ST ANDREW'S CHURCH
(registered as St Andrew's LEP, Benton - Charity Number 1205615)
METHODIST AND UNITED REFORMED
LOCAL ECUMENICAL PARTNERSHIP
BENTON NEWCASTLE UPON TYNE
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Contents:
Pa
Trustees, Annual Report
1to7
Receipts & Payments Account
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
Notes to the Financial Statements
9t011
Independent Examiner's Report
12

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Introduction
The trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for year ended 31 August 2024. The
trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2015), 'Accounting and
Reporting by Charities" in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity.
Charity Name
St Andrew's LEP, Benton.
Charity Number 1205615
Registered by the Charity Commission for England and Wales on 7 November 2023.
Trustees
Rev H White - Chair (appointed 1 September 2024)
Rev G Hume- Chair (resigned 31 August 2024)
Mrs M J Burchell
Mrs E F Fellows
Mrs N Henderson
Mr K A Jones (appointed 20 July 2024)
Mr P H Martin
Mr T A Oliver
Miss M E Simpson
Miss G E Smith
Mr A N Thomas - Secretary
Mrs S Thomas
Mr R Ward - Treasurer
Reference and Administrative details
The church building and registered office is situated at Station Road, Benton, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE12 8AW.
St Andrew's LEP, Benton is a single congregation Local Ecumenical Partnership (LEP), created by the merger of
Benton Methodist Church and Christ Church United Refomed Church in May 2003.
The charity is also known as St Andrew's Church (Methodist and United Reformed LEP), Benton. and St Andrew's
Church, Benton.
Structure, Governance and Management
The model constitution for a single congregational LEP agreed by the Methodist and United Reformed Churches at a
national level, in line with the requirements of charity law, has been adopted by St Andrew's Church as its governing
document. This was approved by the sponsoring body of North East Churches Acting Together.
St Andrew's LEP, Benton is part of the Newcastle Central and East Methodist Circuit and of the Northern Synod of the
United Reformed Church.
Trustees are elected, or re-elected, at the Annual Congregational Meeting and serve for a period of three years. A
chair, secretary and treasurer must be elected by the trustees from within their own number. The trustees are required
to meet at least twice a year and such meetings fulfil the functions of the Methodist Church Council and the Elders,
meeting in the case of the United Reformed Church.
The trustees are responsible for the overall governance of the Charity in accordance with the guidance published by
the Charity Commission. The trustees are also legally responsible for the running of the church and must comply with
the requirements of the parent denominations covering safeguarding, property management and accounting records.
Page 1

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Objectives and Activities
The purpose of the Charity is to advance the Christian faith in our local communities in accordance with the principles
and practices of the Methodist and United Reformed Churches. The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued
by the Charity Commission on public benefit and, in particular, the guidelines on charities for the advancement of
religion.
To further and achieve its purpose, the Charity will engage in a range of activities, either on its own or with others,
including (but not restricted to):
a) the celebration of public worship;
b) the teaching of the Christian faith;
c) mission and evangelism;
d) pastoral work, including visiting the sick and the bereaved.
e) the provision of facilities with a Christian ethos for the local communities, including (but not restricted to) the
elderly, the young and other groups with particular needs. and
fj the support of other charities in the UK and overseas.
Volunteers
We would like to thank all our volunteers who work so hard to ensure that we can carry on with our activities for the
benefit of our members, our adherents and our local communities. We also thank everyone who helps to create an
inclusive, warm and friendly environment when we meet together. Working together enables us all to live out our
Christian faith in a way that will have a positive impact on the lives of others, as we actively seek to show the unity of
the people of Jesus Christ through the way we bring together two Christian traditions.
Achievements and Performance
Worship and Prayer
We have continued to be blessed with a rich and varied worship experience over this last year with worship leaders
provided by the Methodist and URC churches.
Worship at St Andrew's takes place at 10.30 am every Sunday. As Covid restrictions have now been completely lifted,
the routines have returned to normal except that the offertory is still collected in a plate beside the door. In communion
services we distribute the elements to the seated congregation during worship. The length of the services is about one
hour and usually includes five hymns. We have been delighted to welcome many new friends to share worship with
us. We have been blessed with excellent worship leaders who have each shared their thoughts and experiences.
They regularly comment on the warm welcome they receive from our congregation.
In addition to the indoor worship, we have been keen to keep alive the uncertainty and excitement of worshipping
outside the church on special occasions.
Gavin has continued to present first rate worship online. This takes the form of live streamed worship from St
Andrew's on a regular basis. This innovation, introduced in response to the Covid restrictions, has given us a powerful
and very convenient way of sharing God's word and the broadcasts have reached many who would not have
otherwise been able to feel a part of our family. Gavin has also led worship at the end of our Messy Church sessions
which has delighted all those who attend, both young and old.
Gavin's leaving service in July was both memorable and very well attended. After worship we shared refreshments
and Gavin was presented with a cheque and a book of photographs to remind him of the folk at St Andrew's. This was
followed up by a Circuit service in the evening for those ministers and deacons who are leaving.
Page 2

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Achievements and Performance (continued)
Pastoral Care
Apart from the ongoing work of our former minister Gavin, the church has a team of volunteer pastoral carers who
each take responsibility to help and keep in touch with a number of our people on a regular basis. The pastoral team
meet at least twice a year to review the pastoral needs and ensure that everyone is included in the care coverage.
A group of church attenders also seek to pray on a weekly basis for people or situations that would benefit from
prayerful interventions. Those involved also share any news that helps to direct the prayers of the group or to direct
the prayers of others connected to the church.
Other volunteers deliver flowers each week when we become aware of someone being unwell or in need of support
and sometimes to celebrate a happy event. Many support each other in different ways by offering care in less
organised ways, which might involve giving gifts, cards, food, a phone call or by providing transport when needed.
Junior Church
Junior Church has been led by two dedicated church volunteers with the regular assistance of one enthusiastic church
member and the occasional support of parents. The number of children attending Junior Church continues to fluctuate
and there is a wide age range.
This year Junior Church has considered both the Old and New Testaments. The children enjoyed the story of Moses
and the Ten Commandments, which included a song with actions based on the commandments. The children shared
the song with the congregation, encouraging everyone to join in. One week the children considered Ephesians 6:10-
18 so at the end of the service they joined the congregation to display the armour of God that they had created.
The children have also been actively involved in helping and supporting our wider community by donating a can of
food for every day in Lent, which, together with their donations for Harvest Sunday, were supplied to a local food bank
that supports local asylum seekers and refugees.
Links with the cradle roll and junior church families have been maintained during school holidays by the delivery of
age relevant bible based activity packs, greetings cards and seasonal treats.
Cradle Roll
Currently we have 8 families who have children on the cradle roll with whom we keep in touch. They all receive the
church magazine and the children receive birthday, Easter, and Christmas cards. During the year our minister Gavin
officiated at two infant baptisms and two infant blessing and thanksgiving services, after visiting the families involved
to talk about the significance of the services. Our cradle roll secretary encourages the families and children to attend
relevant church services or events that will help them on their Christian journey.
Church Membership and Attendance
At the end of the year the membership numbers were calculated to be 107, variously described as Methodist, United
Reformed or joint members (those who entered membership after the LEP was formed). Whilst some of our members
are now unable to attend church services, we do enjoy welcoming other regular churchgoers or visitors each week.
We are normally blessed to have a full congregation of over 70 attenders at Sunday morning services.
Church Magazine - "Tidings"
We are blessed to have a dedicated editor who puts together a church magazine on 10 occasions each year covering
the whole year. The magazine has been a part of church life for many decades and is appreciated by many inside and
outside the church far and wide. It is an excellent way to communicate news about the church, community and other
worthy topics to church members, adherents, and many others in the community or wider afield. The magazine
content features a message from the minister, a diary of church activities, church news and looking forward or back at
church related events. It also covers current events at home or abroad that may be of interest from a Christian or
community perspective. Many now receive the magazine via email, and printed copies are supplied and delivered
where needed.
Page 3

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Achievements and Performance (continued)
Community Outreach
1. Messy Church:
These carefully planned meetings reach out beyond our regular attendees and take place every couple of months. At
each meeting a wide variety of people, members and non-members, take part in a varied mix of experiments, crafts,
and games. The minister then leads a short time of praise before food and refreshments round off the adventure!
2. Weekday Fellowship:
This takes place on the first Thursday of every month. Church regulars, often joined by others, meet for inspired and
uplifting 'Fellowship and Worship,. Refreshments are provided and the minister normally presides and leads the
music, prayers and teaching.
3. 4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade:
The group regularly meet in the church each week, is growing in number and is run by trained volunteer leaders who
love working with girls and young women and seeing them make new friends, learn new skills, achieve, have fun, and
learn more about Jesus week by week. Each age group follows their own appropriate themed programme materials.
All girls and young women work towards badges to reward and celebrate their achievements. The programme is quite
varied and includes drama, dancing, faith, exploration, and competitions. Activities include sleepovers, outings, special
church services, barbecues, award nights and camps. The group has taken part in a Sunday service which included
leading the singing and sharing a video podcast of what being brave means to them as women. They all got amazing
feedback for their attitude and behaviour during the service and the leaders were very proud of them.
4. Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club:
The club meet each week in the church hall where the equipment is stored. The club is open to anyone who wants to
play the game, with a good mix of church members and locals from the community. This provides the opportunity to
meet others in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere and enjoy some good social contact, fun and competition.
5. Special services:
a) Advent and Christmas:
The church joined with others to sing carols outside the shops at Forest Hall. Donations of £100 were collected for
Christian Aid. Christmas knitted angels were also handed out during the singing. At the 'Carols Around the Tree,
event at West Moor a large number of children and adults from many denominations and organisations came
along to sing Christmas songs. We were accompanied by a band of musicians and the team included the
compere, sound technician, road safety team and, of course, Santa. A collection was taken to be used for the
benefit of local children.
The Sunday morning service on Christmas Eve was led by Rev. Susan Richardson who wove carols chosen by
the congregation into a Christmas story sermon. The Nativity Service in the afternoon was led by our minister
Gavin with carols accompanied by a visiting brass band. The Girls, Brigade sang for us while interpreting the
words in Makaton, a language of gestures which some people with speech problems find helpful.
b) Lent and Easter:
A Communion service on Maundy Thursday was led by the Rev. Susan Richardson. After a short service on Good
Friday, we joined other local churches in a procession to the local shops at Forest Hall. Others joined us as the
Rev. Ben Jarvis led worship. On Easter morning the Rev. David Wilkinson led the service during which he ate a
bacon sandwich which he claimed that, just like the resurrection message, your friends won't believe this even
though you witnessed it. Everyone was encouraged to "Go, Tell, Trust!" Children took part in an egg hunt and the
cross was decorated with daffodils.
Page 4

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Achievements and Performance (continued)
Community Outreach (continued)
5. Special services (continued):
c) Harvest Festival:
Our Harvest Festival in September featured a display of harvest produce on a stall erected to resemble a market
stall which was later taken to Wallsend for 'Walking With,. We also donated £300 to Commitment for Life and All
We Can from our harvest donations plus contributions from the CARE Fund.
d) Services at Ashfield Court Care Home:
After a request from staff and residents several services, led by Rev. Susan Richardson, have been held at the
care home. Visitors sit among the residents, get to know them and encourage them to take part in the singing.
6. Local Charitable Causes:
The 'Gift Service, in December went to the Ceda￿ood Trust who support struggling families in Meadow Well,
North Shields.
We also support 'Walking With, in North Tyneside, with donations to support asylum seekers or refugees who
reside in North Tyneside and within our local community.
We continued to support an Iranian family seeking asylum in the UK who have been granted refugee status
and moved to Sheffield. The family expressed their gratitude in an open letter to the church. "We would like to
say a huge thank you to everyone who helped us during our 8 months, temporary stay in Palmersville. By the
time you are reading this message we will hopefully be in Sheffield, where we have friends, and will have
access to an Iranian Christian community. There were constant difficulties and problems to overcome. Thank
you to those who helped us with shopping and financial support, with transport to appointments in places we
did not know, with understanding of lengthy Home Office letters. Thank you for the donated laptops so we
could study, and especially to the kind teachers who helped with provision of books and had patience to help
us learn for GCSE English and Maths. Thank you for those who gave us useful household items and floor
rugs. Thank you for our visit to the Quayside, and to Whitley Bay to enjoy ice creams. Thank you for bringing
us strawberries fresh from the garden. We were very grateful for donated suitcases with wheels, making our
onward journey so much easier. And, of course, special thanks to Gavin, who provided us with bicycles which
made travelling to St. Andrew's each week so much quicker! Most of all, we thank you for your friendship and
making us so welcome..
7. Special Events:
In November Gavin performed his latest songs, available on CD, and showed a film about a Malawian
organisation called Eagles which helps farming communities to take charge of their own development. From
the sale of CDS Gavin was able to send £400 to All We Can, which supports Eagles and similar enterprises.
In January about 40 people participated in the church party, which involved quizzes and team games for all
ages and a faith tea.
In May we hosted an afternoon tea party for guests of Re-Engage, a charity which supports older folk who are
socially isolated. We were asked if we could host not only the guests and the volunteer drivers, but also all the
volunteers who host a tea party in their own homes throughout the year. The charity organisers were very
grateful for our generosity and efforts to make this an extra special tea party event.
In June all ages enjoyed a picnic. Some sat and chatted with Gavin. Some played games organised by Girls
Brigade leaders.
Those who joined our litter pick in July also enjoyed the cake and drinks afterwards!
8. Coffee Mornings:
In September donations and the cake stall raised £303 for Macmillan Cancer Support.
In December we raised £310 for Centrepoint, the UK'S leading youth homelessness charity.
In April a total of £325 went to the Multiple Sclerosis Research and Relief Fund which is based at Morpeth.
In August, coffee and biscuits were served in the foyer each Saturday. On the first Saturday, designated as a
"talents and hobbies" coffee moming, some brought items to illustrate their talents or hobbies. We raised £100
for a special appeal by Action for Children for children who are taken into care.
Page 5

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Achievements and Performance (continued)
External Community Groups
The premises are also used by external groups and some have been carrying out their activities in the church for
many years and are well known in the local communities. The activities include children's dancing classes, Tai-chi,
Pilates, a singing group, a youth ensemble, an orchestra, and the local Wl. These groups provide many benefits to the
local community as well as income for the church. Other local families or groups also book space for children's parties
or formal meetings from time to time. One church hall is now used as a Polling Station for local and national elections.
The Newcastle Upon Tyne District office of the Methodist Church is also based in the building and provides a quarterly
gift towards the church building overheads. The district is comprised of 12 circuits and encompasses the northern part
of County Durham, Tyne and Wear, all of Northumberland and part of the Scottish Borders.
Charitable Donations
We support the connexional funds of the Methodist Church in Britain. The money donated supports the funds for
Presbyters and Deacons, Property, Mission in Britain, World Mission and Lay Training. Donations also support the
funds for URC Stipendiary Ministers, Commitment for Life, All We Can, Action for Children, the Leaders of Worship
and Preachers Trust, Methodist Homes and housing funds for URC and Methodist retired ministers.
The church supports several other UK charities regularly that operate locally or globally. Some help vulnerable
children, young people or families and others seek to relieve poverty or suffering caused by inequality or injustice.
Some are supported each year and others are supported when disasters occur and emergency appeals are launched.
This year money was sent to support local causes through the Cedarwood Trust, the Newcastle West End Foodbank
and Walking With in North Tyneside. Money was also used to support appeals for the Middle East crisis, Gaza, the
Libya floods and the Morocco earthquake.
Church donations are, either made from the church CARE Fund, which represents 2 % of all offerings and related Gift
Aid, or by special collections during the year. In total we donated £8,305 this year. More details are provided in the
notes to the financial statements, note 5 under Donations and note 10 regarding External Organisations.
Governance and Planning
The Trustees continue to meet three times each year to discuss church business with the focus on governance,
compliance, safeguarding, finance, and any significant property issues. The delegated Property and Finance
Committee continue to meet at least every two months throughout the year to discuss day to day property matters and
finances. Congregational meetings are also held every four months to allow everyone from the congregation an
opportunity to discuss church matters at first hand and receive reports from the Trustees or others about the life of the
church. The church also extends an open invitation to join the Outreach Group, which meets on a regular basis, to
consider how to reach out into the local community and celebrate special events in accordance with our Christian
ethos and values.
The Church Building Complex
The building complex covers a large worship area and two large halls on the ground floor, which are all
interconnected, with several side rooms and two kitchens. The upper level covers a smaller area with two rooms used
as offices and one room set aside for general activities. A dedicated team of volunteers look after the routine
maintenance of the building and routine cleaning is done by an outside cleaning firm.
A total of £45,672 was paid out for repairs and maintenance, which included all statutory safety checks required during
the year. The expenditure is detailed in note 5 of the notes to the financial statements. The Bequest, Building and
Legacy funds were utilised together with two grants to cover most of the significant one-off costs. This included
replacing or repairing windows to make the building complex more energy efficient and eco-friendly. It also covered
major remedial work inside and outside the building. We were also able to improve the ambience of the church and
the worship experience for the congregation through the purchase of much needed new equipment and furnishings.
Page 6

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
Financial Review
The main headline is that our offerings decreased by 2.5 % in 2024, after the sad loss of some faithful supporters,
compared to a significant increase of 11 % in the previous year. Gift Aid continues to provide substantial extra income.
The offerings and Gift Aid of £68,834 accounted for 60 % of church income. Lettings income of £19,814 remains
healthy and represents 17 % of church income. We have benefitted from the increase in deposit interest rates
providing income of £2,312. Other receipts totalling £17,771 includes two grants for £13,059 which were provided
towards the costs of replacing or repairing windows to make the building more energy efficient and eco-friendly.
Overall, the church had a deficit of £12,982 in 2024 compared to a surplus of £13,887 in 2023. Total receipts of
£114,014 in 2024 were inflated by the grants of £13,059 compared to total receipts of £96,410 in 2023. Similarly, total
payments of £126,996 reflect the significant one-off costs of £38,736 incurred in 2024, compared to total payments of
£82,523 in 2023.
Circuit Assessment contributions increased to £56,000 and accounted for 81 % of overall offerings and 49 % of total
receipts. The trustees decided to use the money in the Bequest, Building and Legacy funds, totalling £34,082, towards
any expenditure that was not covered by the grants, as detailed in note 5 of the notes to the financial statements. This
was a very effective and relevant way to use these funds in a year of exceptional expenditure; involving remedial work
to rectify serious damp or drainage problems, upgrading emergency lighting and the installation of new windows, new
blinds and TV monitors. Church ambience and the worship experience in the chapel has also been greatly improved.
Reserves Policy
General Funds
The Trustees aim to hold in reserve sufficient funds to cover six months of projected expenditure. partly as working
capital and partly to cover committed expenditure if income is severely disrupted, or to cover unexpected major
property repairs. In terms of unrestricted general funds available at the year end, the balance of £61 ,749 equates to
about half of the significant expenditure for year ended 311812024. There are no designated funds at the year end.
Restricted Funds
The CARE Fund balance of £340 represents money from donors to support regular giving to specific charities and
special collections for disasters or emergencies where the church exercises its discretion to raise funds. The church
also supports the fund by transferring 2 % of offerings and related Gift Aid to cover connexional giving and other gifts.
The money is not held in reserve and will be donated to charitable causes as determined by the church congregation
and trustees within the next year.
The Flower Fund balance of £347 represents money from donors to be spent on flowers for church services. The
money is not held in reserve and will be spent as and when required on church flowers within the next year.
The church does not hold any Endowment Funds.
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by the chair:
Name
Reverend Helen White
Signature
Date
16" 0dJkn- 102
Page 7

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS ACCOUNT
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
funds
funds
funds
Total
Total
3110812024 3110812023
Notes
RECEIPTS
Offerings and Tax recovered
Bank and CFB interest & Investment Income
Lettings
Other receipts
Total Receipts
68,834
2,312
19,814
10,445
101,405
68,834
2,800
19,814
22,566
114,014
74,332
1,794
15,873
4,411
96,410
488
12,121
12,609
PAYMENTS
Circuit Assessment or Share
Donations
Repairs and Maintenance
Utilities (Insurance, water charges, heat & light)
Other Payments
Total Pa
ments
56,000
56,000
6,822
45,672
15,113
3,389
126,996
50,000
2,289
16,385
10,729
3,120
82,523
6,822
31,751
4,264
15,113
2,937
78,314
9,657
452
39,025
9,657
NET RECEIPTS I PAYMENTS
23,091
9,657
26,416
12,982
13,887
Balance brought forward 1 September
Transfers (to CARE Fund)
Balances carried forward 31 Au
40,035
1,377
61,749
9,657
25,726
1,377
687
75,418
61,531
ust
62,436
75,418
STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AT 31 AUGUST 2024
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
funds
funds
funds
Total
Total
3110812024 3110812023
MONETARY ASSETS
Barclays Current Account
Cash in Hand
Central Finance Board Accounts:
General Deposit Account
Building Deposit Account
Trustees for Methodlst Church Purposes..
Model Trust Bequests - Trust 11470
Total Moneta
Assets
5,081
82
687
5,768
82
6,928
101
56,586
56,586
44,407
7,999
15,983
75,418
61,749
687
62,436
ASSETS FOR CHURCH PURPOSES
Land & Buildings
Contents
4,375,246
198,322
4,573,568
4,268,567
193,486
4,462,053
Total Assets for Church Pur
oses
There are no other monetary or investment assets to report
Liabilities (External Or
anisations)
1,000
FOR INFORMATION ONLY: MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
Balance brought forward 1 September
1,000
1,000
Donations received for external organisations
1,483
1,483
Donations passed to external organisations
2,483
2,483
Balance still to be
aid at 31 Au
ust
6,067
5,067
1,000
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
Page 8

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
1. ACOUNTING POLICIES
The Financial Statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011, Section 133 using the
receipts and payments basis and in accordance with the Methodist Church guidelines.
2. TRUSTEE PAYMENTS
There were no payments made to or on behalf of the trustees.
3. INVESTMENTS
There are no endowments or investments upon which to report.
4. ANALYSIS OF RECEIPTS
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
funds
funds
funds
5,528
370
1,780
46,980
2,320
11,856
68,834
2,312
Total
Total
3110812024 3110812023
5,528
5,769
370
600
1,780
1,015
46,980
48,402
2,320
2,660
11,856
15,886
68,834
74,332
2,312
1,027
83
269
405
498
2,800
1,794
3,800
3,500
1,990
1,890
14,024
10,483
19,814
15,873
13,059
2,896
1,000
140
676
598
1,387
1,560
1,250
22,566
Detailed Recei
ts
Sunday Collections - Loose Cash
Sunday Collections - Cheques
Sunday Collections ~ Envelope Scheme
Bank Standing Orders
Cheques By Post
Gift Aid - Tax Recovered
Offerin
s and Tax Recovered - Totals
General Fund - CFB Deposit Account
Building Fund - CFB Deposit Account
Be
uest Fund - TMCP Trust Account
TMCP & CFB Interest - Totals
Newcastle Methodist District Office
Internal Organisations
External Groups
Notes
83
405
488
2,312
3,800
1,990
14,024
19,814
5,733
2,896
1,000
140
676
Lettings - Totals
Grants
Insurance Claims & Refunds
Legacies, Bequests & Gifts
URC Northern Synod
General Receipts & Donations
Flower Fund Donations
Special Collections, Donations & Fundraisers
Christian Aid Appeals
Other Charitable Appeals
Other Recei
7,326
269
429
1,156
635
1,922
598
1,387
1,560
1,250
12,121
ts - Totals
10,445
4,411
Receipts Grand Totals
101,405
12,609
114,014
96,410
Notes regarding receipts are:
1. Offerings have decreased by 2.5 % compared to a significant increase of 11 % in the previous year.
2. Gift Aid claims are up to date. 2024 was lower than 2023 because of claims from 2022 paid in 2023 (circa £4k).
3. This covers the donations from 4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade and Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club.
4. Extra money was generated from one-off rentals and regular user group rents that increased this year.
5. Circuit provided £5,733 retrospectively to reimburse general funds paid out in 2023 on Community Hall windows
The Northumbria Historic Churches Trust grant of £7,326 was towards the cost of stained glass window repairs.
6. Several claims were made covering water flood damage and accidental damages to church car park walls.
7. This mainly covers collections donated from special services, such as funerals or baptisms.
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
Page 9

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
5. ANALYSIS OF PAYMENTS
Unrestricted Designated Restricted
funds
funds
funds
56,000
Total
Total
3110812024 3110812023
56,000
50,000
1,133
1,089
200
200
700
125
300
200
300
200
250
125
450
1,800
Detailed Pa
ments
Notes
Circuit Assessment or Share - Totals
Methodist & URC Connexional Funds
Methodist & URC Annual Pledges
Action for Children
All We Can - Methodist Relief and Development
Commitment for Life- URC Trust
MHA - Methodist Homes
Local Charitable Causes
Christian Aid Appeals
Disasters Emergency Committee Appeals
Other National Charitable Appeals
Donations - Totals
1,133
200
700
300
300
250
450
1,800
350
1,689
6,822
1,689
6,822
3,456
285
29,347
3,287
1,379
1,220
564
3,646
2,145
343
45,672
4,539
6,618
2,719
1,237
15,113
45
407
483
313
2,289
3,432
245
8,323
903
386
989
468
979
450
210
16,385
4,429
3,907
1,686
707
10,729
44
561
630
295
136
465
468
138
84
299
3,120
Cleaning Contractors
Garden Maintenance
Building Complex Repairs & Renewals
Electrical Systems Checks, Repairs & Ren,
Fire & Lightning Systems Checks & Repair
Heating System Checks & Repairs
Lift Insurance, Servicing & Repairs
Equipment Repairs & Renewals
Furnishings Repairs & Renewals
Toilet, Cleanin
& Sund
su
plies & re
airs
Repairs and Maintenance - Totals
Insurance
Gas
Electricity
Water
3,456
285
5,837
910
437
672
564
1,237
23,510
2,377
942
368
180
2,409
2,145
343
4,264
4,539
6,618
2,719
1,237
15,113
9,657
31,751
Utilities - Totals
Bequest Fund - TMCP Administration Charge
Flower Fund Expenditure
Copyright Licences
Website costs
Telephone & Broadband
Printing, Postage, Stationery & Hymnbooks
Preacher, Steward & Organist Fees & Expenses
Communion supplies
Outreach (Re-Engage tea, messyfjunior church)
Sundries (
ifts, buffets, first aid & prayer books)
Other Pa
ments - Totals
45
407
483
313
920
249
64
161
747
2,937
920
249
64
161
747
3,389
452
Pa
ments Grand Totals
78,314
9,657
39,025
126,996
82,523
Notes regarding payments are:
1. Includes Methodist & URC funds for Ministers, Mission, Property, Training, LWPT & retired ministers housing.
2. Includes the Cedarwood Trust, Newcastle West End Foodbank & Walking With in North Tyneside.
3. Includes appeals for the Middle East crisis, Gaza, the Libya floods and the Morocco earthquake.
4. Includes replacing or repairing windows, safety repairs, damp remedial work, blinds, chapel TVS & laptop.
5. New energy contracts commenced in January 2024 with increased costs, after three years on very low rates.
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
Page 10

ST ANDREW'SLEP, BENTON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (continued)
6. SUMMARY OF FUND MOVEMENT FOR THE YEAR
Notes 0110912023
Recei
ts
Pa
ments
Transfers
3110812024
Unrestricted
General Fund
Designated
Legacy Fund
Restricted
Bequest Fund
Building Fund
CARE Fund
Flower Fund
Northumbria Historic Churches Trust
40,035
101,405
78,314
1,377
61,749
9,657
9,657
15,983
7,999
1,588
156
405
83
4,197
598
7,326
16,388
8,082
6,822
407
7,326
1,377
340
347
Totals
75,418
114,014
126,996
62,436
Notes regarding funds and fund movement are:
1. Unrestricted funds may be used by the church trustees for any ordinary church purpose.
2. The Legacy Fund represented money from bequest or legacy donations that were unrestricted. The fund
was used this year to help cover building costs, as shown in the detailed analysis of payments.
3. The restricted Bequest and Building funds were utilised to meet significant one-off costs, as shown in
the detailed analysis of payments, in accord with the terms of the bequest and building fund stipulations.
4. The CARE Fund represents money from donors to support regular giving to specific charities and
special collections for disasters or emergencies where the church exercises its discretion to raise funds.
The church supports the fund by transferring 2 % of unrestricted offerings and related Gift Aid to the fund.
5. The grant was towards the cost of stained glass window repairs in the Chapel and was paid out immediately.
7.SUMMARY OF INTERNAL ORGANISATIONS REPORTING TO THE TRUSTEES
The gross income of the church, including the receipts below, does not exceed the Accruals threshold.
The funds below are Restncted.
0110912023
540
4,962
Receipts
1,500
2,054
Payments Adjustment 3110812024
1,703
337
2,489
4,482
Forest Hall Carpet Bowls Club
4th Newcastle Girls, Brigade
45
Totals
5,502
3,554
4,192
45
4,819
8. MONEY RECEIVED AND PASSED ON TO EXTERNAL ORGANISATIONS
For information only. Money not included in receipts and payments account - held in Barclays Gurrent account
0110912023
Receipts
Payments
3110812024
295
295
1,000
310
250
303
325
Action for Children
Asylum Seekers
Centrepoint
Christian Aid
Macmillan Cancer Support
MS Research and Relief Fund
1,000
310
250
303
325
Totals
1,483
2,483
There may be minor discrepancies in the totals if the pence are not being shown
Page 11

ST ANDREW'S LEP, BENTON
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
DECLARATIONS
I confirm that the financial statements on pages 8 to 11 have been prepared from the records of the Church and that
they include all funds under the control of the Church trustees.
Richard Ward - Treasurer- Signed
Date
The trustees approved the financial statements on 16 October 2024.
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees by the chair, Reverend Helen White
16JiO
Signed
Date
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity St Andrew's LEP, Benton ("the Trust") for the
year ended for the year ended 31 August 2024 set out on pages 8 to 11.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust, 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying
out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b)
of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention (olh•E*
in connection with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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 order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed
Name: Emma Louise Gourley
Relevant professional qualification(s) or body (if any): ACCA
Page 12