CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ELAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Sectioii A Iiidependent Exami ner s Report Report to thè trust•e8 On accounts for tho year •ndod 2025 Charity no (If any) 251394 Set out on page• I reF<rft to the trust my exanination of the accounts of the above charityllhe Trust") for the year ended Responsibilities and ba$1• of report accounts in accOrdae with the requirements of the Ch¥ies Act 2011 I report in respwA of ry examinatKin of Trusfs accounls carried out under seclbn 145 of the 2011 kl in carying out my examination. I have followed all the aPple Directions given ty the Charty Commlsslon under 8e(lion 145(5Xb) of the kl. Ind•p•nd•nt tThe chwlty's w inc¢Jm exce&Jed £250.IX)O atKI l am qualffd to oxamlnofs •tstoment undertake the examinatkm by be9 8 qU811f member of Ilnsert name of applKable IBled Debte [ l rfnd applrablè. I have crjnpleted my examinat¥. I confinn that no material matters havè come lo my attention in c(M)neciK)n wrth the exarninatn {other than that disch)wl bel(M ') which gNes me cause to belve that in, any matenal the aCcCffl records pre n( kept in o(xordan¢e with 58clon 130 of the Charilies kt, the acc(xmts did accord with accounttng Tecotrls, or the acCIt3 dKI Th)t c(p1 ith the applic8b requiremar concernkng Ihe and content of acccKrts set cmrt in the Charitiès {Accounts and ReFytsI RegulatN)ns 2008 other than any requlremént that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which 15 not a matter consKlered as part ol an independent examination. I have no Conc and have come 5$ no other matters in connection with Ihe examinalion to whrh attention should be drawn in this reFKKt in order lo enable a woper understanding of the accounts to be r&%hed. . FYe8se delete th6 words trkets rfthey do not 8ppIy. 8lgn•d: 10 April 2026 Namè: Piers Coutts Rol•vant wofe*sional qualrflcationl8) or body IER Oct 2018
(If any): Addros: 74 Baton Ro&1 Carnbrtyhts CB7 4HZ Sectioi) B Disclosiire Onty complete if the examiner needs to huhlight malerial matters of concern (see CC32. lTrjedenI ex11140 of charty *Cn.. direth'ons and guKlance for examiners). Give hore brief details ol any ltsms that the axamlner wish08 tr1 disclose. IER Oct 2018
ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION Page1 Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 RECEIPTS Funds Funds Totals 2025 2025 2025 2024 For Mary Sumner House Subscriptions Wodd Wide Fund Speaal Relief Fund Britain & Ireland Fund Gifts of Support Make a Molhers. day Summer of Hope Appeal Xmas Appeal 11,299 1,401 100 129 302 282 2,495 190 16,198 11.299 1,401 100 129 302 282 2,495 190 16.198 11374 959 114 257 210 1789 1000 15.703 Dloca•an Ganeral Funds Diocesan Fund contributbons Profit Related Grant Conferenc88 Sundry Receipts 160 409 160 409 242 388 5,035 753 753 5,946 InYo•tm•nt In¢om• CBF Deposit Fund CBF Investmenl Fund 502 925 1,427 502 925 1,427 514 1,417 MU• Sales Mue 70072- H Williams Mue 96827- L Elson 1,513 450 1,963 1,513 450 1,644 2,014 Unlt8 (see page 3 for more dèt8il) Faith in Action Communications Flnance & Administration Praying Our Failh 7,180 7.180 5,796 530 2.141 1.180 1,180 1,180 7.180 8,360 8,467 Total rnc•ipts 5,323 23.378 28,701 33.546 Total payments (from page 2) 27.639 33.005 34.152 Deficit of receipts over payments 4.260 4,304 -606 Reduction in value of Inveslments -1.330 -1.330 745 Net movemènt on funds -1,374 4.260 -5,634
ELY DIDCE5AN PaOTHERS UNION Page2 Recgipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 PAYMENTS Restricted Funds Funds Totals 2025 2025 2025 2024 Mary Sumner Hou8e Subscriptions Worfd Wid8 Fund Special Relief Fund Britain & IrelaTrJ Dev. Fund General Fund Christmas Appeal Make a Mothers. day Summer of Hope Appeal 11.323 1.401 loo 129 190 302 382 2,495 16,322 11,323 1.401 100 129 190 302 382 2.495 16,322 Admlnhtratlon General Office Expenses President's Expenses VP & Generdl Trust88 Expenses Finance Administrator Trainlng & Oevelopment 79 79 50 129 129 Dloca•An Genoral Funds Conferences Donations BWHICathedraVchurches Leaving Gift8 856 400 431 400 431 1.687 1,687 Muo purcha Mue 70072 Mue 96827 1,194 428 1.622 1,194 428 1,822 Fath in Actlon Communications Finance & Administrati Praying Our Faith Grants 543 477 9,418 9,959 477 62 62 1.900 13.245 1,900 11.316 1,929 Total payments 5,366 27,639 33,005 34,152
ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Detailed Analysis of Task Groups Rocoipts Unrestiict6d Restiicted Funds Funds Page3 Pa)Tnents Unrest17Cted Restricled Funds Funds 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 2024 Faith in A¢tlon Projects Away Frcm It All Holidays Projects Away From It All .1 Holidays World Wide Links Unit expenses 543 7,180 9,416 7,180 £ 796 543 9,416 1,683 Comrnunic•tion• Dl¢xe8an Members Events Diocesan J i,J Members Events Diocesan Members Mailings Banners Banner Exhtbition Unit exp8nses Projects 477 477 Flnane• & Admlnl•tration Gift Aid 1,180 Insurance Annual Reports & Accounts Unit Expense8 480 Closed Branches 211 156 1,180 Praying our Faith Projects& Quiet Days Projects Projects & Qui8t Days Indr Members Unit Expenses 60 62 Grants & tbnation8 Diocesan Development Fund Susan Baker Fund General Fund Develownent Fund Susan Baker Fund General Fund 1,900 1,900
ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNIDN BALANCE SHEET at 31 DECEMBER 2025 Page 4 2024 2026 Invgsbnonls CBF Investment Fund shares 33,275 31,945 33,275 31,945 Cash al bank & In hand Lloyds 8ankCurrent Account C8F Deposit Account 8.771 10.919 12.346 19,690 15,386 52.965 47,331 R•prn1•a by: Closing CkJ&ng Openlng R8cWs Payments Adjust balance balan6 ba18nce Y88r in Year ments unrnstnct8d r8s1iicled Closing b81ance lotal Trust8e5 general fund 32.688 5.323 470 32.154 32.154 Re8trlcted Funds.. Mary Eumner House AFIA Holiday Schome 125 16.193 16.322 10196 7.180 9,416 7960 (Retsined ftsr 3 ye¥r¥l Susan Baker Memorial Fund 9117 7217 20,297 23.378 27.639 15177 15,177 52,965 28,701 -1330 15177 47.331
ELY DIDCESAN MOTHERS. UNION Deaneries & Branches Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 Number of branches Jan 2025= 21 Number of branch retums = 19 / = 90. Page 5 Balance thvd Balance bfwd Receipts Payments Branch Cambridge South Deanery Grantchester Prayer group Trumplngton Fordham & Quy Deanery AnElesey Burwell Granta Deanery Balsham Linton Sawston Stapleford Shlngay Deanery Shlngay Deanery Ely Deanery Cathedral Branch Ely St Mary's Haddenham Littleport Huntin8don Deanery Brampton St Ives All Saints St Neot5 March Deanery Chatteris A4ar£h St Peters March Ever7ing Group No Bank Account 680.81 673.28 1010.23 343.86 312.57 1056.12 182.88 661.50 1037.00 331.69 661.50 182.88 361.12 250.00 327.12 1136.40 356.35 732.08 324.62 729.24 399.98 1105.78 357.74 814.50 273.93 887.50 166.36 211.14 452.96 539.00 891.00 100.96 412.23 2777.35 885.52 1391.69 261.43 314.50 757.44 1427.34 2691.55 498.03 1468.50 808.71 438.97 136.96 1546.43 638.35 678.22 3525.75 844.70 3210.15 781.75 1404.45 3333.07 870,90 3240.00 814.85 1598.90 587.30 0.00 161.96 557.89 574.38 145.47 Wisbech Yaxley Deanery Farcet & Stanground Yaxloy 80.50 1093.10 1027.99 145.61 376.65 1135.45 84.33 1768.16 1183.55 1735.68 328.55 Totals less transactions to Diocese Net Receipts and payments 8323.16 24383.45 18992.59 8323.16 5390.86 25646.51 7060.10 18992.59 6653.92 7060.10
ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS UNION Page 6 Receipts and Payments Account for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 2024 2025 Investments 33,275 31.945 33,275 31,945 Cash at bank & In hand Lloyds Bank current alc CBF Deposit Account Funds held by Deaneries & Branches 8,771 10,919 3,040 12.348 8.323 7.060 28.014 22.446 61,289 54,391 aosing balanGe Closing Opening Receipts Payments Adjust unrestric balance balance in Year in Year ments ted restricted Closing balance total Unrostrlctsd Funds: Trusteos general fund Re8trlcted Funds Mary Sumner House AFIA Holiday Scherne Closed Branches (Retsined for 3 years) Susan Baker Memorlal Fund 32,668 5.323 5,366 470 32,154 32,154 125 10.196 16,198 7,180 16.322 9,416 7960 9,117 7217 20,297 23.378 27,639 460 15177 15,177 Deaneries & Branches 8,323 5.391 6,654 7,060 Gl289 'The Deaneries and Branches pAYntS & receipts are net of transactions with the Diocesè. See Page 7 Notes to the Accounts, point7.
Page 7 ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS. UNION Notes to the Accounts 1. These accounts have been prepared on the basis ol histonc cost (eXpI.that investments a shown at market value) in accordan with accounting starKlards and the Charities Act 2011 2. The accounting 18 on a Receipts and Payments basis. 3. Any tunds remaining after a branch dosure are retained for 3 years as res'tricted Tunds and then included in the Diocesan fund (COrtitUtion 22). £859.98 was transferred this year. 5. 1439.06 CBF Investmert Fund Sha hthl on 31st f)eCern 2025, (1439.06 at 31st December 2024), which are shown at market value at 31 st Dember 2025. In accordance The level of reserves and the Investrnent policy are Tevtffived annually by the Board of TpJstees to ensure they co¥er the foA¥ard Canimit of the Soaety. During the year Unrestricted Reserves decreased from £32668 to £32154. Trustees have budgeted in 2026 for £10.000 to be given in grants from unrestTiCted reserv8s, £3,0(X) in grants from Th8 Susan Baker Memorial Fund. and are actively seeking applications for suitable projects from Churches within the Ely Diocese. 6. Mothers Union Enterprises Ltd siocks. are acxounted for at the point of purcha and sale, (Mue receipts and payments). refOre no stock values are recorded in these accounts. 7. The accounts inGlude a statement {page5) relats.ng to the 19 1)eaneries and Branches have completed and submitted a valid 'Receipts and Payments. sumrnary for the year endlng 31 st December 2025. It is noted that balanS brought forward by 2 branches from 2024 differ by £125.50 to those dedared as erKI of year balances for those branches in the 2024 account5. The Deaneries and Branches slatemenl lomis the basis OT the consolidation of these figures into the main accounts, as shown on page 6. The Receipts and Payment figures shown In the statement on page 6 are net of transactions bMth the Diocese to avoid double countlng. 8. Trustees expenses.. Trustees may daim out-of-pocket expenses although many do not. President and VI Presidents - £79 Trustees - £nil) 9. Adjustrnent to Trustees general n of -£470, (£470.28), due to decrease of £1330. {£1330.26) in the valuation of CBF Investrnenl at 31 December 2025. and transfer of £860 (£859.gB) Trom Ihe Closed Branches Fund. 10. There were 21 active branches in 2025. (2024 - 21). Subscripb'ons were rerEived from 485 rnembets {2024 - 494).
REPORT TO THE CHARITY COMMISSION
ANNUAL REVIEW 2025
Commissioning in March of VicePresidents and Chaplain, by Bishop Dagmar, Acting Bishop Of Ely
Worldwide President Kathleen Snow visited Ely in April, seen here in the centre, with Julia Jamieson, Zonal trustee and Comfort Fearon, Canterbury Province President
A damp windy day for the Silent Protest for 16 Days of Activism against Gender Violence in November
ELY DIOCESAN MOTHERS’ UNION
www.elydiocese.org/church-in-action/mothers-union
Charity Registration No. 251394
REPORT TO THE CHARITY COMMISSIONERS
ANNUAL REVIEW AND ACCOUNTS 2025
INTRODUCTION
Ely Diocesan Mothers’ Union is a registered charity (Charity Registration No. 251394) and is an affiliated diocesan organisation of The Mothers’ Union (Charity Registration No. 240531).
Vision
Our vision is a world where everyone prospers. We actively pursue this vision through prayer and action, helping to build confident people and resilient communities. Our movement seeks to bring about justice, challenge prejudice and advocate change.
Mission
We aim to show our Christian faith by helping the sustainable transformation of communities worldwide. We do this by helping to nurture strong relationships at all levels, promoting peace and reconciliation locally, nationally and globally.
We aim to:
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Encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children.
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Maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service.
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Promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children.
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Help those whose family life has met with adversity.
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Promote and support married life.
ORGANISATION
Ely Diocesan Mothers’ Union is managed by the Board of Trustee, with three Diocesan VicePresidents; as there is a vacancy for a President. The Board of Trustees is serviced by a voluntary non-voting Minutes Secretary . The Trustees when complete consist of at least six and not more than fourteen individuals, the majority of whom must be members. The Diocesan President will be nominated by the Trustees and approved by the Diocesan Bishop or if there is a vacancy in See, by the Suffragan Bishop. The other trustees can be nominated by any member. All trustees including the Diocesan President are elected by an electoral college of members comprising of one vote per member. Elections are held triennially.
The work of the Charity is organised in Task Groups each headed by a Leader who is a Trustee. The task groups are Praying our Faith, Faith in Action, Finance & Administration and Fundraising & Communication.
As an affiliated diocesan organisation of The Mothers’ Union, the work of the Charity follows the policies of the central organisation. There is close liaison between the central and diocesan units. The Central Mothers’ Union organises a training day for trustees at the start of each triennial and the diocese provides new trustees with a welcome pack detailing their responsibilities. In the diocese the work of the Charity is carried out by volunteers in parish and deanery based branches and by diocesan members. All trustees work from home; we have the use of the Diocesan Office for meetings. There is a voluntary Diocesan Secretary. Branches work closely with the local parish or deanery of the Church of England.
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T RUSTEES
2025
| Diocesan Vice-President Faith In Action Task Group | Hazel Williams MBE | (4) |
|---|---|---|
| Diocesan Vice-President Communications Task Group | Debbie Tye | (4) |
| Diocesan Vice-President Finance & Admin Task Group | Jean Webb | (4) |
| Branch Liaison Officer | Helen Banyard | (4) |
| Branch Liaison Officer | Maureen Haigh | (4) |
| Praying Our Faith Task Group Leader | Christine Holt | (3) |
| Trustee | Christine Mitchell | (3) |
The number of meetings attended in 2024 is shown in brackets after each name.
All trustees listed above, except Christine Holt, were serving as trustees on 5[th] March 2026.
Non-Voting members
The Revd Paula Spalding, Honorary Chaplain, attended 2 meetings at which she led the prayers. Honorary Treasurer Derek Tye attended meetings to report on the financial affairs. The Life Vice-Presidents, elected in June 2025, Jo Wibberley and Della Fletcher attended 1 meeting each.
The Diocesan Trustees met on four occasions to plan for, and review the work of the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese of Ely, in meeting our stated aims.
The Annual General Meeting was held at St Peter’s Church Hall, March in April and the Annual Report and accounts were circulated to members and accepted.
The Autumn Diocesan Day was held at Waterbeach Church Hall in October.
The on-going support of our acting Bishop, the Chapter of Ely Cathedral and other senior clergy has enabled us to maintain a high profile for the Mothers’ Union in the Diocese and one of the VicePresidents is an ex officio member of the Diocesan Synod. We continue to enjoy good working relationships with Diocesan staff and have been holding our meetings in the Diocesan Offices at Etheldreda House, Lancaster Way, Ely.
Members have continued to support Mothers’ Union initiatives in the diocese and worldwide.
The Trustees confirm that there were no serious incidents, or any other matter, which should have been brought to the attention of the Charity Commissioners. The Trustees have had regard to public benefit, as stated in the Charity Commissioners’ guidance.
This Report, Review and Account were approved by the Trustees on 31[st] March 2026 and will be presented to the society’s AGM on 15[th] April 2026.
Signed ……………………………………………………..
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T he work of our society is detailed in the four Task Groups:
PRAYING OUR FAITH
THURSDAY PRAYERS
Thursday Prayers are held monthly in Ely Cathedral and at All Saints Church, St. Ives. The cathedral service goes out on Zoom to members at home, and is recorded and made available on YouTube. The service is written and read by different members, and uses a common theme, prayers for special concerns and for Mothers’ Union members and work around the world.
QUIET DAYS
Mothers’ Union Quiet Days of prayer and meditation are usually held twice a year in varied locations, throughout the Ely Diocese. These provide members and friends with a quiet place to pray where they can be spiritually nourished.
CAMPAIGNS
We have publicized, and taken part in the UN 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and the MU Rise up Campaign against Domestic Abuse.
This annual UN international campaign starts on 25[th] November (International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women) until 10[th] December (International Day of Human Rights).
A display in the South Transept of Ely Cathedral for the duration of the Campaign was well received, with many people taking part in making a paper dove, It has been suggested that doves represent compassion and kindness to others during difficult transitions. The dove is therefore symbolic of our love and support for victims of domestic abuse.
On Saturday 29[th] November, a silent prayer Vigil was held in St Dunstan’s Chapel, close by the display. Members were able to read about types of violence, and how some sufferers were affected, and to pray for them.
A Silent Protest followed at the West Front of the Cathedral, where members were joined by The Bishop of Huntingdon; the Rt Revd Dagmar Winter, (Acting Bishop Of Ely). This action was part of a national campaign at 3 minutes past 1pm, to recognize the 1 in 3 women who experience gender-based abuse in their life time.
CLERGY LIAISON
Della Fletcher, Clergy Liaison Officer, used the Diocesan Mission and Ministry Team’s weekly newsletter to circulate to all clergy information on MU Mothering Sunday resources; and details of Ely Mothers’ Union involvement in November/December with the 16 days of Activism against Gender Violence.
MU notecards were sent, together with the MU leaflet “Who we are” to 13 priests and 6 deacons ordained at Petertide by the Bishop of Huntingdon, and one notecard and leaflet to a priest who was ordained separately by the Bishop of Ebbsfleet.
INDOOR MEMBERS (IMPC)
Joanna Sanders remains the contact between our Indoor Members and the Ely Diocese Mothers’ Union throughout the year. In 2025 each of the 10 members received a birthday card on the relevant date and they all received Easter and Christmas cards with a small gift – this year it was a 150[th] anniversary bookmark. Each August she writes to them as otherwise it is a long gap between Easter and Christmas. Last Christmas two members sent Joanna cards, which was lovely, and no cards were returned, so she believes all 10 members are still alive.
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PRAYING OUR FAITH cont’d
WORLDWIDE LINKS
Our Worldwide Officer is Irene Porter, Communications have been made to our worldwide links with Lusaka in Zambia, Shyogwe in Rwanda, Sokoto & Ikka in Nigeria and Karimnagar in India with forwarding our monthly Ely Mothers’ Union newsletter, via email. News and photos from our links are included in the newsletters and very often Lusaka will respond to these.
Easter and Christmas cards are posted to our links. Facebook is a good source of photos and information about our links, this is accessed regularly.
We have prayed for our worldwide links throughout the year, at meetings, during our Thursday prayers and our Wave of Prayer in December included prayers, information about our links and a word puzzle based on our link Dioceses.
There has been a worldwide link display at our spring and autumn Diocesan meetings, and summer Garden Party.
ELY DIOCESAN PRAYER DIARY
The diary offers members a focus for prayer for local projects and responsibilities, of our diocesan Mothers’ Union. This is revised annually, to keep all members aware of MU activities, and where prayer support is needed.
FAITH IN ACTION
During the year 2025 Members have continued to work towards supporting “those whose lives have met with Adversity” (our 4[th] MU objective), through our various projects.
Away From It All Holidays (AFIA) which started 65 years ago, continues to thrive in Ely Diocese. 10 family groups were able to have a holiday in a mobile home at Hunstanton. The children all receive pocket money and funds were provided for each family to help fund food or petrol. Many branches are very generous raising funds throughout the year. One mother wrote:
There really aren’t enough words to say to you but we are so grateful for everything you have done for us. After having such a bad time, this break was really needed, just getting us away from the area was huge.
We made the best memories together. The children had the opportunity to just be children again without the worries of everyday life, for me seeing them laughing again really has made me feel complete again. Thank you so much for doing this for us, your kindness will be forever remembered.
PRISONS
There have been 3 successful Relationship Courses at Littlehey Prison this year and a waiting list for next year. More than 150 filled stockings were taken into the Visitors Centre at Whitemoor Prison for families of inmates at Christmas as well as a similar number of knitted chicks and chocolate eggs at Easter.
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FAITH IN ACTION cont’d
LOCAL PROJECTS
We attended Gransden Show, with a baby tent which is always busy, providing a private space for parents to feed young children and change nappies or just have a short rest with a few toys for the children to enjoy. We received from them a donation of £325 towards our work.
We have sent a total of 2,339 items to hostels, refuges, baby banks, a women’s night shelter, hospitals and Mary’s Child Charity, in the north-west of our Diocese supporting families and the homeless. This isn't absolutely accurate as many things, like the welcome bags and washing up bowls contain multiple items. We receive many items to pass on including toiletries, many knitted goods, kitchen equipment, baby clothes and household cleaning products as well as chocolates and tins of biscuits.
Over the Christmas period all refuges and hostels for young people received shopping vouchers to be given to those living there so that they could choose what they bought over the festive period.
The Manager from one of the hostels wrote -
“The House has been most grateful for the welcome bags of toiletries, but the greater need now is for Home Starter kits. What the residents struggle with, and do not always prioritise, are cleaning products and home items that prevent their rooms becoming messy and unclean. This then leads to
issues with their terms and conditions here and will likely be an issue going forward in their tenancies when they move on”.
Initially, 4 Home Starter Kits were put together, containing: a roll top bin, washing up bowl, dustpan and brush, 2 tea towels, washing up liquid, cream cleaner, all-purpose cloths, tie handle bin liners, microfibre cloths, sponge scourers and antibac spray.
This will now be an ongoing project.
We have continued to support Mission Aviation Fellowship with postcards and Marie Curie Cancer Care and St. John’s Hospice with used postage stamps, to help their fundraising.
FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION
This Group continues to ensure that the Charity complies with the requirements of the Charity Commission and associated legislation through providing administrative services and observing correct accounting procedures.
The Group prepared the Annual Review and Accounts. Derek Tye was appointed as treasurer in 2021 and has continued to do the administration of the finances. Derek prepares reports for each quarterly Trustee meeting, and has offered advice; and encouraged greater promotion of the underused restricted funds.
The Susan Baker Fund paid out 4 grants, and the scope of the possible award has been raised, to be match funded for larger projects. The AFIA Fund (Away From It All) supported 10 families, to have a restorative seaside break, away from everyday stresses.
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FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION cont’d
Hazel Williams, Safeguarding Officer reports - The Safeguarding Policy which had been completely revised by central Mothers’ Union was adopted by the trustees. As an independent charity we are in the process of carrying out our own DBS checks rather than accepting those that have been obtained through the Church of England. Safeguarding training can now be accessed on line through the Mothers’ Union.
A data officer, Stuart Mitchell, was appointed, to coordinate our membership details with the central Mothers’ Union new Portal system. Discrepancies have been identified and investigated. Stuart reported to the December Trustee meeting.
During the year the Trustees started reviewing and revising the (2017) Constitution. This when completed, with the accompanying addendum/bye-laws will be presented to a Members meeting in the Autumn 2026
Planning for the Mothers’ Union 150[th] Anniversary in 2026 has taken place, with celebrations for members and a recruitment drive, alongside the routine work for this group.
The task group continues to underpin the charitable purposes of the Society through offering guidance and support in finance, training and general administration to Trustees, Deanery and Branch officers.
FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION
There are several ways in which our Mothers’ Union group communicates, supports, and engages with members, as well as through promotion and by informing others on a local, national and worldwide level.
Our monthly Diocesan Newsletter is produced by Hazel Williams which contains lots of interesting news and articles about MU Projects and Events. The monthly “Family:Faith:Fun” Activity Sheets (produced by Ros Wright) have been a great resource for members, and available to be shared with families and parishes. Our MU page on the Ely Diocesan website is regularly updated with the Newsletters, “Family:Faith:Fun” Activity Sheets, Prayer Resources, and events, and relevant items are posted on our Facebook page.
The MU Noticeboard in Ely Cathedral has displays looked after by Penny Hall, covering various seasonal and thematic topics, and MU events and information. For the 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence and the MU Rise Up Campaign, there was a Silent Vigil and Banner Witness at the Cathedral in November.
Monthly Thursday Prayer in Ely Cathedral meets in the Presbytery, which continues to be streamed live via Zoom as well. These videos are posted on our YouTube Channel, to enable those members who could not come along or join in at a set time to be able see the videos. We are able join in with the Live Recordings of Mothers’ Union Midday Prayers held daily on Facebook, thoughtfully led by staff from Mary Sumner House, and other MU members from around the country and worldwide.
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FUNDRAISING AND COMMUNICATION cont’d
Regular Zoom Meetings for the Communities of Interest Groups have been held during the year by Mary Sumner House staff which included Communications and Membership.
The Garden Party took place on Saturday 14th June in the Bishop of Ely’s Garden, and we enjoyed lovely sunny weather. There was an MU Stall selling cards, a Worldwide Display, and Raffle, and a Summer-themed wordsearch. Funds raised from the raffle and donations realised £144.
MU Trustees and Members have served refreshments at the three Ely Diocesan Synod Meetings; promoting the work of MU with displays and leaflets available.
DIOCESAN MEMBERS
Diocesan Members were written to or emailed each month with the Newsletter, “Family:Faith:Fun” Activity Sheets, Prayer Resources, and other relevant documents and leaflets, with membership totaling 50 at the end of the year. Shingay Deanery Branch closed and several of the members joined as Diocesan Members.
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Throughout the year, notice was taken of, and the Charity Commissioners’ Guidance for Charity Trustees to show public benefit was followed, in the advancement of the Society’s Charitable Purposes, namely: the advancement of religion, the prevention or relief of poverty, the relief of those in need by reason of financial hardship and the advancement of community development.
01/04/2026
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CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WAIES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Sectioii A Iiidependenl Examiner'5 Report Report to the trustees Ety Diocesan Mothers Lthion On aw*unts for the year ended 2025 Charity no (If any) 251394 Set out on pag•s I report to the trustees on Fny examination of the untS of the above chaiity (Yhe Trusl") for the year ended Responsibilities and basis of report As the charitV8 trustees, you are resFrt)nsible for the preparation of the accounts in acrdance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 1.the Art'i. I report in respect of my examinath)n of the Tru5fs accounts carried out under seCtn 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I have followed all the aPpIable DirEctK)ns given by the Charty Commission under section 14515)Ib> of the Ad. Independent tThe charty's gross inoyne ex¢88Sed £250,(KIO and l am qualfvd to examinerfs slatem•nt undertake the exarninat by being a qualified member of linsert name of applicable listed D81ete I l rfnot applicable. I have completed my exafflinatK)n. I confim that no matenal matters have come to my attentton in nnectIOn with the examination (other than that discbsed belly"> which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records bv8re not kept in &cordance 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 conceming the lorm and contenl of accounts set in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter consrdered as part of an independent examination. I have llo concems and have Gome aGross m ots matters in connection with the examination to whh attention should be drawn in this repart in order to enable a propeT understanding of the accounts to be r&%hed. ' Pkase delete the wonls in the bffickets rfthey do not 8ppIy. Signed: 10 April 2026 Name: Piers Coutts Relevant professional qualification{8) or body IER Oct 2018
Ilf any): Addres8: 74 Barton Road Ety CambrKlgeshire CB7 4HZ Sectiori B Oisclosiire Onty compléte if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of concern {see CC32. Independent examination of Ghanty aUnt5. directions and guKJance for examiners). Give here brief detslls of any itoms that the examiner wi8he8 to disGIos0. IER Oct 2018