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2025-08-31-accounts

Stamford Methodist Church, Lincolnshire

Annual report and Accounts Year ended 31 August 2025

Stamford Methodist Church Registered Charity Number: 1182848

CJS June 2026

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Contents

Page
Trustees' Annual Report 1 to 10
Independent Examiner's Report 11
Comments on Methodist Standard Form of Accounts 12 to 13
Appended:
Methodist Standard Form of Accounts 14 to 17
Intentionally blank 18

CJS June 2026

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report

Reference and administration details

Charity name : Stamford Methodist Church Also known as: Barn Hill Methodist Church Registered charity number : 1182848 Address: Stamford Methodist 11 Barn Hill Stamford Lincs PE9 2AE

Managing Trustees

The names of those who served as Managing Trustees in the year are as follows:

Rev Andrew Hollins (Chair) Corinna Selby (Senior Church Steward) Anne Wiltshire (Church Steward) Anne Earle (Church Steward & Second Helpings rep) Elizabeth (Beth) Hodgson (Church Steward) Stephen Husbands (Church Steward) Vivienne Higgins (Church Steward & Pastoral Secretary) Martin Greenfield (Church Steward) Lynne Booker (Secretary to Church Council) Frances Coles (Treasurer) Eddie Adams (Assistant Treasurer) Barry Streets (Circuit Steward) Janet (Jan) Hetherington (The Well) Sarah Atwell-King (Local Preacher) Pauline Jones (Mission Projects) Conan Lewis (Past Steward) Audrey Hensman (Church Safeguarding Officer) – wef June 2024 Julia Husbands Christine (Chris) Adams Margaret Hewerdine Janet Howitt Beryl Teasdale Jennifer (Jenny) Whatley Godfrey Jones Rev William Booker Hugh Allen Jane Allen Rev Rebecca Wright wef Sept 2024

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Structure, governance and management

Governing document

As part of the wider Methodist Church in Great Britain, the Charity's governing document is the Deed of Union (1932) and Methodist Church Act (1976).

Within the wider Methodist Connexion, Stamford Methodist Church is part of the Stamford Circuit, which in turn is itself part of the Northampton District of the Methodist Church.

Membership of the governing body

The governing body of the Charity is the Church Council, the members of which are the Managing Trustees. Certain officers are automatically Managing Trustees by virtue of their office. These are the minister, the secretary, the church stewards, the treasurer and the pastoral secretary. The other Managing Trustees are church representatives appointed to the Church Council at a general meeting of members of the church, normally held at least annually.

Three committees report to the Church Council:

Other groups reflecting the life and work of the church meet to discuss their work and write a report shared at Church Council meetings:

Bodies entitled to appoint Trustees

The Stamford Circuit Meeting is entitled to appoint four Trustees to the Stamford Methodist Church Council, which comprise:

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Objectives and activities

Purposes

The calling of the Methodist Church is to respond to the gospel of God's love in Christ and to live out its discipleship in worship and mission.

It does this through:

Worship

The Church exists to increase awareness of God's presence and to celebrate God's love

Learning and Caring

The Church exists to help people to grow and learn as Christians, through mutual support and care

Service

The Church exists to be a good neighbour to people in need and to challenge injustice

Evangelism

The Church exists to make more followers of Jesus Christ

Stamford Methodist Church seeks to apply this within the local environment of Stamford, Lincolnshire. As well as acting as a place of worship, Stamford Methodist Church also aims to use the building with which it is blessed, to offer space for hire to the local community.

Activities undertaken

The Charity undertakes a wide range of activities every year in line with its Christian purpose. These typically include but are not limited to:

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

Public benefit statement

The Managing Trustees oversee the activities of the charity with due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit.

The benefits of the Christian activities of the Stamford Methodist Church are considered to be:

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

The benefits of the community hire activities of the Church are considered to be:

Achievements and performance

Stamford Methodist Church (SMC) is vibrant & busy. It supports projects locally & overseas.

Charities supported by our Mission Projects Group (MPG) for the year were Friends of Nixon Memorial, Stamford Street Pastors and Stamford Methodist Church. A total of five fund raising events, plus the annual Dog Show, were held over the year. Total Income, including donations and £523 reclaimed Gift Aid, was £15,919. Donations to our three nominated charities plus other one-off appeals totalled £13,318.

September 2024 was the last Dog Show run entirely by SMC. In future the Dog Show will be run the 2nd Stamford Scouts but we retain the rights to hold an act of worship at the start of the event and to run the refreshment and bric-a-brac stalls.

Second Helpings – our local food waste initiative - continues to be extremely busy. Christmas 2024 was very successful. We held a lunch on Christmas Day for 68 guests and delivered 15 meals to those unable to leave their homes. We also had a visit from Santa with presents for everyone.

Our collectors collect daily from our suppliers and bring the food to our distribution point - The Pantry - which is situated at Stamford Methodist Church. This is open five days a week, during the year a total of 12,029 people collected food from The Pantry. We also have a Community Fridge which is stocked regularly by our volunteers and is available all day and every day.

During the year a total of 4,273 people visited us for lunch at our Saturday Cafe. Each Saturday throughout the year we produce a three-course meal on a 'pay as you feel' basis. This is open to all and has a variety of church members and community members present.

We also have a joint project with Evergreen – a local charity. Every Friday volunteers prepare lunch bags for housebound and elderly people, we make no charge for this service. During the year we delivered 1,646 lunch bags. As well as the food it is an important contact with those unable to leave their homes easily. There have been occasions where deliverers have needed to raise the alarm to the emergency services.

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

During the year, Second Helpings redirected a staggering 97,736 kg of food that would otherwise have ended up in landfill. Perfectly good food that cannot be sold due to stringent regulations. As we move into the new year, we are resolved to carry on this much needed work within our community.

SMC operates a café - The Well - from 10am until 2pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, with reduced hours and menu through August, and a 2-week closure over Christmas. The café offers very reasonably priced meals and drinks for all who wish to purchase. Alongside this there is a Fairtrade stall selling products to church members and The Well users. Volunteers who run the café offer a safe space and their listening ears, and can signpost to other support systems if they feel this is needed.

Staffing was a problem for a short time as some regular volunteers have had to step back but new people have come forward so staffing levels are adequate. During the year £5,000 was donated to MPG.

Our minister, Rev Andrew Hollins, and Phil Jones, Circuit Lay Pastoral and Discipleship Worker, retain Pastoral oversight for our members. They also carry out hospital and home visits where required and offer home communion to the housebound if requested. They are supported by a team of 15 pastoral visitors who ensure all members of the church community roll are contacted regularly either by meetings in person, phone calls or correspondence. Their work is valued by the trustees who appreciate the work they do in keeping our minister and stewards aware of our congregational needs.

Pastoral visitors had a chance to meet and talk individually, and confidentially, through their list and express any concerns with AH, PJ and our Pastoral Secretary. A general meeting of all the Pastoral Visitors was held where all the visitors met with AH and PJ to exchange ideas and be updated on procedures and pastoral matters. This work furthers their training and their individual needs for their group.

SMC Growth and Outreach Group (G&O) has been meeting monthly, when possible, for a few years now. It is open to all who are interested in helping the church to grow and with ideas to reach out to all. Many subjects and ideas have been discussed and worked upon.

Following a very successful and enjoyable week in July 2024 with Rev Briony Woods, the group organised a Gospel Magic weekend in September with the Rev David Leese. A night of gospel magic followed by a morning service which Rev David led. The weekend was a great success.

The group welcomes drop in members who bring their own ideas or those that have been tried and tested. One of these was an idea of lunchtime discussion/topic meetings. We agreed to start to plan this practically, so that the sessions can begin possibly on a monthly basis, dates are still to be arranged. We saw this event as an interface between contemporary issues and Christian faith.

The G&O group led a Local Worship Service in May 2025. During the service they collated a list of topics which arose from a collection of ideas from the congregation. Of these, they started to see what were important themes for us to consider at future meetings and we highlighted: Outdoor Services, Fellowship & Home Groups, The Come

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

and See leaflet distribution to Stamford, Reaching Young Adults (particularly in the light of the Quiet Revival report) and Eco Matters. The group continue to meet to put these ideas into practice.

During the year to the end of August 2025 the church faced many issues relating to property. SMC Property Committee decided on the priorities and the best use of the charity’s funds when it comes to repairs and replacements.

The main project undertaken during the year was the redecoration of the main worship area. Money for this enhancement had been raised during the Gift Day in 2024. It had been 20 years since the refurbishment of the church and the paintwork inside the worship area looked tired. The work was undertaken during August 2025 over a period of 5 weeks, during this period church services were not affected as they were relocated to the downstairs hall as on previous occasions. The relocation to this hall allowed the church to try out different types of service such as café style services.

Other projects undertaken during the year included:

• A moveable ramp for the dais in the worship area, increasing access for any users of the church.

• A larger cardboard recycling bin to cope with the increased amount of recycling from ‘Second Helpings’.

• Repainting in the Prayer Chapel with a mould resistant paint which allows the wall to breathe.

• Multiple ‘DIY Days’ have been successfully held and the benefits seen by the wider church community.

• General housekeeping of the property, replacing toilet seats and PAT Testing of all electrical equipment which will be ongoing through the following year.

Having a large, old building is a responsibility for all who use it and especially our trustees. As our congregation gets older, this becomes more difficult to manage.

In the summer of 2025, our minister Rev Andrew took his well-earned sabbatical – a 12week time away from the circuit gifted to him by the Methodist Church. During this time the sabbatical committee took over the day-to-day responsibility of their churches with overarching responsibility for the circuit falling to Rev Bekkie Wright (circuit minister) and Rev Sonia Hicks (District Chair). The Stewards team at SMC took the lead locally ensuring that procedures put in place were upheld, the congregation was supported and that upon his return Rev Andrew was informed of key events.

Worship at SMC is varied depending on the preacher leading the service. The stewards contact the preachers before the service and ensure their requests are put in place. They are supported by a team of Readers, Musicians and AV technical team. SMC is fortunate to have a variety of musicians who offer their skills and gifts for worship. The music is generally organ led with support from our brass musicians, and our Worship Group play

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

any music chosen that is more suited to their style. At Christmas an orchestra is assembled to lead the annual Carol Service. This is a special occasion and our talented musicians are appreciated for their time and skills.

Our AV team support all aspects of worship and often source what is needed by the preacher in a format suitable for SMC hardware. Our hymn/song lyrics and Bible readings are projected at our services in a clear accessible format.

Our services at SMC follow a regular pattern where possible. Week 1 is a Holy Communion Service; Week 3 is an All-Age Worship; Weeks 2, 4 & 5 are ‘normal’. During the services our Junior Church is available and led, and helped by, regular volunteers from our congregation on a rotating basis. Two Church Stewards are assigned to the Junior Church. Their role is to attend meetings, help out when needed and occasionally observe sessions.

The Junior Church team prepare the sessions following the ‘Roots’ materials. These sessions are interactive with Bible readings, games, activities and craft. Each week the resources explore the same Bible reading as is used in the church service. The team ensures the children have fun. Each week they interact with the children including dancing and singing. The atmosphere during these activities is exciting, fun and all that is needed to enjoy learning more about the Bible.

Each of the children that attend regularly have blossomed and now eagerly enjoy participating in services on special occasions. They are also assisting the stewards with some of their tasks on a Sunday morning.

Financial review

1) Financial position for the year ending 31[st] August 2025

The accounts for the year have been finalised and are subject to audit. The accounts are presented on appendix 1 which shows the year end surplus of £1,355, the prior year’s surplus of £21,783 and the budget deficit for 25/26 of around £20,000. This is a fantastic result, as the last forecast presented to the Council was a deficit. It has come about due mostly to the catch up in lettings income received, an increase of £15,000 on the prior year.

The decoration of the church in August, costing £9,300 was paid for in August so included in the year end position. There has been no movement on replacing the audiovisual equipment, an estimated cost of this of £5,000 was included in the forecast but will now take place in 25/26.

The key points to note are: -

  1. The surplus for the year was achieved from an increase in lettings and a reduction in costs including from the Children’s enabler post. The 2023/24 surplus included a legacy and the gift day totalling £30,000.

  2. 8 -

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

  1. The accounts for last year were presented with a note regarding the cash accounting impact of lettings, part of 23/24 income was received in 24/25.

  2. The redecoration of the church costing £9,300 is included in the costs for 24/25 as are the costs of the flooring in the corridors and the new cooker (fully donated by Second Helpings).

Approval for the accounts will be sought after the independent examination is complete.

2) Bank account changes

Since Barclays closed its presence in the town, the Church has banked cash through a Lloyds account which was originally set up for lettings income. Lloyds are now changing this account to a Charity account which means we will incur bank charges for cash and cheque deposits from November.

In addition, Lloyds is also scheduled to close in January 2026, although this may change during the next reporting year, and the finance committee are considering the options for banking of cheques and cash which will be reported at a Church Council meeting.

3) Forecast for 2025/26

A forecast for 25/26 will be presented to the next Church Council meeting, this will include the impact of a new Utilities contract which should be in place at the end of December. This will be a reduction of just under. 20% on our utility costs and therefore a reduction to the income we receive from Second Helpings as a donation towards these costs.

It will also include the costs of the further planned redecoration which were not included in the original budget but need to be undertaken before April 2026 in order to ensure we can recover the VAT on the costs.

4) Signatories on Bank accounts

Church Council approval is sought to add two additional signatories to the Barclays account and review and amend the signatories for the Central Finance Board account. The list of signatories to be approved is: -

Frances Coles Martin Greenfield Roger Ing Eddie Adams Corinna Selby

For the CFB account Rev A Hollins is also a signatory.

5) Property Consent Resolution

At the last Council meeting approval was sought and given for the use of the TMCP Property Maintenance Fund for the redecoration of the Church premises. We may now be time barred on this for the main Church but there is further redecoration to be undertaken. Therefore, the intention is to try and claim for the redecoration that happened in August as well as the future redecoration. As we can claim the VAT back,

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Trustees' Annual Report (continued)

the total we are hoping to be able to draw down from TMCP funds is £12,620. Confirmation of approval is required with wording that Rev Andrew agrees is appropriate.

The Trustees' Annual Report was signed by the Chair of Trustees on behalf of the Church Council following the meeting in October 2025. The accompanying Methodist Standard Form of Accounts were presented to and approved by the Church Council in October 2025.

Rev Andrew Hollins

Chair of Trustees

Date: 14 November 2025

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Independent Examiner’s Report

I report to the Managing Trustees on my examination of the accounts of Stamford Methodist Church (the "Charity") for the year ended 31 August 2025.

As the Managing Trustees of the Charity, 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 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Signed: David Swann

Name of Independent Examiner: David William Swann Address: 39 Chatsworth Road Stamford Lincolnshire Date: 7 October 2025

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Accounting policies - Methodist Standard Form of Accounts

Basis of accounts

On the following pages 11 to 13 are given the Methodist Standard Form of Accounts of Stamford Methodist Church for the year ended 31 August 2025, prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Methodist Church in Great Britain.

The accounts have been prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis since income is below the threshold that allows this approach.

Accounting policies

In order to better aid the understanding of readers, the following accounting policies are stated which explain aspects of the standard form of accounts:

Core activities

The result for the year from core activities of the Charity, being the operation of the Church and its rooms, are given in sections A to C.

Charitable collections

Collections made for specific charities are accounted for separately in section D and are not therefore part of the funds of the Charity.

Internal organisations

Any internal organisations within the overall Charity that have separate funds are shown in section E.

Funds

In common with most charities, the funds held by Stamford Methodist Church fall into three categories:

General unrestricted funds

General funds are unrestricted and can be used for any purpose in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the Managing Trustees.

Designated unrestricted funds

Designated funds are also unrestricted but have been allocated to a particular purpose by the Managing Trustees.

Restricted funds

Restricted funds can only be used for particular purposes within the charitable objectives. Such restrictions may arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. All funds relating to internal organisations are deemed to be restricted funds

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Accounting policies - Methodist Standard Form of Accounts

Church site and building

In common with all Methodist Churches, the property is owned by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes ("TMCP"). Usage of the building by Stamford Methodist Church is for those purposes as permitted under the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.

Accompanying notes

Additional accompany notes are given voluntarily where it is felt these will add beneficial information to the reader of the accounts.

Stamford Methodist Church Year ended 31 August 2025

Accounting policies - Methodist Standard Form of Accounts

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