2025-08-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 1[st] September 2024 Period start date to 31[st] August 2025 Period end date Charity name: Layton Methodist Church

Charity registration number: 1194986

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The purposes of the Methodist Church are and shall be deemed to have been since the date of union the advancement of: a) the Christian Faith in accordance with the doctrinal standards and the discipline of the Methodist Church b) any charitable purpose for the time being of any Connexional, district, circuit, local or other organisation of the Methodist Church. c) any charitable purpose for the time being of any society or institution of ancillary to the Methodist Church d) any purpose for the time being of any charity being a charity subsidiary or ancillary to the Methodist Church * in addition to the above our charity has formed the Forward Project a constituted group in the name of the church for its sole purpose of supporting the community.
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	The church delivers regular worship through weekly services, Bible study, Sunday Club and fellowship meetings. Pastoral care remains central, supporting individuals in homes, hospitals and hospices, helping people stay connected and supported. The church also hosts uniformed organisations, including the Guiding Association, engaging younger members of the community. Through the Forward Project, the charity operates as a community hub, bringing together local support and partnerships. Activities include drop-in coffee mornings, a parent and toddler group, and use of the

		building by organisations delivering health, wellbeing and skills support. In response to the cost-of-living crisis, provision includes a Warm Hub, free breakfast and lunch, cookery sessions and a surplus food initiative, helping families access affordable food and reduce waste. IT sessions support digital inclusion, and the Layton Larder will launch next period. Together, these activities reduce isolation, address poverty and strengthen community resilience.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit	Para 1.18	The objectives of the Trustees are to reflect both their faith and community aims and that the church building is open to all and all areas are easily accessible. These objectives are regularly reviewed by the Trustees to ensure that they continue to reflect these aims. In carrying out these reviews, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, in particular, its supplementary public guidance on the advancement of religion for public benefit.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference No grants are made or pursued so no policy is necessary Para 1.38 Policy on grant making No investments are made or pursued so no policy is necessary. Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment The church follows the Safer Recruitment guidelines issued by the Methodist Church and all volunteers comply with DBS and Para 1.38 Safeguarding regulations and training. Contribution made by volunteers Their support is greatly appreciated to enable the mission work of the church to continue. Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	Our charity has continued to strengthen its impact in addressing poverty and improving the health, wellbeing and social connectedness of local residents. Established provision, including our Warm Hub activity, social groups, and practical support such as cookery and IT/digital skills sessions, has helped individuals reduce isolation, build confidence, and better manage the cost of living. A key development has been the creation of the Oasis community café and coffee lounge, providing an affordable, welcoming space where individuals can access support and feel a sense of belonging. The charity has also championed partnership working to tackle poverty, increasing access to support, training and opportunities for residents. Overall, the charity’s work has delivered clear public benefit by reducing the impact of poverty and improving access to support and wellbeing.

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Our charity has continued to strengthen its role as a community hub, delivering a wide range of activities that reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and build local resilience. Achievements against objectives set Para 1.41 Our Oasis Community Cafe provides a consistent daytime offer, creating a welcoming space where people can socialise, access informal support, and feel part of the community. This is complemented by activities in the main space, including craft sessions and social groups, encouraging participation and connection. A varied programme of support is delivered, including Warm Hub provision, Knit & Natter, seasonal community events, health and wellbeing sessions, digital inclusion support, and practical learning opportunities. The

		space operates as an inclusive, community- focused environment, responsive to local need. The Forward Centre operates as a flexible education and skills hub, supporting training, digital skills sessions, cookery courses, and family-based learning, helping to build confidence, skills and independence. Food support remains a key priority. The weekly Surplus Food provision and the Big Food Truck provide access to affordable food while reducing waste, alongside volunteering opportunities that strengthen community capacity. The Layton Larder has been introduced as part of this offer, in August 2024 providing low-cost, practical food solutions for local families. Overall, activity has been aligned to this framework, with a clear focus on early intervention, partnership delivery, and improving outcomes for residents.
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41	The church’s charity status enables further grants to be applied for to enable the work on the vision of the Forward Project to continue alongside the church’s mission in the community.
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41	N/A
Other		N/A

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	Our charity remains in a sound financial position. Income has increased during the period, driven by continued giving and donations from Church members, alongside contributions from external organisations. Our charity relies on a combination of grants, fundraising activity and external income to sustain and develop its services. Grant applications are therefore actively pursued to support the ongoing vision and delivery of both the church and its Forward Project.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22	The church reserves policy is to hold enough funds to meet three months expenses. This sum is held in a separate account, to be accessed only in the instance of existing funds failing to meet the outgoings.
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	£10566
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	N/A
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24	N/A
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23	The charity is reliant on continued giving from Church members, donations from individuals and businesses within the community, and the successful securing of grant funding. While this creates some uncertainty, the charity actively manages this through ongoing fundraising activity, strong community support, and a proactive approach to identifying and applying for funding opportunities.

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The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47	The church’s principal sources of income for the church are regular giving from members, primarily through standing orders, together with weekly donations. Gift Aid is claimed where applicable to increase the value of these contributions and support the ongoing ministry and operations of the church. The Forward Project is supported primarily through grant funding from external bodies, alongside fundraising activities and donations from the wider community. These funds are used to deliver and develop its community programmes and services of our whole charity.
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46	N/A
A description of the principal risks facing the charity.	Para 1.46	The charity’s principal risk is that income from member donations and available financial reserves may not be sufficient to meet and sustain its ongoing financial commitments. Additional risks include reliance on successful grant funding and fundraising activity, particularly in supporting the delivery of community initiatives such as the Forward Project, where demand for services continues to grow alongside wider economic pressures.
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:		Charitable Trust
Type of governing document	Para 1.25	Trust Deed
How is the charity constituted?	Para 1.25	Unincorporated

	Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Appointed by proposals made and agreed at Church Council Meetings.

Additional information (optional)	Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
		To ensure that new trustees are made aware
		of their responsibilities under the Charities
		Act they are made familiar with the charity’s
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	Deed of Trust and the Charity’s aims and Charity Commission publications/ notifications are issued to each trustee as received.
		The church works under the organisational
		structure of the Methodist Church.
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider		Under our Forward Project the church also
network with which the	Para 1.51	works with other partnerships, local and
charity works		national.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:	Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees	Para 1.51	To ensure that new trustees are made aware of their responsibilities under the Charities Act they are made familiar with the charity’s Deed of Trust and the Charity’s aims and Charity Commission publications/ notifications are issued to each trustee as received.
The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works	Para 1.51	The church works under the organisational structure of the Methodist Church. Under our Forward Project the church also works with other partnerships, local and national.
Relationship with any related parties	Para 1.51	The church has good relationships at Circuit, District and Connexion levels and local churches of different denominations within the community.
Other		The trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the charity. Trustees meet twice or three times per year and are responsible for decisions related to the charity’s day by day activities and are appointed at the Church Annual General Meeting. The church religious activities are delegated to the Church Stewards. During the year, one trustee was paid £2,700 (DH) for delivering craft sessions to our service users. She was selected due to her relevant skills and experience, and to meet a need at the time. This was payment for services, not for acting as a trustee, and the conflict of interest was declared and managed appropriately.

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Layton Methodist Church
Other name the charity uses	Laton Methodist Forward Project Was previously known as Salem Methodist Church
Registered charity number	1194986
Charity’s principal address	Westcliffe Drive, Layton, FY3 7DZ Butcontact person is Sandie Waddington 59 Patterdale Avenue, Blackpool FY3 9QR

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole year	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (if any)
	Marjorie Helen Jepson	Trustee		Layton Methodist Church Council
	David Roger Leach	Trustee - Secretary		As above
	Margaret Ruth Sellers	Trustee		As above
	Elizabeth Margaret Crook	Trustee		As above
	James Peter Crook	Trustee		As above
	Amelia Lesley Walmsley	Trustee		As above As above
	Kathryn Ellen Pritchard	Trustee - Treasurer
	Sandra Macaulay Waddington	Trustee – Finance and Property Secretary		As above
	Joanne Alice Walmsley	Trustee		As above
	Susan Leach	Trustee		As above
	Mark John Walmsley	Trustee - Finance and PropertyChair		As above
	Rev Andrew Halstead	Trustee - Church Council Chair		As above
	Diane Halstead	Trustee		As above
	HilaryHolden	Trustee		As above

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

Director name N/A

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name	Dates acted if not for whole year
N/A
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of		others
Description of the assets held in this capacity	N/A
Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects	N/A
Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets	N/A

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of adviser Name Address N/A Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information) N/A	Name Address	Name Address

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

N/A

Other optional information

Declarations

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

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date	A Halstead	D R Leach
	Rev Andy Halstead	David Leach
	Chair of Layton Methodist ChurchCouncil	Secretary of Layton Methodist ChurchCouncil
	17 February 2026
	17 February 2026

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date	Mark Walmsley	S Waddington
	Mark Walmsley	Sandra Waddington
	Chair of Forward Project reporting to ChurchCouncil	Secretary of Forward Project reporting to ChurchCouncil
	17 February 2026
	17 February 2026

CHURCH (Short Form) RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNTS

THE METHODIST CHURCH

STANDARD FORM OF ACCOUNTS

(SHORT FORM)

LAYTON METHODIST CHURCH

FOR THE YEAR ENDED

31 August 2025

District / Circuit #

1 / 2

Registered Charity - Charity Registration number

1194986

If not a registered charity His Majesty's Revenue and Customs Gift Aid number

(The HMRC number is equivalent to a registered charity number in terms of evidence of charitable status and may be used to give to donors or grant funders wishing to see evidence of the organisation's charitable status. Methodist charities in England and Wales that are not registered charities are excepted from registration under Statutory Instrument 2014 No.242)

Minister: Rev Andrew Halstead Church Stewards: MRS J WALMSLEY MRS S LEACH & MR D LEACH MRS M R SELLERS MRS M JEPSON MRS J BROOKS MRS S HIND Treasurer: MRS. KATHRYN PRITCHARD

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LAYTON METHODIST CHURCH

Short Form

ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025

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This year's amount Last year's amount to the
SECTION A to the nearest £ nearest £
a1 RECEIPTS Note £ £
a2 Offerings and Tax recovered 26,800 22,120
a3 Bank and CFB interest & investment income 413 222
a4 Lettings 12,682 27,393
a5 Other receipts (includes grants of £96586 141,521 78,671
a6 [TOTAL RECEIPTS] 181,416 128,406
SECTION B
b1 PAYMENTS
b2 Circuit Assessment or Share 24,780 30,975
b3 Donations 1,196 210
b4 Repairs and Maintenance 58,657 5,713
b5 Utilities (Insurances, water charges, heating & lighting) 10,783 6,813
b6 Other payments 78,781 66,254
b7 [TOTAL PAYMENTS ] 174,197 109,965
SECTION C
c1 [ NET RECEIPTS/PAYMENTS FOR THE YEAR ] (a6 - b7) 7,219 18,441
c2 Total funds brought forward from last year 48,100 (c7) 29,659
c3 TOTAL FUNDS AT END OF YEAR 55408-89=55319 (c1 + c2) 55,319 48,100 (c7)
c4 State here the total of any other assets of the Church
c5 State here the total of any liabilities of the Church
c6 State here the insured value of the Church premises and contents
SECTION D ANALYSIS OF FUNDS
d1 Balances held at TMCP at 31 August
d2 Balances held at CFB at 31 August 10,567 6,157
d3 Bank and cash balances at 31 August 44,840 41,943
d4 TOTAL (= Box c3) 55,407 48,100
SECTION E
FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
(these amounts are not to be included in total receipts/payments figures above)
Balance brought forward from last year
e1
e2 Offerings/Gifts - received for external organisations 1,541 1,465
e3 Offerings/Gifts - passed to external organisations 1,453 1,465
BALANCE STILL TO BE PAID
e4 89
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Name of Church

LAYTON METHODIST

Declarations and Scrutiny

I confirm that these Receipt and Payment based accounts for the year to 31 August 2025 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.

Signature of treasurer

Name and address of treasurer

MRS KATHRYN PRITCHARD 3 ALDER GROVE POULTON-LE-FYLDE FY6 8EJ

29th January 2026

Presentation to the Church trustees

I confirm that the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2025 were/will be presented to the meeting of the Church trustees held on 17 February 2026*

Signature of the Chair of the meeting

Name of the Chair of the meeting: Rev Andrew Halstead on 17 Feberuary 2026

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of

LAYTON METHODIST CHURCH

Charity Number … 1194986

Responsibilities and basis of report

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the LAYTON METHODIST CHURCH for the year ended 31 August 2025 set out on pages 1 to 2. As the Church’s trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Church’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and, in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

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Name of Church: Layton Methodist

Independent Examiner’s Statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below*) which give me cause to believe that in, any material respect:

• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Act; or

• the accounts do not accord with the accounting records.

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

I have/have not* obtained independent verification of all investments with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes or held in other trusts, bank balances and funds at the Central Finance Board of the Methodist Church which are individually in excess of £10,000 (ten thousand pounds) at the balance sheet date.

Signature of independent examiner

Name of independent examiner

Mrs Katharine Davies

Relevant professional qualification of independent examiner: Bookkeeper B.Sc in Statistics

Name of firm (where appropriate) Not Applicable

Address: 8 Royal Troon Court Kirkham Post Code: PR4 2TF Date : 27th January 2026

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