2024-12-31-accounts

Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union Annual Report 2024

Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

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 ............................................................................................. 5 Diocesan Members ............................................................................................................... 6 Indoor Members .................................................................................................................... 6 Literature ............................................................................................................................... 6 Away From It All .................................................................................................................... 7 Hulland Hippos Baby and Toddler Group .............................................................................. 7 Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking ...................................................................................... 8 Diocesan Projects ................................................................................................................. 8 Prison Work ....................................................................................................................... 8 Period poverty ................................................................................................................... 8 Helpful Books .................................................................................................................... 8 IT Support ............................................................................................................................. 8

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

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: Revd Eleanor Berry Wendy Fitch Alison Orchard Sheila Randall Trustees: Nicole Ball Carol Johnston Christine McMullen Beryl Murdy Sheila Porter Denise Tomlinson Tricia Walton (co-opted) Diocesan Chaplain: Revd Michael Futers Diocesan Treasurer: Janet Bradshaw Bank: NatWest Examiner: Lynda Millthorpe

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

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]

Safeguarding Annual Report

During 2024 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. There were no safeguarding issues raised during 2024.

Deena Patel has been appointed Mothers’ Union Safeguarding and Procedures Lead for Britain and Ireland. The Mothers’ Union Britain Safeguarding Policy and Procedures can be found on the Mothers’ Union website:

https://www.mothersunion.org/safeguarding Carol Johnston Diocesan Safeguarding Link

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

Diocesan President’s Report

Firstly, thank you for putting your trust in me to serve you for another Triennium. Although it has been three years, I only just feel like I am getting started. For this Triennium I have firmed up our Diocesan Plan, which has been shown to Bishop Libby and aligns with her Diocesan Plan. The thought behind this is to show clergy that we in Mothers’ Union are working towards the same goals that they are, and that having an MU group or branch is beneficial to the work they do in their community.

As always, finding new members is a challenge, but we hope that the 'Roadshow', which is planned to travel the county from September 2025 to August 2026, will encourage new members to join. As next year is the 150[th] Anniversary of Mothers' Union there is lots planned. Dean Peter Robinson, at Derby Cathedral, has allowed us to have the Sunday morning Eucharist on 9[th] August 2026 to celebrate this fantastic day. Please do put the date in your next year’s diary, as it would be great if we could have as many members as possible there, ideally with banners.

Also as part of the celebrations, Mary Sumner House is encouraging us to have a picnic during the month of June 2026 and also a Sunday 'take over' of your church, where you are encouraged to work with your priests to hold a celebration service for Mothers’ Union on a Sunday morning. Please do let me know if you need any help or support to do this. It would be great if we could all take part in these events next year.

I would like to say thank you to my Vice Presidents, Trustees and Officers for the support they have given me over the last Triennium, and hopefully will continue to do so over the next Triennium. I know it’s a cliché, but I really couldn't do it without them.

Emily Brailsford Diocesan President, Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Diocesan Chaplain’s Report

Just over eight years ago I was asked if I would like to take on the role of Diocesan Chaplain and my first question was, ‘What does that involve?’ The answer then was that I could make and do as much or as little as I wanted!

So, I was duly Commissioned into the role by Bishop Alistair, and given the beautiful white stole that I have tried to wear to as many services as possible so that all members of the Mothers’ Union could see it.

I have really enjoyed the past eight years putting together services such as the Diocesan Festival, the City Deanery Festival, the Commissioning Service, and many others. I was also privileged to put together the services in the Cathedral for the 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence that we hold every year, but mainly I think I enjoyed meeting so many new people who were members of the MU across the Diocese. So many interesting tales that they all could tell and what a lot of good work you lovely people do to help those in need.

Finally, what I enjoyed most of all was taking part in Midday Prayers. Originally, we used to meet each Friday in the Cathedral but during COVID we moved over to Zoom and we have remained there as so many more people can meet especially those from the north of the county.

There is so much more I could write about but time and space does not allow. I would like to say it has been my pleasure and privilege to be your Diocesan Chaplain and I was pleased to hand over the stole to Revd Michael Futers at his Commissioning service in early 2025. I am sure he will be a great Chaplain. I haven’t got off scot free, however, as I have now been elected as a Diocesan Vice President and will do my best to serve you and the Mothers’ Union to the best of my ability.

Revd Eleanor Berry Diocesan Vice-President

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

Annual Administrative Report

There were 305 members in the diocese at the start of 2024 (plus a number of nonsubscription paying IMPC members).

There were six Trustee meetings during the year via Zoom in alternate months starting in January. The AGM and Council meeting was held in May 2024, with a further online Council meeting held in November 2024.

The Diocesan Newsletter , which was launched in March 2023, has continued to be produced and circulated to members on a regular basis.

Alison and Edward Orchard

Derby City and Mercia Deanery Report

Derby City and Mercia Deanery consisted of five branches and a number Diocesan Members in 2024.

The Deanery Festival was held on a beautiful afternoon in May in Melbourne Parish Church, and was hosted by the branch there, which was celebrating its centenary. The celebrant was our Diocesan and Deanery Chaplain, Revd Eleanor Berry, and the preacher was the Bishop of Repton – who is also a Diocesan Member. It was good to see some of the Diocesan Members at the Deanery Festival, as well as Vice Presidents Wendy Fitch and Alison Orchard (who is also our Deanery Secretary).

Members also attended the Mary Sumner Day service in the Cathedral, and took part in the service for the Sixteen Days of Activism in November. A number in the deanery are regularly present online at Midday Prayers on Fridays.

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, the Summer of Hope Appeal, and other Mothers’ Union charities.

Madelaine Goddard

Deanery President, Derby City and Mercia Deanery

SE Derbyshire Deanery Report

We had an exciting time in 2024 hosting the Diocesan Festival, which was a well-attended event, and enjoyed by everyone who attended. Most of us had met Father Julius before, and he gave us a good sermon with lots to think about.

Some of the old Smalley branch members have joined Spondon branch, two of them have joined Stanley Common branch, and another is now a member at the Cathedral branch. This is good, as it means they are still in touch with what is happening around the diocese.

We had a picnic and Midday Prayers in Shipley Park, when Emily and her mum and daughter joined us. This was not a fund-raiser, but just a chance to get together, which was enjoyed by all.

Because of various illnesses and family problems, we still have not sorted out what we are going to do this summer, but we will be doing something.

Kirk Hallam admitted five new members before Christmas, and Stanley Common admitted a new member in March, so we are hopeful that our numbers will be fairly healthy again this year.

Beryl Murdy

Deanery President, SE Derbyshire Deanery

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

Diocesan Members

In 2024 there are over 60 Diocesan Members in the diocese, including four male members, several Diocesan Trustees, and five holding MU Diocesan office. Four were ordained, including several senior members of the clergy. Many 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 occasional attend branch meetings in their local areas.

Diocesan Members are invited to (and many attend) both Diocesan and Deanery events. It was good to see some at the Diocesan Festival in Kirk Hallam, and at the Deanery Festivals, Mary Sumner Day service in the Cathedral, and the service for 16 Days of Activism against gender based violence.

I keep 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 diocesan Newsletter is sent online too. During the year I wrote to those not online several times, and for those who requested it sent the Newsletter by post. It is lovely to receive news from these members, and hearing how much they value being kept in touch with what is happening in MU now they are no longer able to go to meetings.

Sadly in the summer one of our Diocesan Members died – Jan Walker – who had been a faithful Mothers’ Union member (Deanery President, Speaker and leader of Smalley branch until its closure) for many years – the number of members who attended her funeral testified to her long commitment.

May she rest in peace.

Madelaine Goddard Diocesan Members Representative

Indoor Members

During 2024 the numbers of Indoor Members varied, but at the end of the year there were 23 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.

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 Edward and Alison Orchard, for keeping track of Indoor Members contact details and mailing preferences.

Ruth Breedon Indoor Members Representative

Literature

The new catalogues last year both were well received. I am pleased to say that my sales were good, and I still managed to get orders from several branches which are now closed. It is good to know that people who were members or are now Diocesan Members still look for ways to support Mothers' Union.

Thank you to those branches and members who have ordered direct from MSH. Please make sure that you put Derby Diocese in the space at the bottom of your order, as then we gain the rebate which enables us to support some of our charitable work.

Please remember that I always have some stock at home, and that I am quite happy to come to any meeting or fund-raising event subject to me being available.

Thank you to everyone who has ordered or bought cards, etc. from me or directly from MSH. Beryl Murdy

Literature Representative

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

Away From It All

Sandra Westerman decided to step down as our AFIA representative at the end of 2024. We thank her for her dedication to Mothers' Union and the AFIA programme. Tricia Walton has taken over as the AFIA rep. She has completed her AFIA safeguarding training, and is working to increase the number of referrals we receive by building on Sandra's work, and publicising the scheme even more widely. With more referrals comes more spending, so we do ask that you continue to raise money for AFIA, so we can continue to be able to deliver the amazing support that we do.

Last December we sent the residents of a women’s refuge in Derbyshire and their children for Christmas dinner. We were also able to send a family to the seaside.

AFIA enabled a grandmother to take her two grandchildren, who had recently lost their mother, to the seaside. The grandmother said, 'I would just like to say how very thankful I am to you all for the holiday you granted for us and my two young granddaughters last summer. Their mummy passed away suddenly in May of last year, and the girls now are in my care.

‘My youngest granddaughter didn't know anything about the holiday until we got there, she thought we were going on a day trip. Her reaction was pure joy and that's down to you and your team. We all had a wonderful time where wonderful happy memories were made, you made two young girls happy among such really sad times.

‘Once again from the bottom of my heart thank you so, so, much.'

Tricia Walton AFIA Representative

Hulland Hippos Baby and Toddler Group

Hognaston & Hulland Branch have continued to run Hulland Hippos Baby & Toddler group on Wednesday mornings at the village hall.

Our Families

In 2024 we had 48 sessions with an average of 21 families and 27 children attending each and about 50 children registered. New families continued 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 nine volunteers and we have also had regular help from Revd Lisa, our curate. All the team have up-to-date DBSs and Foundation Safeguarding training.

This year we benefitted from Lisa encouraging ‘thank you prayers’ from the children at Hippo time. Another new initiative has been volunteers from Derbyshire’s Breastfeeding Network offering support with infant feeding once a month.

Our Special Occasions

We had well-attended Easter, Harvest and Christmas services in church led by our clergy, Revds Phil and Lisa.

Shrovetide Pancakes, Celebration of Mothers and Carers and Pudsey Bear were our other special mornings.

Our Charitable Giving

Our Pudsey Bear morning raised £355 for Children in Need.

We donated £60 to MU’s Make a Mothers’ Day appeal.

We are grateful for another year of happy Hippo sessions with everyone remaining safe. Penny Northall(Hippos Team Leader) Hognaston and Hulland Branch

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Diocese of Derby Mothers’ Union

Annual Report 2024

Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking

During 2024 I have spoken to four branches on the subject of Modern Slavery, Trafficking and County Lines. Currently there is some work being achieved locally, but by necessity this is confidential at the moment.

Revd Alan Fitch

Modern Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Officer

Diocesan Projects

Prison Work

I have been working with both Sudbury and Foston Prisons to try and establish how Mothers' Union can support the work they do. At Christmas we donated a small gift to all of the women at Foston, and along with PACT we donated a bar of chocolate to the wives/partners of 60 prisoners from Sudbury. There is lots of potential for developing the work we do within prisons, however we need volunteers. This might be a good talking point for potential new members, letting them know about the work we do in prisons, and how they can be involved. We still need donations to the Prison fund to ensure we have enough for Christmas presents again this year.

Period poverty

We donate sanitary products to the Cathedral School for them to give to pupils during the holidays. The school is extremely grateful for our support.

Helpful Books

Last year we sent out seven Junior and seven Infant school packs of Helpful Books for Children . This year I asked the Diocesan Board of Education to put our offer of books in the diocesan newsletter. As a result of this we have been inundated with requests. Therefore, please do consider donating to this project.

Emily Brailsford Projects Co-ordinator

IT Support

The roll out of the Mary Sumner House’s new CRM system and membership database was delayed, with a revised planned launch for early 2025. 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 and initial testing of the system. My initial thoughts on the new system are positive.

Edward Orchard

IT Support Officer

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MOTHERS, UNION DERBY DIOCESE (Registered Charity Number 242671) Consolidated Accounts for ear 2024 INCOME Diocesan Accounts Current Account AFIA Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve 14,819.18 1,580.00 338.00 1,120.56 57.99 Branch / Deanery TOTAL RECEIPTS 9,975.84 27,891.57 EXPENDITURE Diocesan Accounts Current Account 14,108.11 1,456.35 114.80 0.00 0.00 AFIA Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve Other Accounts Branch / Deanery TOTAL EXPENDITURE 10,178.43 25,857.69 MONETARY ASSETS General AFIA 10,300.13 5,251.99 542.39 22,232.32 4,055.90 3,794.46 Indoor Members CBF Deposit Bonds Business Reserve Branch / Deanery Total 46,177.19 OTHER ASSETS Literature stock at 31/12/24 Cash in hand 405.25 16.83 LIABILITIES Subscriptions collected for 2025 20 x £30 per member to Centre 600.00 This report has been prepared by the Diocesan Treasurer Janet Bradshaw 30/6/2025 Signature

INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE MOTHERS UNION DERBY DIOCESE FOR THE YEAR ENDED ON 31" DECEMBER 2024 Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The Motherfs Union trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The 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: My responsibilities are to: Examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act To follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)b of the Charities Act and To state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent Examinerfs Report My examination was carried out in accordance with the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the MU and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes a consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from the 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. Independent Examiners Statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which give me cause to believe that in any material respect: The accounting records were not in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act or: The accounts did not accord with the accounting records or: The accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulation 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a "true and fairf, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Name of Examiner Address of examiner Telephone Number of Examiner Signed_. FI CLA a_ £iLtb Date..-..-..-..-.-.... . 6,.3:.36.......................