Mothers’ Union, Diocese of Leeds
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 December 2020
The trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2020. In presenting this report, the trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit.
Effect of COVID-19 on AGM in 2020
Due to the extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 situation since March 2020, Trustee meetings have been held via Zoom with the electronic signature of the President added to any agreed minutes. The Constitution point 8.3 states:
8.3 A meeting of the Trustees may be held either in person or by suitable electronic means agreed by the Trustees in which all participants may communicate with all other participants.
The Trustees accepted and signed off the accounts for 2020 at the Trustee meeting on Zoom on 14[th] May 2021and noted the extraordinary circumstances due to (COVID).
Risk to the Charity
The trustees are satisfied that the balance in the accounts is sufficient for the charity to continue in 2022. Due to the COVID-19 situation, it was decided to reduce the members’ annual subscription for 2021 due to savings made during 2020 on expenses, particularly since the subscription to the Central Mothers’ Union has increased considerably for 2021.
Structure, governance and management
The affairs of the charity are governed by the terms of the central Mothers’ Union’s Royal Charter, granted in 1926 and which is registered with the Charity Commission in England and Wales (240531).
The Board of Trustees manages the charity. They met on seven occasions during 2020 instead of the usual four. The first meeting was held in person and the other meetings on Zoom. The Trustees are elected tri-annually by the members of the charity’s Council consisting of the Diocesan President, members of the Trustee Board, Team leaders, branch leaders and past Presidents of the charity living in the Diocese. The Chaplain is appointed by the Diocesan Bishop. The Council and Annual General Meeting was held on Zoom on 5[th] November when information was shared and matters debated with the members present. Training for Trustees was provided at the beginning of the three year period in 2019.
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The Trustees were elected in 2018 and took office for the Charity on 1[st] January 2019 for a period of three years. The trustees who served in 2020 were:
Mrs Jean Thurman Diocesan President Mrs Patricia Ainsworth Area President – Leeds Episcopal Area Mrs Josie Birley Area President – Ripon Episcopal Area Mrs Eileen Warburton Area President – Wakefield Episcopal Area Mrs Elaine Swinhoe Area President – Huddersfield Episcopal Area Mrs Pam Aston Area President – Bradford Episcopal Area Mrs Margaret Bentley General Trustee Mrs Yvonne Hutson General Trustee Mrs Alison Boggie General Trustee Mrs Margaret Crawford General Trustee
General Trustee, Mrs Marlene Bramley, sadly passed away in January 2020 leaving a vacancy for the rest of the year.
The charity does not own any property other than two caravans on the East Coast which are to provide holidays for families in need of a break
For administrative purposes the contact address used by the charity throughout 2020 was the home address of the Diocesan Secretary, Mrs Joanna Sarkar. This address is 94 Victoria Gardens, Horsforth, Leeds LS18 4PH.
Officers
The following officers acted on behalf of the charity throughout the year: Diocesan Chaplain: Venerable Peter Townley, Archdeacon of Pontefract Diocesan Treasurer: Mr Paul Leeming Diocesan Secretary: Mrs Joanna Sarkar
Bankers
The charity’s bankers are Barclays Bank plc, Leicester, LE87 2BB
Independent examiner
This role was undertaken by Mrs Elizabeth Short FCA, of Spenser Wilson Ltd, Equitable House, 55 Pellon Lane, Halifax HX1 5SP
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Membership
The charity is a membership body. Membership can be of a specific branch, linked to an Anglican church parish, or of the diocese, when members can choose to attend branch meetings but rely more heavily on written and electronic communication for contact with fellow members. A requested proportion of the membership fee has been forwarded to the central Mothers’ Union.
We have 2,004 members and 93 branches. In 2019 we had 2177 members and 103 branches.
Membership in 2020 numbered 2,004. Of these, 152 members were diocesan members. The remaining members were members of one of the branches. About 45 members, who are unable to attend meetings, usually due to age or infirmity, are designated Indoor Members.
The membership in 2020 worked in the five Episcopal Areas of Leeds, Ripon, Bradford, Huddersfield and Wakefield, in accordance with the structure of the Anglican Diocese of Leeds.
The work is organised in Teams (Prayer, Outreach, Communication, Membership, Diocesan Services and Mothers’ Union Enterprises (MUe) each having a team leader and covering aspects as shall from time to time be determined by the Board of Trustees.
| Diocesan Services | leader Canon Ann Hemsworth |
|---|---|
| Prayer |
leader Mrs Hilary Fielding |
| Membership | leader Mrs Mary Marshall |
| Communications | vacant |
| Outreach | led by General Trustee, Mrs Yvonne Hutson |
| MUe | leader Mrs Margaret Stears |
Restrictions imposed by the Governing Document concerning the way in which the charity may operate
Branches of the charity have the power to support the needs of their parishes, subject to the aim, purpose and objects of Mothers’ Union. However, branches are not permitted to be used as a channel for charitable appeals on behalf of other organisations, nor is money permitted to be allocated to such organisations from branch funds.
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Risk Management
The trustees have throughout their term of service recognised their responsibility to identify the key risks to which the charity was exposed and to ensure that measures were in place and monitored to mitigate against these risks. Adequate insurance cover has been in place to protect the charity against financial loss.
Objectives and Activities
Our Vision Statement
Mothers’ Union, in the Diocese of Leeds, through the love of God and in partnership with the church, seeks to reach out creatively and actively to support stable family relationships and to promote a more just society.
Our mission
We aim to show our Christian faith by the transformation of communities worldwide. We can do this through supporting strong relationships within the family and promoting reconciliation at all levels.
Our values
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We are firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos centered on mutual respect and collaboration.
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Our governance, leadership, and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members within their own communities worldwide.
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We work with people of all faiths and none.
Our aims and objectives
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To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children
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To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service
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To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
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To help those whose family life has met with adversity
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To promote and support married life
Activities during 2020
The charity has not been able to address its aims and objectives through meeting in person but some groups have met using Zoom. Fundraising for Mothers’ Union’s familycentred projects in the UK and overseas was very limited due to the COVID pandemic.
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Services held on Zoom in the Episcopal Areas for Mary Sumner Day, Advent and during the 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence were appreciated and brought members together online.
Members supported the central Mothers’ Union’s Financial Appeal early in the year which was needed to keep the organisation viable due to lack of regular income from other regular sources.
Achievements and Performance
We have attempted to maintain active links with linked dioceses in Nigeria, the Solomon Islands, Lesotho and Rwanda. This is not always possible due to communication issues with some countries. Branches participated in the Global Wave of Prayer in January and regular mid day prayers have been said via Zoom across the Diocese. A prayer network has been established in all five Episcopal Areas through which requests for anyone experiencing ill health or other troubles is prayed for.
Regular newsletters were sent to members and a website providing or signposting resources and information continued.
OUTREACH WORK
Prison support
Outreach projects in Prisons have not taken place but regular contact by email has been maintained and, by arrangement, craft items and bags of clothing were given and at Christmas, gifts of chocolates. Christmas cards were sent to each prisoner (2500) and blank cards for them to send to a loved one. These are much appreciated.
AFIA Holidays
Due to the closure of the Caravan Park and increased restrictions, we were unable to offer family (AFIA – Away From It All) holidays to those in need during 2020 in our two caravans. These families will be given priority when holidays can safely resume.
Community support
Members reached out by keeping busy with knitting and craft projects supporting local women’s refuges, hospitals and care homes and by supplying emergency toiletry packs to hospitals. When supplies were low, items of PPE were made for hospitals and care homes.
COVID Support for hospitals
Pairs of knitted and felt hearts were made and sent into local hospitals, one for the patient and one for the family. These were much appreciated.
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Pairs of livers and kidneys were requested for the children’s transplant unit. Brown, poorly organs were placed in a teddy bear before the operation and replaced with a healthy red organ after the operation, helping to explain their illness to the child who kept the bear afterwards.
Partner organisations supporting families
Food banks -Some members volunteered at local food banks or provided food to be distributed.
Baby banks - Members collect baby clothes and equipment in support of Baby banks. These are agencies which enable new mums to have the items they need after the birth of a baby and also support families fleeing from domestic violence.
Supporting families locally
A homeless mother with children was helped to set up a new home by members’ donations of household goods, furniture and clothing.
A youth project in Leeds was supplied with games and activities purchased by the sale of protective masks made by members.
CHURCH SUPPORT – churches were supported with Easter and Mothering Sunday gifts, kitted nativity sets and Baptism cards and gifts.
Prayers were offered on a daily basis and the diocesan wide prayer network ensured those families and individuals suffering from illness, bereavement and loneliness were remembered.
CAMPAIGNING
Mothers’ Union campaigns at international, national and local level. Local action involved raising awareness about gender based violence through holding themed services. Mothers’ Union has begun to work with the Clewer Initiative to raise awareness of Modern Slavery in the UK.
Our Bishops and local MPs were approached asking for their support for the Domestic Abuse bill going through Parliament during the year. We were able to distribute copies of a Handbook for Survivors of Domestic Abuse produced by “Restored” to women’s refuges across the Diocese.
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Financial review
The results are reported in the financial statements accompanying this report.
The trustees received no remuneration for their services although they were eligible to claim reimbursement of reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their trusteeship.
Deficit for the year
The Charity had deficits of £3,090 on unrestricted funds and £5,373 on restricted funds.
Reserves Policy
The Charity maintains unrestricted cash reserves which are approximately one year’s running costs. The Trustees are of the opinion that this amount is reasonable.
Unrestricted funds are £118,549 including designated funds of £20,913 therefore the present level of free reserves available to the charity is £97,636
10[th] June 2021
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THE MOTHERS' UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) Registered Charity 1164024
ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2020
Section A: Statement of Financial Activities
for the year ending 31 December 2020
| Note Income Donations Charitable Activities Bank Interest Gain on Disposal of Assets Total Income 2 Expenditure Raising Funds Charitable Activities Diocesan Administration Total Expenditure 3 Net Income Opening Balance Total Funds Carried Forward |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2020 48,592 15,110 63,702 8,870 812 9,682 320 - 320 - - - 57,782 15,922 73,704 11,301 - 11,301 36,372 21,295 57,667 13,198 - 13,198 60,871 21,295 82,166 (3,090) (5,373) (8,462) 121,638 67,944 189,583 118,549 62,572 181,120 |
Total 2019 101,956 17,620 562 - |
|---|---|---|
| 120,138 | ||
| 26,238 72,535 18,930 |
||
| 117,703 | ||
| 2,435 187,148 |
||
| 189,583 |
| Section B: Balance Sheet Note Fixed Assets Caravans 4 Current Assets Mue Stock 5 Prepayments 6 Gift Aid Tax Refund Due 7 Cash at Bank and In Hand 8 Current Liabilities Accruals 9 Net Current Assets Total Assets less Current Liabilities Charity Funds Total Funds 11 as at 31 December 2020 |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2020 34,303 34,303 - 34,303 34,303 1,144 1,144 390 7,989 8,379 1,426 1,426 119,622 20,279 139,901 122,581 28,268 150,850 4,032 - 4,032 118,549 28,268 146,817 118,549 62,572 181,120 118,549 62,572 181,120 118,549 62,572 181,120 |
Total 2019 38,875 |
|---|---|---|
| 38,875 | ||
| 1,533 8,464 1,920 143,025 |
||
| 154,942 | ||
| 4,234 | ||
| 150,708 | ||
| 189,583 | ||
| 189,583 | ||
| 189,583 |
Signed Jean Thurman, Leeds Mothers' Union Diocesan President and trustee on behalf of all the trustees.
Dated _ _ _ _ 10th June 2021
Section C: Notes to the Accounts
for the year ending 31 December 2020
Note 1: Basis of Preparation and Policies
1) These accounts have been prepared:
a) On an accruals basis.
b) Under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
c) In accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom (FRS 102) and with the Charities Act 2011.
2) Going Concern:
From the review of forecasts and projections and having considered the effects of Covid-19 the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The Trustees have therefore continued to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the financial statements.
3) All income is recognised when the Charity becomes legally entitled and the amount quantifiable
with reasonable accuracy.
4) Fund Accounting:
a) Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees to further any of the charity's purposes. b) Designated funds are unrestricted funds earmarked by the trustees for particular future project or commitment. c) Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure declared by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
5) Judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty:
The preparation of the financial statements requires management to make judgements, estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported. These estimates and judgements are continually reviewed and are based on experience and other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances.
There are not considered to be any judgements or accounting estimates or assumptions that have a significant impact on the financial statements.
6) Financial instruments:
The company only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value with the exception of bank loans which are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.
Note 2: Income
| Donations Subscriptions Collections and Donations Gift Aid Tax Refund Charitable Activities MUe Sales MUe Sales Commission New Hall Prison Tea Bar Sales Bank Interest Gain on Disposal of Assets Total Income Note 3: Expenditure Raising Funds Branch Expenses Mue Purchases Charitable Activities Subscriptions to MSH Emergency Fund to MSH Donations to MSH Projects AFIA Expenses Caravan Depreciation New Hall Prison Tea Bar Outreach and Prayer Church Services Publications Training Badges and Banners Diocesan Administration Secretarial and Accounting Travel Post and Stationery Insurance Room Rent and Meeting Costs Bank Charges Sundry Total Expenditure Note 4: Fixed Assets - Caravans |
Unrestricted Restricted Total 2020 48,119 48,119 (953) 15,110 14,158 1,426 1,426 48,592 15,110 63,702 7,192 7,192 1,678 1,678 - 812 812 8,870 812 9,682 320 320 - - - 57,782 15,922 73,704 Unrestricted Restricted Total 2020 4,156 4,156 7,145 7,145 11,301 - 11,301 29,043 29,043 5,000 5,000 - 7,999 7,999 - 8,501 8,501 - 4,572 4,572 - 223 223 701 - 701 - - 1,574 1,574 54 54 - - 36,372 21,295 57,667 9,642 9,642 502 502 1,844 1,844 769 769 485 485 (120) (120) 77 77 13,198 - 13,198 60,871 21,295 82,166 |
Total 2019 50,048 49,988 1,920 |
|---|---|---|
| 101,956 | ||
| 12,321 1,752 3,547 |
||
| 17,620 | ||
| 562 | ||
| - | ||
| 120,138 | ||
| Total 2019 13,944 12,294 |
||
| 26,238 | ||
| 30,464 - 16,123 13,126 4,572 4,930 1,909 103 760 547 - |
||
| 72,535 | ||
| 12,544 1,785 1,920 751 1,212 528 191 |
||
| 18,930 | ||
| 117,703 | ||
| At Start of Year 2020 Additions 2020 Disposals 2020 Depreciation At End of Year |
Cost Depreciation Net Book Value 45,717 6,842 38,875 - - - - - 4,572 (4,572) 45,717 11,414 34,303 |
|---|---|
At the end of 2018 a new caravan was purchased for £23,013. At the end of 2017 a new caravan was purchased for £22,704.
Caravans are depreciated on a straight line basis. It is anticipated that both caravans have a 10 year life.
Note 5: Stock
Stock is measured at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Note 6: Prepayments
Prepayments of £7,769 are site rents for the two caravans relating to 2021 but transacted in 2020. Prepayments of £390 are bank commission fees charged in 2020 and credited in February 2021. Prepayments of £220 are caravan non domestic rates, paid, later credited and held on account for 2021.
Note 7: Gift Aid Tax Refund Due
2020 Gift Aid Tax Refund of value £1,426 (2019 £1,920) was due at year end.
Note 8: Cash at Bank and In Hand
Cash at Bank and In Hand includes £18,755 (2019 £27,804) held by branches.
Note 9: Accruals
Accruals are for known expenditures relating to 2020 but transacted in 2021.
Note 10: Statements
1) The success of the Mothers' Union is dependent on the many dedicated unpaid volunteers.
2) Trustees receive no payments except for expenses incurred.
3) Ten trustees incurred total expenses of £439 (2019 £1,581) for travel and £496 (2019 £346) for office expenses. 4) There are no employees.
5) The Independent Examiner's fees are £435 + £87 vat (2019 £435 + £87 vat). The independent examiner received no other fees.
Note 11: 2020 Funds
Details of funds held and movements in 2020 are shown below.
| Restricted Funds AFIA Replacement AFIA Running Newhall Prison Tea Bar Kitty Cooper Bursary Overseas Relief Big Summer Appeal Britain & Ireland Development Literacy Make a Mother's Day Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Prayer Outreach Training Unallocated Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Total Funds per Balance Sheet |
Total Funds Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance Balance 5,162 873 - - 6,035 60,628 6,238 13,072 - 53,794 569 812 223 - 1,157 1,586 - - - 1,586 - 4,350 4,350 - - - 2,989 2,989 - - - 420 420 - - - - - - - - 100 100 - - - 140 140 - - 67,944 15,922 21,295 - 62,572 4,154 75 224 - 4,004 7,640 1,012 477 - 8,176 8,787 - 54 - 8,733 101,057 56,695 60,116 - 97,636 121,638 57,782 60,871 - 118,549 189,583 73,704 82,166 - 181,120 |
Cash Closing Balance 6,035 11,502 1,157 1,586 - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 20,279 | ||
| 4,004 8,176 8,733 98,709 |
||
| 119,622 | ||
| 139,901 |
Fund Descriptions
'AFIA Replacement' is a fund for replacing the two caravans. 'AFIA' provides holidays to disadvantaged families 'Away from it all'. The 'Newhall Prison Tea Bar' is a low priced café helping families of those held at the prison. The 'Kitty Cooper Bursary' is to help members afford to attend events.
'Overseas' relates to charitable work carried on outside the UK.
'Relief' provides funding to support families overseas when emergencies occur. The 'Big Summer Appeal' supports a number of Mary Sumner House projects. 'Britain & Ireland Development' is a fund to help in the home countries.
'Literacy' is a fund to improve reading and writing.
'Make a Mother's Day' is a fund to help disadvantaged mothers.
'Prayer' provides funding for prayer resources including for 'Indoor Members'.
'Outreach' includes other projects to support families in the Diocese. 'Training' is to provide training for members.
'Unallocated Funds' includes £18,755 (2019 £27,804) held by branches in bank accounts and cash in hand.
Note 12: 2019 Funds
Details of funds held and movements in 2019 are shown below.
| Restricted Funds AFIA Replacement AFIA Running Newhall Prison Tea Bar Kitty Cooper Bursary Overseas Relief Big Summer Appeal Britain & Ireland Development Literacy Make a Mother's Day Total Restricted Funds Unrestricted Funds Prayer Outreach Training Unallocated Funds Total Unrestricted Funds Total Funds per Balance Sheet |
Total Funds Opening Income Expenditure Transfers Closing Balance Balance 2,474 2,688 - - 5,162 61,739 16,587 17,698 - 60,628 1,951 3,547 4,930 - 569 1,732 - 146 - 1,586 - 8,317 8,317 - - - 3,951 3,951 - - - 3,553 3,553 - - - 64 64 - - - 53 53 - - - 187 187 - - 67,896 38,945 38,897 - 67,944 4,386 255 487 - 4,154 7,511 1,405 1,276 - 7,640 9,334 - 547 - 8,787 98,020 79,532 76,495 - 101,057 119,252 81,193 78,806 - 121,638 187,148 120,138 117,703 - 189,583 |
Cash Closing Balance 5,162 13,294 569 1,586 (5) - - - - - |
|---|---|---|
| 20,605 | ||
| 4,154 7,640 8,787 101,839 |
||
| 122,420 | ||
| 143,025 |
Fund Descriptions
'AFIA Replacement' is a fund for replacing the two caravans.
'AFIA' provides holidays to disadvantaged families 'Away from it all'. The 'Newhall Prison Tea Bar' is a low priced café helping families of those held at the prison. The 'Kitty Cooper Bursary' is to help members afford to attend events.
'Overseas' relates to charitable work carried on outside the UK.
'Relief' provides funding to support families overseas when emergencies occur. The 'Big Summer Appeal' supports a number of Mary Sumner House projects. 'Britain & Ireland Development' is a fund to help in the home countries.
'Literacy' is a fund to improve reading and writing.
'Make a Mother's Day' is a fund to help disadvantaged mothers.
'Prayer' provides funding for prayer resources including for 'Indoor Members'.
'Outreach' includes other projects to support families in the Diocese. 'Training' is to provide training for members.
'Unallocated Funds' includes £27,804 (2018 £31,964) held by branches in bank accounts and cash in hand.
THE MOTHERS, UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF MOTHERS. UNION (DIOCESE OF LEEDS) YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2020 I report to th¢ tru.stecs on my examinalion of the financial statements of The Mothers. Union {Dioccse of Leeds) {'Ihc charity,) for the year ended 31 Decetnber 2020. RESPONSIBILITIES AND BASIS OF REPORT As the truste¢s of the chltY you are r¢sponsible fur the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with Ihe requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act'}. X report in respect of my examination of the chaTity's financial statements Cled out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Direciions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)Ibl of the Act. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S STATEMENT I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come lo my atiention in conncction with the examination giving mc cause to believe that in any material respect= accounting records. were not kept in respect of the charity a5 required by section 130 of the Act; or Ihe financial statements do noi accord with those records. or the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Chariti¢5 (Accounts and Report51 Regulations 2008 oiher than any requirement that the accounts give a 'trlle and fair, view which 15 noi a mdtter Lonsidercd as part of an independent examination. I h&ve no Concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with ihe examination to whiLh attcntion should be drawn in this report in order 10 enable a propcr understandj'ng of the &Lccounis to be reached. Mrs E A Short BFP FCA Independ¢nt E4Xillniner Equitable House 55 Pellon Lane Halifax West Yorkshire HXI 5SP 14 May 2021