WANTAGE AND ABINGDON METHODIST CIRCUIT
The Circuit acts as an umbrella organisation for the eleven churches which constitute it. It provides strategic planning, staff, a preaching plan, training, financial and administrative services, circuit events, and encouragement to the churches in their shared mission.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that unrestricted net current assets were £12,325 at the end of August 2025, with total reserves significantly below the agreed limit of £103,000. Expenditure exceeded income by £170,064 for the year, a deficit largely attributed to funding ministry roles from reserves and property modifications. The trustees note that reserves are at a low level reflecting these expenditures and the sale of two manses.
What the accounts disclose
“The balance of General unrestricted net current assets available to the circuit at the end of August 2025 were £12,325.” — page 3
“In total at 31st August 2025 these funds have a balance of £10,248. These are at a low level reflecting the completion of significant work on manses and the funding of the third presbyter.” — page 3
“Expenditure exceeded income in the financial year 2024-25 by £170,064 reflecting a) the continuing policy to fund our third Presbyter, Deacon and Chaplain from reserves (£91754) through to the end of the 2024-25 financial year and b) significant work to modify a manse to make it suitable for a minister with significant mobility issues. We are grateful to have received support from the Connexional Benevolent Fund and the District Advance Fund totalling £116,400. The net cost to the circuit was £63,700.” — page 3
Trustees
- Rev Georgina Felicia Tutuaa Bondzi-Simpsonchair
- ALISON MARGARET PHILLIPS BED HONS
- ANN ELIZABETH BARBER
- Alistair Charles Fear
- Andrew Peter DIXON
- BARBARA EILEEN KERSHAW
- CYNTHIA DOROTHY BARTLETT
- Carolyn Hawkes
- Carolyn Ida Roche
- DEACON SELINA JANE NISBETT
- Deacon Margaret Blake
- Dr Anne Matthews
- Dr BARBARA SEXTON
- Dr PAUL RANDALL WILLIAMS
- Dr Roger Bett
- Dr Thomas William KYFFIN
- ELIZABETH ANN WOOD
- Elizabeth Middleton
- GEOFFREY HOWARD MAUNDER
- GEOFFREY JOHN CAUDLE
- Graham Ifill
- HELEN WESTON
- Heather Joy Wells
- Helen Gant
- Ian David Sturt
- Isabell Mary Hancock
- JEAN MARGARET CAUDLE
- John Gordon Skidmore
- Kenneth Philp Smith
- MARIANNE PATIENCE MAUNDER
- MARLENE ELIZABETH CHALKLEY
- MRS TRICIA COOK
- NEIL DENNIS OASTLER
- PETER JOHN HEMMINGS MA
- Rev Bruce David Thompson
- Rev JOHN DRYDEN ANDERSON
- Rev KEITH RICHARD UNDERHILL BA
- Rev Kenneth Blake
- SALLY ELIZBETH SCRIVENER
- SUSAN ANNE BUTLER
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £339k | £509k |
| 31/08/2024 | £217k | £411k |
| 31/08/2023 | £204k | £319k |
| 31/08/2022 | £188k | £295k |
| 31/08/2021 | £187k | £264k |
Common questions
Is WANTAGE AND ABINGDON METHODIST CIRCUIT financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that unrestricted net current assets were £12,325 at the end of August 2025, with total reserves significantly below the agreed limit of £103,000. Expenditure exceeded income by £170,064 for the year, a deficit largely attributed to funding ministry roles from reserves and property modifications. The trustees note that reserves are at a low level reflecting these expenditures and the sale of two manses. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.