Yorkshire North and East
BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
(Registered Charity - number 1211322)
ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH AND EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Annual Report | 1 - 7 |
| Independent Auditor’s Report | 8 - 10 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 11 |
| Balance Sheet | 12 |
| Statement of Cash Flows | 13 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 14 - 20 |
Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees of the Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit, (“The Bridge Circuit”) present their annual report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 August 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the notes to the financial statements and comply with the charity’s governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102), published in October 2019, and UK Generally Accepted Practice.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
REFERERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Name: Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit known as The Bridge Circuit or The Circuit
Charity Number: 1211322
Address of Office: The District Office, 28 The Green, Acomb, York, YO26 5LR 01904 783 013
https://www.bridgecircuit.org.uk/
Trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report were as follows:
Revd. Leslie Newton (Chair) Revd. Ruth Gilson – Webb (Deputy Chair) Revd. Nic Bentley (Bridlington Mission Area Minister) Revd. Fran Rhys (Beverley Mission Area Minister) Revd. Ann Lett (Wolds Edge Mission Area Minister) Revd. Neville Simpson (Pateley Bridge Mission Area Minister) (resigned 31 August 2025) Mr. Brian Maxwell (Circuit Steward Bridlington Mission Area) Mrs. Norma Jennings (Circuit Steward Wolds Edge Mission Area) Mr. Stephen Edwards (Circuit Steward Pateley Bridge Mission Area) Mrs. Linda Johnson (Circuit Steward Beverley Mission Area) Mrs. Gill Pudsey (Bridlington Mission Area Rep) Mrs. Suzanne Patrick (Wolds Edge Mission Area Rep) Mr. Derek Barnes (Pateley Bridge Mission Area Rep) Mrs. Christine Milburn (Beverley Mission Area Rep) (resigned 31 August 2025)
Key Management Personnel
Revd. Leslie Newton (Chair) Revd. Ruth Gilson – Webb (Deputy Chair) Ms S Cutting (Lay-Superintendent of Operations)
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
REFERERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION – CONTINUED
Names and addresses of advisers:
Bank CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ Investment managers and custodian trustees: Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes Central Buildings Oldham Street Manchester M1 1JQ Auditor Sumer Auditco Limited Statutory Auditors Chartered Accountants Albert Works, Sidney Street, Sheffield, S1 4RG
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
OBJECTIVES AND AIMS
Nature and Purposes
The primary purpose for which The Bridge Circuit is constituted is to advance the mission of the Church in the Circuit, by releasing as much time, energy and space as possible for local churches to focus on and flourish in their mission and ministry. This is enabled by the provision of leadership and resources, of personnel and expertise which may not be available locally, to ensure all operational and governance responsibilities are performed excellently by the Circuit. This Is to enable a local focus on the local mission of the Church.
Objectives
This is the Circuit’s first year, The Bridge Circuit was a registered charity with the Charity Commission for England and Wales. The financial statements cover the 12-month period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025; accordingly, no comparatives are presented. Initial objectives for the charity were the secure establishment of the Circuit, bringing together four former circuits in Beverley, Bridlington, Wold’s Edge and Pateley Bridge, the appointment of trustees, and introduction of financial and operational policies, processes and governance protocols to undergird the new structure. In this period, the initial priority was to establish staff and shared expectations about what the Circuit can do to achieve its purpose and aims.
Yearly Objectives include :
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To effectively fulfil governance responsibilities for Mission Areas within the Bridge Circuit.
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To support the development of focus for former circuits away from governance to mission.
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To explore holistic policies and practices that enable local flourishing and growth.
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To consider an entrepreneurial, mission-focused approach to the circuit property portfolio.
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To provide elements of governance support for churches or circuits beyond The Bridge, via agreed terms.
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To offer consultation to local circuits and, by invitation, to Districts within the Connexion who are exploring new models of governance.
Strategies for achieving the objectives
Building on year one, in 2024-25 the Circuit Trustees have met regularly to oversee all aspects of the Circuit’s life, creating opportunities for new ideas to be discussed and debated, and new practices to be introduced.
The team has also offered news and information about The Bridge Circuit into the District and Connexion to provide opportunities for conversation about development of structures to further equip the Church for Mission.
We believe we have strong financial controls in place.
Grant making policy
The Circuit meeting oversees the awarding of grants for the development of mission in the Mission Areas and for Property Schemes generated by the local churches. Grants of £5,400 were made in the year.
Extent of the use of volunteers in achieving aims
Volunteers are involved in all aspects of the work of the Circuit from personnel and administration to representational roles. The level of dependence on voluntary workers within the Circuit is extremely high, as it is in any Church organisation.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
Mission Area development
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Beverley Mission Area has launched a New Places for New People work, partially funded by the Circuit.
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Bridlington Mission Area has made the decision to employ a Mission lay-worker
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Pateley Bridge Mission Area has begun to re-form into two Multi-site Churches to increase local mission support and reduce local, individual, church governance.
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Wolds Edge Mission Area has vacated one church property and begun a community consultation to re-imagine possible renewed use of the building for community-based Church mission activity.
The role of ordained Superintendents in each Mission Areas has been re-modelled to provide a mission focus, transferring Governance responsibilities to The Bridge Circuit Lay-Superintendent and trustees. These Superintendents – Mission attend the District quarterly gatherings for Superintendent Ministers, sharing support and offering fresh insights in governance possibilities.
The Circuit has begun to introduce financial modelling that includes each Mission Area contributing to a grant fund to support local mission initiatives.
The trustees commissioned a work-group to consider mission-enabling policies and practice for Circuit properties. As a result, a Missional Property Enabler was appointed (part-time) to provide expertise and practical support in this area. The Wolds Edge initiative (above) is one example of their work to date.
4 Circuits and 12 churches currently use the services of The Bridge Circuit for aspects of Governance support, via a service agreement.
The Bridge Circuit team has provided consultation and support to a fifth circuit considering joining The Circuit as a Mission Area. They will join Bridge Circuit in the next Connexional year.
CHALLENGES FOR THE FUTURE
Growth within the Circuit is encouraging. It also highlights operational stretch and the need for an increased operational team. This will require a continuing re-imagining of sustainable entrepreneurial models of income generation.
As the number of circuits considering membership of The Bridge Circuit continues to increase it is important to ensure that the key aims of this Circuit to release time and energy for local mission remain achievable. It will also be important to ensure that the Circuit’s governance structure does not become unwieldy. Work is currently underway to plan forward in this regard.
There is a continuing decline in numbers attending and belonging to the church, and that concern is deepened with the recognition of an ageing demographic. The Bridge Circuit continues to offer as much help as possible to support churches and is keen to explore with imagination and courage how new models of governance release time and energy for local mission.
It is also committed to ensure that governance structures encourage and support new work, rather than hinder it.
Imagining and enabling new approaches to the use of properties in the Circuit is mission critical for contextually relevant local faith-based community engagement and benefit, and for long-term financial stability of the churches and Circuit. The Circuit has employed a Missional Property Enabler to help develop this key area of work.
All that said, it is with confidence that we approach these challenges and a trust that with prayer, a clear missional focus and a commitment to excellence in governance, we will fulfil the purposes which God has in mind for us. We believe that The Bridge Circuit is as well- equipped as possible to both facilitate change and respond to new ideas.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The Circuit Accounts includes:
- a. The General Account which is the main operating account through which the expenditure and revenue for both operational and strategic purposes are handled. During the year the Circuit received total income of £4,124,851 and dispersed £483,139. The overall surplus for the year was £3,641,534, which was in line with expectations. The risks of operating the finances of the Circuit are judged to be minimal. The majority of the Church payments which contribute to the operating account were made on time in line with the payment levels which were agreed by the Church meetings. Any Churches which have difficulty in meeting their Circuit obligations are encouraged to contact the Circuit.
The trustees of the Circuit have every reason to believe that the Circuit is a going concern, principally because Churches continue to meet their assessments and the Circuit has adequate reserves to cover a temporary shortfall in anticipated income.
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b. The Circuit holds 11 freehold properties being four manses for ministers, and six ‘ceased to meet’ properties (Churches).
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The Circuit has the following principal sources of funds:
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Assessments on Churches within the Circuit
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Funds from the sale of property relating to the ‘ceased to meet’ properties
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Interest on investments
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The District Advance Fund grant support
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Reserves
It is the policy of the charity to hold reserves to provide working capital for its continued operation. At the year-end total reserves were £3,641,534, of which £662,997 were unrestricted Circuit Model Trust funds, £79,540 were endowment funds, £2,729,452 were unrestricted funds and £169,545 were restricted funds. The level of free unrestricted reserves (i.e. excluding unrestricted Circuit Model Trust funds and total unrestricted funds excluding the value of tangible fixed assets) is determined at around 6 months of expenditure needs for continued operation. It is considered inappropriate that the Circuit maintains reserves in excess of this when the funds can be used for the work of the organisation. At 31 August 2025 the level of free unrestricted reserves amounted to £86,452 which was short of target, representing around 2.5 months of expenditure.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Legal and administrative information
The governing body of the Circuit is the Methodist Church and the governing body of the Methodist Church is the Conference. The Circuit governing documents are the Deed of Union 1932 and The Methodist Church Act 1976 which give the authority under which the Methodist Church acts. The Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church governs the activities of the Circuit.
The Circuit is a Registered Charity number 1211322.
Trustees
The Trustees who have served during the year are set out on page one.
The principal address of the District’s Auditors and Bankers are listed on page two.
The Trustees under the direction of the Lay Superintendent are responsible for the detailed examination of the financial statements.
Trustees are given a short period of training prior to their first meeting at which they are made aware of their responsibilities.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT - CONTINUED
Decisions within the Methodist Church are reached in accordance with the rules and regulations set out in the document entitled ‘Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church’ and under the direction of the Methodist Conference. It is in accordance with these regulations that decisions are reached, and other related committees within the Circuit. Delegated authority is administered in the same way.
Pay and remuneration for key management personnel
The Chair of the District, chairs The Bridge Circuit Board of Trustees. The stipend, employer’s NIC and employer’s pension contributions of the Chair of the District are paid by the Methodist Connexion. The levels of payment are agreed annually by the Methodist Conference. Circuit employees are paid at an agreed level in line with Methodist guidance for the levels of expertise and experience. The Methodist Church has a policy of paying at or above the real living wage. The Lay-Superintendent of Operations is paid for this role with no other key management personnel paid for their services except for the reimbursement of out of pocket expenses.
Risk Assessment
The Trustees have examined the major strategic business and operational risks which the charity faces and confirm that systems have been established to enable regular reports to be produced so that the necessary steps can be taken to monitor these risks. These are reviewed by the Circuit Meeting.
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a. With regards to issues of Safeguarding, the Bridge Circuit employs a Lay Superintendent of Operations and administrative assistant to cover this area of work with the support of the District Safeguarding team. A considerable amount of time and effort is placed in the training and resourcing of personnel both within the Circuit and in support of local churches.
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b. Inability to attract trustees with adequate skills. The Circuit is heavily dependent on the skills of volunteers, especially those who are trustees. At present, this risk is deemed low.
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c. The growth of the Circuit since its inception in 2023 is intentional in terms of the charitable aims. The trustees recognise the associated risk of operational stretch in terms of employed personnel. This is being actively monitored, with plans in place for increased appropriately experienced provision in the coming year.
Fundraising standards information
The charity does not carry out any significant fundraising activity, and no complaints have been received.
PUBLIC BENEFIT STATEMENT
The Trustees wish to confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission in respect of public benefit in exercising their powers and duties. They have done so via a detailed system of checks and balances involving regular feedback to District and through ensuring that actions taken, and decisions made are always in accordance with the Constitutional Practice and Discipline of the Methodist Church.
GOING CONCERN
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Circuit to be able to continue as a going concern.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Yorkshire North and East BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT
TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
POST BALANCE SHEET EVENT
On 1 September 2025, Ripon and Lower Dales Mission Area joined the charity. As this event occurred after the balance sheet date, it has not been reflected in the assets, liabilities, income or expenditure recognised at the reporting date. The impact of this change will be reflected in the financial statements for the subsequent reporting period.
TRUSTEES’ RESPONSIBILITIES STATEMENT
Disclosure of information to the auditors
The Trustees of The Bridge Circuit who held office at the date of approval of these Financial Statements as set out above each confirm, so far as we are aware, that:
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there is no relevant audit information of which the charity’s auditors are unaware; and
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they have taken all the steps that we ought to have taken as trustees in order to make ourselves aware of any relevant audit information and to establish that the charity’s auditors are aware of that information.
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Annual Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period.
In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP 2019 (FRS 102);
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed;
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of the trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Approved by the Circuit meeting, authorised for issue and signed on their behalf of the Board of Trustees by:
Signer ID: UIPVTPLUXQ... Revd. Leslie Newton Chair of Trustees
17/06/2026 GMT Date
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit
Opinion
We have audited the financial statements of Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 August 2025 which comprise the statement of financial activities, balance sheet, statement of cash flows and notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
In our opinion the financial statements:
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give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 August 2025, and of its incoming resources and application of resources, including its income and expenditure, for the year then ended;
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have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
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have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.
Conclusions relating to going concern
In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.
Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity's ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.
Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.
Other information
The other information comprises the information included in the trustees' annual report, other than the financial statements and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.
Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.
We have nothing to report in this regard.
Matters on which we are required to report by exception
We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 require us to report to you if, in our opinion:
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the information given in the trustees' report is inconsistent in any material respect with the financial statements; or
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sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
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the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
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we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit
Responsibilities of trustees
As explained more fully in the trustees’ responsibilities statement, the trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, the trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.
Auditor responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements
We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.
Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect of irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud is detailed below:
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the senior statutory auditor ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;
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we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with management and trustees and from our knowledge and experiences of the sector;
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we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the charity, including Charities Act 2011, GDPR, and employment law;
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we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and trustees;
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identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.
We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by;
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making enquiries of management and trustees as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and
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considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
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To address the risks of fraud through management bias and override controls, we:
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performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;
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tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions;
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assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and
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investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
Independent Auditor’s Report to the Trustees of Yorkshire North and East Bridge Methodist Circuit
In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:
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agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;
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enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims.
Because of the inherent limitations of an audit, there is a risk that we will not detect all irregularities, including those leading to a material misstatement in the financial statements or non-compliance with regulation. This risk increases the more that compliance with a law or regulation is removed from the events and transactions reflected in the financial statements, as we will be less likely to become aware of instances of non-compliance. The risk is also greater regarding irregularities occurring due to fraud rather than error, as fraud involves intentional concealment, forgery, collusion, omission or misrepresentation.
A further description of our responsibilities is available on the FRC's website at: https://www.frc.org.uk/auditors/audit-assurance/auditor-s-responsibilities-for-the-audit-of-the-fi/description-ofthe-auditor%E2%80%99s-responsibilities-for.This description forms part of our auditor’s report.
Use of our report
This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.
Signer ID: WKOLTHN6RI...
Sumer Auditco Limited (Statutory Auditor) Albert Works Sidney Street Sheffield S1 4RG
Sumer Auditco Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the charity by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.
19/06/2026 GMT
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES (SOFA) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Notes Income from: Donations and legacies 2 Income from monetary investments 3 Assessments on Churches Grants received Other charitable income 4 Total income Expenditure on: Grants and donations Salaries and associated costs 5 Property maintenance 6 Connexional assessment & model trust levy District Assessment & Levy Office expenses Other outgoings 7 Total charitable expenditure Gains/(losses) on monetary investments 10 Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Net movement in funds Total funds carried forward 16 |
General Fund Circuit Model Trust Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 2025 Total £ £ £ £ £ 2,805,968 677,046 157,302 79,182 3,719,498 7,869 30,157 2,824 257 41,107 269,373 - - - 269,373 - - 43,387 - 43,387 51,486 - - - 51,486 3,134,696 707,203 203,513 79,439 4,124,851 5,470 - - - 5,470 205,465 - 28,667 - 234,132 54,452 - 5,000 - 59,452 - 44,228 - - 44,228 67,487 - - - 67,487 6,530 - - - 6,530 65,840 - - - 65,840 405,244 44,228 33,667 - 483,139 - 22 (301) 101 (178) 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 - - - - - 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 Unrestricted |
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 AUGUST 2025
| Notes Fixed Assets Circuit Manses & Equipment 9 Investments 10 Total fixed assets Current Assets Debtors 11 Central Finance Board Deposits Cash at Bank and in hand Total current assets Current liabilities Creditors (due in under 1 year) 12 Total current liabilities Net current assets/liabilities Net assets Funds of the Circuit General Fund (Unrestricted) 16 Circuit Model Trust Fund (Unrestricted) 16 Total Unrestricted Funds Restricted Funds 16 Endowment Funds 16 Total Funds |
General Fund (Unrestricted) Circuit Model Trusts (Unrestricted) Restricted Funds Endowment Funds 2025 Total £ £ £ £ £ 2,643,000 - - - 2,643,000 - 662,997 159,825 79,540 902,362 2,643,000 662,997 159,825 79,540 3,545,362 23,141 - - - 23,141 28,610 - - - 28,610 96,340 - 9,720 - 106,060 148,091 - 9,720 - 157,811 61,639 - - - 61,639 61,639 - - - 61,639 86,452 - 9,720 - 96,172 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 2,729,452 - - - 2,729,452 - 662,997 - - 662,997 2,729,452 662,997 3,392,449 - - 169,545 - 169,545 - - - 79,540 79,540 2,729,452 662,997 169,545 79,540 3,641,534 |
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The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees.
SignedSigner ID: UIPVTPLUXQ... Dated:17/06/2026 GMT Leslie Newton Trustee
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
| Cash from operating activities Net cash used in operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Interest from investments Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the reporting period Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the reporting period Reconciliation of net income to net cash flow from operating activities Net income for the reporting period (as per statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Donation from previous circuits (net of cash) Loss on investments Other movements in investments Interest from investments Decrease/(increase) in stocks (Increase) in debtors Increase in creditors Net cash used in operating activities Analysis of cash and cash equivalent CAF Bank and Gold Account CFB Balance Total cash and cash equivalents |
2025 £ 93,563 41,107 41,107 134,670 - 134,670 2025 £ 3,641,534 (3,521,795) 178 10,990 (41,107) (9,816) 13,579 93,563 2025 £ 106,060 28,610 134,670 |
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
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1 Accounting Policies
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1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice. Yorkshire North & East Bridge Circuit meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following the Charities SORP (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The financial statements are prepared on the going concern basis under the historical cost convention, modified to include certain items at fair value. The financial statements are presented in sterling which is the functional currency of the charitable company and rounded to the nearest £1.
The charity was registered with the Charity Commission on 1 September 2024. On that date, the assets and liabilities of the previously unregistered entity were transferred to the newly established charity. These financial statements cover the period from 1 September 2024 to 31 August 2025. This is the charity’s first accounting period and, therefore, no comparative figures are presented.
The Circuit has denominational regulatory oversight in respect of the work of the Churches within the Circuit but has no legal or operation control of those Churches and their governing bodies except in extreme circumstances. For this reason, the financial statements of Churches within the Circuit are not consolidated into these financial statements.
The significant accounting policies applied in the preparation of these financial statements are set out below.
1.2 Funds
The funds held constitute: General Funds held for any purpose of the Circuit which are Unrestricted. The Circuit Model Trust Fund has wide purposes defined in Standing Orders and is categorised as unrestricted. Restricted funds which are held for a narrower purpose.
Where the Circuit holds money that may not be spent and must be retained to generate an income the money or assets to be retained are classified as an Endowment Fund. The capital will be shown in the balance sheet in Endowment Funds. The income may be restricted depending on the terms of the endowment.
1.3 Income
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SoFA) when the charity is legally entitled to the income after any performance conditions have been met, the amount can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.
For donations to be recognised the charity will have been notified of the amounts and the settlement date in writing. If there are conditions attached to the donation and this requires a level of performance before entitlement can be obtained then income is deferred until those conditions are fully met or the fulfilment of those conditions is within the control of the charity and it is probable that they will be fulfilled.
Investment income is earned through holding assets for investment purposes such as shares and property. It includes dividends and interest. It is included when the amount can be measured reliably.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1.5 Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Expenditure is recognised where there is a legal or constructive obligation to make payments to third parties, it is probable that the settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.
Grants payable to third parties are within the charitable objectives. Where unconditional grants are offered, this is accrued as soon as the recipient is notified of the grant, as this gives rise to a reasonable expectation that the recipient will receive the grants. Where grants are conditional relating to performance then the grant is only accrued when any unfulfilled conditions are outside of the control of the charity.
1.6 Ministers’ Manse Costs
The Circuit is required to provide accommodation for each minister in the Circuit and their families and this is seen as a benefit to the Circuit. Ministers are expected to occupy the manse provided for them. The Circuit bears the cost of repairs, maintenance, buildings insurance, Council Tax and water charges. These figures are not separately disclosed as benefits-in-kind for ministers as HMRC does not seek to tax these receipts in the hands of ministers.
1.7 Tangible fixed assets for use by the Circuit
Tangible fixed assets are capitalised if they can be used for more than one year. The freehold property is recorded in the accounts at deemed cost as at the date the Circuit became the managing trustee of the property. Deemed cost has been determined by reference to the fair value at the date of transfer.
No depreciation is provided on the building because the trustees consider the current residual fair value of the manse buildings (on the assumption that it had reached the end of its useful economic life by the yearend) to be not less than its current value. Any depreciation would not be material. The property has been reviewed for impairment.
From time to time, the Circuit may assume responsibility for church premises following their closure and cessation of worship. In such cases, the Circuit becomes the Managing Trustee for the property. At that point, the property is recognised as an asset at its anticipated net realisable value, based on a professional valuation and after taking into account any levy payable to the Connexion.
Expenditure incurred on such properties is capitalised where the trustees consider that it will enhance the eventual sale value and where the property is being held for reinvestment of proceeds. Where the proceeds from disposal are intended to be applied to operational activities, the property is classified within current assets and measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
1.8 Investments
Investments are valued in the balance sheet at market value at the year end by the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). Investment income is included in the accounts when receivable and any gains or losses on revaluation at the year end are shown in the SOFA.
1.9 Debtors and Creditors
Debtors and creditors with no stated interest rate and receivable or payable within one year are recorded at transaction price. Any losses arising from impairment are recognised in expenditure.
1.10 Going Concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The trustees have considered the level of funds held and the expected level of income and expenditure for 12 months from authorising these financial statements. The budgeted income and expenditure is sufficient with the level of reserves for the Circuit to be able to continue as a going concern.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
1.11 Methodist Connexional Funds
The Methodist Church Connexion raises assessments against Circuits and these are paid quarterly to their Districts. The Circuit receives contributions from the Churches in the Circuit. The district quarterly remits to the Methodist Church Fund most of the sum received from Circuits. A small sum is retained by the District to meet its own costs. The Circuit may act as agent for ad hoc collection for various funds controlled and administered by the Methodist Church.
1.12 Pension
The Circuit contributes to the Methodist Ministers Pension Scheme which is a defined benefit scheme. The scheme is a multi-employer pension scheme. It is not possible to identify the assets and liabilities of the scheme which are attributable to the Circuit. The scheme is therefore accounted for as a defined contribution scheme. The Circuit also operates a defined contribution scheme for administrative staff and lay workers. Contributions as recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities in the period in which they become payable in accordance with the rules of the scheme.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
2 Donations and legacies
| 3 CAF Bank Gold Account 4 Other income Miscellaneous receipts 5 Transfers from previous Circuits (note 13) Insurance claims Income from Monetary Investments Central Finance Board TMCP Salaries and Associated Costs Stipends, salaries and benefits in kind Employer's National Insurance Costs Pension costs Average number of staff employed during the year |
Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment £ £ £ £ 2,805,968 677,046 157,302 79,182 2,805,968 677,046 157,302 79,182 Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment £ £ £ £ 1,707 - - - 1,084 - - - 5,078 30,157 2,824 257 7,869 30,157 2,824 257 Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment £ £ £ £ 49,853 - - - 1,633 - - - 51,486 - - - |
Total 2025 £ 3,719,498 3,719,498 Total 2025 £ 1,707 1,084 38,316 41,107 Total 2025 £ 49,853 1,633 51,486 2025 ## £ 190,162 # 19,274 # 24,696 # 234,132 # 10 9 |
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No employee received remuneration amounting to more than £60,000 in the year.
The total key management personnel remuneration for the year totalled £42,304. The Circuit considers its key management personnel comprises of the Trustee Chair, Deputy Chair and Lay-Superintendent of Operations.
6 Property Maintenance
| 7 Consultations via MOUs Audit and accountancy fees (note 8) Manses - Council Tax and water Rates Manses - Repairs and renewals Insurance and quinquennial reports Mileage claims Sundries Closed churches insurance and repairs Other outgoings Supernumerary expenses Circuit Resources |
2025 £ 22,377 7,851 12,424 16,800 59,452 2025 £ 2,096 3,876 21,953 10,826 16,800 10,289 65,840 |
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
- 8 Auditor's remuneration
| Auditor's remuneration Auditor's remuneration - audit Auditor's remuneration - non audit - accounts preparation |
2025 £ 12,600 4,200 16,800 |
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9 Fixed Assets
| Disposals Balance brought forward Additions Balance carried forward Revaluations |
Manses Closed Churches £ £ - - 2,058,000 585,000 - - - - 2,058,000 585,000 |
Total £ - 2,643,000 - - 2,643,000 |
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- 10 Investments
The funds that support the Circuit Model Trust Fund, Surplus Funds, Endowment Funds are held by TMCP in Trustees Interest Funds and various investments. They are regarded as medium to long term investments.
TMCP is the legal owner and Custodian Trustees of all Methodist Model Trust property, including legacies, Endowment and Accumulated Funds.
Trust property is held for and on behalf of local Managing Trustees who are responsible for the day to day management of trust property.
TMCP ensure that, through providing guidance and acting under their direction, the Managing Trustees comply with Charity Law and Methodist Law as determined by the Methodist Conference.
| Balance brought forward | Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment Total £ £ £ £ £ - - - - - |
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| Transfer in from old circuits | 677,046 - 157,302 79,183 913,531 |
| Interest received | 30,157 - 7,236 1,691 39,084 |
| Unrealised gains/ (losses) | 22 - (301) 101 (178) |
| District levy (DAF) | (42,028) - - - (42,028) |
| TMCP Charge | (2,200) - (510) (258) (2,968) |
| Income paid | - - (3,902) (1,177) (5,079) |
| Balance carried forward | 662,997 - 159,825 79,540 902,362 |
| Breakdown of funds held |
| Breakdown of funds held | |
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| Circuit Model Trust - CFB Man mised | Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment Total £ £ £ £ £ 11,977 - 11,977 |
| Circuit Model Trust -Trustee Interest | 651,020 - 651,020 |
| Annie Hebden Trust - permanent endowment | - - 453 453 |
| Frank Wilson Bequest | - - 51,800 51,800 |
| Doris May Raw Bequest | - - 250 250 |
| Various bequests | - - 3,457 3,457 |
| Dawson bequest - permanent endowment | - - 77,801 77,801 |
| Various bequests | - - 20,324 20,324 |
| Verity Irene bequest | - - 68,674 68,674 |
| Mary Foster - permanent endowment | - - - 64 64 |
| Mary Foster - permanent endowment | - - - 1,222 1,222 |
| Sale of house Birstwith | - - 15,320 15,320 |
| 662,997 - 159,825 79,540 902,362 |
The historical cost of the investments is £913,531.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
11 Debtors due within 1 year
2025 £ Pre-paid Stipends 23,141 23,141
12 Creditors due within 1 year
| Deferred income: Deferred in year Deferred income Accruals |
2025 £ 44,839 16,800 61,639 44,839 |
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Deferred income relates to assessments paid to the Circuit in advance.
13 Transfers from existing Circuits
On 1 September 2024, the first day of the accounting period of the newly registered charity, the existing funds of the previously unregistered charity were transferred to the new entity. The breakdown of amounts transferred was as follows:
| Fixed assets Church Manses and equipment Investments Current Assets Debtors Central Finance Board Deposits Cash at Bank and in hand Current liabilities Creditors (due in under 1 year) Total current liabilities Net assets |
Unrestricted Circ. Model Trust Fd. Restricted Endowment £ £ £ £ 2,643,000 - - - - 677,046 157,302 79,182 2,643,000 677,046 157,302 79,182 13,325 - - - 91,746 - - - 105,957 - - - 211,028 - - - 48,060 - - - 48,060 - - - 2,805,968 677,046 157,302 79,182 |
Total £ 2,643,000 913,530 3,556,530 13,325 91,746 105,957 211,028 48,060 48,060 3,719,498 |
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The fair value of the manses and churches were considered at the date of transfer based on a professional valuation.
14 Related Party Transactions
No related party transactions took place in the year.
15 Trustees' Expenses
None of the trustees received any emoluments in respect of services performed as trustees. During the year, 1 trustee claimed reimbursement for travel expenses totalling £97 incurred in carrying out trustee duties.
During the year, 5 trustees claimed reimbursement for travel and out of pocket expenses totalling £8,501. These were incurred in their capacity as ministers carrying out operational duties, rather than in their role as trustees.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8
YORKSHIRE NORTH & EAST BRIDGE METHODIST CIRCUIT No 29/02 NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS (CONTINUED) YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
16 Funds analysis
| Unrestricted funds General fund Circuit Model Trust Restricted Funds Investments NPNP Funding TMCP Trust Endowment funds Endowment funds Net assets Fund descriptions: |
Balance b/f Income Expenditure Gains/ losses Transfers £ £ £ £ £ - 3,134,696 (405,244) - 707,203 (44,228) 22 - 3,841,899 (449,472) 22 - - 160,126 - (301) - - 21,720 (12,000) - - - 21,667 (21,667) - - - 203,513 (33,667) (301) - - 79,439 - 101 - - 79,439 - 101 - - 4,124,851 (483,139) (178) - |
Balance c/f £ - 2,729,452 662,997 3,392,449 159,825 9,720 - 169,545 79,540 79,540 3,641,534 |
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Unrestricted funds General funds
Circuit Model Trust
The purpose of the fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit and which have not been designated for other purposes.
The purpose of the fund is for use at the discretion of the trustees in the furtherance of the general objectives of the Circuit. Its main source of income is legacies and formulaically determined contributions from the sale of manses and church buildings in the Circuit.
Although this is technically an Unrestricted Fund under the control of the Circuit Meeting, prior approval is still required from the District to utilise these funds. Methodist Standing Orders 930, 931 and 917(2) are applicable.
Restricted funds: Investments Investments held by the Circuit with the Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP). NPNP Funding Funding received for a new places for new people project. TMCP Trust Funding received for the employment of an operations manager. Endowment funds Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.
17 Post balance sheet event
On 1 September 2025, Ripon and Lower Dales Mission Area joined the charity. As this event occurred after the balance sheet date, it has not been reflected in the assets, liabilities, income or expenditure recognised at the reporting date. The impact of this change will be reflected in the financial statements for the subsequent reporting period.
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Document ID: 74567b98a47b7ba8e5c0e7a728925962e2c149545a246ae19fa15ba8779a8dd8