including Fire Safety Policy, Health and Safety Policy, Safeguarding of Children and Vulnerable Adults Policy and training and our Travel Plan, which encourages our hall users to walk or use public transport.
Training of Trustees: Newly appointed trustees are supplied with a booklet of their responsibilities and denominational training sessions are supplied for treasurers.
Wimbledon Methodist Church Circuit
The Lantern Methodist Church is part of the Wimbledon Methodist Church Circuit. This is a group of five local churches served by a team of three ministers. Each has a pastoral charge of one or more churches and will preach and lead worship in different local churches in the Circuit, along with Local Preachers.
Risk Management
The major risks have been identified and are monitored by the Trustees on an ongoing basis with professional advice taken as required.
Income and Expenditure is being monitored in total and is compared with the approved annual budget on a half yearly basis to detect trends as part of the risk management process to avoid unforeseen calls on reserves.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Safeguarding
Every person has a value and dignity which comes directly from the creation of humans in God’s own 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 policies outline commitment to the following principles:
-
the care and nurture of, and respectful pastoral ministry with, all children, young people and adults
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the safeguarding and protection of all children, young people and vulnerable adults - the establishing of safe, caring communities which provide a loving environment where there is informed vigilance as to the dangers of abuse.
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the careful selection and training of all those with any responsibility within the Church, in line with Safer Recruitment principles, including the use of criminal records disclosures and registration with the relevant vetting and barring schemes.
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an immediate response to every complaint made which suggests that an adult, child or young person may have been harmed, cooperating with the police and local authority in any investigation.
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a commitment to work with anyone who has suffered abuse, developing with them an appropriate ministry of informed pastoral care.
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a commitment to challenge any abuse of power, especially by anyone in a position of trust. - the offer of pastoral care and support, including supervision and referral to the proper authorities, to any member of our church community known to have offended a child, young person or vulnerable adult.
-
In all these principles, we will follow legislation, guidance and recognise good practice.
The Lantern Methodist Church commits itself to ensuring the implementation of the Safeguarding Policies of our parent church; government legislation; guidance and safe practice within its church.
The Lantern Methodist Church commits itself to the provision of support, advice and training for lay and ordained people which will ensure people are clear and confident about their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Trustees Responsibilities Statement
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
Statute law requires the Trustees to prepare the Financial Statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the Charity for that period under review. In preparing those Financial Statements, the Trustees are required to:
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Select suitable accounting policies then apply them consistently. - Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102);
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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State whether applicable accounting standards have been followed; subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
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Prepare the Financial Statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charity will continue in operation.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
For and on behalf of the Trustees
Signed Date 19/06/2026
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2024
| Notes to | the accounts | General Fund | Designated Funds | Restricted Funds | Endowment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Unrestricted) | (unrestricted) | Funds | 2023/24 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income | ||||||
| 1 Offerings | 4 | 24,071 | 24,071 | |||
| 2 Donations | 5 | 3,194 | 2,402 | 5,596 | ||
| 3 Gift aid | 6 | - | - | |||
| 4 Interest and investmen | 7 | 136 | 136 | |||
| 5 Internal organisations | 8 | 6,842 | 6,842 | |||
| 6 Other charitable incom | 9 | 152,826 | 31,000 | 183,826 | ||
| 7Total income | 187,069 | - | 33,402 | - | 220,471 | |
| Expenditure | ||||||
| 8 Circuit assessment or | 25 | 22,900 | 22,900 | |||
| 9 Grants and donations | 10 | 667 | 667 | |||
| 10 Property maintenance | 11 | 47,065 | 47,065 | |||
| 11 Insurance, utilities etc | 12 | 59,954 | 59,954 | |||
| 12 Depreciation | 13 | - | ||||
| 13 Office expenses | 14 | 6,044 | 6,044 | |||
| 14 Other expenditure | 15 | 58,511 | 20,932 | 79,443 | ||
| 15 Internal organisations | 8 | 4,843 | 4,843 | |||
| 16Total charitable expenditure | 199,984 | - | 20,932 | - | 220,916 | |
| 17 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments | 2,317 | 2,317 | ||||
| 18 Gains/(losses) on investment | properties | - | - | |||
| 19 Net income/(expenditure) | (10,598) | - | 12,470 | - | 1,872 | |
| 20 Transfers between funds | 0 | - | ||||
| 21 Other gains/(losses) | 13 | 69,193 | 69,193 | |||
| 22Net movement in funds | 58,595 | - | 12,470 | - | 71,065 | |
| 23 Total funds brought forward | 9,373,130 | - | 9,373,130 | |||
| 24 Total funds carried forward | 9,431,725 | - | 12,470 | - | 9,444,195 |
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) for the year ended 31 August 2025
| Notes to | the accounts | General Fund | Designated Funds | Restricted Funds | Endowment | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (Unrestricted) | (unrestricted) | Funds | 2024/25 | |||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income | ||||||
| 1 Offerings | 4 | 25,398 | 177 | 25,575 | ||
| 2 Donations | 5 | - | - | |||
| 3 Gift aid | 6 | 8,189 | 8,189 | |||
| 4 Interest and investmen | 7 | 2,355 | 2,355 | |||
| 5 Internal organisations | 8 | 11,849 | 11,849 | |||
| 6 Other charitable incom | 9 | 190,718 | 61,000 | 251,718 | ||
| 7Total income | 238,509 | - | 61,177 | - | 299,686 | |
| Expenditure | ||||||
| 8 Circuit assessment or | 25 | 27,831 | 27,831 | |||
| 9 Grants and donations | 10 | 150 | 150 | |||
| 10 Property maintenance | 11 | 55,106 | 55,106 | |||
| 11 Insurance, utilities etc | 12 | 66,500 | 66,500 | |||
| 13 Office expenses | 14 | 7,607 | 7,607 | |||
| 14 Other expenditure | 15 | 65,150 | 41,795 | 106,945 | ||
| 15 Internal organisations | 8 | 6,374 | 6,374 | |||
| 16Total charitable expenditure | 228,718 | - | 41,795 | - | 270,513 | |
| 17 Gains/(losses) on monetary investments | (1,318) | (1,318) | ||||
| 18 Gains/(losses) on investment | properties | - | ||||
| 19 Net income/(expenditure) | 8,473 | - | 19,382 | - | 27,855 | |
| 20 Transfers between funds | - | |||||
| 21 Other gains/(losses) | 13 | (62,959) | (62,959) | |||
| 22Net movement in funds | (54,486) | - | 19,382 | - | (35,104) | |
| 23 Total funds brought forward | 9,431,725 | 12,470 | 9,444,195 | |||
| 24 Total funds carried forward | 9,377,239 | - | 31,852 | - | 9,409,091 |
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
| Notes to the Accou Fixed Assets |
Notes to the Accou Fixed Assets |
Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 | Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 | Balance Sheet as at 31 August 2025 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| n General Fund (Unrestricted) £ |
Designated Funds (Unrestricted) £ |
Restricted Funds £ |
Endowment Funds £ |
Totals 2025 £ | Totals 2024 £ | ||
| Church building and other property |
13 | 9,265,648 | 9,265,648 | 9,328,330 | |||
| Other Assets | 13 | - | - | - | |||
| Investments | - | - | |||||
| Total fixed assets | 9,265,648 | - | - | - | 9,265,648 | 9,328,330 | |
| Current Assets | |||||||
| Debtors and prepayments | 21 | 640 | 640 | 4,337 | |||
| Internal Organisations | 8 | 13,672 | 13,672 | 8,197 | |||
| Investments with TMCP | 20 | 60,531 | 60,531 | 59,670 | |||
| Central Finance Board Deposits |
21 | 10,665 | 10,665 | 9,951 | |||
| Cash at Bank and in hand | 21 | 32,948 | 31,852 | 64,800 | 40,918 | ||
| Total current assets | 118,456 | - | 31,852 | - | 150,308 | 123,073 | |
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Creditors (due in under 1 year) | 22 | 4,065 | 4,065 | 4,065 | |||
| Tenant Deposits | 22 | 2,800 | 2,800 | 2,800 | |||
| External Charity | 22 |
- | 343 | ||||
| Total current liabilities | 6,865 | - | - | - | 6,865 | 7,208 | |
| Net current assets/liabilities | 111,591 | - | 31,852 | - | 143,443 | 115,865 | |
| Total assets less current liabilities |
9,377,239 | 31,852 | 9,409,091 | 9,444,195 | |||
| Long term liabilities (due after more than oneyear) |
- | - | |||||
| Grants payable after 2018-19 | - | - | |||||
| Loans to the Church | - | - | |||||
| Net assets | 26 | 9,377,239 | - | 31,852 | - | 9,409,091 | 9,444,195 |
| Funds of the Church | |||||||
| General Fund (Unrestricted) | 26 | 9,377,239 | 31,852 | 9,377,239 | 9,431,725 | ||
| Designated Funds (Unrestricted) |
- | - | - | ||||
| Total Unrestricted Funds | 9,377,239 | 9,431,725 | |||||
| Restricted Funds | 31,852 | 31,852 | 12,470 | ||||
| Endowment Funds | - | - | - | ||||
| Total Funds | 9,377,239 | - | 31,852 | - | 9,409,091 | 9,444,195 |
The notes on pages 16 to 24 form part of these accounts.
Charity and Public Benefit Annual Report approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf by :
Church Treasurer: Date 19/06/2026 Chair of Church Council: Date 19/06/2026
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THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Notes to the Accounts
1. Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with SORP 2019 (FRS102), being the current version of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice.
2. Funds
The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Church which are Unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose including those for internal organisations.
3. Accounting policies
These accounts have been prepared on the basis of historical cost except that property, land values and investments are shown at their market value at the end of the year (where it has not been possible to determine the historical costs), on an accruals basis to show a true and fair view of the Church’s financial position and activities.
Income
Income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the Church 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. Rents will be recorded when they are due / hiring event occurs.
Donated goods for onward transmission to other charities (chiefly food and clothing / bedding for a homeless charity) are passed immediately to that charity and are not included in the statement of financial activities as no benefit accrues to the charity.
The charity has not received any goods for use by the charity itself.
The value of services provided by volunteers is not incorporated into these financial statements.
No services have been donated that would normally have been purchased.
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 outflow of economic benefit is considered more likely than not under the legal or constructive obligation committing the Church to pay out resources.
Grants
Grants made by the Church from its own funds are recognised in full at the time of agreement or when the Church 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
The Church deregistered for VAT in summer 2020 due to the income of the Lantern Coffee House (an Internal Organisation) dropping to zero and hence below the threshold for de-registering. Prior to de-registration the VAT liability was calculated on a composite rate basis agreed with HMRC. The church’s income apart, with the exception of the Lantern Coffee House income, is exempt from VAT. All input VAT is charged with the expenses to which it refers.
Fixed assets
The freehold property was subject to re-valuation in 2019 by David Ambrose MRICS of Bramptons Chartered Surveyors & Valuers. Use of the Nationwide – All Property Index to calculate the valuation at 31/8/2025. See Note 13.
Investment Properties
No separate Investment Properties are owned by the charity. The flats at the Wimbledon Methodist Church site are an integral part of the Church Building and the valuation of the flats is included within the valuation of the church.
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. Currently no investments are held.
Debtors and Prepayments
Debtors include outstanding lettings invoices, credits from Utility companies, and Gift Aid claims made in subsequent years.
Page 16 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH
(of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Creditors
| ings relating to utilities, telephones, etc. | Year Ending Year Ending and receipts in advance for the next financial year. |
Year Ending Year Ending and receipts in advance for the next financial year. |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown of Giving | 31/08/2025 | 31/08/2024 |
| Standing Orders | 16,229 | 18,330 |
| Envelopes & Loose Cash |
9,169 | 5,741 |
| Total | 25,398 | 24,071 |
| Donations | ||
| General Funds | 0 | 3,194 |
| Donations | 0 | 0 |
| (Restricted – Chair Fund) |
0 | 2,402 |
| Total | 0 | 5,596 |
Creditors include out-standings relating to utilities, telephones, etc. and receipts in advance for the next financial year. Year Ending Year Ending
4.
Gift Aid
6.
7.
The amount per year based on which tax year the donations were made are as follows:-
| Gift Aid 8,189 Interest and investment income CFB - Deposit Account interest 45 TMCP - Trust Fund Interest 2,310 Total 2,355 Increase / (Decrease) in TMCP investm -1,318 |
0 |
|---|---|
| 45 91 |
|
| 136 | |
| 2,317 |
8.
Internal Organisations
There are three internal organisations - The Lantern Coffee; Fellowship and the Flower Fund.
The Lantern Coffee house ceased trading on the 31/8/2020 with some residual financial transactions this year.
A fund has been established to support its re-opening and fund raising has taken place this year. The Fellowship ceased meeting and the members agreed to transfer it’s funds to the Lantern Coffee house fund.
| use fund. | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opening Balance Income | Expenditure | Profit/(Loss) | Balance | ||
| 01/09/2024 | 31/08/2025 | ||||
| Lantern Coffee | |||||
| House | 8,037 | 11,849 | 6,214 | 5,635 | 13,672 |
| Flower Fund | 160 | - | 160 | (160) | - |
| Totals from | |||||
| Internal | |||||
| Organisation | 8,197 | 11,849 | 6,374 | 5,475 | 13,672 |
| Accounts |
Page 17 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
9.
10.
11.
| Other Charitable Income Premises Hire Fundraising - General Church Flats (Rent) Fund raising Restricted – Lantern Project Miscellaneous Income Totals Grants & Donations Care for Uganda (Child Sponsorship) Methodist Housing Tear Fund donation Connexional Funds Totals Property Maintenance Cleaning Maintenance Lift Maintenance Flats Flats - Council Tax Totals Insurance, utilities etc. Insurance Gas Electricity Water Waste Collection Flats - Council Tax Totals |
Year Ending 31/08/2025 91,372 2,683 61,578 30,000 61,000 5,085 251,718 - - 150 - 150 8,940 42,869 - 3,297 - 55,106 12,361 12,937 31,448 3,707 1,052 4,995 66,500 |
Year Ending 31/08/2024 113,381 36,764 - 31,000 2,681 |
|---|---|---|
| 183,826 | ||
| 162 505 - - |
||
| 667 | ||
| 11,825 30,845 2,011 2,384 - |
||
| 47,065 | ||
| 12,139 8,206 29,177 4,339 1,360 4,733 |
||
| 59,954 |
Page 18 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
13. Fixed Assets and Depreciation
| Fixed Assets and Depreciation | |
|---|---|
| Land Value- No depreciation has been included. | |
| 31/8/2019 Valuation | £3,000,000 |
| 31/8/2020 index change 4.37837% ----- | £3,131,351 |
| 31/8/2021 index change 4.18479% ------ | £3,262,391 |
| 31/8/2022 index change 6.99999% ------ | £3,480,971 |
| 31/8/2023 index change -3.78% ---------- | £3,349,422 |
| 31/8/2024 index change - 2.01% ------------ | £3,416,856 |
| 31/8/2025 index change 0.57% ------------ | £3,436,447 |
| Buildings– | |
| 31/8/2019 Valuation | £5,586,000 |
| 31/8/2020 index change 4.37837% ----- | £5,830,576 |
| 31/8/2021 index change 4.18479% ------ | £5,953,081 |
| 31/8/2022 index change 6.99999% ------ | £6,351,937 |
| 31/8/2023 index change -3.78% ---------- | £6,111,670 |
| 31/8/2024 index change 2.01% ------------ | £6,234,776 |
| 31/8/2025 index change 0.57% ------------ | £6,270,524 |
| Increase in fixed Asset valuation in year ending 31/8/2025 ------- |
£55,338 |
| Increase in church property & land valuation recorded as “Other gains / losses” | |
| Building Depreciation (2%) --------- | £441,323 |
| Net 31/8/2025 Building Valuation ----- | £5,829,201 |
| Property Fixed Assets 31/8/2025 ------------- | £9,265,648 |
All other items - Only single items and they will be depreciated over 5 years. Depreciation will be applied in the year of purchase.
| Item | Purchased | Price £ | Depreciation £ | Depreciation £ | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Round Tables & | |||||
| Storage Racks (For | 17/05/2019 | 3108 | 3108 | 18/19 to 2023/24 | |
| Church Use) | |||||
| Office Equipment | 15/03/2022 | 265 | 265 | From 2021/22 | |
| Office Computers | 19/03/2024 | 283 | 283 | 23/24 to 2027/28 | |
| Balance of Tangible | 0 | ||||
| Assets at 31/8/2024 | |||||
| Depreciation | 0 | ||||
| Balance of Tangible | 0 | ||||
| Assets at 31/8/2025 | |||||
| Office Expenses | 31/08/2025 | 31/08/2024 | |||
| Telephones | 519 | 1,049 | |||
| Stationery | 53 | 3 | |||
| Photocopier | 1,642 | 1,487 | |||
| IT Costs | 1,128 | 682 | |||
| Misc Office | 3,818 | 2,295 | |||
| Advertising | 447 | 528 | |||
| Total | 7,607 | 6,044 |
Page 19 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
15.
16.
| Year ending Year ending Other Charitable Expenditure (see note) 31/08/2025 31/08/2024 Fund Raising Expenses 482 413 Pension Contributions (Includes Lantern 1,693 1,565 Tax & NI Contributions (Includes Lantern 1075 112 Church Employee Salaries 18,398 23,039 Centre Manage (Sub-contract) 32,453 29,420 Payroll Charges 881 1,382 Miscellaneous Expenses 4362 471 Worship Costs 1,505 1,132 Legal Costs 3341 17 Restricted – Lantern Project 41,795 20,932 Audit / Independent Examination 960 960 Total 106,945 79,443 Payment to Trustees This year Last year - - - - Payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Church by agreement with the Church Council Meeting Note:- The Methodist Minister are not direct employees of the charity. They are paid by the Methodist Connexion. The charity makes contributions to the Wimbledon Circuit (Circuit Assessment) which among other things funds their stipends. Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses All payments were against receipts:- |
Year ending Year ending Other Charitable Expenditure (see note) 31/08/2025 31/08/2024 Fund Raising Expenses 482 413 Pension Contributions (Includes Lantern 1,693 1,565 Tax & NI Contributions (Includes Lantern 1075 112 Church Employee Salaries 18,398 23,039 Centre Manage (Sub-contract) 32,453 29,420 Payroll Charges 881 1,382 Miscellaneous Expenses 4362 471 Worship Costs 1,505 1,132 Legal Costs 3341 17 Restricted – Lantern Project 41,795 20,932 Audit / Independent Examination 960 960 Total 106,945 79,443 Payment to Trustees This year Last year - - - - Payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Church by agreement with the Church Council Meeting Note:- The Methodist Minister are not direct employees of the charity. They are paid by the Methodist Connexion. The charity makes contributions to the Wimbledon Circuit (Circuit Assessment) which among other things funds their stipends. Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses All payments were against receipts:- |
Year ending Year ending Other Charitable Expenditure (see note) 31/08/2025 31/08/2024 Fund Raising Expenses 482 413 Pension Contributions (Includes Lantern 1,693 1,565 Tax & NI Contributions (Includes Lantern 1075 112 Church Employee Salaries 18,398 23,039 Centre Manage (Sub-contract) 32,453 29,420 Payroll Charges 881 1,382 Miscellaneous Expenses 4362 471 Worship Costs 1,505 1,132 Legal Costs 3341 17 Restricted – Lantern Project 41,795 20,932 Audit / Independent Examination 960 960 Total 106,945 79,443 Payment to Trustees This year Last year - - - - Payments made to trustees for additional services provided to the Church by agreement with the Church Council Meeting Note:- The Methodist Minister are not direct employees of the charity. They are paid by the Methodist Connexion. The charity makes contributions to the Wimbledon Circuit (Circuit Assessment) which among other things funds their stipends. Number of trustees who were paid expenses Nature of the expenses All payments were against receipts:- |
Year ending 31/08/2024 413 1,565 112 23,039 29,420 1,382 471 1,132 17 20,932 960 79,443 Last year |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Total amount paid | - | - | |
| Fees for examination or audit of the accounts Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts Other fees (e.g.: advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor |
960 0 |
||
| 960 | 960 | ||
| 0 |
0 |
| Total amount paid | - | - | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fees for examination or audit of the | |||||
| accounts | |||||
| Independent examiner’s or auditors' fees for reporting on the accounts |
960 | 960 | |||
| Other fees (e.g.: advice, accountancy services) paid to the independent examiner or auditor |
0 |
0 |
Page 20 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
18.
Paid employees (Directly Employed by the Church) Staff Costs paid during the year were:
| Gross wages, salaries and benefits in kind Employer’s National Insurance costs Pension costs Total staff costs Average number of staff employed during the |
24,137 |
|---|---|
| 1,075 |
|
| 1,693 | |
| 26,905 | |
| 2 |
No Employee received emoluments of more than £60,000.
19.
Report on Pension Scheme
The Lantern Methodist Church uses TPT Retirement Solutions to provide a pension scheme for it’s employees (both those directly employed and those employed by the Lantern Coffee House an internal organisation). Information on the scheme performance is available is available on the TPT Retirement Solutions website – www.tpt.org.uk
The church offers a Defined Contribution Scheme (The Flexible Retirement Plan) to its employees.
In line with Methodist Church policy the pension scheme is based on a 6% contribution both by the employees and employer.
20.
Investments
The investments that support the various funds are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds on which interest is credited to the accounts each month. 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
Analysis of investment movements
| Analysis of investment movements | Analysis of investment movements | Analysis of investment movements |
|---|---|---|
| This Year Last Year Change in investment values |
||
| Value at beginning of year | 59,670 | 57,353 |
| ,Add: Additions | 0 | 0 |
| Less: Withdrawals (Including interest paid) | -1449 | 0 |
| Add: Interest less administration | 2,310 | 2,317 |
| Value at end of year | 60,531 | 59,670 |
TMCP currently hold legacy funds as shown on the Balance Sheet (Page 15) of this report.
Page 21 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
21.
22.
This year
Last year
| This year | Last year | |
|---|---|---|
| Analysis of current assets Debtors and prepayments Prepayments (Credits) – Gift Aid / Utility Credit / Other debtors (including lettings & rent) Total debtors and prepayments Analysis of cash at bank Total Current Assets Cash in hand Bank balance held in HSBC Account Bank balance held in Barclays (Lantern Centre Account) Bank balance held in Barclays (Salaries Account) Bank balance held in Barclays (Church Account) Deposit Account balance Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church (Trustees Account) Deposit Account balance Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church (Revenue Reserve Account) Trustees For Methodist Church Purposes, (Trust Funds relating to Legacies) Non-Restricted Total Cash and Bank Debtors & Pre-payments Internal Organisations Analysis of current liabilities Trade Creditors Other Creditors Less Money held for External Charities & Deposits held Total Current Liabilities |
£ 0 640 640 0 0 12,207 47,083 5,510 7,461 3,204 60,531 135,996 640 13,672 150,308 0 4,065 2,800 6,865 |
£ |
| 0 | ||
| 4,337 | ||
| 4,337 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 748 | ||
| 37,378 | ||
| 1,777 | ||
| 1,015 | ||
| 6,747 | ||
| 3,204 | ||
| 59,670 | ||
| 110,539 | ||
| 4,337 | ||
| 8,197 | ||
| 123,073 | ||
| 0 | 0 | |
| 4,065 | 4,065 | |
| 2,800 | 3,143 | |
| 6,865 | 7,208 |
23.
Capital commitments and contingent liabilities
At the 31st August 2025 the Church has no capital commitments No Contingent liabilities were identified at 31st August 2025.
24.
Restricted Funds
| Fund Name | Opening Balance |
Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Revaluatio n gains/losse s |
Closing Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chair Fund | 1612 | 177 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1,789 |
| Lantern Project | 10858 | 61,000 | 41,795 | 0 | 0 | 30,063 |
| Totals | ||||||
| 12,470 | 61,177 | 41,795 | 0 | 0 | 31,852 |
Page 22 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Internal Organisation funds are excluded from this analysis.
25.
Related Party Transaction
This year
| Name of related party | Relationship | Description of transaction |
Income from related party during the year |
Payments to related party during the year |
Loans to / (from) related party during the year |
Amounts owed by / (to) related party as on 31-Aug- 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Wimbledon Methodist Church Circuit |
Charity is part of the Circuit |
Circuit Assessment |
- | 27,831.00 | - | - |
| Total | - | 27,831.00 | - | - |
Last year
| Name of related party | Relationship | Description of transaction |
Income from related party during the year |
Payments to related party during the year |
Loans to / (from) related party during the year |
Amounts owed by / (to) related party as on 31-Aug- 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| Wimbledon Methodist Church Circuit |
Charity is part of the Circuit |
Circuit Assessment |
0 | 22,900 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 0 | 22,900 | 0 | 0 |
Page 23 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
26. Movement in funds
| Balance at 1 | Balance at | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 2024 | Income (incl. | Expenditure | 31 August | |||
| £ | gains) £ | (incl. losses) £ | Transfers | 2025 £ | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | ||||||
| General Fund | 9,431,725 | 238,509 | 292,995 | - | 9,377,239 | |
| Restricted Funds | 12,470 | 61,177 | 41,795 | - | 31,852 | |
| Total Funds | 9,444,195 | 299,686 | 334,790 | - | 9,409,091 | |
| The comparative figures | for the previous year | are shown below - | ||||
| Balance at 1 | Balance at | |||||
| September 2023 | Income (incl. | Expenditure | 31 August | |||
| £ | gains) £ | (incl. losses) £ | Transfers | 2024 £ | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | ||||||
| General Fund | 9,373,130 | 258,579 | 199,984 | - | 9,431,725 | |
| Restricted Funds | - | 33,402 | 20,932 | - | 12,470 | |
| Total Funds | 9,373,130 | 291,981 | 220,916 | - | 9,444,195 |
Page 24 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
The Lantern Methodist Church (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
DECLARATIONS
Treasurer
I confirm that I have prepared the accounts from the records of the church and that they include all funds
----- Start of picture text -----
Signature of Treasurer Date
19/06/2026
Name
ALAN BROWN
Address
53 Richmond Road, SW20 0QD
----- End of picture text -----
Presentation to the Church Council Meeting for approval.
I confirm that the Accounts were, or will be presented to the Church Council Meeting on
and were approved.
Signature of the Chair of the meeting Name of the Chair of the meeting DEACON DAWN CANHAM Date 19/06/2026
Page 25 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of The Lantern Methodist Church (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31st August 2025 which are set out on pages 12 to 25.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity’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 charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying 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 giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view’ which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
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
Matthew Hunt
Digivolve Accountants Delta House Bridge Road Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1UA
Date 19/06/2026
Page 26 of 27
THE LANTERN METHODIST CHURCH (of Raynes Park and Wimbledon)
Appendix A ----- Church Council as elected at the AGM 08.09.2024
The CC is a body corporate and a charity accepted for registration with the Charity Commission. The CC members that have served until the date of this report was approved are:
Ex Officio members:
Chair: Deacon Dawn Canham Treasurer: Alan Brown CC Secretary: Wendy Siemaszko Church Stewards: Dawn Downes Juliette Jaeger Margaret Redway Angela Linton-Smith (Safeguarding Officer) Elected members: Lorna Giraud Rosemary Evans Sue Fuller Mike Fuller Anita Brown Alan Brown Humphrey Jaeger Stephen Hall Dave King Darren Harmston-Gething
Page 27 of 27