CHARITY COMMISSION
FOR E￿LAND 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$1• of report
accounts in accOrda￿e with the requirements of the Ch¥*ies Act 2011
I report in respwA of ry examinatKin of Trusfs accounls carried out
under seclbn 145 of the 2011 kl in carying out my examination. I
have followed all the aPpl￿e Directions given ty the Charty Commlsslon
under 8e(lion 145(5Xb) of the kl.
Ind•p•nd•nt tThe chwlty's w inc¢Jm exce&Jed £250.IX)O atKI l am qualff*d to
oxamlnofs •tstoment undertake the examinatkm by be￿9 8 qU811f￿ member of Ilnsert name of
applKable IBled Debte [ l rfnd applrablè.
I have crjnpleted my examinat¥￿. I confinn that no material matters havè
come lo my attention in c(M)neciK)n wrth the exarninat￿n {other than that
disch)wl bel(M ') which gNes me cause to bel*ve that in, any matenal
the aCcC￿ffl￿ records *pre n(* kept in o(xordan¢e with 58clon 130
of the Charilies kt,
the acc(xmts did accord with accounttng Tecotrls, or
the acCI￿￿t3 dKI Th)t c(￿p1￿ *ith the applic8b* requiremar
concernkng Ihe and content of acccKrts set cmrt in the Charitiès
{Accounts and ReF*ytsI RegulatN)ns 2008 other than any requlremént
that the accounts give a Irue and fairf view which 15 not a matter
consKlered as part ol an independent examination.
I have no Conc￿ and have come ￿5$ 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 tr￿kets 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. lTrje￿denI ex￿11￿140￿ of charty *C￿n￿.. 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
Ind￿r 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•pr￿n1•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 pAY￿ntS & 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 (eX￿pI.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 (COr￿titUtion 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 De￿mber 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 balan￿S 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:** 

- Encourage parents in their role to develop the faith of their children. 

- Maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service. 

- Promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children. 

- Help those whose family life has met with adversity. 

- 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. 

2 



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 …………………………………………………….. 

3 



**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. 

4 



## **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. 

5 



## **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. 

6 



**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. 

7 



## **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. 

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-. 

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 

8 



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 ac￿rdance 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 seCt￿n 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination. I
have followed all the aPpI￿able 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 wh￿h 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 a￿Unt5. directions and
guKJance for examiners).
Give here brief detslls of
any itoms that the
examiner wi8he8 to
disGIos0.
IER
Oct 2018