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← The Mother Agnes Trust

2025-03-31-accounts

REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1061968

Report of the Trustees and

Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

for

The Mother Agnes Trust

The Mother Agnes Trust Contents of the Flnanclal Statements for the Year Ended 31 Marth 2025 Page Report of the Trustees Ito4 Independent Examlner's Report Statement of Financlal Artlvltles Balance Sheet Notes to the Flnanclal Statements 9t012

The Mother Agnes Trust

TRUSTEES’ REPORT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. The trustees have adopted the provisions of 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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

Principal objectives

To advance the Christian religion in all or any of the following ways as the trustees think fit:-

  1. The advancement and promotion of religion, theological education and training for lay and ordained persons in the Church of England and other churches in communion with it including (amongst other means) through ecumenism with churches designated from time to time by the Archbishops of Canterbury and York pursuant to the Church of England (Ecumenical Relations) Measure 1988;

  2. The maintenance and upkeep of a theological library;

  3. The relief of aged, sick or needy nuns who are or who have been professed members of an Anglican Order or Community and who are or have been involved in the promotion of Christian education and training;

  4. Such other charitable activities as the Trustees may from time to time determine.

Property at Holmhurst St Mary

The sale of most of the Trust’s land was completed on 18 March 2022. The Charity continues to maintain ownership of and responsibility for, a small amount of land on the site, which is a graveyard for deceased Nuns of the Order. The Trustees continue to work on developing robust plans for the protection and maintenance of this site as an appropriate memorial to the Community of the Holy Family.

ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE

The Trustees have awarded grants during the year to support a digital catachetics project spearheaded by the Chichester Diocese. The Trustees have also made a grant to the Chichester Diocesan Fund of £270k for theological education, recognising the similar level of support provided by the DBF to the Trust’s former work at the MAGNET Centre in Upper St Leonards. As four of the trustees had conflicted interests, this decision was made by the independent trustees and having taken legal advice.

Charitable activities – Holmhurst St Mary

During the year the Trustees were informed that a large badgers sett on the edge of the graveyard had created a sett exit through one of the graves and brought up human bones. The Trustees sought advice from a professional ecologist and badger expert who advised that the sett was expected to move further into the graveyard. Given the proximity of the graveyard to an affordable housing estate, the Trustees decided that for the safely and dignity of the remains, and to avoid distress to residents who might find bones brought to the surface, it was most appropriate to seek to exhume the human remains, cremate them and re-inter them. This was not a decision taken lightly – Christian burial is intended to provide a permanent resting place, but the sanctity and permanent rest had been interrupted, and these interruptions were likely to continue.

Various permissions would be required to do this work and the timescale was tight. In these difficult circumstances permission was granted by Natural England to close the badger’s sett temporarily and permission from the Diocesan Consistory Court to exhume the remains. The work was completed shortly before the close season for badgers at the end of November 2024.

A significant memorial to the nuns has been commissioned from a highly respected local sculptor and approved by the Chancellor. It has been designed bearing in mind the situation on the middle of a housing estate with health and safety issues and will have the names of all those interred at the site, the ashes of the nuns in a solid oak casket will be buried close to the memorial and deep enough to avoid the badgers. The area will be landscaped and planted with wildflowers, a fund will be set up to secure the ongoing maintenance of the area by a local church.

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The Trustees have been pleased to have continuing contact with the Old Girls of the St Mary’s Baldslow School and delighted to welcome one of them to a Trustees meeting. The Bishop of Chichester has met a number of Old Girls as he visits churches around the Diocese and has been happy to know they are supportive of the actions taken by the Trust.

Public Benefit

The trustees wish to ensure that the widest possible public benefit is secured within the parameters set down in the Trust Deed. They will achieve this by considering the funding of resources for education and training as laid down in the objects.

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment policy and objectives

Following receipt of funds from the land sale and having taken time to discuss the future of the Charity, the Trustees have developed a new Investment Policy, adopted in March 2024.

The policy contains the following objectives: The Trustees wish to follow Charity Commission guidelines in their investment approach and consequently instruct the delegated Investment Managers to adopt a generally conservative outlook as befits a charitable trust and generally in accordance with the RIP (Responsible Investment Policy) adopted by the Church Commissioners for England.

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The Mother Agnes Trust

TRUSTEES’ REPORT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Investment policy and objectives (continued)

The portfolio is to be well diversified by asset class and may comprise cash deposits, Government securities, corporate bonds, collective investments, property funds and equities. Exposure to smaller, less liquid holdings should only form a small part of the portfolio. The Trustees wish to avoid hedge funds and investment in companies whose activities seem likely to be in conflict with MAT’s charitable objectives. Derivatives may only be used to hedge against an identified risk elsewhere in the portfolio. If in doubt, the delegated Investment Managers must refer to the Trustee.

The Trustees accept that there is risk attaching to any investment in the asset classes referred to above, but within their generally conservative approach recognise that a moderate level of risk is necessary to achieve potentially higher returns in terms of both capital appreciation and income growth.

Reserves policy

Reserves policy

Given the plans the Trustees have for the future, it is felt that developing a more detailed Reserves Policy is not necessary at this time.

Financial position

Total income for the year amounted to £166,970; with expenses at a level of £458,616 an operating deficit of £291,646 for the year was recorded before taking into account investment revaluation and disposals. The position is a positive one, and they look forward to making grants in the very near future.

FUTURE PLANS

The Trustees have reached a view that the Trust should be wound up at an appropriate point in the next few years, making substantial grants to organisations placed to deliver charitable benefit around the Trust’s objectives into the future.

Mindful of the history of the Mother Agnes Trust in the foundation of a religious community at Holmhurst St Mary and in its funding of the MAGNET centre at Christ Church, St Leonards on Sea, the Trustees continue to explore whether there is opportunity to make a significant grant to support work within the Hastings community.

As stated earlier, the Trustees are heedful of their responsibilities for the Nuns’ graveyard, and are working on developing plans for the long-term maintenance of the site which may include making provision to a local church to provide ongoing care of the memorial and graveyard site.

The Trustees are also seeking to develop plans for future use of assets for the theological formation of lay and ordained persons across the wider spectrum of the diocese.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governing document

The Charity is governed by a Trust Deed dated 19 February 1997 as varied by supplementary deeds.

Recruitment and appointment of new trustees

The method of appointment of trustees is laid down in the governing document.

The board of trustees comprises 3 ex-officio trustees, 1 co-opted trustee and 1 nominated trustee.

The ex-officio trustees shall be:

-The Archdeacon of Hastings

The nominated trustee shall be a representative appointed by the Finance Committee of the Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance (Incorporated). The co-opted trustee is appointed for an initial term of 5 years.

New trustees receive training from the Charity's professional advisors and the existing trustees.

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The Mother Agnes Trust TRUSTEES, REPORT for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number 1061968 Principal address The Palace Canon Lane Chichester West Sussex P019 IPY Trustees The Right Reverend Dr M C Warner Mr john Preston Lord Bishop of Chichester Secretary of the Chichester Diocesan Fund and Board of Finance Ilncorporatedl Archdeacon of Hasting5 (resigned 13.09.241 (appointed 23.11.251 (appointed 03.09.241 Nominated by Chichester DBF The Venerable E Dowler The Venerable R Dewhurst Mrs Themy Hamilton Mrs Sara Stonor Mr Greg Mahon Independent Examlner A Kelly FCA 2 Woodberry Close Chiddingfold Godalming Surrev GU8 4SF Bankers CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue West Malling Kent ME194JQ Investment Advlsors IM Finn & Co 25 Copthall Avenue London EC2R 7AH Sarasin & Partners luxon House 100 St Paul's Churchyard, London EC4M 8BU Solicitor5 Irwin Mitchell LLP Thomas Eggar House Friary Lane Chichester West Sussex P019 IUF Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19, December 2025 and signed on its behalf by.. The Right Reverend Dr M C Warner- Trustee

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Mother Agnes Trust

I report on the accounts of the Trust for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 4 to 10.

Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner

The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

Basis of independent examiner's statement

My examination was carried out in accordance with General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a “true and fair view” and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Other Matters

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the accounts (financial statements) 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 (FRS102), second edition issued on 17 October 2019 in preference to the Accounting and Reporting Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has since been withdrawn.

We understand that this has been done in order for the accounts to provide a true and fair view in accordance with the Generally Accepted Accounting Practice effective for reporting periods beginning on or after 1 January 2019.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 5

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

……………………………………………….. A Kelly FCA 2 Woodberry Close Chiddingfold Godalming Surrey GU8 4SF

9 January 2026

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

The Mother Agnes Trust

Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

Notes
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM
Investment income
2
EXPENDITURE ON
Activities by the Trust in pursuit of its charitable
objectives
3
Charitable activities
Grants to external organisations
Total
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE)
Realised gains on investments
Unrealised losses on investments
Net movement in funds
Total funds brought forward
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD		 2025
2024
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds
funds
£
£
166,970
154,164
174,832
16,905
283,784
-
458,616
16,905
(291,646)
137,259
8,688
(31,958)
-
-
(232,270)
-
(314,916)
137,259
4,345,114
4,207,855
4,030,198
4,345,114

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

The Mother A8nes Trust Balance Sheet 31 Marth 2025 2025 2024 Unrestfirted Unrestricted funds funds Notes FIXED ASSETS Investments 3,591,077 CURRÉNT ASSETS Debtors: amounts fallin8 due within one year Cash èt bank 4.345 436,526 4,346.078 440,871 4.346.664 aiEDITORS Amounts fallln8 due wlthin one year 11.7501 11,550) NET CURRENT ASSETS 439,121 4,345.114 NEfASSETS 4.030,198 4,345,114 FUND5 Unre5trlcted funds 4,030.198 4.345,114 The financial statement5 were approved by the Board of Trustees and ?uthorised for issue on 19 Oecember 2025 and were signed on Its behalf by: Reverend Dr M C Warner- Trustee Mr John Preston- Diocesan Secretary The notes form part of these financial staternents Page 8

The Mother Agnes Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of preparing the financial statements

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) '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 (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

Financial reporting standard 102 - reduced disclosure exemptions

The charity has taken advantage of the following disclosure exemptions in preparing these financial statements, as permitted by FRS 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland':

Income

All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.

Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Governance costs

Comprises the costs of governance arrangements, which relate to the general running of the Charity.

Taxation

The Charity is exempt from direct tax on its charitable activities.

Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the Charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Investments

Investments are shown at market value at 31 March 2025. Any realised and unrealised gains and losses are disclosed in the Statement of Financial Activities.

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The Mother Agnes Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

2. INVESTMENT INCOME

NVESTMENT INCOME
2025 2024
£ £
Income from investments 166,970 154,164

3. ACTIVITIES IN PERSUIT OF CHARITABLE OBJECTIVES

Works relating to the graveyard at Holmhurst St Mary
Management costs
Property costs and professional fees
Governance costs:
Accountancy
Investment management fees
Administrator costs		 2025
£
154,247
1,565
-
1,750
11,240
6,030
174,832		 2024
£
-
1,211
9,284
1,550
-
4,860
16,905

4. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS

The trustees did not receive any remuneration in their capacity as trustees.

Trustees' expenses

During the year no expenses (2024: £nil) were paid on behalf of the trustees in respect of expenses.

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The Mother Agnes Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements - continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

5.
FIXED ASSET INVESTMENTS
Market value:
Acquisition at cost
Disposals
Unrealised loss on revaluation
At 31 March 2025
Historical cost
Listed investments
UK gilts
Preference shares
Investment funds
Infrastructure
6.
DEBTORS
Amounts falling due within one year:
Accrued interest
Prepayments
Other debtors
7.
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Accruals		 2025
£
4,575,168
(952,133)
(31,958)
3,591,077
3,623,035
380,998
47,848
3,046,431
115,800
3,591,077
2025
£
3,743
602
-
4,345
2025
£
1,750		 2024
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2024
£
-
576
10
586
2024
£
1,550

Page 11

The Mother Agnes Trust

Notes to the Financial Statements – continued for the Year Ended 31 March 2025

8. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS

At 1.4.24
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
4,345,114
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
166,970
Comparatives for movement in funds for the year ended 31 March 2024:
At 1.4.23
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
4,207,855
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
Incoming
resources
£
Unrestricted funds
General fund
154,164		 Net
movement
in funds
£
(314,916)
Resources
expended
£
(481,886)
Net
movement
in funds
£
137,259
Resources
expended
£
(16,905)		 At
31.3.25
£
4,030,198
Movement
in funds
£
(314,916)
At
31.3.24
£
4,345,114
Movement
in funds
£
137,259

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