IPSWICH METHODIST CIRCUIT
PROVIDING PASTORAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT TO CHURCHES WITHIN THE IPSWICH METHODIST CIRCUIT
Latest income
£596k
Latest spending
£393k
Registered
2010
Accounts read
FY2025
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity's general fund reserves are significantly below its stated policy target, holding only 50% of the required amount. The trustees report that the Circuit has had to withdraw funds annually from the finite Circuit Model Trust to support normal activities, a practice anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future. While the charity remains solvent with net current assets, its long-term sustainability is described as uncertain due to depleted reserves and reliance on property sales.
What the accounts disclose
Reserves policy: 6 months’ average expenditure (held: £65k)
“The Reserves Policy for the Circuit is currently to hold a minimum sum in reserve equivalent to 6 months’ average expenditure.” — page 8
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Going concern: noted by the trustees or auditor
“The Circuit has taken on responsibility for it from the beginning of the new Connexional year commencing 1st September 2025. It is unlikely that a suitable use for it as a place of worship will be found and it will most probably be sold once the approvals are received.”
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: The Circuit is part of the East Anglia District and is also accountable to the Methodist Conference. The Circuit contributes to the District and Connexion.
“The Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion was 17.68% of total expenditure in the reporting year, a significant part of that contribution is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.” — page 4
“Kirton Methodist Church was loaned £15,000 to cover the cost of improving their toilet facilities and disabled access. £2,280 has been repaid and it is anticipated that the balance will be recovered over the next few years.” — page 16
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Loans made to local churches (Kirton Chapel, Landseer Road) which are related parties within the Circuit structure.
“The Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion was 17.68% of total expenditure in the reporting year, a significant part of that contribution is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.” — page 4
“Kirton Methodist Church was loaned £15,000 to cover the cost of improving their toilet facilities and disabled access. £2,280 has been repaid and it is anticipated that the balance will be recovered over the next few years.” — page 16
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Investments held with Trustees for Methodist Church Purposes (TMCP), a related party.
“The Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion was 17.68% of total expenditure in the reporting year, a significant part of that contribution is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.” — page 4
“Kirton Methodist Church was loaned £15,000 to cover the cost of improving their toilet facilities and disabled access. £2,280 has been repaid and it is anticipated that the balance will be recovered over the next few years.” — page 16
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Letting income from manses, which are church properties.
“The Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion was 17.68% of total expenditure in the reporting year, a significant part of that contribution is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.” — page 4
“Kirton Methodist Church was loaned £15,000 to cover the cost of improving their toilet facilities and disabled access. £2,280 has been repaid and it is anticipated that the balance will be recovered over the next few years.” — page 16
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Related-party transaction: Grants received from East Anglia District.
“The Circuit contribution to the District and Connexion was 17.68% of total expenditure in the reporting year, a significant part of that contribution is used to fund the work of the wider Methodist Church.” — page 4
“Kirton Methodist Church was loaned £15,000 to cover the cost of improving their toilet facilities and disabled access. £2,280 has been repaid and it is anticipated that the balance will be recovered over the next few years.” — page 16
Per its FY2025 accounts as filed with the Charity Commission.
Structured financials (annual return, FY ending 31/08/2025)
Total income
£596k
Total spending
£393k
Reserves (reported)
£65k
Employees
7
Trustees
- Vivienne Smithchair
- A S CLARK
- ANNE DOROTHY FARQUHAR B SC
- CATHERINE WESTREN
- Carole Deane Almond
- Christine Ruth O'Neill
- Colin WESTREN
- David John Sillett
- Diana SAWYER
- Diane Giffard
- Don Wellman
- Dr DAVID METTRICK
- ELIZABETH Hepplethwaite
- Emma Bowyer
- FREDDIE GUEST
- GERALD LAWS
- HELEN FRANCES BARKER
- Jacqueline Ann Howes
- Jeanette Elizabeth Macartney
- Jenny SMITH
- Jonathan Sharp
- Judith Rachel Steward
- Kath Calvesbert
- LIZ COPE
- Linda Joyce Andserson
- MARILYN WATSHAM
- MIKE WATSHAM
- MR CHRIS FINBOW
- MR RUSSELL LEEK
- MRS A DAVIES
- MRS MAGGIE FINBOW
- MRS V KEMP
- Marion Ellen Sillett
- Martha Anna May Porter
- Michael CASTLE
- Michael William Stock
- Mona Howes
- Neil Hepplethwaite
- Nicky Seabrook
- Peter Alfred Vaughan
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £596k | £393k |
| 31/08/2024 | £382k | £404k |
| 31/08/2023 | £367k | £415k |
| 31/08/2022 | £355k | £388k |
| 31/08/2021 | £559k | £397k |
Common questions
Is IPSWICH METHODIST CIRCUIT financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity's general fund reserves are significantly below its stated policy target, holding only 50% of the required amount. The trustees report that the Circuit has had to withdraw funds annually from the finite Circuit Model Trust to support normal activities, a practice anticipated to continue for the foreseeable future. While the charity remains solvent with net current assets, its long-term sustainability is described as uncertain due to depleted reserves and reliance on property sales. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.