2023-12-31-accounts

Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union Annual Report 2023

Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Contents

Aim, Purpose and Objects .................................................................................................... 2 Mothers’ Union Statement of Commitment: Safeguarding ..................................................... 3 Safeguarding Annual Report ................................................................................................. 3 Diocesan President’s Report ................................................................................................. 4 Diocesan Chaplain’s Report .................................................................................................. 4 Annual Administrative Report ................................................................................................ 5 Derby City and Mercia Deanery Report ................................................................................. 5 SE Derbyshire Deanery Report ............................................................................................. 6 Diocesan Members ............................................................................................................... 6 Indoor Members .................................................................................................................... 6 Hulland Hippos Baby & Toddler Group .................................................................................. 7 Away From It All .................................................................................................................... 7 Foston Hall Women’s Prison ................................................................................................. 8 Literature ............................................................................................................................... 8 Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking ...................................................................................... 8 IT Support ............................................................................................................................. 8

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Aim, Purpose and Objects

Mothers’ Union is a Christian Society within the Anglican Community. It has 4 million members in 84 countries.

The vision of Mothers’ Union is of a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships. The aim and purpose of Mothers’ Union is to demonstrate the Christian faith in action by the transformation of communities worldwide through the nurture of the family in its many forms.

Mission:

• To promote and support married life

• To encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children

• To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service

• To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

• To help those whose family life has met with adversity

Values:

The Mothers’ Union is firmly rooted in a voluntary ethos. Its governance, leadership and programmes are driven by and undertaken through members around the world as they respond to God’s call to faith and action

Beliefs:

• We believe in the value of each individual and their unique qualities

• We believe in the value of marriage and all faithful, loving family relationships

• We believe in the value of the family in its many forms as a source of love and support for individuals and the basis for a caring community

Reg. Charity No. 242671

Board of Trustees:

Diocesan President: Emily Brailsford Vice Presidents: Wendy Fitch Alison Orchard Trustees: Christine McMullen Beryl Murdy Sheila Porter Sheila Randall Sandra Westerman Carol Johnston (co-opted) Nicole Ball (co-opted) Diocesan Chaplain: Revd Eleanor Berry Diocesan Treasurer: Janet Bradshaw Bank: NatWest Examiner: Lynda Millthorpe

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Mothers’ Union Statement of Commitment: Safeguarding

“As an organisation concerned with Christian principles and ministry in family life, the nurture and protection of children, young people and vulnerable adults is at the heart of Mothers’ Union both individually as members and collectively as an organisation, Mothers’ Union has a duty to protect children, young people and vulnerable adults, doing everything possible to ensure that they are safe when involved in Mothers’ Union activities.

“We will follow the safeguarding policies and practices issued by the Anglican Church, the Diocese of Derby, and the Anglican Consultative Council (ACC) charter for the safety of people within the churches of the Anglican Communion. Mothers’ Union will promote the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults by aiming to prevent abuse from occurring, to protect those who are at risk of abuse and to respond well to those who have been abused. We will follow procedures to enable the identification of those who may present a risk to others and, should this occur, seek appropriate pastoral support for them.”

If you have any Safeguarding concerns, in the first instance contact the Mothers’ Union Diocesan Safeguarding Officer, Carol Johnston.

Email: [e-mail] Tel: [phone]

or the Diocesan Safeguarding Adviser at Derby Church House. Email: [e-mail] Tel: [phone] or 07540 719447

Safeguarding Annual Report

During 2023 our Trustees continued to keep up to date with DBS checks and Safeguarding Training either via their church or through the Church of England Diocese of Derby.

I would like to thank those leaders who have sent me details of the training they have undertaken during the year. This is very helpful for me to build up a picture of who is completing safeguarding training in the Diocese.

Moira Murray, Interim Safeguarding Lead for Britain, was appointed at Mary Sumner House in 2023, and she reviewed and updated the Mothers’ Union in Britain Safeguarding Policy and Procedure in July. This can be found on the Mothers’ Union website:

https://www.mothersunion.org/sites/default/files/resources/public/MU Britain Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.pdf

Moira is starting to put together safeguarding training modules specifically for Mothers’ Union. Further updates will be given during 2024.

Carol Johnston

Diocesan Safeguarding Link

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Diocesan President’s Report

This year, the second of my triennium, has been wonderful. I've been blessed with much better health, which has meant that I have been more effective at working through my Derby Diocese ‘to do’ list. In addition I am now the Mothers’ Union National Programme Manager at Mary Sumner House, which has allowed me to make some wonderful new friends, and also given me a greater understanding of the way MU works. It also provides me with endless material for our Newsletter . I am so grateful for everyone's support over the last two years, especially that of the Vice Presidents Wendy Fitch and Alison Orchard, Revd Eleanor Berry, our Diocesan Chaplain, the Trustees and of course Edward Orchard. Also a massive thank you to you, the members of Mothers’ Union in Derby Diocese, I thank you all.

To update you on progress made this year, our period poverty work has really taken off, the RISE UP challenge is getting underway in Derby, and I have done a lot of engagement work on our Facebook page around the work of the Clewer Initiative. AFIA continues to help those in need, and we have also sent out a number of hats to Derbyshire Young Farmers Club. In the new year we hope to reinvigorate the work we are doing with Foston Women's Prison, and also really get Mini MU going. Midday Prayers on Zoom is well attended, and I was pleased to see the members who joined us at the Cathedral for our 16 days service.

I do have to ask (but don't panic), that if anyone feels called to be the next President of Derby Diocese Mothers’ Union, please do let me or your Branch Leader know. I am willing to do another triennium, but I am also happy for someone else to be our next DP.

As ever we are always looking for ways to attract new members. Please do let me know if you have any non MU related church events that need speakers although, as I work, evenings would be best. I would love to come along and talk about all the amazing things we do.

Finally, I would like to remind you that 2026 is the Mothers’ Union 150th anniversary year. What will we do? How will we celebrate? How will we let the world know about everything we do? Let me know if you have any ideas.

Emily Brailsford

Diocesan President, Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Diocesan Chaplain’s Report

This past year has gone by so quickly, and I cannot quite believe that it is again time to write the AGM report. In my last report I wrote about the service of commissioning for the beginning of our Triennium in 2022, and welcomed Emily Brailsford as our new Diocesan President, giving thanks for all the work that Beryl Murdy and other retiring officers had done. I cannot quite believe that we are nearing the end of this Triennium, and will be looking at voting again in 2024 to fill these offices.

The year began with a new venture that Emily had suggested, where we had a Bible Study on Zoom. I did a Lectio Divino style Bible study in May, and Emily had a more traditional style one later in the year. It was good that members from the more northern parts of the Diocese were able to attend through Zoom, without them having to make the long journey down to the city.

Trustee meetings have continued throughout the year, and it has been my privilege to open and close the meetings with prayers. It is good to note that there are some very good prayer resources on the national Mothers’ Union site, and these can be easily accessed online by members if needed.

Midday Prayers on Zoom have continued to be well attended each Friday, and I am very grateful to all who volunteer to take a turn writing and leading them. We are always looking for new volunteers, and if anyone would like to try this, please get in touch with me. Help would be available to give you an idea how to put these together, while still giving you free rein for your own ideas. I would also like to thank Eddie and Alison Orchard for making sure a copy of the prayers goes out to members each week, and for looking after the Zoom link.

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Much of my time has been taken up writing and preparing for Deanery and Diocesan Festival services. I have really enjoyed going out to different churches during the year, and appreciate the help Branch Leaders and members have given me in volunteering to take part in these services. Much as Zoom has been great for meeting, it is a great joy to meet up in person with everyone at these services. It is also a pleasure to have the other Deanery Chaplains to take part in the services.

This year there have been quite a few Long Service Awards presented, and it was my pleasure to give Dulcie Morley from Spondon Branch her 40 years award. Some more will be presented at the City and Mercia Deanery Festival taking place in early 2024.

In November it was a great pleasure to be able to return to the Cathedral for our 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence service, which was officiated by Emily. In the service we celebrated the new Mothers’ Union RISE UP project, and were able to use prayer corners for meditation. Again, this was well attended by MU members. We are hoping to invite other interested organisations to attend in 2024.

I am now approaching the end of my third Triennium as Diocesan Chaplain and, because of a few health problems during the year, I feel that it is time to stand down at the end of 2024. It has been a great privilege to serve you all, and of course I will still be around as a member and helping when I can. You are always in my prayers.

Revd Eleanor Berry Chaplain, Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Administrative Report

There were 341 members in the diocese at the start of 2023 (plus a number of nonsubscription paying IMPC members). Sadly, two branches closed during the year – Bolsover and Smalley. There were six Trustee meetings during the year via Zoom in alternate months starting in January.

A monthly Diocesan Newsletter was launched in March 2023 in order to better inform members of Mothers’ Union activities both locally, nationally, and internationally. This has been well received by members.

Alison and Edward Orchard

Derby City and Mercia Deanery Report

Derby City and Mercia Deanery consisted of five branches and six Diocesan Members in 2023.

The Deanery Festival was held on Mary Sumner Day in the Cathedral on a beautiful summer’s afternoon. The celebrant was our Diocesan and Deanery Chaplain, Revd Eleanor Berry, and the Canon for Community Learning, Canon Carla Vincenzio Prior, preached the sermon. It was good to see some of the Diocesan Members at the Deanery Festival. Members also took part in the service for the Sixteen Days of Activism in November.

The five branches in the combined deanery continue to be well attended and vibrant: each meeting monthly with interesting programmes related to the MU theme. In addition the Cathedral branch has a monthly Prayer Group online. The two branches in the City Deanery are now run by committees, each with a Coordinator rather than a Branch Leader. Members continue to be very generous in their support, providing food and clothing for asylum seekers and refugees, as well as support for Foston Hall, Make A Mother’s Day, Summer of Hope Appeal, and other Mothers’ Union Charities.

During the year it was decided to dispense with the Deanery account, and we are very grateful to the Diocesan Treasurer, Mrs Janet Bradshaw, for looking after the finances for us. Madelaine Goddard

Deanery President, Derby City and Mercia Deanery

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

SE Derbyshire Deanery Report

We had a lovely Deanery Festival in Stanley Common, where we welcomed members from Smalley and Kirk Hallam. However, arrangements proved a little more of a problem than they should have been, as Revd Christine French, who was going to take the service tested positive for COVID, and the Archdeacon, who was due to preach, was also ill. Fortunately, Revd Alan Fitch was able to fulfil both roles at short notice.

Kirk Hallam branch had a most enjoyable afternoon tea, which raised funds for Mothers’ Union. This was again supported by members and friends from other branches. Smalley branch closed in December, and I attended their last meeting. We distributed Diocesan Member forms to members, and several have become Diocesan Members. Kirk Hallam and Stanley Common both expressed their willingness to welcome them to any of their meetings. One of the Smalley members lives in Spondon, and she has been welcomed there, and one has joined the Cathedral branch. We will certainly miss Jan Walker at our gatherings, but we all realize her health has to be her priority.

Our fungus walk in October had to be cancelled because of the adverse weather, which made the area quite inaccessible. Some of us were very disappointed. It is a shame when something like this is so dependent on our very British weather.

Stanley Common branch held their usual Carol service in December, and I was sorry to miss it, but I was in Scotland. I did manage to organize an organist for it. Sometimes it helps when you know people.

Our branch at Swanwick is now meeting as a monthly fellowship group, and Wendy Fitch has managed to share a meeting with them, and updated them on what is happening in the Diocese.

Planning is in hand for the 2024 Diocesan Festival, which is to be held in Kirk Hallam in July. The preacher will be Father Julius, the curate at Kirk Hallam. He is a wonderful preacher, a real character, and tells wonderful stories of his mother, who is a Mothers’ Union member in Nigeria.

Beryl Murdy

Deanery President, SE Derbyshire Deanery

Diocesan Members

There were over 60 Diocesan Members in the diocese in 2023, including five male members, two Diocesan Trustees, and five holding MU Diocesan office. Five were ordained, including several senior members of the clergy. Most of the new Diocesan Members are from branches that have sadly closed. A number of the Diocesan Members are also members of the IMPC, and some attend occasional branch meetings in their local areas.

I kept in contact with the majority of the Diocesan Members by email; each week sending the link for online Midday Prayers, and a number of the DMs regularly join with the Prayers online. The monthly Newsletter was sent online too. For those members not online - I wrote to on a few occasions, and for those who requested it sent the Newsletter by post.

Members are invited to (and many attend) both Diocesan and Deanery events. They were also well represented at the service for the 16 Days of Activism, and two attended the MU National Gathering in York.

Madelaine Goddard

Diocesan Members Representative

Indoor Members

During 2023 the numbers of Indoor Members varied, but at the end of the year there were 27 members. Everyone received a birthday card, a Mothering Sunday card, an Easter card, and a Christmas card, as well as a letter from the Diocesan President, Emily Brailsford, and me. I received thanks from one or two members, which are always nice to have.

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Postage has risen again, also the cost of cards, so donations from the branches are always welcome and I would like to thank everyone for those. Thank you too to Emily, and Edward and Alison Orchard, who stepped in when I recently broke my arm and could not write.

Ruth Breedon

Indoor Members Representative

Hulland Hippos Baby & Toddler Group

Hognaston & Hulland branch have continued to run Hulland Hippos Baby & Toddler group every Wednesday morning at the village hall.

Our Families

In 2023 we had an average of 19 families and 26 children attending each session and about 50 children registered. New families continue to replace leaving families and come from local towns, villages, hamlets, and farms.

Our Team

Seven MU members are still on the Hippo team of eight volunteers and we are regularly helped by Revd Lisa, our curate. Our husbands give invaluable assistance with setting up and putting away equipment. Seven of the team completed Awareness of Domestic Abuse training in March and the two members who needed Safeguarding Basic training have completed that.

Our Special Occasions

We have had well-attended Easter, Harvest and Christmas services in church led by our clergy, Phil and Lisa. We were delighted that Beryl Murdy came to our Harvest session bringing cards and diaries too.

Our Fund-raising

During our session on Mary Sumner day we held a raffle which raised £37.50 for the MU Summer of Hope appeal and our Pudsey Bear morning raised £412.45 for Children in Need.

Penny Northall

Hognaston & Hulland Branch

Away From It All

The Away From It All outings for 2023 were not as many, although they benefitted 136 adults and children.

We paid £500.00 towards giving eight parents and children a caravan holiday in Skegness. In August we paid for a coach to take 49 parents and children to Llandudno for the day, and I received a couple of photos of some of the children playing and laughing on the beach. Again in August we paid for a family of mum and two children to go to Alton Towers, and again I received a photo of two very happy children.

In December we paid for 50 parents and children to go to the Pantomime Cinderella in Buxton, and I was told that it was wonderful to hear the children shouting and laughing as they had a wonderful time.

Also in December we paid for 27 women and children to go to a Pantomime in Chesterfield and for taxis to get them there. Again they all had a wonderful time.

The pantomime trips were taken by the Buxton and Chesterfield Refuges and many of them had never seen a pantomime before.

It is all due to Mothers’ Union members that we can give such joy to so many parents and children, so may I thank you all for the fundraising you do.

Sandra Westerman

AFIA Representative

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2023

Foston Hall Women’s Prison

I would like to start by thanking branches and individuals who give to the Foston Prison fund. I would especially like to thank everyone who wrapped the presents for HM Foston Hall Women's Prison. This is something we as MU Derby Diocese would not be able to do if it wasn't for help wrapping presents. What we do is very valued in the prison system, and I recently received an email from Anne Halliday, the Managing Chaplain at Foston, to say how much the prisoners had appreciated the colouring books.

I also want to thank Beryl Murdy, who for quite some time now has been our contact with Foston Hall and established really strong links there. I have now taken over the baton from Beryl, and will be continuing and developing the work we have been doing in Foston Hall. After a visit before Christmas, to drop off the presents and cards, the chaplain Anne mentioned that there were other things she would like us to get involved in if we felt we could. I have been invited to do a talk with the ladies at Foston Hall about my journey with faith after spending time in the care system and various other bits of life journey.

I am very excited about this and am looking forward to becoming more involved in the MU Prisons Community of Interest group.

Nicole Ball Trustee

Literature

Sales were again excellent in 2023. Thank you to everyone who ordered directly and remembered to put the Diocese name in the Diocese box on the online order form. I think the catalogues for Christmas and Easter both showed a good selection of cards.

I am quite happy to bring stock to any gathering, Deanery event or branch meeting if you invite me. I have regular commitments on the second Monday each month, and on the first and third Wednesdays, so these are difficult for me.

We again received a rebate on our sales from MU enterprises, which helps our finances. Thank you everyone.

Beryl Murdy Literature Representative

Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking

The year 2023 was both a quiet year and a hectic year. Things suddenly come to the fore, in the most unexpected ways. I hope that most of you will know about County Lines and its modern Slavery context. It is not a pleasant subject, so it is a difficult and sometimes upsetting talk I have to give to branches. However, I know that those who have heard the talk appreciated it. I am always willing to speak to any group, branch, or individuals.

Revd Alan Fitch

Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Officer

IT Support

Mary Sumner House is continuing to develop plans to introduce a new CRM system and membership database. As a member of the Mary Sumner House “Member Directory and Database” Community of Interest (COI), I am kept up to date with progress, and have contributed ideas and suggestions. It is planned that the new system will be rolled out during 2024.

Edward Orchard

IT Support Officer

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MOTHERS, UNION DERBY DIOCESE {Registerd Charity Number 242671) Consolidated Accounts for ear 2023 INCOME Diocesan Accounts General AFIA Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve 16,864.99 2,440.75 190.00 655.60 29.59 Branch / Deanery TOTAL RECEIPTS EXPENDITURE 13,549.36 33,730.29 Diocesan Accounts General 15,962.39 1,900.00 115.70 0.00 0.00 AFIA Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve Other Accounts Branch'/ Deanery TOTAL EXPENDITURE 14,395.15 32,373.24 MONETARY ASSETS General AFIA 9,589.06 5,128.34 319.19 21,111.76 3,997.91 5,286.35 .Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve Branch / Deanery Total 45,432.61 OTHER ASSETS Literature stock at 31112/23 Literature Cash in hand 472.25 30.72 LIABILITI ES Subscriptions collected for 2024 41 x £24 per member to Centres 984.00 This report has been prepared by the Diocesan Treasurer Janet Bradshaw Signed Date:11/7/2024

1S'DE-EN'DE,NT EXAI¥IINERS REPORT TO TUE hlOTIIERS L'IIOI), DERBY DIOCESE FOR THE YEAR EP4DED ON 31- DECEMBER 2023 Respectii'e re4pon$ibilitie5 of trnstees and cxaminer Thc Mother's Union lrnslees are responsible for thc preparation of the accounts. The trustee consider Iliat an audit is not rcquircd for tliis year (wider section 144j2) of tli¢ Charities Act 2011 (thc 21111 ki wid that an Mthp¢ith-FTrt ¢XaS11iiiatitNI is FKeded. M), responsibdiLi¢s a￿ to: Exarninc thc ￿CountS under sectson 145 of the Charities Act To follow thc proccdures laid down in the General Directions givcn by thc Charity Commission llnder section 145(5)b of the Charities Act and To stat¢ whether particular mattcrs ￿￿,¢ come to mv attelltion. li Ji Basis of Independent Examiner's Rq)ort My examitlation was carricd out in accordance with the procedures laid in thc gcncral dircctions given b), the Charity: Commission. An cxamination includcs a rei'iew of the accounting records kepl bN; thc Church and a comparison of th¢ accounts pr¢sentcd with thosc records. It also includes a consideration of anN' unusual items or disclosures ift the accounts. and sccking cxplanations from the li Irusiees concerning any such matters. Thc proccdures undertak'en do noi pro￿.Ide all the eN'idenee Ihat "wtmld bE ￿q￿llEd tn iuditiffd optttith fi gtfr¢n as to l!eth¢r the- xLx)unts presenl a truc and fair vicw" and the report is limited to those m atters set out in thc statcmcnt below. Independent Examiners Statement In COnn￿li0n W'ith my examination, no mattcr has comc to my attention ￿'hICh give me cause lo bclicvc that in any material respeci: 11 The aLYountin8 records ￿'ere not in accordancc with scction 130 of th¢ Charities Act or: i ll¢ aid Iiyl d￿rd widi di¢ ￿U￿tIng rewtds 01. The accounts did not complv with the applicable requirements Con￿rning th¢ forni and cont¢nt of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Rcports) Rcgulation 2008 other than any quirement thal thc accounts gli¢ a 'lrue and fair" view which is not a matt£r cons1dc￿d as part of an independenl examination. ,I havc come across no other matters iti connection with thc ¢xamination to }￿h1¢h tenlion should be dra￿ll Iti tsii) I"¢wI'I ii) oiQer 10 ￿lable a pr¥)per undersld5idiii¥ Oi 'uiF lo be reaEqied. Narne of Examiner * 4AJJa C N/- Address of e.xan]incr L 1 4 tsorf14&6 Tel¢phone Number of Examiner 0.17￿ % 113 lt Da...2.1,3, lt............................. Page1of2