2025-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT 2025 – 2026

Registered charity no 1184805

BOARD OF TRUSTEES 2025 – 2026

Members of the Church Council

Members

Revd Eva Walker Minister Debbie Mathieson Treasurer Susan Wood Secretary Carol Baggaley Senior Steward, Safeguarding Officer Margaret Rushton Steward Noreen Rees Steward John Liddle Steward Christine Fitz-gerald Steward Una Miller Pastoral Secretary Margaret Stephenson Worship Leader Andrew Lowe Chair, Finance and Property Committee Colin Raistrick Safeguarding Officer, Data Protection, We Give You A Warm Welcome project

Carole Firth Elected Member representative Owen Lumsdon Elected Member representative Margaret Lumsdon Elected Member representative Jackie Tallon Elected Member representative Lesley Thompson Elected Member representative Jenny Fothergill Elected Member representative

Independent Examiner

Sue Mason

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St John’s Methodist Church

Registered Charity no: 1184805 For more information about any of our Church activities please contact Church Office - Opening hours Monday-Friday 9am-4pm

Ilfracombe Gardens Whitley Bay NE26 3ND Telephone [phone] [e-mail]

Minister

Revd Eva Walker Telephone Home – 0191 280 8060 [e-mail]

Media

www.facebook.com/StJohnsMethodistChurchWhitleyBay/ stjohnsmethodistchurchwhitleybay.co.uk

Church Family Worker

For children’s activities contact [e-mail] 0755 266 4747

Staff

Colin Raistrick - Office Administrator Karen Morley - Church Family Worker Patricia Kamba - Cleaner

Colin, Karen and Patricia

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Our Minister, Revd Eva Walker

Dear friends,

Another year, another booklet full of testimony of God’s presence with us and of God’s mission through us.

There are so many stories to be told, and a booklet cannot hold all those stories.

Stories of togetherness, of faithfulness, of tears,of laughter, of activity, of new arrivals

and of goodbyes. So, we pause, as we remember those very dear to us who have gone to be with God since we last met like this a year ago, and whom we miss dearly and hold in our hearts. We remember and give thanks for Bob and Dorothy Clegg, for John Sherry, for Lily Thompson, for Paul Walker and for Graham Wood. They are part of who we are, and that will never change. So every story we tell, report we give, and step we take, we take with the great cloud of witness around us and God within us and around us. For in Acts 17 we read: ‘In God we live, and move and have our being.’

Let us read the reports and as we do so, may we notice what they are truly saying. May we notice that….

In the touch of healing hugs and unconditional presence, there is a taste of what it means to be treated with dignity and respect.

In the eating together, there is a foretaste of the heavenly banquet.

In the maintaining of the building and the grounds, there are the wedding photos, the warmth of a place away from the rain and the cold, the chance for connection and for a breather.

Online via Zoom, be it for Bible study, meetings or worship, isolation and loneliness is lessened and support is given and received.

In the noise of the children and young people, there is the beautiful sound of hope for the present and the future.

In the knitting, care and kindness are woven through every conversation.

In the music and dancing, there is the wonder of heaven.

In every life and every story, God at work. It is a joy to witness God at work here and beyond these walls and this joy is humbling, hopeful and renewing all at once. I truly hope that like me, you feel you belong to such a beautiful community and may all that you read fill you with hope and peace. And remember, without you, the picture of God’s story in this place would not be complete. Thank you for all you are and bring to the story. Love and God’s blessings,

Eva

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Worship Leader

Sadly I am still the sole Worship Leader at St. John’s. I, along with three others in the circuit, celebrate 25 years in this role in the autumn. Whilst it is undoubtedly the most challenging role I have undertaken on my Christian journey, it has also been a great privilege to lead people in worship and hopefully bring them close to God. I could not have done this without the support, initially of Roger, and subsequently without the encouragement of many people here at St. John’s. For that, you all have my grateful thanks.

I know this is not something I ever imagined doing, but God can use the most unlikely people to do his will and he always gives us the help and strength to fulfil whatever he asks us to do, through the example of his Son and the power of the Holy Spirit to support and guide us. All we have to do is say “Yes” (not always easy! ) Love to all

Margaret Stephenson

Circuit Creative Worship Hub

When Revd Eva invited the congregation at Monkseaton to dance to a song in Worship one Sunday, the response was quite overwhelming, uplifting and joyous. The experience kindled a flame which has led us to offer a new opportunity in the Circuit, to explore together in a safe space, ' open' all inclusive, creative worship, using all our senses.

A small group now meets on the first Tuesday evening every month for an hour of sharing , listening and prayer around a visual focus, with an opportunity for signing and movement to music and worship with ribbons and flags, and also for silent reflection, as we are led. Everyone is invited to bring their own contribution to share with the fellowship, if they wish, and every contribution enriches us all.

It is such a pleasure to share in this special time of fellowship with people from St John's and around the Circuit, and I look forward to more. When asked about the Hub such as 'What is it?' or What do you do?'. it's difficult to explain, because every evening is different and there is no fixed plan. It evolves as we share together, and I hope that you might like to 'come and see', and share with us too! 1st Tuesday every month @ 7 pm. St John's Church

Thank you

Linda Eccles

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Pastoral Report

Thanks to our minister Rev Eva Walker who leads our pastoral team practically and spiritually.

The Pastoral Care Team consists of three groups, the Pastoral Visitors of whom there are 13 Visitors, 21 Group Contacts, the Pastoral Leaders with 5 members, our minister, Rev Tony Farrar, Rev Gary Ridley, John Morley, and Una Miller.

The Pastoral Visitors and Group Contacts meet twice a year in February and October.

This gives us all chance to share our happy and sad news in a confidential setting. We also can get up to date with any issues which may affect us in our work.

The Pastoral Leaders meet six weekly where we could raise concerns and how we might support those concerned.

Increasingly people are facing challenges and not sure how to deal with them. We don’t have all the answers but if we are aware of their situation we can point them to someone who can.

During our discussions we realised that there isn’t one place that people can access information under one roof or only with access to a computer.

Circuit have agreed to host a ‘Market Place Event” at Cullercoats Church on 17 October 2026 from 11 until 2. People from a variety of backgrounds have been invited where you can discuss wills, powers of attorney, finance implications, and getting support.

Please promote this to anyone you know not just in St. John’s but in the wider community of Whitley Bay

These are challenging times for us all and we can’t do it on our own but through prayer God will guide us on the way forward.

Pastoral care is the responsibility of the whole community of our church. If someone needs our help, please let us know and we will pass it to the relevant person.

Someone needing immediate ongoing support.

Someone needing an occasional contact.

Those who need no contact.

Gary Ridley continues to offer home communion so please let him know of anyone requiring this.

Once again, we wish to express our gratitude for the work carried out by the many members of the Pastoral Care Team. This is a valuable link in communication within St John’s.

Una Miller, Pastoral Secretary

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Pastoral Team

Pastoral Leadership Team

Revd Eva Walker

Revd Tony Farrar Revd Gary Ridley John Morley

Una Miller

Pastoral Visitors

Una Miller

Pat Turnbull

Pat Brown

Margaret Stephenson Margaret Lumsdon

Val Farrar Valerie Todhunter Pauline Hurse Doris Miller Heather Hindmarsh Anita Lambert

Pastoral Group Contacts

Afternoon Club - vacant

Badminton - Pat Brown

Choir- Christine Liddle

Community Lunch - Margaret Stephenson

FaB (Friends and Believers) - Lesley Thompson

Faith and Friendship, morning - Pauline Hurse

Faith and Friendship evening - Colin Raistrick

Faith and Life - Tony Farrar

Flower Ministry - Val Farrar

Friday Cuppa/Warm Spaces - Barbara Grundy

Knit and Natter - Susan Sabourn

Messy Church - Chris Shand

Monday Bible Study - Pat Turnbull

Property Team of three - Andrew Lowe SJBelles (hand bells) - Christine Hickox SJY (youth)- Revd Eva

Stewards - Carol Baggaley

Members Transferred

Cynthia Keyes

New Members

Karen Carr

Toddlers and Wiggles - Karen Morley WHITCH - Revd Eva

Uniformed Organisations - Suzanne Wood Willow Club – vacant

Mike Carr

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John Noreen Margaret Christine Carol Revd.Eva

Steward’s report

We commenced our Church year with two Stewards standing down after completing their term of office and many years of valued service — Susan and Sally. Their commitment, support, and sense of fun were very much appreciated. Two new members, Christine and Elaine, joined the team.

The team looked forward to the next chapter; however, Elaine soon realised that, with work, family, and other commitments, the role was too much to juggle, and she stepped down. The Stewards Team greatly appreciated the time Elaine spent with us and understood that she was unable to take on this additional responsibility at this time. We wish her well and appreciate that becoming part of the Stewards Team was something she had genuinely wanted to do. Christine has continued throughout the year and has become a very integral part of the team. We continue with five Stewards, although there is still space available for a sixth member.

Leading up to 2025, at one of the Stewards meetings, it was decided to hold an event each month to celebrate the year the Church building was being constructed in 1925. What a busy and enjoyable year it became for the Stewards Team in planning these events, while the Worship Planning Team invited Ministers who had been part of St John’s throughout its 100 years.

It became a very community-minded year, bringing together all those who worship at the Church and those who use our Church buildings. A team came together to organise a Community Weekend, giving people the opportunity to see who meets at St John’s and what they do. It was a very exciting weekend, and John, from the Stewards Team, worked alongside members of the congregation and our Supernumeraries to provide a very interesting, fun, sometimes noisy, and informative occasion. Thank you to those involved for their inspiration, imagination and their hard work at organising this event. Throughout the year we held events where we shared food, enjoyed dancing and quizzes, met up with friends, and made new ones. In fact, the lead-up to the celebration of the very first service held in February 1926, marking the completion of the building, was buzzing with excitement. Once again, thank you to the Stewards Team for coming up with these ideas and pulling them together. It was such fun. My favourite event was the Roaring twenties. What was yours?

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The celebration service was planned by Margaret Stephenson and Paul Cleever-Thorpe. A timeline exhibition was arranged by Colin, our administrator, and it was suggested that a short clip from the musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat be shown at the end of the service. Paul, his wife Julie, and daughter Catherine were very pleasantly surprised, and an additional surprise was a cake decorated with a picture of the Church. It was shared in the Wesley Hall while people enjoyed catching up with Paul and his family and recalling memories through the timeline exhibition.

The year continued with a focus on looking towards the future and bringing us “bang” up to date — forgive the pun — with Pancakes and Assembly Bangers. Who would have thought we would be “on trend”? What a wonderful afternoon it was, full of families from three generations sharing food, laughter, games, and music. The atmosphere was alive with excitement — perhaps partly due to the sugar on the pancakes — enthusiasm, and shared memories. The Wesley Hall roof was almost lifted by the beautiful singing of both new and old hymns and songs we remembered from school. Phew — what a year!

Just before Christmas, we feared we might not be able to continue the celebrations in the Sanctuary because of the terrible flooding caused by the Church roof. The Property Team have been amazing in dealing with this issue and have worked tirelessly to keep costs to a minimum. Their knowledge and experience have been invaluable in helping the Church find solutions and assisting Debbie, our Treasurer, in preparing the insurance claim. Once again, so much of the work carried out day by day by volunteers, those often hidden behind the scenes, is greatly appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who continues to support Paul Walker’s project to raise funds for the maintenance and repair of the Church organ through metal collections. This project following Paul’s sudden death, is still ongoing and will continue until the organ has been fully restored. Paul knew the organ was needing to be maintained and some repair work would be needed; however, he did not want the Church funds to be depleted with these costs, hence he came up with this idea to gather any metal and raise funds this way. It has been and still is very successful, thanks to the generosity of our Church family, community and friends.

I never realised quite how much happens throughout a year until I was asked to bring this report together. It has been a pleasure to be part of the planning behind these events, and even more rewarding to witness the fun, laughter, friendships, care, and togetherness that have made them such a success.

The future of our Church and our buildings continues to grow, and as a Steward I have had the privilege of welcoming new members into our Church family and sharing in the joy of weddings. Equally, I have also been there to share in the grief and loss experienced by loved ones within our Church family.

Thank you all for the fellowship, care, and love shared within our Church family and wider community. The next chapter awaits, hopefully you will join us and be part of the continued fellowship.

Carol Baggaley

Communion Stewards

Margaret Barke, Judith Lynn, Una Miller, Judith Tait, Jenny Fothergill

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The Monday Maintenance Team

Finance and Property Committee

Over the past year the Finance and Property Committee have continued to look after the property and finances of the church. The Committee met on four occasions during the year.

Property Repairs and Improvements

The following property repairs and improvements to the buildings have been made over the past year:

• Removal of pigeon holes in Crush Hall & replaced with notice board

• Re-pointing of crack and brickwork on Minor Hall facing car park

• Disabled parking signs re-painted

• New gas boilers installed and heating system upgraded

• Electric water heaters installed in toilets and kitchenette

• Minor repairs to wall by 3 in 1 room

• New rubbers attached to chair legs

• Wesley Hall floor cleaned and polished

• Floor hatch installed in disabled toilet

• Gents urinals cleaned of limescale

• Downpipe re-fixed to wall

• New water pipe to kitchen installed by Northumbrian Water. This bypasses the old pipe and guarantees lead-free drinking water

• Downpipe and grid on Wesley Hall cleaned of debris

• War memorials from St. Margaret’s Church erected on porch wall (as agreed by the Church Council)

• Shelving for banners installed

• Disabled toilet mixer tap replaced

• Handrail installed on wall by steps leading to vestry

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During the year there has been significant property expenditure on the building. Some of this work was planned, but other work was unexpected:

1. Replacement of the existing gas boilers with new gas boilers, and the zoning of the heating system. A major project successfully undertaken by Enright Environmental. The new system allows different parts of the building to be heated as required, rather than having to heat the whole building. The new system produces heat more quickly, and together with the insulation and double-glazing previously installed, has resulted in a warmer building during the winter. Domestic hot water is now provided by separate electric boilers, so hot water is available 365 days a year in the toilets. We used 19% less gas in 2025, compared to 2022. The price of the gas used has of course increased.

2. A faulty fire alarm problem required the replacement of the control panel. As a consequence the whole of the fire alarm system needed to be upgraded to meet the latest fire safety regulations. There are now alarm call-points by each fire exit door, and additional alarm sounders covering all parts of the building.

3. The heavy rain during the winter storms resulted in water ingress in the 3in1 room and the Sanctuary. Significant repairs to the Sanctuary roof were required, and new skylights installed on the 3in1 room roof. The water caused internal damage, and an insurance claim to repair the internal damage has been submitted.

This expensive property work could not be funded from revenue income, and we have had to use some of our financial reserves to pay for this work. A grant of £10,000 from the Circuit and £20,000 from the District were secured to help towards the costs of the boiler and zoning work. Two additional grants were also applied for, and we are still waiting to see if these have been successful.

The cost of these three major property projects can be summarised as:

1. 2. 3.	New boilers & zoning of heating: New fire alarm system: Roof repairs: Total	£65,434 £6,126 £10,440 £82,000

Future Planned Works

As funds continue to be raised for the We Give You a Warm Welcome project, existing single glazed windows will be replaced with new UPVC double glazing. This will commence with the Minor Hall and the corridor leading to the car park.

A new painter has been engaged to undertake the external painting that was left uncompleted by the previous contractor in 2024. The work will take place over the summer and is weather dependent. The main areas to be painted are the barge boards around the outside of Wesley Hall.

In June, Lee our electrician will be testing the electrics so that a new 5 year electrical certificate can be provided. At the same time two old fluorescent tubes in the BP (Scout) Room will be replaced with new LED lights, and the dimmer switches for the Sanctuary lighting replaced.

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Estimates have been obtained to install solar panels on the Wesley Hall roof, and electric vehicle charging in the car park. The cost of the solar panels and a 16 kWh battery would be £31,000. (with an estimated payback period of 7-8 years).

Together with the installation of two electric vehicle charging points, the total cost would be approximately £36,000. The financial advantages of such a system would be to reduce the amount of electricity taken from the grid, as well as generating income from the export of surplus electricity, and the sale of electricity via the EV charging points. There would also be environmental benefits with electricity being generated on-site from a renewable and noncarbon based source. The details have yet to be discussed by the Finance & Property Committee. It is anticipated that the majority of the funding will come from grants

Additional Remarks

I would like to thank all the members of the Finance and Property Committee for their work and dedication in keeping the church property and finances in good order. Their work is often unseen and unglamorous, but vital for the continuing work and mission of St. John’s.

A special mention for Peter Firth who quietly undertakes small (but important) property repairs. He also spends many hours at church in connection with room hire; particularly for children’s and adult parties. Opening up, ensuring the safety of those on the premises, assisting with any issues, then putting everything back and locking up when the party has ended.

Thanks to Charles Hedley, John Cuggy and Ian Nicholson for tending the church garden throughout the year, and keeping the external appearance of the church to a high standard.

Our church cleaner Patricia also deserves thanks for keeping the buildings spick and span, and for never complaining when the activities of the property team leave a mess!

Andrew Lowe

Chairman – Finance and Property Committee

Building Project Finance Group - A Warm Welcome

Thank you to everyone who has raised money for the warm welcome project during the last year. Money from the sale of cards, borrowing a jigsaw or borrowing a book adds to the pot. This is further boosted by collection tubs, individual donations and foreign currency

During the year we have spent money on replacing the boilers and installing a new heating control system. We secured funding from the local Methodist Circuit and Methodist District and this funding helped with £30,000 of the costs.

Almost £4,000 is in hand to contribute to further double glazing. The next phase is the Minor Hall and the car park corridor windows. These will be installed in May/June 2026. When we placed the order in December 2025 we also received a 5% discount on the installation price. We have prices for all existing single glazed windows and will upgrade them when funds allow. Grant applications are in for further double glazing, the installation of solar panels and battery storage and electric vehicle charging points. Hopefully next year's report will report our success in the applications.

Colin Raistrick, Chair

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Flower Ministry

The Flower Team, Val, Judith, Mary and myself continue to arrange the church flowers on a weekly rota. This year we have also been involved in 3 weddings that have taken place at St. John’s always a joy to be part of a couple’s special day.

As I have said before, this task is so much more than just buying and arranging flowers, it is an important part of the Pastoral Care of St. John’s. Each week the flowers are distributed to members of the church family who are

celebrating a special event, as a “thank you”, to those who are unwell or have been bereaved, to those in care homes or for whatever reason to anyone unable to attend worship in person. If there is ever anyone you would like to receive the flowers, please pass on the name to any of the flower team.

The recipients of the flowers are always very appreciative of the care , thoughts and love they represent.

None of the above could happen if it were not for the generous donations many members give to the flower fund on a regular basis. “ Thank you” to you all.

The ladies are given £20 each week for flowers, slightly less in Advent and Lent when only one arrangement is required. The donations are also used to buy accessories such as floral foam, tape, containers as needed.

We would welcome anyone interested in becoming part of the team, either to arrange the flowers (you do not have to be an expert ! ), help with distribution or a donor. Please contact me or one of the team for more information.

I have added the financial statement for the year 1st Sept. 2024 – 31[st] August 2025. Balance Forward 439.41 Expenses 795.96 Donations 844.00 Cash in Hand 487.45 Total 1283.41 Total 1283.41 Balance carried £487.45. (£300 at St. John’s £187.45 with Margaret Stephenson.)

Margaret Stephenson

WHITCH (What Happens In The Church)

This is a group of mums who have become friends from attending Messy Church and Film Nights. We try and meet as often as we can. Life as a parent is busy and chaotic, and this getting together gives us the chance to share our joys and struggles, to support each other, to learn things we didn’t know before. We have chatted with the mums about the age of their growing children and the need for a group for their almost teenage children. They know their children think of St John’s as their home, and would love for that to continue. We need to have more conversations around that.

If you were at St John’s on Easter Sunday, you would have seen most of these mums, who brought their whole family to worship the Risen Christ. When they heard we ran out of milk, the spouse of one of the mums, went and bought milk for us, without being asked. There was joy in seeing how our togetherness expands in acts of kindness, in welcome, in others feeling like they belong to.

Eva

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Choir Report

The Choir has had another good year, continuing to contribute to the worship at St John’s and building on the excellent working relationships which we have established over the years with visiting ministers and local preachers. Wherever possible we try to accommodate any musical preferences which they may have, which can mean that sometimes singing the 1[st] verse of a previously unknown hymn, and so leading the congregation in worship. It is amazing how quickly we can learn a new piece even when time is short. I am so proud of the way the Choir members always rise to the challenge. Our repertoire can be increased because of this, and it is also good to step outside our comfort zone now and then.

In early December last year, we enjoyed singing at the “Coffee and Carols” event, in the Wesley Hall, as we have done for several years in the past. For many, this has become the unofficial start of Christmas, when everyone can enjoy a lovely relaxed atmosphere. It is always well supported, with lots of carol singing (traditional, and not-so traditional) mince pies, teas and coffees as well. What’s not to like? Grateful thanks again to all those behind the scenes who make sure that it all goes so smoothly!

£345 was raised, and donations were shared between the North Tyneside Music Hub and the Alzheimer’s Society.

December is always a busy time for any choir, and we were much in demand. We were invited to Eastbourne House to sing carols, and a week later we were invited back to Warkworth Avenue to sing some festive songs and carols with the residents (all ages!), who turned out in great numbers (probably about 50 – 60!) in the evening to join in the fun. The weather this year was very kind. In the past we have been rained off and frozen out, but this time all went very well. It was great fun and £200 was raised which was given to the Station Master’s Community Garden near the Whitley Bay Metro station.

This year, the Choir was once more invited to lead the Good Friday morning service on April 3[rd] , when there was a selection of anthems, hymns, readings and prayers, all delivered by Choir members, and all chosen to mark this significant day in the life of the Christian church. It is a real privilege to be asked to take such a prominent part in what was a very moving experience

The Choir – though small in number – exists to lead the congregation in singing, and I am continually grateful for the selfless dedication of the members, who give of their time and talents so freely. We are all keen to ensure that the standard of the singing is as good as it possibly can be. It is worth remembering that not everyone is an expert sight reader, but everyone takes responsibility of enhancing the worship very seriously indeed. The results of the hard work are there for all to hear and are much appreciated by the congregation.

On the social side, we had our usual winter gathering in January and again met in the lovely lounge at Bygate Court. We had a great time chatting away (no time for singing!) and trying to make inroads into all the food which people had brought! We are very grateful to Una for arranging this most enjoyable occasion for us.

Last July we had the usual “Fish & Chips” party in our garden. Over recent years we have developed a very good relationship with Pantrini’s

Charles Hedley (Choir Leader)

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Faith and Friendship

Our weekly Faith and Friendship group continues to be a deeply valued space of friendship, faith, learning, and mutual support. Gathering each week on Zoom from the North East, Frinton-on-Sea, Doncaster and France, we read the Bible together, reflect on it, share honestly about life, and explore current issues affecting our communities and the wider world.

What makes this group special is not only the conversations themselves, but the spirit in which they are held. The Thursday morning space is a space where people are welcomed as they are, where stories are listened to with compassion, and where joys and struggles are carried together in love and prayer. The atmosphere of the group is marked by honesty and trust. There have been moments of deep emotion, where tears have been shared as people speak of loss, grief, worry, illness, injustice, or personal challenge. We hold each other.

There has also been much laughter, warmth, and celebration as friendships have grown and people have supported one another through everyday life. The continuing commitment of members to listen, encourage, pray, and journey together is a gift to everyone involved. In a world that can often feel fragmented and isolating, this weekly gathering remains an anchor for many. Miles do not matter, and even when at home and not able to go out much, in our Zoom space we are together and we do not feel alone. It is an absolute joy and a privilege to be part of this group, to learn and to share.

Eva

Monday House Group.

The group meets weekly on a Monday morning at 10am usually at the home of Margaret Stephenson. We aim to finish our discussion not later than 11.30am. then have a time of prayer before sharing to chat together over refreshments. There are currently 6 regular members.

The aim of the group is to increase our understanding of our faith, using various resources. During the past year we have used a daily bible study “The Upper Room”. This booklet has contributions from people around the world, relating times when their faith has helped them to deal with the difficulties and joys of everyday life. Over the Easter period we used a book called “People of the Passion” by Stephen Barton, some of his comments we found very challenging and dare I say didn’t always agree with them! Currently we are embarking on a study of the Book of James.

This group not only helps us to deepen our faith, to openly talk about difficulties / doubts we have from time to time in a trusting and confidential setting but we all feel comfortable sharing some of our more personal problems that occur from time to time knowing that they will not be talked about outside of the meeting. I hope the others will agree we have all formed valued, supportive and lasting friendships.

This is not to say we are a closed group, we would welcome anyone who would like to join us, even if it is just to see what we do.

Una Miller and I lead the group and I am sure I speak for both of us when I say it is an important part of our faith journey.

Margaret Stephenson

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FaB Club

In 2025/2026 FaB has continued to meet on a Sunday morning once a month. Dates for each quarter are published in advance in the Church notices and on the FaB WhatsApp group.

Our sessions are well attended with between 12 and 20 children and adults each month. We have had a couple of new families join us this year and it’s wonderful to see new friendships being made. We continue to provide a variety of activities to try and cater for the wide range of ages, some messier than others! Meeting together for fun and chat is such a joy and there is no doubt that we all learn from each other!

The children very much enjoyed making their own nativity scene for the church’s Nativity Festival in December and it was amazing to see how toilet roll tubes could be transformed with a bit of imagination!

Lesley Thompson

SJY (St John’s Youth)

I write the report for this group with a lot of emotions. Our young people are now getting ready to go to further education, be it 6th form or University, so June will be our last month of getting together in this way. We started the group before Covid and we have seen our young people grow from children to young adult. To have watched them grow from children into thoughtful, capable, compassionate young adults has been an enormous gift.

Through all the changes of recent years, they have shown resilience, humour, honesty, kindness, and care for one another. They are truly amazing and it has been a joy and privilege for our team to be there for them, to offer ourselves to them, to offer a space for them to be, to chat with them, to listen to them. We have chatted about a lot of things throughout the years. Faith, social media, school, life, relationships, films, sport.

It is the end of this chapter, but hopefully the beginning of a new one, as we consider the way forward. We absolutely need to create spaces for our young people. We offer a lot for children up to the age of 11, and I believe it is so important that teenagers find a place of welcome and figuring out what life is all about and how faith features in it all. If any of you feel you have some time and energy to offer to reaching out to this age group, please let’s have a chat. Meanwhile, can you hold our young people in your prayers, that they will always know that they are loved and can do more than they can imagine.

Eva

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Messy Vintage

You have all heard of Messy Church, but have you heard of Messy Vintage? It is a way of connecting with older people and enabling them to share and worship through a craft activity. It is a way of connecting that is very helpful for those involved. This past year a few of our members moved to Eastbourne house and we felt we could bring them together to worship, and keep that connection from St John’s. Every get together has been different, but absolutely special. We re-connected with members of the families through the Messy Vintages and were able to share in different ways and support those who needed support. When the Bay View care home opened and one of our own moved there, we were asked to come and do something there too and so we started another Messy Vintage. Again, what a privilege and we witness such holy moments, when the residents trust us, as we share with each other, pray and sing together.

There have been many moments of tenderness and grace throughout the year, quiet conversations, shared laughter, moments of recognition, and acts of kindness that remind us of the importance of human connection at every stage of life. At the moment Una, John Morley and I run this sessions. If you want to know more, please ask one of us.

Eva

Wednesday Lunch

Lunch on the first Wednesday in the month has, once again, continued throughout the past year, one of the few groups which never has a break during holiday seasons, it being felt that our guests particularly appreciate the opportunity to continue to meet together when many other groups are having a break.The number of guests attending varies somewhat but has averaged between 20 and 25..

Not all are from our congregation; we continue to welcome several folk from the wider community, some having joined us via Friday Cuppa. Sadly we lost Peter (Christine Hickox’s Dad) during the year; he had become a regular following the loss of his wife and was rarely missing, despite his own illness. We miss him. Terry Pike continues to join us, coming by taxi from Eothen where he now lives; I cannot believe that our offering is superior to theirs but he does enjoy the company and the continuing link with St John’s.

The same format remains popular …. choice of 2 soups, 2 puddings (always with custard, and/or ice cream in the summer!) followed by tea/coffee and, more importantly, lots of chat!

As usual, an exception to the usual menu is in December when a full traditional Christmas lunch is on the menu, together with much festive cheer and spirit (not of the liquid kind of course!). Numbers are greater for this event, 40 including helpers this time – a fairly full house!

We continue to be blessed with the same team of very willing cooks/helpers/drivers who work very well and flexibly together – and have as much fun and chat as the guests, it must be said.

Any payment for food by attendees is by donation only, ingredients for the lunch being donated by the volunteer helpers. As last year, these donations have gone to The Bay Food Bank, whose need for funds continues to increase. The total donated was £927, for which we thank our guests.

Gill Hedley

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Friday Cuppa

During the past year ‘Friday Cuppa has continued to meet weekly, except for two Fridays over Christmas and New Year and on Good Friday. For several years St John’s Friday Cuppa has been a part of the Council’s Warm Welcome Scheme, from the beginning of November through to the end of March and Colin Raistrick, as our Office Administrator has been able to apply for funding that we have received. In recent correspondence, to North Tyneside’s Council’s Social Inclusion Officer at the end of this year’s ‘Warm Welcome,’ Colin mentioned that we are open all year long and that in the Summer we are a cool space to escape the outdoor heat!

Friday Cuppa still meets for four hours, between, 9am and 1pm and we continue to greet and welcome old and new friends from St John’s church family, and from the wider community, not just in Whitley Bay but extending even to Gateshead. Some people only stay for a short-while, whilst others stay and chat for longer. Teas, coffees, biscuits, and cakes are always available, and the recent gift of a new coffee maker to the church, has been much appreciated. Thank you.

It is so lovely to see how everyone supports and encourages one another, conversations take place, and friendships develop with laughter and with tears. Friendships that are making a difference. Friendships that have enabled us to support one another during sad and challenging times, and to share in the good times together. It has also been good to see how, through coming to Friday Cuppa, a number of people now regularly come to other events taking place at St John’s.

It is always a joy when someone passing by the church who we have not met before, pops in having seen that Friday Cuppa is taking place. A joy too when old friends who have previously supported and helped at Friday Cuppa but no longer able to do so, keep in touch and occasionally turn up to see us on a Friday morning. Another highlight for us is when regular holidaymakers to Whitley Bay, having come to Friday Cuppa whilst on holiday one year, turn up to see us again the following year.

Thanks go to those who help and support Friday Cuppa in many and and varied ways on a regular basis, including the team(s) who help week-by-week. Whatever your contribution, thank you.

And we all extend a warm invitation to everyone to join us at Friday Cuppa. We look forward to welcoming you whenever you come.

Barbara Grundy

Afternoon Club

The Afternoon Club meets on the first and third Wednesday of the month and has an attendance on average of 20 - 25 members. We have welcomed a few new members this year.

Our programme offers a diverse range of activities and speakers covering a wide range of subjects. Our sessions mix creativity, challenge, and fun.

This is all achieved thanks to the members and the committee.

Margaret Rushton

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The Organ Fund

Sadly during the year we had the untimely death of our dear friend Paul Walker. Paul was instrumental in collecting metal to trade in for money to be set aside for major organ repairs. So taking over from Paul, we managed to remove all the metal he had in stock and decamp it to my house - where the backyard, shed and behind the shed hardstanding was used to store the metal until we found a company who would take the scrap. Our success was finding K Sturrock at West Sleekburn. A wonderful family business who were incredibly helpful in making sure we got the maximum return for the scrap. This return is by trading in no mixed metal and so a production line was established at my house, where everything was stripped down.

We must thank everyone who has donated and continues to donate their scrap metal. This includes not only people from St John's but also across the Circuit and further afield. We have successfully traded in brass, copper, lead, steel, aluminium, aluminium cans and copper wiring. We have a bit of silverware in hand and will trade that in to a specialist. If we have anything of antique interest we trade this in at the Owl and Pussycat antique shop. The church toolkit is enhanced by anything we think we can use and is better than we already have.

A big thank you goes to Steptoe's daughter - Carol Baggaley - who has made her car available to transport metal and to a few others who have made their van available for when a load is ready. It must be noted that they have found it great fun unloading the scrap at the other end. After the metal is weighed and registered, details of the driver's licence noted, a cheque is then written to St John's Methodist Church, and the cheque is then banked by the Treasurer.

As we close the report we know that £3,000 is in hand to do the first part of the organ repair, with the organ builder promising us that work will commence shortly.

Colin Raistrick

Action for Children

Action for Children (AFC) is a Methodist Church Charity, with numerous projects countrywide and several local projects in the North East. The latter include early years and family counselling and support services, nurseries and residential care for disabled children. All very much needed services.

AFC also have a Crisis Fund which pays for essentials like food, clothes and heating bills in times of crisis. They have distributed £2 million in emergency grants since 2020 to 15,000 families. They also campaign for an end to child poverty and speak directly to MPs and ministers and call on them to act.

I’m very grateful to those who donate using AFC boxes and they can be handed to me at any time. I do appreciate though that people have less loose change so boxes aren’t appropriate. Grateful thanks to those who make online donations which can be made through the website at actionforchildren.org.uk. Action for Children Sunday in 2026 is in July and there will be envelopes available for donations then. Approximately £300 has been donated to AFC by St John’s folk this past year.

Thank you so much for your continued support

Lesley Thompson

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Family Worker

Wiggles & Toddlers

Our baby and toddler groups got off to a slow start this year, but the last few months have been buzzing! A number of new mums have said to me recently that Wiggles is the highlight of their week and they are very grateful for a group that they just can drop into, rather than a group where you have to sign up for 6 weeks, often the norm with other baby groups in the area.

Highlights: seeing mums grow in confidence, welcoming new volunteers

Messy Church

Messy Church has continued steadily with a strong core group of families. We have had a wide selection of themes, exploring both the Bible and faith based issues. We’re currently working on a Climate change/green issue Messy Church and the possibility of a “Messy Church does Baptism".

Highlights: “I think it’s the time you have to chat to everyone to make them feel valued that helps too. I don’t think people come with the thought they will stay for a long time, just that it’s comfortable and everyone is accepted. That’s how I’ve always felt safe and welcome and people were helpful with (neurodivergent child), not cross that he didn’t appear to listen or join in etc”

Challenges: some of the children are getting older - what do we do next?

Family Film Nights

These have continued on the 3rd Friday of the month, with varying numbers depending on the film being played and/or what other events/weather is going on! I’m expecting that they will be a bit quieter as we go into the summer months. These families are a mix of Messy Church, church and non-church families. Highlights: “it’s a cheap night out when there are so many other calls on our finances and you are all always so pleased to see us!” Challenges: keeping families engaged as children grow.

Lego

I have been donated a large stash of lego! What to do with it? I have lots of ideas and am praying for guidance as to the best use of it.

Current ideas include a Brick Church (like Messy Church but with lego), after school or weekend lego clubs, or even a daytime group for home-schoolers. And where should it happen? There are reasons why all of the churches in our Circuit could make an excellent base! Do you have any ideas or thoughts? Please share them with me!

Karen Morley

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Table Tennis Group Report

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Someone gave this
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Someone gave this humorous definition of a table tennis player. “A table tennis player is a caffeinated, knee-padded hustler who treats a 2.7-gram plastic ball like a life-or-death mission. They are part artist, part frantic insect, possessing the unique ability to stand at a table and scream “CHOO”! while generating enough top-spin to make the ball behave like a panicked bumblebee. The anatomy of the table tennis player consists mainly of quick wrists, paranoid eyes, and knees that require permanent bracing.”

If this description is enough to put you off picking up a bat and joining our mixed and dedicated band of players, then please don’t let it. Because for the faithful gatherers, who turn up on a Monday afternoon between 3.30pm - 5.30pm in the church hall, it is a much more sedate and friendly pastime. In fact, since the group started in September last year there are some of us who are still trying to work out what a top-spin is!

Our numbers can vary anywhere between 6 -16. And we are delighted to have some young children and grandchildren from members of the church family and others who join us when they can. They are also very useful in retrieving the miss hit balls from the back of the stack of chairs, which most of us (due to bad knees) cannot reach!

But we have a mission, and word has got out to the far flung corners of Whitley Bay and beyond. Therefore, we have been delighted in recent weeks to welcome some lovely people, not directly connected with St. John’s, who now join us on a fairly regular basis. So, all in all, it has been a success in building fun, friendship and fellowship.

However, as far as the standard of table tennis goes it is for most of us still a work in progress, but it is a very enjoyable one and well worth the £1 a week charge, especially as it comes with a drink and a biscuit. So it has been a good year for the table tennis group – why not give us a try. The ball is in your court.

Gary Ridley

Knit and Natter

Knit and natter continue to meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday afternoons of each month. We are a small group and have appreciated joining with afternoon club for the last 2 Christmas celebrations.

Our main activity is knitting for “hero bears for every child” who pass on our items to Ukraine and local NHS and Social Services groups. Knitted sheep were given out at a recent Sunday Service at St John’s and we continue to offer to do “commissions” for a donation to the Church.

Susan Sabourn

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Living our Values

Over the last few months, the Faith and Life group, which meets on a monthly basis, has been concerned about how we might express our commitment to Christian values in a society where such values are in danger of being distorted ad manipulated for political reasons. In cooperation with some members of St. Mary’s, and in contact with other local churches, a Christians Value poster was prepared and has been on display outside and inside both churches and elsewhere.

This has been a important piece of work, and follows on from the involvement of the Faith and Life Group over the past year seeking to reflect on the relationship between what we believe and how we express that in the wider community. So the group was heavily involved in last year’s Community Weekend, which highlighted the role the church can play in supporting and encouraging community groups.

New members are always welcome in the group as we reflect on how our faith relates to Christian living today.

Living our values is fundamental to much of what we seek to do and be as a Christian community. For example, it lies behind the annual Charities Market, which brings together up to twenty local charities in a major fund-raising morning, and regularly raises over £2000. This year’s event will be on the morning of Saturday, 14[th] November. Such support is vital, given the increasing pressure under which many charities find themselves, both in terms of shortage of personnel and finance yet seeking to meet an increasing need. Standing alongside them is one way of living our values.

As is our practical expression of concern for those who need whatever help we can give. All We Can is a Methodist-based charity which works with local communities in parts of Africa and Asia to offer hope and a better quality of life to those who struggle. We live our values when we recognise the importance of all humanity, not just those in our own country. St John’s is a Partner Church of All We Can, and raises well over £1000 each year to help.

Closer to home, we live out our values by caring for people whatever their age or situation. One way we do this, again as part of the wider Methodist family, is through our support for Methodist Homes (we will mark Methodist Homes Sunday on June 28[th] at a special service in which we will Celebrate Ageing).

MH North Tyneside Communities, which run a range of caring activities in different parts of the borough, and under whose aegis we run pARTners, Art Classes for people living with dementia. There will be a pARTners exhibition at St.Mary’s from June 19-21. Living our Values also includes our commitment to care for our planet, not just as part of God’s creation, but out of a concern for the well-being of future generations. Green Issues feature on the Church Council agendas, and we are committed as a community to living in as eco-friendly a way as possible.

pARTners celebrate 10 years

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Living our Values contd.

Thank you to all those who help with recycling and in other ways. For various reasons we haven’t been able to progress our commitment this year towards a Silver Eco-Church award but we have celebrated Creationtide in September, and will do again this year. And if anyone feels that this is a way in which, within the church community, you could help us live our values, please get touch.

There are many other examples in this report of ways in which we are Living our Values, but I hope these help us to reflect on what it means to live out our Christian calling.

Tony Farrar

FOCUS Magazine

The small team of Noreen Rees (Editor), Howard Scott (Administrator), Peter Firth (Distribution) and Colin Raistrick (email Distribution) continues to produce news and views of St John’s members and friends.

The Harvest 2025 issue highlighted St John’s Harvest Festival and meal. Rev Eva reflected on the Parable of the Sower, and its message of hope. Carol Baggaley in her Vestry Notes wrote about the wonderful Summer weather, and the fact that St John’s had had a Summer wedding. There was information about the boiler upgrade from Andrew Lowe on behalf of the Property Committee. There was also a look back at the year of celebrations we’d enjoyed as part of St John’s Centenary.

The Christmas 2025 issue contained several pages from the Property Committee detailing the extent of the flooding in November 2025. Karen Morley reflected on the various Messy Christmases that would be taking place around the circuit. Howard Scott had written about the dilemma of ‘caring for creation in a world that hungers for energy.’

The Easter 2026 issue was unusually long-at 20 pages. Rev Eva reported on the caterpillars which were being stored in the Sanctuary that she was hoping would emerge into butterflies on Easter Sunday. The stewards’ report shared news of the pancake party, and the visit of Rev Paul Cleever-Thorpe-a previous minister of St John’s. There was information on the restored memorials from St Margaret’s church. Linda Eccles had written an article about the Creative Worship group which meets at St John’s. There was also a piece celebrating ten years of pARTners art group.

I’d like to record my thanks to the team-Howard, Peter and Colin who all work together to help Focus on its journey from blank page to publication.

Noreen Rees

Ladies Badminton

Meet September-May. Friday 1-30pm – 3-00pm.

There are about 14 ladies who play but unfortunately not all are available each week. We play to win but as always things don’t turn out as we had hoped! We have lots of laughs and we are friendly group.

We supported the Church Community Weekend with an outdoor badminton set in the Church Car Park although the weather was mixed there was some who enjoyed playing the game. If you would like to join our group please come along as you would be most welcome.

Pat Turnbull

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SJBelles

The Belles have had a mixed year of personal and family health along with several family bereavements. We continue to support each other through those times. We met as often as we could during the year and are now getting back into our regular meets.

We were pleased to welcome Cynthia as a new member, who has settled in well and is getting to grips with our bell humour.

In June 2025 at the community weekend, the group did some playing. On the Sunday during the service we contributed with ‘Ring and Sing’, getting everyone involved with had some interactive singing and playing. We offered to play a couple of pieces at the Coffee and Carols morning in December hosted by the choir. We always enjoy being involved on that occasion.

We have offered to take a service in July and we are already preparing for that day. Christmas never seems far away and our bells are already thinking ahead.

Christine Hickox

8[th] Whitley Bay (St John’s Methodist) Scout Group

It’s been another good year for the group. Each section has good numbers and are about at maximum capacity apart from Scouts where numbers are a bit low at the moment. On a Monday night all sections run a full and varied programme.

We had our annual Outdoor challenge camp at Whitley Bay and District Campsite at Pigdon, we went to the Camp Northumbria run by Northumberland Country Scouts. The Scouts had a Survival camp at Pigdon and the Beavers and Cubs had an Indoor residential at Kirknewton.

Unfortunately, this year Suzanne Wood and Mark Leggett decided to leave the group. They have both put many years’ service in at the group and we wish them well.

Steven Wood Group Lead Volunteer

3rd Monkseaton Guides

This year was the 60th since the unit reopened back in 1966. We know the unit is older than this put we have no record of when it opened then closed.

We currently have 4 girls who are leaving in July but have all gained their Gold Award, which is the top award they can get in Guides. It has been lovely to see these 4 grow and become very good friends. We have some potential leaders in these 4.

The girls have planned the last 2 terms repeating things that they enjoy doing, food, food and more food.

Jeni has decided to leave Guiding in July as well, she has been my rock and partner for over 25 years. I am going to miss running Guides with her. Thank you Jeni.

Looking forward to the future of the unit and growing it again, we potentially have 6 Brownies moving up and a hopefully a new leader joining this term.

Suzanne Wood

23

Whitley Bay and District Churches Together (WBDCT)

Whitley Bay and District Churches Together (WBDCT) has met three times since the last Annual Meeting at St John’s in 2025, with the most recent meeting in March taking place at St John’s. The next WBDCT meeting will be held on Thursday 25[th] June 2026 at St Mary’s.

A number of services have taken place during the year hosted by Churches Together and held at different churches in the town, including three outdoor services in Monkseaton - the Act of Remembrance on Saturday 8[th] November, Carols Around the Christmas Tree on Saturday 20[th] December and the Good Friday Service, The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity Service at Whitley Bay Baptist Church, World Day of Prayer Service at St Andrew’s URC, The Peace Vigil at the Cenotaph on Palm Sunday, the Good Friday Walk of Witness followed by the short Service in the grounds of St Paul’s, and the Sunrise Service on Easter morning at Spanish City. Several churches also hosted events including the Community Christmas Tree Festival, Whitley Bay, Monkseaton and Cullercoats, held at St Paul’s in December with an amazing number of beautifully and imaginatively decorated Christmas trees including one from St John’s. There were also two summer events the ‘Family Fun Picnic’ at ChurchillI Playing Fields at the end of July and ‘Church on the Beach 2025’ in August coordinated by Whitley Lodge Baptist Church, to which other churches and the community were invited to take part. Activities and Events maybe found in the weekly notices and via St John’s facebook page throughout the year. Some of the other activities and initiatives that have been and are taking place supported by Churches Together are the following: -

Whitley Bay Fiesta - continues to be be held regularly at St Paul’s and the Park View Shopping Centre although WBDCT has not received any up-to-date information about this event for some time. The next Fiesta will be held on Sunday 5[th] July 2026 11am – 3pm.

Living with Age - a community event providing advice on care, support, legal and financial and supported housing, is due to take place on Saturday 17[th] October 2026 between 11.00 am – 2.00pm at Cullercoats Methodist Church, The Broadway, NE30 3LJ.

Christians Value – At the WBCDT’s planning and Administrative meeting in March there was a presentation to church leaders and church representatives about trying to find out which words our community most associates with Christian values using a survey.We were asked to share with congregations and to encourage everyone to complete the survey. Following the results of the survey a banner has been created using 10 of the words submitted, love, peace, hope, integrity, inclusion, kindness, caring, compassion, community, and welcome. It is hoped that many of the churches in Whitley Bay will display the banner in the weeks and months to come.

CAP (Christians Against Poverty) Centre - We were told at the meeting in March that sadly the CAP Centre has closed due to the service being under used. During the past couple of years, it had been based at Whitley Bay Baptist Church.

Whitley Bay Street Pastors (WBSP) - Whitley Bay Street Pastor teams still patrol in Tynemouth but it is no longer possible for a team to be out every Saturday. During a patrol, a Prayer Pastor based at home supports the team. Teams of WBSP were able to support the ‘Mouth of Tyne’ Festival last year and will hopefully be there again in July 2026.

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Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) - SWEP in Whitley Bay took place again at Oxford Street Methodist Church from November to March when the temperature was down to ‘0’ degrees centigrade or below and those sleeping rough were especially vulnerable. Chris Lincoln, who is also WBSP Coordinator, liaised closely with staff at North Tyneside Council, and with a team of volunteers from the churches and community, hosted and cared for guests referred to them by the council, between 7pm and approximately 7am the following morning. In 2024/2025 SWEP in Whitley Bay was activated on 61 nights with 115 people supported and helped overnight. Figures for 2025/2026 are not available yet.

The Bay Food Bank – is the only Foodbank serving the whole of North Tyneside and is still in great demand to provide emergency parcels to an ever-increasing number of people in North Tyneside experiencing crisis. St John’s continues to support The Bay Foodbank as do other churches and the Foodbank is grateful for every donation whether it be food, toiletries, or donations. Alongside providing and distributing food parcels to those who are referred to them, the Foodbank support a range of school breakfast clubs and runs a food waste diversion programme. For further information and news do see the website thebayfoodbank.org.uk or speak to one of the volunteers from St John’s who help at the Foodbank.

St John’s ‘rep’ for WBDCT - Being St John’s rep has been a tremendous privilege and something I have enjoyed being involved in for, I think, about 16 years. It was through Churches Together that I had the honour of leading the team of Prayer Pastors from 2011 to 2015. Sharing with churches and other denominations will always remain close to my heart and I shall certainly continue to support WBDCT as much as I can, but not as St John’s rep. it is now definitely time for me to step aside and let someone else take on the reigns representing St John’s. Someone who is able to help Whitley Bay and District Churches Together move forward in a way that I am not able to. Who is that someone? Is it you? Chat to me or Colin Raistrick who is WBDCT secretary, and consider coming to the next Planning and Administration Meeting with me at St Mary’s 25[th] June, 7pm for 7.30pm to find out more. There will also be another Planning and Administration Meeting sometime in September and I would like to be able to hand-over to the next rep at that meeting having given three months notice.

With thanks

Barbara Grundy, St John’s current WBDCT rep

Use of St. John’s Premises by Hiring or Visiting Groups May 2025 to June 2026

Since the last General Meeting our premises have been used by the following community groups:

• 15 children’s parties.

• 8 adult parties.

• Local estate agent’s residents’ meeting.

• Marine Park School held their Christmas Services and rehearsals (2 of each)

• Red House Farm Allotment Socy AGM and additional meeting.

• One jewellery valuation day

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• Business meeting of Quakers in Britain.

• Tyne Athletics held indoor 10 training sessions in the winter months.

• Concert by City of Newcastle Male Voice Choir

Groups booked in previous year not returned:

• Priory Singers

• Kids Kitchen.

• Tynemouth Melodies music school parents events.

• Tropic Skincare (one enquiry we were unable to accommodate).

• Labour Party committee meetings.

Ongoing activity

• Willow Club met weekly with a break in the Summer.

• Whitley Bay Flower Club meet monthly with the exception of January, February (their AGM off site) and August.

• Coastal History meet monthly save in July and August..

• The North East Wado Ryu Karate Group hold weekly practices twice yearly Grading Days.

• Sound Bath hold monthly sessions in the choir area.

• Age UK hold weekly strength and balance groups.

• Age UK hold weekly fitness and seated exercise groups.

• Glow Fitness run weekly Monday morning and early evening Ladies fitness groups.

• Whitley Bay Tea Dance hold weekly afternoon sessions.

• Tea Dance ran 5 Summer additional lesson sessions

• A monthly Councillor Surgery is held in the vestry.

• Weekly Latin Dance sessions are held (separately) for Children and Adults.

Meetings ceased

• The weekly Sewing Group recently disbanded.

Peter Firth, Bookings

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Safeguarding Report

During the year St John’s Church Council approved St John’s Safeguarding Policy, the text mirrors that of the national safeguarding Policy. The policy is on the Minor Hall noticeboard. Throughout the building on many other notice boards we have details of the safeguarding contacts and posters on the Methodist Church Safeguarding Policy. On the back of toilet doors we have posters on where to get help for those in domestic abuse situations and how to contact Childline. This keeps us fully compliant with the Safeguarding best practice.

Throughout the year Carol and Colin have attended Safeguarding updates with the Circuit Safeguarding Officer. Training on Safeguarding courses can be face to face or online. During the year a number of members of St John’s refreshed their Safeguarding Training. The feedback from attendees is that the course is very informative and most helpful

Safer Recruitment is the present emphasis of the National Safeguarding team. Behind this is the expectation that volunteers know what they are letting themselves in for, when they agree to take on a role. We will positively step in to assist at the point that people take on new roles.

A reminder to all group leaders. Please record any accidents or near misses in the accident book located in the kitchen first aid box. This information is archived and information acted upon. The First Aid kit now includes a "Trauma Kit" following the introduction of Martyn's Law.

One thing that we have done during the year is submitted a safeguarding review to the Regional Safeguarding team. This included much supporting documentation that we have in place to run St John's. Whilst we await any constructive comments we are reassured with verbal updates that it was a very comprehensive dossier of documentation and evidence of good practice.

Thank you to all who help ensure St John’s is a safe place for all.

Carol Baggaley, Colin Raistrick - St John’s Safeguarding Officers

Data Protection

Each May on behalf of St John’s I run the Methodist Church GDPR Annual Compliance checklist and sign off as 100% compliant, because we are fully compliant. The national Privacy Policy was last updated in April 2023 and this is displayed on the Wesley Hall corridor noticeboard for all to read.

Personal Data that we use at St John’s is given to us for use so that we can function as a Methodist Church. This enables for example the Pastoral Handbook to have contact details in and for the weekly notices to be distributed. The Church Directory continues to be amended to reflect changes in address, telephone numbers and email numbers. Feel free to ask the office for an up to date directory - we can also shred your earlier version should it be a printed version.

Thank you to all at St John’s for helping us remain compliant.

Colin Raistrick

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TREASURER’S REPORT

Financial Year 2024/25

The attached SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

provides a detailed breakdown of income and expenditure, highlighting a defici t on unrestricted funds of £2912.

The deficit was less than expected, helped by savings on anticipated expenditure towards the end of the financial year, but first and foremost, because of the incredibly kind and generous response to last year’s Fundraising Gift Week which totalled £13 209 combined with increased Direct Giving. This helped tremendously in containing the deficit. Sincere and heartfelt thanks to everybody involved.

Financial Year 2025/26

Financial Year 2025/26
	Opening Balance 1 Sept. 2025	Balance as at 30 April 2026	Reduction in Unrestricted Funds 30 April 2026
TMCP (our savings)	47 922.07*	30 926.48
Central Finance Board	26 042.40	22 344.44
Barclays Current Account	10 795.07	5 904.54
Sub Total	84 759.54	59 175.46
Flower Fund-Restricted	(1 175)	(1 175)
Organ Fund-Restricted	(1 968)	(3 178.81)
Total	81 616.54	54 821.65	-26 794.89

*Please see Note 1 of the Summary of Accounts regarding the transfer of £27,000 (actual spend September 2025) to St John’s Warm Welcome project. Finance & Property Committee Chairman’s report also refers.

EMERGENCY EXPENDITURE

We started this financial year fully up to date with all our financial commitments.

Unfortunately owing to unavoidable events, namely storm damage in November 2025 and the failure of our Fire Alarm system, we needed to withdraw £17,00 0 from our Reserves in March 2026 as the cost of this necessary work could not be met through revenue income.

To date, £15,936 of this has been spent on a new Fire Alarm System, repairs to the Sanctuary Roof and new skylights for the 3 in 1 roof. We are currently holding £1,000 in our CFB account ready to pay the excess on the Insurance claim we have pending with Methodist Insurance once internal damage costs are agreed.

BREAK DOWN OF INCOME AND EXPENDITURE AT 30 APRIL 2026

INCOME		EXPENDITURE		Reduction in Funds
Direct Giving/Offertory	33 235.88	Assessment (8x£4952)	39 616.00
Lettings	15 418.00	Property Maintenance	17 892.84
TMCP & CFB Interest	1 499.60	Utilities	13 431.18
Church Group Donations	5 044.04	Other (inc. salaries)	17 649.96
Individual Donations	2 876.48
Other	3 721.09
TOTAL	61 795.09	TOTAL	88 589.98	-26 794.89

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The reduction in funds of £26,794.89, alongside the transfer of £27,000 to the Warm Welcome project is significant expenditure to absorb. In relation to the transfer, grant applications are still under consideration but it may well be that we do not recoup any of these costs.

At this point in time however, this is an interim report pending Year End figures for 2025/26 when the true extent of the deficit will be realised. Fundraising Gift Week and Gift Aid funds traditionally come to us in June – August and provide us with a vital boost to our income in the final quarter of the year.

Thanks to Carole for the timely submission of our yearly Gift Aid application, which this year is estimated to be in the region of £15,000.

This year’s Fundraising Gift Week will begin on Sunday 31 May. As ever, any and all donations are most gratefully received. I’m looking forward to reporting to everybody on this at our Church AGM on Sunday 7 June.

EXPENDITURE

Utilities

As expected, gas costs have increased significantly since the fixed price contract we had with Crown Gas ended in May 2025. Under our new three year contract with Crown Gas, it is likely that spend on gas this year will exceed £7,600 compared to £4,084 last year. Electricity is running comparative to last year and is expected to cost around £4,290 this year.

With water rates at £300 and Insurance at £5101 for the year, our utilities bill this year is estimated to be in the region of £17,500.

Salary costs

In February 2026, there was a 6.7% uplift in rate per hour in line with Living Wage requirements. After discussion with Circuit, our Employer’s National Insurance contribution was reduced. This has limited the overall impact of the uplift to an additional £94.00 per month on our salary bill.

Thank you to Colin and Patricia for continuously going that extra mile.

Maintenance

As well as the general day to day maintenance required to keep our Church safe and in good repair, planned statutory cyclical work eg the five year Electrical Installation Condition Report to be undertaken in June, will increase maintenance expenditure this year.

Special thanks to Andrew and Colin for their success in tracking down the route of the high level heating pipes that had been leaking. Their extensive investigations saved us over £700 which was the price quoted for this work by an external contractor.

Assessment

Good News. Our Assessment for 2025/26 is £59,424 compared to £63,216 last year. This represents a saving of £316 per month.

INCOME

Interest

We will receive less income in interest this year as our funds in TMCP reduce.

29

Grantsh

Although grant income has reduced so far this year we have received £1,000 from North Tyneside Council’s Provision of Warm Spaces Activities Fund to help with Friday Cuppa heating costs. A further grant of £200 was received after our local councillor became aware of the Property team’s sterling work in refurbishing War memorials from St Margaret’s.

Donations

It is with gratitude and thanks that there has been an up-lift in regular giving so far this year. Many thanks also to our own Church Groups whose donations to our funds are very much appreciated.

Lettings

Another positive note is that income from room lettings i.e. licences, one-offs, regular bookings and parties is looking very healthy at the moment with a projected £3,500 increase on last year.

An incredible amount of work goes into ensuring everything runs smoothly in this respect. Many thanks to Colin, Peter, Andrew and the Property Team and all those involved in ensuring we have a welcoming, safe environment where people like to be.

CONCLUSION

There is no doubt that it is disappointing that because of necessary emergency repair expenditure, our reserves are depleted over and above expectations. Ever increasing running costs are also cause for concern and this is troubling. However, at the start of this year, prior to November’s Storm Claudia, the projected deficit (excluding transfer to the Warm Welcome) was looking likely to be no more than last year – if not smaller, which is a positive to help us move forward as we face the ever present challenge of balancing the books.

A sincere thank you to everyone for the support I am given as we strive to do just that.

Debbie Mathieson

Treasurer

10 May 2026

30

----- Start of picture text -----
from Circuit -£20, 000 from District
- £10,000
£1175 £3143
. Boiler Grants
Note 2 transferred to Warm Welcome Project for boiler and zoning work. St Johns Building Project CFB Account holds Warm Welcome funds. Note 4. Organ Fund 23/25- £1968 Flower Fund 16/23 - Move to Restricted
£2388.52
. £27,000 . FOR INFORMATION ONLY- raised and passed on
Note 1 transferred from TMCP on 17/7/25 to Warm Welcome Project to ensure contractual obligations can be met re: payment of Boiler and Zoning work. Not spent as at 31/08/25. Paid out 18/9/25. Note 3 Money through Church Accounts to Other Charities :
63216.00 780.00 1981.00 3485.78 2123.06 4084.34 4148.45 157.81 3731.02 14741.83 13636.18 735.29 575.20 337.04 1088.48 841.22 104.93 29.91 115797.54
Total
1869.50 1869.50 3739.00
Restricted
63216.00 780.00 1981.00 3485.78 2123.06 4084.34 4148.45 157.81 3731.02 12872.33 11766.68 735.29 575.20 337.04 1088.48 841.22 104.93 29.91 112058.54
Unrestricted
Payments 24/25 Circuit Assessment Donations Property - Major Property Minor Dishwasher Gas Electricity Water Insurance Admin Salary Cleaner Salary Phone & Internet Promotion of Worship Church Activity Catering & Hospitality Photocopier Stationery Stewards Total Payments
Total 7033.60 2477.77 38695.12 15976.80 78.00 16560.39 295.00 2724.97 2572.92 4767.44 889.78 3833.39 3739.00 30000.00 13209.00 55.75 744.02 143652.95 -30000 113652.95 -2144.59 Total
23.00 3739.00 30000.00 744.02 34506.02 -30000 4506.02 -3739.00 767.02
Restricted Restricted
7033.60 2477.77 38695.12 15953.80 78.00 16560.39 295.00 2724.97 2572.92 4767.44 889.78 3833.39 13209.00 55.75 109146.93 109146.93 -112058.54 -2911.61
Unrestricted 109146.93 Unrestricted
ST JOHN'S METHODIST CHURCH WHITLEY BAY - SUMMARY OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025 Rev. 4.11.25 Receipts 24/25 Offertory Envelopes Offertory Cash Direct Giving Gift Aid - includes small value Church Event Room Hire Fees SUM UP Donations -Individuals ( inc.in memoriam) Donations - Church Groups Friday Cuppa Interest from TMCP and CFB Grants - Salaries Grants Boiler - See Note 2. Gift Week Misc. Organ Fund Boiler Grants Transfer - Note 2 Less Salary Grant Total Unrestricted Receipts Less Unrestricted Payments Net Receipts/Payments 24/25
25325.78 13665.33 74913.52 113904.63 10795.07 26042.40 47922.07 84759.54
Opening Balance 1 September 2024 Barclays Current CFB TMCP TOTAL Closing Balance 31 August 2025 Barclays Current CFB TMCP - See Note 1 below
----- End of picture text -----

31

							CHURCH	CHURCH
RECEIPTS							AND PAYMENTS
							ACCOUNTS
THE METHODIST CHURCH
STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS
St John's Methodist								Church
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 August 2025
North Shields and Whitley Bay					Circuit	Circuit no.	20-05
Registered Charity -Charity Registration number							1184805
If not a registered charityHis Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number
(The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242)
Minister:
Rev EvaWalker
ChurchStewards:
Mrs Carol Baggaley
Mrs Susan Sabourn
Mrs Sally Clark
Mrs Noreen Rees
Mr John Liddle
Mrs Margaret Rushton
Treasurer:
Mrs Debbie Mathieson

							CHURCH	CHURCH
RECEIPTS							AND PAYMENTS
							ACCOUNTS
THE METHODIST CHURCH
STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS
St John's Methodist								Church
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
31 August 2025
North Shields and Whitley Bay					Circuit	Circuit no.	20-05
Registered Charity -Charity Registration number							1184805
If not a registered charityHis Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number
(The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242)
Minister:
Rev EvaWalker
ChurchStewards:
Mrs Carol Baggaley
Mrs Susan Sabourn
Mrs Sally Clark
Mrs Noreen Rees
Mr John Liddle
Mrs Margaret Rushton
Treasurer:
Mrs Debbie Mathieson

32

	ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025					St John's Methodist			Church
					Unrestricted Funds	Restricted Funds	Totals this year		Totals last year
		SECTION A
					£	£	£		£
	a1	RECEIPTS		Note
	a2	Offerings and Tax recovered			64,161	23	64,184		57,834
	a3	Bank and CFB interest and Investment income			3,833		3,833		4,825
	a4	Lettings			16,560		16,560		8,884
	a5	Other receipts			24,593	4,483	29,076		42,531
	a6	TOTAL RECEIPTS			109,147	4,506	**113,653 **	(a7)	114,074
		SECTION B
	b1	PAYMENTS
	b2	Circuit Assessment or Share			63,216		63,216		63,216
	b3	Donations			780		780		7,550
	b4	Repairs and Maintenance			5,467		5,467		15,026
	b5	Utilities (Insurances, water charges,heating &lighting)			12,122		12,122		16,029
	b6	Salaries			24,639	3,739	28,378
	b7	Otherpayments			5,835		5,835		17,436
	b8	TOTAL PAYMENTS			112,059	3,739	**115,798 **	(b9)	119,257
		SECTION C
	c1	NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR		(a6-b8)	(2,912)	767	(2,145)		(5,183)
	c2	Total funds brought forward from last year			113,904		**113,904 **	(c6)	119,087
	c3	Sub total		(c1+c2)	110,992	767	111,759		113,904
	c4	Transfers and adjustments			(29,376)	2,376	**(27,000) **	(c7)
	c5	TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR		(c3+c4)	81,616	3,143	**84,759 **	(c8)	**113,904 **	(c6)
		SECTION D
	d	FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
		(these amounts are not to be included in total receipts/payments figures					£		£
	d1	Balance brought forward from lastyear
	d2	Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations					2,389		550
	d3	Offerings/Gifts -passed to external organisations					2,083		550
	d4	BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID (d1+d2-d3)					306

33

									St John's Methodist				Church
		SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACC	OUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATI			ONS REPORTING TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL
		SECTION E	Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page
		Summary of the Church accou of an Internal Organisation wou be completed to arrive at the gr accounting AND A DIFFERENT the District and connected Dist	nts for the year ended 31 August 2025 a ld normally be Restricted funds unless it oss income and expenditure totals of the FORM must be used to report the acco rict Organisations.			nd Internal Organisations reporting to the Church Council/Church Meeting. N could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. Church. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold, then the Accruals unts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding t							ote that the funds This section must method of ransfers between
		INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS	Receipts		Payments		Net Receipts/ Payments		Adjustments		Opening balances		Closingbalances
	e1	Flower Fund	844		796		48		(32)		471		487
	e2	Choir	160		86		74		(112)		117		79
	e3	Bells			380		(380)				380
	e4	Warm Welcome	61,046		36,126		24,920		(882)		15,708		39,746
	e5	Afternoon Club	929		971		(42)		174				132
	e6	Badminton	405		550		(145)		203				58
	e7
	e8	Sub total of Internal Organisations funds	63,384		38,909		24,475		(649)		16,676	(e11)	40,502	(e12)
	e9	Church accounts (totals brought forward from page 2 - totals column)	**113,653 **	(a7)	**115,798 **	(b9)	(2,145)		**(27,000) **	(c7)	**113,904 **	(c6)	84,759	(c8)
	e10	TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH	177,037		154,707		22,330		(27,649)		130,580	(x)	125,261	(y)
		Continue on a separate sheet if necessary and bring the totals forward	TOTAL RECEIPTS		TOTAL PAYMENTS
		SECTION F
		STATEMENT OF ASSETS AN	D LIABILITIES
		CHURCH - CASH FUNDS HE	LD at 31 August 2025						OPENING BALANCES				CLOSING BALANCES
	f1	Cash in hand
	f2	Bank Current Account							25,326				10,795
	f3	Bank Deposit Account
	f4	Central Finance Board							13,665				26,042
	f5	Trustees for Methodist Church	Purposes						74,913				47,922
	f6	Other funds
	f7	SUB TOTAL - Church accoun	ts						113,904	(c6)			84,759	(c8)
	f8	Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing balance total from above) (e12)							16,676	(e11)			40,502	(e12)
	f9	TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH							130,580	(x)			125,261	(y)
		SECTION G							At				At
		OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES							1 September 2024				31 August 2025
	g1	Investments(include Endowments)
	g2	Land & Buildings (see notes re Insurance value)							6,407,745				6,574,369
	g3	Other Assets
	g4	Loan(s)- show amount outstandingatyear end
	g5	Other Liabilities
		f4 Include onlyFunds held at the Central Finance Boa			rd
		f5 Include onlyFunds held at Trustees for Methodist C			hurch Purposes
		g1 Include anyother investments(not the cash eleme			nt of TMCP trusts	accou	nts this is included i		n line f5

									St John's Methodist				Church
		SUMMARY OF CHURCH ACC	OUNTS AND INTERNAL ORGANISATI			ONS REPORTING TO THE CHURCH COUNCIL
		SECTION E	Please follow the Guidance Notes to complete this page
		Summary of the Church accou of an Internal Organisation wou be completed to arrive at the gr accounting AND A DIFFERENT the District and connected Dist	nts for the year ended 31 August 2025 a ld normally be Restricted funds unless it oss income and expenditure totals of the FORM must be used to report the acco rict Organisations.			nd Internal Organisations reporting to the Church Council/Church Meeting. N could be clearly shown that they could be used for any Methodist purpose. Church. If gross income exceeds the Accruals threshold, then the Accruals unts (see Methodist website). Please refer to the guidance notes regarding t							ote that the funds This section must method of ransfers between
		INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS	Receipts		Payments		Net Receipts/ Payments		Adjustments		Opening balances		Closingbalances
	e1	Flower Fund	844		796		48		(32)		471		487
	e2	Choir	160		86		74		(112)		117		79
	e3	Bells			380		(380)				380
	e4	Warm Welcome	61,046		36,126		24,920		(882)		15,708		39,746
	e5	Afternoon Club	929		971		(42)		174				132
	e6	Badminton	405		550		(145)		203				58
	e7
	e8	Sub total of Internal Organisations funds	63,384		38,909		24,475		(649)		16,676	(e11)	40,502	(e12)
	e9	Church accounts (totals brought forward from page 2 - totals column)	**113,653 **	(a7)	**115,798 **	(b9)	(2,145)		**(27,000) **	(c7)	**113,904 **	(c6)	84,759	(c8)
	e10	TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH	177,037		154,707		22,330		(27,649)		130,580	(x)	125,261	(y)
		Continue on a separate sheet if necessary and bring the totals forward	TOTAL RECEIPTS		TOTAL PAYMENTS
		SECTION F
		STATEMENT OF ASSETS AN	D LIABILITIES
		CHURCH - CASH FUNDS HE	LD at 31 August 2025						OPENING BALANCES				CLOSING BALANCES
	f1	Cash in hand
	f2	Bank Current Account							25,326				10,795
	f3	Bank Deposit Account
	f4	Central Finance Board							13,665				26,042
	f5	Trustees for Methodist Church	Purposes						74,913				47,922
	f6	Other funds
	f7	SUB TOTAL - Church accoun	ts						113,904	(c6)			84,759	(c8)
	f8	Total funds held by Internal Organisations (the closing balance total from above) (e12)							16,676	(e11)			40,502	(e12)
	f9	TOTAL CASH FUNDS HELD BY CHURCH							130,580	(x)			125,261	(y)
		SECTION G							At				At
		OTHER ASSETS and LIABILITIES							1 September 2024				31 August 2025
	g1	Investments(include Endowments)
	g2	Land & Buildings (see notes re Insurance value)							6,407,745				6,574,369
	g3	Other Assets
	g4	Loan(s)- show amount outstandingatyear end
	g5	Other Liabilities
		f4 Include onlyFunds held at the Central Finance Boa			rd
		f5 Include onlyFunds held at Trustees for Methodist C			hurch Purposes
		g1 Include anyother investments(not the cash eleme			nt of TMCP trusts	accou	nts this is included i		n line f5

34

Noms ofChurch.8tJth Declarations and Scrutiny I confimi Ihatthese R￿lpt aNJ Payment b88•J accounts for theyearto 31 Au9U8t2025 he n wepar&J from tho recryd$ ofthe Church 8nd that thoy IK1￿10 all fuThls urKl8rth&eontrd of the Church IYU8te89. Sign8tureottre8surer............ Post C(th. bJt2..&. 3A Prnlenlailon to th• Church tr￿￿08 l eonfvm thatthe annuBI TBWt atwj 8CCOUtts fottha yearended 31 August 2025￿￿11 be. pres8nted to ts mooting of tha Church tsustse¥ htkl on................. Sbnature olthe Ch￿r Oft￿ mUng Narne ofth& Chairofthe metiting Ind8p•nd?nt ExamIn•￿9 Roport to th• Tru•tsg¥ ofth• st John's Methodlt Church Whltley Bay ChArlty Nthber 1111106 Rupon•ibllJll88 and bA•l• of report I repDrtto the Injstees on my 6xamSDabon of the wunts ofthe StJohn Mathodist........ . Church for the yearended 31 August 2￿25 set outon pagas... . the Chur¢h'8 trustses. you afy respon8Sb19 forlhe preparatknn ofthe in ac¢xdanc8￿7th the requirements ofthe ch9rit￿&ACt2Ql1 Ilhe Act'i. I rewt th r88Frtofrny exam¥tbn ofthe Churchs count8 C8rriBd out undw88ctbn 14501th Act and. In carrying out my examin81th, I havefolk)d all tho Direthins by the Charity Commls81on under seGtion 14515llbl of the A(. 4015 35

Nam6 of Church .. si John's MeiiKNJist Churth Whill&y Bay Independent Éxpminerf$ Ststsmènt I have completed my examination. I confirm that no mAt&rial matters have come to my attent￿n in connection with the examination (other than th* disdosèd bèlrywl which giva mè rAuse to ￿l￿ve that in, any rnaterial respect.. the ac￿u￿tIng rec(>rds wère not kept in accordance wth section 130 of the Act., or the aco)unts do not alxord with tha awunting re￿r￿s. I have no concems And hava CLyne across no other matters in crnn￿1on wtth the exarninalion lo which atténtion shoukl be drawn in this report in order to enabk 8 proper urKlerstsnding of th• a(thunts to be reached. 1O¥have not" obtained indep8nd8nt verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts. ballk balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church whieh arè individually in excess of £10,000 Iten thousand poundsl al the balance sheet dale. Signaluty of Indo￿ndent examiner Namè of ind8pand6nt examiner Relevant professional qualifkcation of independent examiner Narne of firm Iwhero appropriatel Addre38 .... Post Code JGZts Date delete or circle as appropriate Sfd Fom) ofAccouni?- Sl John's Year Ended 31 AugU81202510021 5of5 36