2024-03-31-accounts

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust

Annual Report and Accounts

31 March 2024

Charity Registration Number 327357

Contents

Reports

Reference and administrative information	1
Trustees’ report	2
Independent auditor’s report	59
Accounts
Statement of financial activities	64
Balance sheet	65
Statement of cash flows	66
Principal accounting policies	67
Notes to the accounts	73

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust

Reference and administrative information

Trustees	Sister Bernadette Healy
	Sister Anne Marie Buckley
	Sister Eleanor O’Gorman
	Sister Angela Murphy
	Sister Eileen Keating (until 11 September 2024)
	Sister Mary Deane
	The Trustees are incorporated under the Charities Act
	2011.
Province Team Leader	Sister Eileen Keating (until 11 September 2024)
	Sister Mary Deane (from 12 September 2024)
Province Bursar	Sister Eleanor O’Gorman
Administrative address	The Lodge
	Chesterfield Road
	Matlock
	Derbyshire
	DE4 3FT
Charity registration number	327357
Auditor	Buzzacott LLP
	130 Wood Street
	London
	EC2V 6DL
Investment managers	Rathbone Investment Management Limited
	8 Finsbury Circus
	London
	EC2M 7AZ
Principal bankers	The Royal Bank of Scotland plc
	St Ann Street
	Manchester
	M60 2SS
Solicitors	Stone King LLP
	Upper Borough Court
	Upper Borough Walls
	Bath
	BA1 1RG

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 1

Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

The Trustees present the statutory report and the accounts of the English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2024.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on pages 67 to 72 of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s trust deed, the Charities Act 2011 and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).

Introduction

The Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary (the Congregation) is an International Roman Catholic Religious Congregation. It was founded in Ireland in 1775, where its Generalate is still located. It is divided into several Provinces throughout the world. In the Union there are approximately 906 professed sisters.

The English Unit has a special relationship with the Irish Provinces. Our collaboration set up, in 2017, a Justice Desk with three sisters who are the co-ordinators for Interprovincial collaboration. These sisters are: Sister Jacinta McKillion of the English Unit, Sister Helen Lenehan of the North-East Irish Unit, and Sister Miriam Pollard of the South-West Irish Unit. This requires time and commitment. Brian O’Toole was appointed as the director of the Interprovincial Justice Desk and he is the Justice contact for the three provinces.

The Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary is also affiliated to the International Presentation Association (IPA), which is a network of 12 Presentation Congregations in 19 countries, across the globe. Together there are some 1,500 Presentation Sisters throughout the world. Every five years representatives from the English Province attend an International Presentation Gathering.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Introduction (continued)

At 31 March 2024, the English Unit comprised 54 sisters living in 13 different locations. Below is a map showing the location of each community. All of our sisters have given most of their working lives to the charitable activities of the Congregation both in England and abroad. The average age of the membership has increased. There has been no increase in membership.

The Community Houses are for the most part located in those areas of towns or cities where it is believed that the sisters can provide the most help to the poor and marginalised. Many of our houses were founded in order to minister in these areas and the sisters still give valuable service to the people of their area.

Below is a map showing the location of each community:

In 1836, the Presentation Sisters went one step beyond when they began their ministry in England.

In 2013, the Presentation Sisters went one step further and began their ministry in the Holy Land.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Introduction (continued)

On 1 July 2018 the English Unit was expanded further to include the community in the Holy Land. As the CLT wrote in their letter of 16 April:

This decision followed the recent evaluation of the mission in the Holy Land and consultation with the sisters in England and the Holy Land.

It is our continued hope that this decision continues to support and develop the mission in the Holy Land and also grow and strengthen our missionary spirit and the bonds of connectivity between the sisters in England and the Holy Land.

The accounts accompanying this report are the accounts of the charity on which the assets of the English Province of the Congregation in the United Kingdom are held and through which its finances operate. The charity is governed by a Trust Deed dated 14 February 1986 and Charity Commission Schemes dated 5 January 1987 and 24 February 1995. It is registered under the Charities Act 2011, Charity Registration No 327357.

Principal aims

The aims of the charity are to support the charitable work of the English Unit of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This includes education in its broadest sense and engagement in other charitable works based on the Christian message of “bringing good news to the poor” in accordance with the Roman Catholic faith and traditions as well as the Constitutions and Chapter Documents of the Congregation. We are committed to care for each other and for our earth.

Mission

The charity has a continuing commitment to support the work of the sisters of the Unit and the Congregation and to care for those members throughout their lives. The following are some of the ministries in which the sisters are engaged. All of these ministries benefit members of the general public.

They fall into the following main headings:

• 1 Residential and care establishment A Care Centre owned by the sisters provides care and nurture for members of the public and sisters of the Congregation who are in need of such care.

• 2 Education, social, health and pastoral work

• Sisters in the Unit are engaged in education in schools. Some are also engaged in social and pastoral work as chaplains in schools, prisons, hospitals and to the travelling and gipsy community. The sisters work in parishes with the elderly, vulnerable women and children and with travellers and refugees.

Sisters also work in advisory roles in religious education, youth programmes and are also engaged in spiritual direction, counselling and therapeutic practice.

• 3 Overseas support

• Members of the Unit support the work of our sisters abroad, especially in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Thailand and India.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Mission (continued)

When setting the objectives and planning the work of the charity for the year, and when encouraging the work of individual sisters, the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit.

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies

As stated above under “Mission”, the activities of the charity can be divided into caring for members including older and frail sisters and three other principal areas:

• 1 Owning and operating of a residential and care establishment

• 2 Education, social, health, spiritual and pastoral work

• 3 Overseas aid and assistance

Care of members

As with other Congregations, the age profile of the members is increasing as existing members grow older and there have been no new vocations in the last 29 years. The age profile is shown below.

The Congregation has an obligation, both moral and legal, to provide care for its members, none of whom have resources of their own and all of whom have devoted a significant part of their lives to the care of others who have been in need – both in this country and abroad. As the age profile of the Unit increases so too does the need to provide increasingly expensive care for the sisters.

We foresee that the number of sisters needing nursing/residential care will increase over the next decade.

----- Start of picture text -----
Age profile of the sisters as at 31 March 2024
30
25
25
20
14
15
9
10
5
5 1
0
50-59 60-69 70-79 80-89 90+
Age of sister
Number of sisters
----- End of picture text -----

The Trustees are giving careful consideration to the impact this will have on the Unit re:

•  The work of individual members.

•  The property requirements of the Unit.

•  The financial implications for the Unit.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Care of members (continued)

The aims of the Trustees in the forthcoming years include:

•  Ensuring all members of the Unit receive the appropriate and good quality care they require to provide them with the quality of life they should rightly expect.

•  Reviewing the charity’s properties and their location in order to assess the needs of our sisters living in our community houses.

Operation of a residential and care establishment

The charity owns and operates a Nursing and Residential Care Centre for vulnerable elderly adults at its site in Matlock, under the trading name of: The Presentation Sisters Care Centre.

This is a dual registered 36 bed care centre – which is increasingly rare, registered with the

Care Quality Commission (CQC).

Each of the rooms has a TV, wash basin facilities and all are linked to the newly installed nurse call system; Only one room is en-suite. All areas of the home are accessible by lift/stairs. Residents are encouraged to use the sitting rooms/dining areas throughout the Care Centre. During spring and summer, many of our activities are conducted in our outdoor space to encourage well-being.

This Care Centre has been established for 30 years in August 2023 and was celebrated in Matlock.

The philosophy of the Care Centre continues to be embedded in its Mission Statement: ‘To strive to respect the individuality, dignity and need for privacy of each person and to encourage freedom of choice in daily living. Placing the person at the heart of their care, we work continually in partnership with them, their family, friends and associates as well as our healthcare professionals to achieve this.’

Whilst the Care Centre is owned and operated by the Presentation Sisters - with a Catholic ethos, it operates very much as a diverse and inclusive environment where equality of care is given to all its residents.

The Care Centre continues to operate in both a challenging and changing environment of Health and Social Care where during this year alone, two local residential homes closed in the Matlock area. Such closures are never welcome, creating much anxiety for their service users and greater demand on an already under funded and under resourced sector. Furthermore, the Care Centre along with other healthcare providers is aiming to achieve successful recruitment and retention of healthcare staff; particularly trained nurses and competent healthcare assistants to deliver on its objectives.

However, despite the challenges, the Care Centre maintains an excellent reputation across Derbyshire and because of our areas of expertise including person centred palliative and end of life care to our residents and families, we are number one choice.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

Building on this excellent reputation, the Registered Manager, supported by mentorship and guidance offered through the management board and facilitated by her successful appointment of key personnel during this year, have allowed for more ambitious vision. Still underpinned by the philosophy of the Mission Statement, but with an aim to keep our unique and sustainable position, the following vision has developed:

•  To develop Presentation Sisters Care Centre as a teaching Care Centre of exemplar practice and care, so positioning ourselves against our peers as the first choice of care setting and employment.

•  To develop and train our staff to deliver quality evidence-based care to our residents.

•  To strengthen our links with local universities, professional healthcare bodies and network with local and national leaders in the adult social care field of practice, so providing opportunities to progress and adapt to the wider socio-economic changes.

•  To maintain our uniqueness by continuing to align ourselves with the values, ethics and ethos of the Presentation Sisters under the vision of Nano Nagle.

By developing a more ambitious vision, our working objectives have become more ambitious and with it, the expectations and need to progress and change for our staff.

This year we have achieved the following objectives:

•  To proactively re-evaluate, re-define and refocus our efforts on a regular basis to check we are still achieving our vision of exemplars of best care and practice.

•  Review our strategies and our risk against our external environment.

•  Equipping our staff with the skills and knowledge needed to fulfil their roles through a structured and evidence-based development programme.

•  Identify key personnel – internal and external who will strengthen and underpin the positive and dynamic working culture of The Presentation Sisters Care Centre.

•  Embrace the vision of the care centre.

•  Align to the values and ethics of the Presentation Sisters.

•  Reward and develop our staff. They are our key asset and our strength.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

Our key personnel who are working collaboratively across the Care Centre to achieve our objectives are:

Registered Manager Lead Nurse Clinical Practice Facilitator Jayne Carnall Jo Green Chris Earl

Deputy RGN Deputy RMN Care Co-Ordinator Head of Maintenance Sarah Binns Mel Tooth Carol Parr Paul Shepherd

Head of Catering Administration Head of Activities Sara Hall Caroline Baldwin Claire Buttle

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

With the team in place, some newly appointed during this year, we have collectively achieved these key objectives:

•  Effective and proactive ‘working committees’ in areas of: Clinical Governance, Health and Safety, Stakeholder Engagement and Mentorship.

•  Established a robust professional development practice, with our trained nurses developing their portfolios and specialisms.

•  Redefined our recruitment and induction process with the development of the mentorship team to support best practices and behaviours

•  Created stronger and more professional links with our professional bodies – in particular working alongside Derby University to receive and support student nurses.

•  Developed and part of a local collaborative group of care homes to start to share best practice with each other and support one another through challenging times.

Each of our achieved objectives underpins the well-being of our residents and staff and this has been supported by the sisters in the congregation.

Throughout this year, the Care Centre has worked in partnership to assist members of the English Province in their charitable and religious work. Currently four members are cared for in the charity’s Care Centre whilst other members were enabled to work and volunteer in their chosen ministry.

The Chaplaincy Team from the Matlock Community have been an invaluable support to residents and their families during difficult times. Often unexpected times, the sisters have taken time late into the evenings and at weekends talking and providing religious and spiritual support with the residents. This once again has been met with much appreciation and praise from them and their families and reflects the ethos of the centre.

The residents of the care centre have enjoyed a sense of community this year with more joint gatherings and celebrations following the end of the pandemic. Further to this, the ‘CAPACITAR’ team made up of sisters from other communities around England have brought comfort and joy to the residents. Each week one sister takes turns to bring simple and ancient healing skills to our residents. The aim of the exercises is to be used at times when we feel depleted of energy, low in mood and the lift is given. The care centre is extremely grateful for the time taken by all sisters who extend their ministries to residents.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

The following photos are examples of the sisters of the English Province offering both ministry and enjoying time, socialising and celebrating as a community with the residents of the care centre:

CAPACITAR sessions run by the sisters for our residents and sisters, held in the convent hall.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued) The whole community coming together to enjoy the King’s Coronation:

All focused on the big screen watching the Coronation:

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued) Celebrating 30 years of the Care Centre:

Sister Eileen’s speech to sisters and residents. Followed by Jayne’s speech.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

One of the Care Centre’s primary objectives, alongside first-class care, continues to be a person centred, blended programme of exercise, song, entertainment and companionship which engenders a life as meaningful and purposeful.

Our activities programme continues to be robust and proactive and with restrictions lifted, we have re-introduced our intergenerational programme with our local primary and secondary school, with residents once again receiving visits from both children and sixth formers.

Here are a few examples of the work undertaken during the past 12 months:

Chair based exercise – every Monday morning for residents and sisters to join in.

Weekly art class run by volunteers and supported by the activities team.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

Bi-weekly craft class. Making bird feeders!

Weekly hair and nails salon, with our hairdresser and the activities team.

Examples of entertainment

The Songbirds are a group of volunteers who regularly frequent our Care Centre. Song is always popular with our residents.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

Examples of entertainment (continued)

Residents and sisters being entertained by one of the sixth form students at our local secondary school. During the year, a group of eight sixth formers have visited the care centre each week. Here is an example of the positive impact such an afternoon has:

Using the outside space is very important and here are our residents enjoying ‘Razzle Dazzle’ another regular feature in an afternoon:

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Operation of a residential and care establishment (continued)

Examples of entertainment (continued)

James and Paper Kite, our other regular entertainers, continue to entertain and please our residents.

Dancers from the local dancing school putting on a show for everyone:

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Care Centre Management Board

The trustees, via the Care Centre Management Board they have established, aim to ensure the Care Centre meets the required standards and legal requirements and strives to improve.

The Management Board meets four times per year and supervises the operation of the Care Centre by: setting budgets, agreeing an annual business plan, receiving monthly reports from the Registered Manager, considering reports from the monthly providers’ visits and general business supervision to give direction and compliance.

Monthly visits on behalf of the management board are undertaken by Miss Jacquie Scott who not only is a member of the management board but provides mentorship and mock inspections of the Care Centre to underpin the clinical governance of the centre.

The Care Centre with a now established Clinical Governance Committee means all manner of clinical governance and compliance are shared between the team with regular audit and supervision at the centre of this. In addition to this the Care Centre has quarterly pharmacy inspections, and corrective action is always taken as a result of any findings. The Care Centre also enjoys a pro-active and effective working relationship with its other healthcare professionals who collectively deliver focused care and support to its residents.

Again, this year we have received no significant complaints about the care and service we provide and responded quickly and proactively to any concerns raised. The Care Centre has again received many compliments, and this is important to reflect once again on the philosophy of the Care Centre as set out at the beginning of the report.

Below in an extract from a letter (name of resident removed), the Registered Manager received in March 2024 which reflects the charism of this Care Centre:

“Dear Jayne,

We want to thank you and the whole team for the way that you have all cared for our uncle over the last three and a half years. We would also like to thank you for all the support we have received.

Our uncle has received outstanding care in a wonderful environment. The conduct of each and every member of staff has been exemplary. As busy as you all are, not a single thing has been too much trouble, whether it’s been an update at 8pm at night or an 80th birthday party.

Throughout the time, our uncle has been with you, we felt that the staff have genuinely cared for him and had his best interests at heart, no matter how robustly he rebuffed their support.

Because we live so far away from him, it has been reassuring to us to truly trust that he is in the best place, receiving the best care, from the kindest of people.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Care Centre Management Board (continued)

Although we will never know all the names of the many people who took care of him, we would be grateful if you could pass on our thanks. We would like to personally thank Claire and Ella for making our direct communication with him as smooth as it could be, for trying so hard to engage him in activities and for making so much effort in arranging his birthday party. Jo for participating in meetings, sending me paperwork for funders, for fighting to get specialists to come in to see him, for truly understanding him, his needs and wishes as a person and for her honesty and straight talking to us in his final few days. To the carers who quietly came in and out to make him as comfortable as possible. To Kate for her gentleness and kindness she showed both us and Uncle in his final hours and moments, and finally to Barbara for the time she took with us in the morning he died.

Presentation Sisters Care Centre is a very special place, and we will be forever grateful to each and every one of the staff who has contributed to the care and support of our Uncle.

Yours sincerely”

Education, social, health and pastoral work

The sisters continue to carry out various forms of educational, social and pastoral work in order to fulfil their individual ministries. Some of this continues to happen through letter writing, Microsoft teams or zoom meetings and telephone as well as face to face. Examples of some of these ministries are given by way of illustration.

Due to age and declining health, of the 54 sisters, 41 are ministering in various parts of England and 2 in The Holy Land. “Small but beautiful” might describe the numerical size of the Unit. In a country of approximately 57 million people made up of nearly every nation under the sun, we number just 54 sisters – Irish, English, Scottish and Indian. Many sisters have ministered in India, Africa, the Americas and Europe and their experience brings a richness and global feel to the Province. However, the average age of the sisters is 78, and this has had a significant impact, on the energy, vibrancy and involvement in ministry which is part of the life of the Province.

The England of today is enriched by being a multi-cultural, multi-faith and multi-ethnic society. It has an ageing society, causing a crisis in care and in the NHS. In addition, it is a country with 4 million children living in poverty/increased homelessness/drug abuse. It is more divided than ever between rich and poor, north and south, with issues regarding integration of migrants and refugees, and increasing levels of trafficking, homelessness and substance abuse.

In England today, the traditional family unit is no longer the norm and civil partnerships are increasing. There are increasing numbers of young people with mental health issues alongside becoming a country where the majority do not hold religious beliefs; where parishes are closing because of lack of priests/lack of consultation/fewer vocations.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Education, social, health and pastoral work (continued)

It is in this atmosphere that the sisters live and carry out their ministry. They do this through prayer, education, pastoral work, health care, social work, catechetics, spirituality and faith development, chaplaincy, counselling, work with travellers, refugees and asylum seekers. Through the giftedness of each sister, we try to meet the needs of individuals and society where possible, in the place where we find ourselves.

Our lifestyle tries to facilitate communion with the poor and availability to those in need. Living simply, we challenge materialism, exploitation and injustice and give witness to Christ and his values.

The Matlock building was bought and opened as a Convent in 1927.

The Lodge has seen several changes in its use – from housing sisters and then boarders during term time, to the Chaplain, to sisters, to being rented out and now back to the use of the sisters.

The Heart of Presentation

Hospitality and Community are at the heart of ‘Presentation’. We share our stories, our ministries, our struggles and challenges with each other as well as celebrating with gratitude our journey in life. ‘Presentation’ is dynamic, being with people as we reach out to make Nano’s vision alive in our time and place, following our models Mary and Nano. We listen and respond to God in our lives and journey into the unknown as Mary and Nano did. We aspire to live lives of commitment, dedication, availability and being of service to all, especially to those made poor, so that they become empowered. We give witness by living lives of simplicity, by living the present with passion and by allowing God to love each of us more deeply as we strive to live prophetic missionaries.

The Eucharist is central to our lives. The time we spend in silent prayer in community before the Blessed Sacrament is most helpful and the Presentation Day Novena unites us all powerfully. Growing in a deeper prayer life involves growing in the right relationships. Beginning the challenge of each day anew calls us to a deeper trust in a compassionate and loving God and to share his gifts with all we meet. Strengthened by His presence we can be filled with joy and open to the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. We need to be filled with Christ and to share the Word of God with others.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Education, social, health and pastoral work (continued)

The Heart of Presentation (continued)

With our Friends of Nano and Associates we are growing in our understanding of interconnectedness with creation and all people, striving to create a more just and peaceful world.

Community Life and Ministry

Below are some articles written by our sisters from various communities which offer a snapshot of the life and mission of the Province.

Community in Nechells, Birmingham – submitted by Sr Catherine O’Neill.

Two Presentation Sisters, Justine Mulcahy and Bernadette Healy started the new community in Nechells on March 22[nd ] 1997 at the invitation of the parish priest Father Gerry McArdle. Even though the English Unit of Presentation Sisters were not getting new vocations they responded to the call of our Chapter Documents and moved into areas where there was deprivation and poverty. Nechells was one such place. It ranks among the most deprived areas in the city of Birmingham.

Sister Justine worked as parish sister mainly visiting the housebound, the elderly and poor families in the parish. Sister Bernadette worked in St Joseph’s school which was considered one of the poorest schools in Birmingham. It was very difficult to get good Catholic teachers to work in the school as there were many difficulties to overcome.

The sisters lived in Erdington until a suitable house was found in Nechells and on 19[th] October 1997 Father Gerry McArdle celebrated the first Mass in the new house which was attended by sisters from the Midlands Cluster, the Provincial Leadership Team and Parishioners from St Josephs. The annals state “Father Gerry blessed every room in the house and then everyone enjoyed refreshments and social time together.”

Later other sisters joined the community including Sisters Catherine, Pius, Christina Dolan, Sister Catherine (M Harborough) and Angela Murphy. A lay woman Moira Walker joined the community for one year as she wanted the experience of living in a Christian community. She was not a Catholic but joined fully in community life. Sisters Bernadette Healy, Pius Curtin and Catherine O’Neill were the community members during most of the time she was present in Nechells community. When Moira returned to Glasgow on completing the year with the sisters she became a Catholic and is still in touch with Sisters Pius and Catherine. There were never more than three members in community at any one time as there is not enough space in the house.

From the beginning of their presence in Nechells the sisters were very involved not only in the parish and school but also in Inter Faith work, Churches Together, Community Organising, Faith and Justice work, supporting and befriending Asylum Seekers and Refugees. They also started the Presentation Associates/FON and had a Christian Life Community programme in their house every other week for several years. This was started by a Jesuit Novice, as the Jesuit Novices from Harborne came regularly to the parish for their pastoral experience.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Community in Nechells, Birmingham – submitted by Sr Catherine O’Neill (continued)

As is usual in communities many changes occur over the years. In 2017 when Pope Francis wrote to Religious Orders and to the Church asking them to consider giving accommodation to destitute asylum seekers who were moving in big number across Europe the Unit Leadership agreed to collaborate with Hope Projects, a charity started by Clare Short MP to support destitute Asylum Seekers in Birmingham. The director, Phil Davies, visited the community and agreed that the space was most suitable to accommodate two destitute women asylum seekers.

The sisters’ role is to befriend the women. They are assigned a support worker and given help to find a solicitor and £20 a week for food. Presentation Sisters provide shelter and friendship. The first woman Sahar, came in February 2018 and her first words were “where would I be if it were not for kind people like you.”

Nine women have stayed in the house since 2018. Each woman signs an agreement with Hope Projects for six months which can be renewed as they make progress with their asylum claims. Only two women have been given leave to stay in this country. All the others have returned to Home Office accommodation as their asylum claims are opened again. However, they are still waiting for an answer from the Home Office and know they cannot return to their country of origin for safety reasons. At present the two women living with me, a mother and her daughter, are checking the post box every morning for a letter from the Home Office seeking a favourably response. They have been waiting for over ten years.

Besides supporting my friends in the house here I am involved in some parish work and have regular Faith sharing meetings with young adults. I continually support, train, help lay people to become more involved in the local community and in the life of the Parish. Before Sister Pius moved from Nechells to Matlock she trained some women to do sacristy work and other work in the Parish and community. It is a joy to see them continuing this good work. I asked Anne recently how she felt about all the work and she answered for herself and her friend “we love it, it gives us new life.”

A very dynamic priest, Father Solomon, himself a refugee from Eritrea, is our parish priest and will only work with a Parish council and a Parish finance committee and much involvement from the lay parishioners. He is also the national chaplain to the Eritrean community in the UK. His presence among us has brought new life to the people and to the whole area. He does not have a car and will not use one. He walks or runs everywhere and loves telling us that if he were not a priest he would have been a marathon runner. On Sunday morning he walks or runs between the two Churches in Nechells and tells us it takes him six minutes.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Community in Nechells, Birmingham – submitted by Sr Catherine O’Neill (continued) Our Parishioners have become very friendly and supportive of the many Refugees and Asylum Seekers in the area. Having a parish priest who is a refugee himself encourages others to get more involved. The area is very multicultural and in Stanley Road most of the families are Asian. There is a good spirit of friendship between all and I think the presence of sisters here has contributed to this. I recall one Christmas when Sister Justine invited Father Christmas to the house and all the Muslim children came to meet him and to receive a Christmas present. As my friends are finishing Ramadan this week and are preparing to celebrate Eid I am receiving delicious rice meals and sweet cake both from them and from my neighbours in the road.

Since March 1997 I think that the presence of sisters here in Stanley Road has made a difference to the whole area and that the mission begun by Nano Nagle continues in Nechells today.

Community in New Moston, Manchester - submitted by Sister Cecilia Johnson The Convent in New Moston is purpose built and was competed 100 years after the Livesey Street Convent. The first sisters form MENS cries. Yo Clonmel taught in the newly built school, and because enclosure was the strict rule, the sisters passed through a gate in the convent garden in order to get to school.

Just recently the present community have erected a small shrine to Nano, to keep the memory of these sisters alive.

The shrine was designed by Sister Gabriel’s niece – Geraldine O’Brien, and the sisters’ names have been etched on to the ceramic. One old lady recalled how one of these sisters – the first head Mistress – Sister Teresa Higgins helped the poor. She

was the child of a poor widow, who explained that she was unable to buy a dress for her daughters’ first communion. Sister Teresa promptly reassured her. “Margaret will have a dress – I will make it myself.” Margaret appeared on the Feast of Saint Peter and Paul, in an exquisite dress handmade by sister. Of course, the family were sworn to secrecy, but they never forgot the love that the sisters had for the poor.

Today the community is somewhat smaller. Sister Dolores is a great help to a neighbouring parish in Denton. Her work includes preparing iad tegen: 0 children for the sacraments, visiting the sick parishioners and taking Holy Communion to the SN" housebound. Sister Gabriel and myself are past the age of extensive visiting, but manage to visit people At le \ | rere. 3 living close to the convent. We have been pleased ik eo however to find lonely and vulnerable people epia ; see, a ms A coming to the convent. They sometimes share a ; 5 Ee mm . ee ; meal with us, or just drop in for a chat. They know i & yee E Ye they are always welcome.

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Community in New Moston, Manchester - submitted by Sister Cecilia Johnson (continued)

Sister Gabriel deals with correspondence – finance, annals and general book keeping. She is competent and uses the computer like a professional. I still enjoy music, and play the organ twice a month for Sunday Masses. My relaxation is spending time in the garden, which gives me great pleasure. I cook meals for the sisters, but I am certainly not an expert! Sister Dolores helps me prepare Sunday dinners, and she also has supper ready for us after Mass on Thursday and Saturday evenings.

We are fortunate to have daily Mass in the Parish Church, with an hours Exposition before Mass. Sister Gabriel can be seen, riding her scooter to church, and I am trotting beside her.

Mass is celebrated every Tuesday morning in the convent chapel. People form the Parish attend, and stay for a chat, tea and biscuits.

On the 13[th] May we are celebrating the Feast of Our Lady of Fatima. Sister Gabriel will give a talk about the apparitions to the parishioners and friends.

In June we have an annual Blessed Sacrament Procession for the Frist Communicants. The Procession starts from Church and continues along the road to the Convent Garden. Father Starkie blesses the children and parents, and then all process back to the Church for Benediction. It is a simple but lovely occasion.

Finally, we must mention the help we get from a number of ‘Michaels’ – five to be exact, who are at our beck and call, and resemble their heavenly patrons. We thank God for all our benefits and pray for all who help us.

Community in Nottingham - submitted by Sister Philomena Rooney Bishop Malcom invited the Presentation Sisters to be a presence in St. Augustine’s Presbytery in July 2003. Sisters Helen Burke and Bernadette Doherty then came to form the Community.

A few years later Sister Philomena Rooney came and joined them. As she was working as a volunteer in Padley Day Centre, Derby she continued to travel to do her work with the Homeless. Soon she was asked to go to Rutland Street to do Art & Craft with Special Need Adults. During this time, she was interviewed about her work and concern for the Homeless. Philomena has always loved and enjoyed her work with this special community.

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Community in Nottingham - submitted by Sister Philomena Rooney (continued) In 2010 Sister Bernadette Healy joined the community and became Chaplain to the Gypsy & Travelling Community in the Nottingham Diocese. As Helen and Bernadette went to other Communities Sister Treasa Ridge joined the Community in April 2015.

The Community was always one of welcome and Hospitality. The Associates began and met monthly in the people’s houses. Catherine Tomkin became the Leader.

The sisters were involved in many ministries in the parish and diocese. They participated in Parish and Diocesan Spirituality Network, Autogenic Therapies

We enjoyed many Special Celebrations that were enjoyable and relaxing. We host The Eritrean & Ethiopian Orthodox for their Prayer days in our Church.

In 2020 Change came quickly as our Church was taken away from the Cathedral Parish and we are now the Holy Family Parish consisting of St. Augustine’s, Our Lady and St. Edward’s and Sacred Heart with Father Joe Wheat as our Parish Priest. We have had to operate differently as great challenges came our way. We have many joys as well as sorrows but thank the Lord who is always present leading the way.

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Community in Nuneaton – submitted by Sisters Therese Horrigan and Jacinta McKillion Putting the 'nun' into Nuneaton… The convent is suitably situated in Manor Court Road - originally named Abbey End prior to 1900 - as the local Abbey stood at this end of the town. The Abbey, or more correctly, the Priory of Nuneaton was founded in the mid-12th century (c. 1155-9) as a daughter house of the great Abbey of Fontevraudnear Saumur in western France. “

The priory, originally, a nunnery, gave the town its name Nun-eaton; 'Eaton' meaning "Water Town" due to its propensity to flooding and also to distinguish it from other areas called Eaton.

Finally dissolved by edict of Henry VIII in 1539 the Priory fell into dereliction before being carried away as a ready source of building stone by local people.

The worship of God returned to this ancient site after a gap of over three centuries. Over many years the Abbey has developed a robust Anglo-Catholic tradition of worship. While retaining this heritage that reflects the ancient past, the church is forward-looking to focus on the local community.

In 1837 land was purchased on Coton Road for the building of a permanent Catholic church which opened in 1838. This new chapel was under the care of the Dominicans, followed by the Franciscans in 1880-1989, From then the Parish passed into the hands of Diocesan Clergy, and it is also the year that St. Mary’s, Nuneaton (named presumably after the prereformation St. Mary’s Abbey) became Our Lady of the Angels, Nuneaton. The following years were years of consolidation and growth and the Catholic population itself increased. The story of Our Lady of the Angels continues, and the Parish is becoming increasingly diverse with new parishioners coming from India, Eastern Europe and Africa. We now see in many and varied ways, the Catholics of this town trying to be worthy of their heritage.

Return of ‘nuns’ to Nuneaton

In September 1990 three sisters settled in Nuneaton - at first in rented accommodation in Stockingford and later in the present house at Manor Court Road. Sisters Philomena Hartnett, Francesca O’Donnell and Teresa Lee settled in Nuneaton at the request of the parish clergy. The plan was - in the words of the early Annals - to get established as an apostolic community by working with the clergy and the wider community.

The greatest part of the apostolate was visiting and getting to know families - the elderly and housebound - meeting people where they were and supporting families with preparation for the sacraments. These early sisters made a deep impression on the people and many parishioners have memories of visits to parents and grandparents.

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Over the following years these first sisters and those who followed were involved in all activities in the parish helping to support RCIA Bereavement groups, Bible study, rosary groups at the convent and many more. A sister was also appointed to the George Elliot Hospital and Nursing homes in the area.

Present time: Sister Therese Horrigan is a volunteer chaplain at the George Elliot and her visits and presence are greatly valued by staff and patients. She visits each Tuesday and joins in prayer with the Chaplains and other volunteers. Sister brings communion and comfort to any parishioner or Catholic who requests a visit and chats to others who may make a request. Therese keeps contact with the Parish Priest and other Special ministers to ensure continuity. On occasions the Hospital Chaplaincy invites the volunteers to an ‘away day’ for prayer and reflection. Therese is a member of the Network Against Caste Discrimination and works with a group based in London to raise awareness and highlight problems especially in this country.

The garden at Manor Court Road is kept in order by Therese. In the summer it is a riot of colour and greatly admired by visitors and parishioners. During Covid we were able to host Associates and the PP to tea and refreshments. Jacinta works with the Justice Desk in Dublin and meets with the Director and SW and NE co-ordinators each month (zoom).

With the members of the Province JPIC Jacinta keeps in touch with the communities via a newsletter and also encourages the connection with Brian O’Toole at the Justice Desk via his monthly correspondence. With the setting up of the Justice Desk by the Unit Leadership Teams in 2016 the IPA has become more accessible and relevant to the communities.

A Meditation Group was set up by the sisters for the Lenten period in 2014 and this has continued and grown over time. It had been handed over to some enthusiastic members of the parish who are dedicated to the Worldwide Christian Community Meditation. Sessions are held in the parish hall each Monday evening and streamed online for those who are unable to travel at night. Jacinta, with a team, supports the RCIA group which meet each week. This group is building up following a break during COVID. This year ten people were received into the church.

At this time the parish is returning to pre-Covid times with renewed vigour and energy. Our CAFOD group led by Roger - one of our Associates has regrouped and continues their fund raising each Sunday selling teas and cakes. Each month there is a special CAFOD charity appeal and people are always pleased to help, especially if they go home with delicious homemade cakes.

The Presentation sisters have benefited from parish monthly coffee mornings which raise funds for local charities. The IPA Project is the October charity and we are always grateful for this generosity. We are appreciative for the support and blessings we receive as a community from the Parish Priest and members of the parish.

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Community in Shirebrook – Submitted by Sisters Susan Richert and Mary Deane There’s a saying – “what goes round, comes round” and that is certainly the sense that we have in Shirebrook. We live in a Diocesan property – one in which the Presentation Sisters lived when they began the school here in 1958. The story is recorded...

‘It was a great day for Shirebrook (Langwith Junction) when the Presentation Sisters arrived. It was the dawning of a new day, the birth of a new dawn, which brought new life and hope of a bright future for the parish. Immediately we were spurred to new efforts. It was inspiring to see the determination and will to work of the sisters. They knew what was needed and set about getting involved. Nothing deterred them... All the sisters entered into the pioneering work with a joyous will and did not stint their efforts. Not a grumble was heard. The presence of the sisters in Shirebrook produced dramatic results. There was a definite spiritual uplift, and the people really did appreciate their coming. And there was an immediate effect on the school. Children began to flock in. The sisters began their work with 40 children on the 14th April 1958. By July there were 65 children. The school continued to grow and flourish.’

Today there are 250 children in the school and it is a thriving and successful school in the capable hands of committed and dedicated teachers.

In 1981, The sisters left Langwith Junction (Shirebrook) and went to a larger house in Bolsover, 5 miles away. In 1996, Bolsover closed and two sisters went to Warsop.

Due to reorganisation within the Parish, the

sisters moved back to Shirebrook (Langwith Junction) in 2018. In a way it was a coming back to where we had started in 1958, with a new focus for mission and ministry in light of the current challenges and opportunities within the wider community.

In 2022, St Josephs’ Church in Shirebrook, St Teresa’s Church in Warsop, St Patrick’s Church in Forest Town and St Philip Neri in Mansfield merged to form a new Parish – Our Lady and All Saints. Susan is part of the Pastoral Team for the new Parish which covers the four Churches.

October 2018 - Presentation Sisters gather for a Blessing of the House in Langwith Junction =p : = (Shirebrook). Sisters mark a new beginning and remember and give thanks for the many Sisters who Afternoon Tea for ladies in the Church Hall served in the Parish over the years

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Community in Shirebrook – Submitted by Sisters Susan Richert and Mary Deane (continued) We are a presence in the Parish, supporting the Parishioners and working with them – as they provide a cafe, afternoon tea, fundraising initiatives, and coffee mornings. We also visit the sick and participate in preparing liturgies.

As part of her role Susan assists the school staff in developing the spirituality of the children – both in the local school and other schools including a secondary school which supports one of our clinics in India.

We work with others to promote vocations and support the communities of Religious Life.

There is an Associate Group that meets regularly and we work closely together. In our community life we try to encourage and support each other in our different ministries and commit to daily prayer and reflection. We are also members of the Acorns Community Grouping and join together with our wider community for reflection on our life and for celebrations.

In June 2019, we attended a Capacitar workshop and from this a group of us in the Midlands area began a Capacitar training programme which due to Covid was done online. We found the wellness practices helpful for our body, mind and spirit and continue to practice and integrate them into our community life. We share them with the parishioners and offer a Capacitar evening once a month. In the past year we have also been part of a team sharing some of these practices with the residents of the Care Centre in Matlock.

Mary in the primary school on Presentation Day

We try to ensure we live sustainably and grow tomatoes and cucumbers in the summer as well as having a hive of bees. Unfortunately, the weather took its toll on our bees this year – so no honey BUT hoping for a new family of bees coming to the food-rich cemetery very soon. We harvest the blackberries from the cemetery next to us and contribute to the feeding of next door’s hens in return for fresh eggs!

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Community in Shirebrook – Submitted by Sisters Susan Richert and Mary Deane (continued) But there is also a wider outreach from here...

Mary is a member of the Unit Leadership Team, is link sister for the Friends of Nano - Associates and Vocation Director. She also works with groups for the Congregation.

Susan is Vicar for Religious for the Nottingham Diocese and helps maintain our heritage here in England. She also helps organise pilgrimages to the Holy Land and following a break of a few years due to Covid, she is hoping to lead a pilgrimage with Father Gerry O’Shaughnessy in February 2024.

Anne Marie (Associate) and Mary getting flowers ready to give to Mothers in Church on Mother’s

We also do some facilitation work in the Diocese working with some Parishes especially those in the process of reorganisation.

We are grateful for the gift of being part of a wider Presentation community, and for all who are a source of encouragement and support in living out the mission here in Shirebrook.

Susan with a group of Young People from Macclesfield in Theni, India. Susan will be accompanying the next visit of the school group in October

Pilgrimage to the Holy Land – 2019 a

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Community in the Holy Land - Remembering my First Bedouin Summer Camp – Submitted by Sister Julie Hurtado

We are all well aware of what has happened and is happening in Israel and Gaza. We turn on the television wanting to know exactly what’s happening and what is the latest news. Yet on the other hand what we see is almost too hard to bear; the tragedy of all those who have been taken hostage, killed, injured and the exhaustion of those caring for them and their families. It doesn’t seem to

stop, every day seems worse and worse, which causes such feelings of helplessness, heartache and a great desire to call all those responsible for the inhumane decisions and ask them to please stop and help for after all those in harm’s way, are our sisters and brothers.

With all of this we need healthy ways to cope and deal with all the different emotions stirring inside. For Anna and I praying together and talking about the reality helps. We also communicate with sisters, family and friends, and we both enjoy a good movie and actually have popcorn too... we even say “Shall we go to the movies (even though there are no movie theatres here) tonight”. This means that one of us decides on a movie, preferably a funny one and we connect our laptop to the TV and watch it.

Another way is looking at photos and sharing stories I’d like to share with you some of my memories of my wonderful summer experience.

When I think of October, I think of the beautiful fall leaves and various colours. Autumn is a lovely time of year. In California we only get a bit of the Autumn Season but enough to know that summer is gone. Here in the Holy Land the temperatures are finally starting to cool down and the morning and evenings are lovely.

It is hard to believe but in February (2024) it will be two years since I came here to the Holy Land. I have been learning Arabic along with being in ministry. I began working with two Camboni sisters since the beginning of October 2022. The Camboni sisters have been in ministry with the Bedouins and supervise several kindergartens for many years. I was invited to join them to do some nursing and to teach English. Medical ; a aa care is hard to come by for the Bedouin community so two or three times a week I join them in the morning and while they do their work I take vital signs, do blood sugars or assist ‘the & = f ie. in some physical therapy... anything health related. On two afternoons I teach English to the women at two different IQ camps. For months I have heard of the summer camp so I was very excited to be part of this experience.

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Community in the Holy Land - Remembering my First Bedouin Summer Camp – Submitted by Sister Julie Hurtado (continued)

The sounds of children’s laughter and watching them play is universal. During the month of July and the first week of August, I joined with three other sisters to provide a summer camp or “Mohiyan Saféé” at eight of the Jahalin Bedouin Camps.

I, along with Sisters Expedita, Cecelia and Lorena were in four different camps for two weeks and then at four other camps the following two weeks. At each location we worked alongside the two lead Bedouin women and a couple of their helpers. Each camp had between 20 - 60 children ranging from 3 - 12 years old.

The other three sisters speak Arabic very well, I on the other hand, struggled along with my limited Arabic. However, with my little Arabic and at times, someone’s limited English we are able to communicate and when all else fails we used google translate with the sporadic internet. Anyway, our hearts speak all languages and joy surpasses any words.

The children were separated in to two groups the young ones and the older ones. It has been a wonderful experience even though we were playing outside in 33-37C temperatures. I found it very hot but the children didn’t care as long as they were having fun. They did crafts i.e.. flowers, butterflies, hats, pencil holders, turtles they also made braclets and played many games. Each morning begins with their Muslim prayers and then some exercises to music. Each of the camps had saved and collected many plastic water bottles. We painted the inside of each with four different colours and will use them to make a flower garden border to bring some colour to the kindergarten area. The children were so excited to experience so many new games and crafts that some days they didn’t want to go home when we finished for the day.

We were blessed the last two weeks to have 12 young women from Spain joining our groups. I had three young women and Maria who assisted with the children. They taught them dances and hand games the children were even learning a few words in Spanish.

The scripture that comes to me is: I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139.4. In the midst of having fun, we also taught the children to respect each other and others of different faiths. Also, at times, we shared about our love for God “Allah” and we affirmed the children, especially the girls, by their handmade crafts and projects. Life can be very difficult for the women and children in the camps but I know we brought Christ’s light and love to them and they will remember this special time.

God bless each of you and please continue to pray for us and the people of this land.

Community in Swindon – Submitted by Sister Anne O’Rourke

The sisters first came to Swindon in 1960. Their main Apostolate was Education- teaching in Holy Family Infant and Junior Schools, Holy Rood Infants and St. Joseph’s Secondary School. We continue with Education today in different forms.

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Community in Swindon – Submitted by Sister Anne O’Rourke (continued)

Sister Teresa Molloy is the leader in the Community. She takes Holy Communion to the housebound and people in nursing homes. She helps with our medical issues seeing that we keep our appointments and gives advice when necessary. She has responsibility for the Associates who usually meet once a month. They look forward to meeting each other for reflection on Scripture, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament, responding to letters that come from the province and having a cup of tea and chat. She sees to maintenances in the house. There is always something which needs attention.

Sister Concepta Tobin deals with finance and general bookkeeping. She is competent when dealing with the many issues that come up - the gas, electricity, phone, maintenances, getting quotations, direct debit, scams and making sure that we are not overcharged. She keeps our lovely garden in great shape and sees to the outdoor maintenance. Recently she sent a small donation to those who fight for the freedom of animals and a lovely poem which she found which brought a tear to their eyes.

She was headteacher in St. Partick’s School Corsham for many years and was recently invited to the Mass of Thanksgiving for the Retirement of the present head teacher. It was good to see in the booklet reference to the fact that the Presentation Sisters opened the school in 1966. Quoting “Not words but needs” - Venerable Nano Nagle”. She has just produced an interesting Booklet on the Nano Nagle Bath Connections and notes on 18th Century Catholic Life.

Sister Agnes O’ Grady sees to the kitchen making sure we have a healthy diet and orders provisions. We have a cook Henrya Jankowiak who helps us during the week which gives us time for outside ministry. At the weekends we all help with the cooking. Father Obi P.P. asked Sister Agnes and the community to do something for our older members in the parish who have not come out since COVID. There was a great response. About 30 people came to the second meeting for a cup of tea, cake and chat. They were delighted to meet old friends and make new ones. They are now bringing their gifts and talents e.g. song, dance, quiz and simple exercises. Hopefully it will be helpful for those living alone to get out and meet others. The numbers are increasing and they come and go as they wish.

Sister Ancilla O’ Connell celebrated her 90th birthday and platinum jubilee this year. She writes - “I was professed close to my birthday so we had a double celebration of my 90th

birthday and Platinum Jubilee. We as a community had a lovely day and remembered especially my companions - Sister Gregory Feetenby, Mary Duffy and Josie Cummins.” It gave her great joy to receive many phone calls from her family in Zimbabwe on her special day. She changes the displays in our lovely chapel in keeping with the seasons and feast-days. Many people come asking for prayers Ancilla keeps a book up to date with all their intentions and lights a candle for them, she is always delighted to see people bringing flowers.

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Community in Swindon – Submitted by Sister Anne O’Rourke (continued)

Sister Lucy Troy does a lot of her ministry on line and shares her wisdom where needed. She keeps us and people who visit entertained with stories from her time as Congregational Leader and countries that she has visited. She helps generally around the house and keeps our dining room in perfect order at all times for visitors and the Community. We have lots of visitors calling and have met a number of Nigerian priests and sisters since Father Obi came.

We are fortunate to be living in a very vibrant parish where there is a great spirit of prayer. The people are mainly from Goa, Kerala, Africa, Poland and other parts of the world. Our parish priest is from Nigeria and has visited Sister Cecilia Thackaberry’s grave on various occasions. We have Mass six days a week and Exposition every Friday evening. Rosary once a week before Mass and all during the month of May and October. The parishioners have great devotion to Our Lady and love celebrating her feast days with processions and lots of food. We are often invited to their homes for celebrations and they call to the convent with food on many occasions. Our presence in the parish is appreciated very much. People from the parish like to come and join us for a cup of tea sometimes. We had a dance in the parish recently to raise funds for a new parish hall which is badly needed. Over 550 attended many were unable to get in due to health and safety regulations. All the community were invited to it. It was a wonderful evening for children, young people and adults and brought the whole parish together. In July Agnes O’ Sullivan and Gerry Gabriel- Ambassadors for Nano Nagle Place came to visit places associated with the Nagle family in Bath. Agnes writes: “We feel that Nano’s time in Bath has been brought to life due to your incredible research done by Sisters Catherine Cronin and Concepta Tobin and the advice and storytelling during our stay with the Community.”

L to R; Sisters Teresa, Agnes, Anne, Concepta, Lucy and Ancilla.

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Community in Swindon – Submitted by Sister Anne O’Rourke (continued)

Sister Anne’s work includes preparing children for the Sacraments and helping the catechists. It was a new experience for her when she had to give lessons on line during lockdown. She found the children very responsive. Over sixty children make their First Holy Communion and Confirmation every year. The parents are very co-operative in helping them prepare for the Sacraments. She also takes Holy Communion to the sick and housebound. Each week she prepares the Prayers of the Faithful and sees to the rotas. She started Lectio Divina and hopes to continue with it during the year, she is responsible for the correspondence and Annals in the Community.

As we are moving on in life our days seem full and time goes by quickly but we are grateful to have space for reflection and time to spend with people in their need, on these occasions we realise the importance of hospitality.

We visit the graves of our sisters who are buried in the local Whitworth and Kingsdown cemetery. We also remember in prayer the sisters who were once part of this community on the anniversary of their deaths.

Celebrating Presentation Life and Ministry in Leicester - On 23rd September we gathered with Father John Owens and the parish community of St Mary, St. Edward and St John Bosco for a farewell Mass of thanksgiving for Sister Margaret and also to remember Sister Justine and all the sisters who have lived and ministered f in the parish over the past twenty years. It was lovely that Margaret’s sister and brother-in-law, Reenie and Joe Mueller, could be present as they were on their annual holiday from Pennsylvania.

At the end of Mass, Margaret was presented with a bouquet of flowers and a gift from the parish as a mark of their appreciation. The lantern that the sisters had brought to the parish twenty years ago was presented again during the Mass as a reminder to all that Nano’s charism continues to live on in the lives of the people and places where Presentation Sisters have ministered. After the Mass there was time to share stories and refreshments in the parish hall. We thank the parish community for their welcome and hospitality.

A number of sisters lived in the parish in Leicester over the years so we give thanks for Sisters: Therese Finn, Magdalen Hughes, Treasa Ridge, Christina Dolan, Justine Mulcahy, Margaret Finnegan.

Refurbishment of Matlock Kitchen

The Kitchen in Matlock which serves the community and the Care Centre has undergone major refurbishment to keep in line with current standards and regulations. There was also work done in the Dining room. This was a major job lasting four months and required a temporary kitchen being installed while the renovation work was being carried out.

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By the end of October the new Kitchen was installed and was back in action. The pictures show the new shiny new kitchen.

Celebrating Jubilees of our Sisters in Matlock Saturday November 18th 2023 was a day of rejoicing. It was the Jubilee of our Sisters celebrating 60 and 70 years of commitment, of saying yes to God’s call.

Sisters Anne Marie Buckley, Eileen Hall, Philomena Hartnett, Teresa Kennedy, Elizabeth Murray, Ancilla O’Connell and Catherine Mary O’Neill.

The BUZZ and ENERGY that radiated through the house from 10.00am continued throughout the day.

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Jubilee time is a time for reflection and celebration, and a time for gratefulness.

a Jubilarians L-R: Sisters Eileen, Catherine, Teresa, Ancilla, ' Elizabeth, Anne Marie and Philomena with Father Pat Kilgarriff

The majority of our sisters from the Province were present to celebrate this event. There was a deep feeling of gratitude within each of us. A gratitude to God for all God’s love and graciousness to us and especially to all our jubilarians.

We remember parents, family, friends and Presentation Sisters and other mentors who have influenced and helped along the way.

Our jubilarians, each one of them was chosen by God and was called by God. And in obedience they have responded to God’s call, for 60 and for 70 years, they have lived their lives for God to proclaim and to give witness to God’s mission and uphold God’s vision. At times, it has not been easy for them to carry out his mission and vision, but they have been faithful with their whole being.

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Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Celebrating Jubilees of our sisters in Matlock (continued)

Pope Francis, in his letter “Rejoice,” to the consecrated men and women says, “Wherever consecrated people are, there is always joy!” in his Apostolic Exhortation, “Gaudete Et Exsultate” Pope Francis says that “happy” and “blessed” become synonymous with “holy”.

Saturday was a day of reflection and many questions. How and why did these sisters make the commitment? Have reasons changed for having entered the service of God in religious life? And have motives matured? Do we see things differently today, perhaps more clearly than at the beginning of our ministry?

Another question perhaps is why we maintained our commitments. What were my personal reasons? What struggles did I have? Perhaps, most importantly, how did the grace of perseverance come to me? Who assisted me along the way? And why have I kept this commitment for so long?

Many have said, “I do not know where the time has gone so fast.”

What can we say? We can say nothing but thank God! Thank You for our vocation. Thank You for the opportunity to serve You and to serve my sisters and all peoples in the life of the Presentation and the Church. Continue and pray together, for that grace of perseverance that our commitment will bring us the happiness that God wants for each of us.

Let us go forth rejoicing! Many sisters were reluctant to leave even at 4.00pm and 5.00pm.

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Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Friends of Nano – Associates

The Friends of Nano is an International Lay Movement for Mission. A network of women and men, who are committed, as Nano was, to ‘act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with God.’ Micah 6:8

The Friends of Nano include Associates, Co-workers and Partners in Mission. They share a common vison with the Presentation Congregation and seek opportunities to pray, act and celebrate together. In England, there is a core group who co-ordinate the Friends of Nano and also link with the wider International movement and with the Justice Desk.

Core Group: L to R: Catherine Tompkin, Maria Owen (at back) Anne Marie Pearson, Consuelo Meneses, Sister Mary Deane

Friends of Nano – Associates Regional Meeting

There was a gathering on the 16th September 2023 in Nuneaton – of Presentation Associates, Presentation Sisters and others. We started with a good cup of tea and some lunch – true Presentation Hospitality and were delighted to see a notice in the hall reminding us to Practice Hospitality. People reached out, shared their names, place of origin, good conversation and lunch.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Friends of Nano – Associates Regional Meeting (continued)

Sister Mary Deane, the Link sister of the Friends of Nano - Associates in England and Consuleo, a member of the Core Group, prepared an excellent power point explaining about the Associates, Nano’s charism and inspiration, their place in Presentation Life, the International Association of Presentation and the work of Justice, Peace and Care for Creation and Peace that Presentation people all over the world, are involved in.

We were very fortunate to have Carol, an Associate from Pakistan with us who shared how the Associates in Pakistan were organised, the way they worked with the sisters and their creative response in a system that is very difficult and demanding.

We had time to reflect and share in small groups – and there was a lot of energy around.

People found the day inspirational, informative, reflective and challenging. It was good to meet with some from varying backgrounds – including Carol from Pakistan who is at present living in Edinburgh and wanting to establish a group of Presentation Associates in the place where she lives.

Cheshire students visit clinic in India that they built through years of fundraising - Submitted by Sister Susan Richert

A group of young people at All Hallows Catholic College in Macclesfield visited India in October to see first-hand a clinic run by the Presentation Sisters that they first started raising funds for fifteen years ago. Back in 2008, I visited the College to talk about the dire need that Presentation Sisters had for a clinic in Tamil Nadu, where they were working from just a shed. After proposing a project to the Headteacher, the school embarked on raising funds to build a clinic, with a target of £20,000.

Having built the structure, the next stage was to ensure the sisters had what they needed to minister to the communities - especially the women and children.

In October 2011, I went out to see the clinic, along with five Year 12 pupils, the Principal and head of 6th Form. We met the children, women and men whose lives have been drastically aided by this local healthcare provision. Varusanadu is a village two hours away from the nearest large town – Theni. The people are desperately poor and for many years the Presentation Sisters have been working with them and the many other people in the remote villages around - to help them help themselves.

At the clinic with some of the villagers

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Cheshire students visit clinic in India that they built through years of fundraising - Submitted by Sister Susan Richert (continued)

Fast forward to this October, and I had the experience again - this time travelling with fourteen young people and five staff from All Hallows College. The young people reminded me that since Year 7 (at the age of 11), they have been hearing about the clinic and now they were going to see it.

The adventure began with an early morning flight via Frankfurt to Chennai. We arrived just after midnight and once we had run the gauntlet of immigration, went out into the intense heat to meet the sisters who were waiting to greet us and take us “home” to Church Park. Once there – we had some tea and toast, and then to bed for a few hours before we headed to visit St. Thomas’s Mount – where we called in at an orphanage to see some of the children and leave some toys. On the bus again, to the tomb of St. Thomas – one of the apostles, who reached as far as India to bring the Good News of Jesus. Then back to Church Park, evening meal and an early night.

The following day, we left for the train station to catch the overnight sleeper to Madurai, the city of Temples. Having eventually found our “beds” – games were played and eventually time to climb – and I mean climb – into bed – 3 high!!

Having arrived in Madurai and everyone getting themselves together – I heard a voice say Sister Susan? Sister Ruby (and Father Claret) had arrived to take us on the next part of our journey – to the Convent in Theni. After 2 hours on the bus, we arrived to a traditional warm Indian welcome.

We had breakfast, found our rooms, and got ready an overnight bag to go onto the village where the clinic was located – another 2 hour drive. But first it was time to get the gifts for the children out and sorted. Our bags were definitely lighter going back.

Sorting the gifts for the children

At last – the clinic and the sisters’ convent, before a welcoming committee (with a few of the staff). Entertainment was next on the cards- after which – gifts were given.

Having spent the night at the clinic, the group went on a local visitation and met several of the villagers – some had gone to work in the fields. We then boarded our bus for the journey back to Theni – through the hills - but not before calling into the hospice that our sisters run and onto Br. James Village. Time to chat to the sisters.

A new day dawns – a day of festival when the implements that people use for their work are blessed…so we joined the blessing.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Cheshire students visit clinic in India that they built through years of fundraising - Submitted by Sister Susan Richert (continued)

Then – to school…to do some teaching and join the students in their games even in the intense heat. After lunch – back to what we do best – shopping for sarees and longui ready for the evening fashion parade. Except, the sisters have to help us get into the Sarees.

On our return to Chennai and to Church Park, we visit Sacred Heart school, one of the three schools on the campus, before heading to the Community College to have hands painted – the guys have theirs done as well…. This is followed by afternoon tea with the sisters in one of the other communities.

With the Sisters from Theni

We return to Church Park for evening Mass and time to pack and prepare to leave. It’s hard to believe we have been here over a week. So many people we have met, so many experiences, so many miles, so much welcome and hospitality. How does one say thank you.

For me, it’s always a graced opportunity to meet our sisters and share in their ministry and hear their stories. For the young people – a life changing event, that at times has brought them to the brink of tears and a deep appreciation of the hospitality of the Presentation Sisters.

Group of students and staff at the fashion parade

SOME WORDS OFFERED BY THE YOUNG PEOPLE ON THIS VISIT: Life enhancing Life changing Made me understand our Value of Compassion I felt privileged I felt very fortunate I felt cared for by the sisters Well fed!!! Looked after Cared for

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Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Cheshire students visit clinic in India that they built through years of fundraising - Submitted by Sister Susan Richert (continued)

The sisters went out of their way for us Nothing was too much for them The hospitality the sisters showed was unreal. We are sorry we kept you up and meant your dinner was delayed! I learnt what Vocation means.

Joyful Presentation Day across Communities

The Feast of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary – 21 November (Presentation Day) is a special day of Celebration for all our sisters, Friends of Nano and co-workers throughout the world. A snapshot of reflections from a number of communities of Presentation Sisters in England :

New Moston:

We gathered each evening for The Novena in front of a display of Our Lady. We found the novena very reflective and prayerful. The weekly Mass said in the convent by Fr Starkie, and attended by a number of parishioners was a sung Mass to celebrate the feast of The Presentation. Tea, coffee and freshly baked scones (Made by Sisters Gabriel and Cecilia) were served in the dining room. A relaxed time was enjoyed by all.

Shirebrook:

We celebrated with Year 3 children at Mass - one of whom invited us to renew our Vows having given them a small packet of sweets, they reminded Sister Susan that she had promised them chocolate - so she and Sister Mary went over to school and gave every child a chocolate! The Associates joined us for coffee after Mass and then we went to a garden for lunch. We had a zoom prayer in the evening and a little more celebrating - a great day and we were pleasantly tired...

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

St Augustine’s Nottingham:

It was a fairly relaxed day and in the afternoon we went out for a celebration meal. We came together at 7.00pm to pray the final prayer in the Novena booklet and share our overview of the Novena. It was lovely for the first time since lockdown that we had Associates and parishioners join us for the Novena. We had a little soiree on Monday night for them at end of Novena.

Swindon:

We came together in the morning of Presentation Day with greetings of great joy and an air of celebration. Before lunch we had our refurbished grotto blessed by our PP, this was donated by a brother of one of our sisters. In the evening we had prayer and Novena. As it is November we remembered our families, deceased members of the congregation, our Associates, Friends of Nano and co-workers. Hence our mixed sacred space. Our celebration continued into late evening.

Livesey Street:

We had a lovely Presentation Day. It mainly centred around Mass in our Chapel at 5pm concelebrated by our Parish Priest Father Paul Daly assisted by Bishop Emeritus, Terence Brain and Father Moses Agada, Assistant Priest. Also present with us was Seminarian Theo Sharrock who is residing in the Priest’s house and Chaplain in St Matthew’s School. We had a homily on the significance of the Presentation of Our Lady in the Temple, renewed our Vows and sang many hymns to Our Lady.

Mass was followed by a delicious celebratory meal, eight of us present, where we had good conversation covering many topics which went on for quite a while!

The Novena that day was uplifting and thought provoking and it enhanced our day. It was a good Presentation day which we all enjoyed.

Congregational Gathering 3 – 23 March 2024

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Congregational Gathering 3 – 23 March 2024 (continued)

A Congregational Gathering (or Chapter) in the life of any religious congregation is a time to look ahead to see where the Spirit is guiding us as a Presentation Family. Where is God calling us forward? To what do we continue to commit ourselves? The theme for this year’s Gathering is: Embracing, Vulnerability and Possibility.

Also, during this time, we elect a new

Congregational Leadership to lead us through the next 6 years. Our sisters from the four corners of the globe will participate in this very serious and important item. The delegates from the English Unit are Sisters Mary Deane, Bernadette Healy, Janette Brown and Eleanor O’Gorman (pictured above). We support our sisters with our prayers.

It is also a time to thank the sisters who have led us through these last six years. They have been an inspiration to us all and we will continue to hold Sisters Julie Watson, Sharon Fagan, Anne M[C] Dermott, Aurea Dias and Neneth Robledo with grateful thanks.

Congratulations to the New Congregational Leadership Team who were elected and will take up office within the next six months.

Overseas

During the year, we have continued to receive donations for our overseas missions and these have been forwarded to them. The Bursar oversees and ensures that these accounts are kept accurately.

We support missionary and care services overseas, particularly in Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Presentation Associates are sponsoring children’s education in Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Overseas (continued)

In one mission in Zambia, a Cheshire Home is administered by the sisters and staffed by nurses and carers. Here, children with physical disabilities and limitations are medically examined and treatment is made available.

Volunteers

Throughout the year, many of the sisters give their time to assist those in need. The majority of the sisters receive no financial reward for this work which contributes to the overall achievement of the charity’s objectives. In addition, members are involved in administering the work of the Unit and the Charity – without their contribution the Charity would not be able to function as effectively as it does.

Sisters often do voluntary work in more than one area. This is reflected in the table below as more sisters than are in the province are in these figures. Other sisters receive a small/nominal stipend for the ministry they undertake. These ministries are usually in the areas of Parish; Catechesis; Spirituality.

Area	No. of volunteers	Approx. hours volunteered (over theyear)
Hospital visiting,hospice/housebound	37	15,000
Chaplaincies: school, prison and hospital	4	2000
General Parish Ministry/ Children’s Groups	25	10,000
Spirituality	15	3000
Refugee service	7	1800
Outreach to women / Homeless	4	130
Outreach to Special Needs Adults	3	500
Outreach to local community	24	7,000
Administration	13	6000
Communications	4	500
Vocation/Formation	3	250
Associates	16	1600
Justice And Peace	18	850
Ministryto Travellers	4	2,200
Carers of sisters within own community	13	8,300
Counselling	1	40
Overseas volunteering (bi-annual)	1	240
Heritage Centre/Archives	2	220
Support of Other Charities(i.e., Cafod etc.)	2	240
Total 59,870

An example of this is that Sister Eleanor has been working with Cafod as a school’s volunteer for about five years. Cafod (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) is an international development charity which aims to reach out to people living in poverty with practical help, whatever their religion or culture. They also campaign for global justice, so that everyone can live their life to the fullest. Cafod’s aims and values are very much aligned with the values of the Presentation Sisters.

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Community Life and Ministry (continued)

Volunteers (continued)

‘As a school’s volunteer, I visit primary schools, mainly in the Birmingham Diocese, and offer assemblies and workshops on specific themes using the resources provided by the Cafod schools team. Children have learnt about the work of mobile health clinics which brought vital health care to people in Pakistan after the floods, and they learnt about the lives of fisherfolk in Liberia who need safety equipment to carry out their work. I have particularly enjoyed giving workshops on Laudato Si where the children reflect and share ideas on how they are caring for the earth, our common home’.

Grants, donations and support of missionary work and ministry

Grants and donations

Grants and donations are made by the trustees in consultation with other members of the Unit. In the main, the charity supports the work of the Presentation Sisters in those overseas countries where there is the most need.

The trustees continue to give financial support also to United Kingdom organisations whose work is within the objects of the charity e.g., CAFOD and C.A.P. The Unit also supports short term requests for charity in relation to natural disasters, famine etc.

The charity does not regard itself as a grant making entity and applications for grants and donations are not invited.

Use of our buildings for networking and collaboration

Our houses are used by others for various activities. In this way, we share our resources with the local community.

Examples of such uses are:

• Each week the Main Hall in the Convent in Matlock is used by the Care Centre for activities for the residents and for in-service training.

• Many of our houses are regularly used by organisations, Churches and charity groups e.g. “Assisted Reading for Children” and local mother and toddler groups and refugees.

• Our buildings have also been used by local churches for joint fundraising events for needs abroad.

• SVP groups and ladies’ clubs meet on a regular basis and Parishes run various catechetical programmes in several of our houses.

• People are welcome to join in prayer or to use our chapels for prayer; coffee mornings are held as are prayer groups; student groups, members of the deaf community and various other groups also use our facilities.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Grants, donations and support of missionary work and ministry (continued)

Grants and donations (continued)

The following Diocesan and Parish organisations hold meetings within the charity’s properties and make use of its facilities:

• Knights of St Columba

• Friends of Nano - Presentation Associates

• Justice and Peace Groups

• Ecumenical Conference

• Choir Practices

• Café Meetings

In addition, the following religious instruction programmes take place:

• Preparation for Baptism

• Preparation for Confirmation

• R.C.I.A

Solidarity Fund set up in 2001

We contribute to the Solidarity Fund which has been set up by the Congregational Leadership Team to further the work among the poor and to assist in the provision of training for ministry in new situations. In this way, while we ourselves are an ageing group, we can support the younger and more active members of the Congregation to continue our ministry of bringing “good news to the poor” in those parts of the world which are desperately poor.

Ministry of Justice

The ministry of Justice is a core commitment of the members of the Presentation Congregation, Friends of Nano, Associates and co-workers. To carry out this statement we see the following as our vision:

• To act justly in all our dealings with each other.

• To promote justice within our own community and province structures.

• With others we wish to challenge unjust structures, especially those that exploit and oppress women and children.

• We stand in solidarity with all the oppressed for liberation and self-empowerment.

• We will be alert to any violation of human rights and call on one another to take immediate action for justice.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Grants, donations and support of missionary work and ministry (continued)

Ministry of Justice (continued)

The sisters, Associates and all with whom we network, are committed to change at personal, local, country and world level in order to bring about more just systems, fair trade issues, care of our earth and sustainable development.

We engage with the sustainable development goals and as we work to care for our common home. We are engaged with all issues that pertain to the elimination of violence against women and children, taking specific account of indigenous peoples, migrants, refugees and asylum seekers. We collaborate with the Two Irish Provinces and have established an InterProvincial Justice Desk and employ Brian O’Toole to co-ordinate this ministry and to link with the Internation Presentation Association (IPA).

In order to ensure the on-going commitment of members, a Justice, Peace and Integrity of Creation Commission (JPIC) is active in the Province.

We write letters, protest peacefully, challenge respectfully on behalf of those unable to do so themselves. We network with other groups both in localities and globally to bring about change. We look at our own use of resources and try to be responsible and careful.

Re-cycling is encouraged and taken seriously as is the use of energy in our houses; so also, is the whole area of ecology and care of the earth.

Vocations

While it is the responsibility of every member of the Congregation to pray for and encourage women to think about our way of life, there is a Vocation Team which consists of three sisters. The team meets regularly to plan Vocation Days and support communities in their responsibility of praying and encouraging women to think about this way of life.

They also respond to enquiries and accompany some who request help in discerning their vocation in life. They organise events for young adults to deepen their Faith and prayer life and thus discover their vocation in life. Events include retreats, Lectio Divina groups, Flame Rally, World Youth Events and Bible Study.

Investment policy

The charity’s investments are managed by professional investment managers under a discretionary investment agreement. The investment strategy is set by the trustees, with help and advice from the Finance Team and Investment Manager and takes into account income requirements, risk profile and the investment managers’ views of the market prospects in the medium term.

The policy is to maximise total return through a diversified portfolio whilst providing a level of income advised by the trustees from time to time.

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Activities, specific objectives and relevant policies (continued)

Investment policy (continued)

The charity has an ethical policy precluding investment in any company which, after reasonable enquiry, clearly has significant profits from an activity which is contrary to the objectives of the Christian Church. The charity has divested from Fossil fuel companies in line with the Congregational Finance policy and mission focus.

The performance of the portfolio and the charity’s investment strategy are reviewed by the trustees and the Congregational Bursar who meet with the investment managers annually.

Fundraising Policy

The charity aims to achieve best practice in the way in which it communicates with donors and other supporters. The charity takes care with both the tone of its communications and the accuracy of its data to minimise the pressures on supporters. It applies best practices to protect supporter’s data and never sells data, it never swaps data and ensures that communication preferences can be changed at any time. The charity and the group manage its own fundraising activities to react to and investigate any complaints regarding its fundraising activities and to learn from them and improve its service. During the year, the charity received no complaints about its fundraising activities.

Financial report for the year

Income and expenditure

Total income for the year was £3.24 million (2023: £3.37 million), of which £1.13 million (2023: £1.09 million) comprised voluntary income. This included £1.06 million (2023: £1.03 million) in respect to sisters’ pensions. A further £1.75 million (2023: £1.62 million) of income comprised fees for care services.

During the year the charity incurred expenditure of £3.75 million (2023: £3.4 million), of which £1.5 million (2023: £1.3 million) related to the upkeep of the sisters and enabling them to carry out their charitable work. £2.1 million (2023: £1.9 million) was spent on providing care services at Matlock. Donations in support of miscellaneous charitable activities, including to the work of the Congregation overseas, amounted to £97,904 (2023: £162,288).

The net expenditure for the year before investment gains totalled £515,477 (2023: £38,756). Net investment gains totalled £516,917 (2023: net investment losses £905,531) and resulted in an increase in funds over the year of £1,440 (2023: decrease in funds of £944,287).

The charity’s investments are managed by Rathbone Investment Management Limited. They have invested in accordance with the Trustees’ (and the Congregation’s) investment policy set out above and in compliance with the ethical guidelines given to them. The investments together with cash held by the investment managers for investment had a market value of £13,305,800 at 31 March 2024.

During the year, the charity’s listed investments achieved an income yield of 2.4% and a capital yield of approximately 4%. Further details of the investment portfolio are included in note 12 to the attached accounts.

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Financial report for the year (continued)

Income and expenditure (continued)

The Trustees continue to take a long term view and believe their investment policy remains appropriate.

Financial position and reserves policy

The balance sheet shows total reserves of £22.2 million (2023: £22.2 million). £73,599 (2023: £47,093) of these reserves represent restricted funds held primarily for the Congregation’s missions overseas.

Of the balance, £8.25 million (2023: £7.7 million) is represented by tangible fixed assets used to support the work of the sisters. A further £12million (2023: £12million) represents a retirement reserve designated to provide income to communities for the care of elderly sisters. It is the charity’s policy to designate as a separate fund an amount to provide for the sisters in the future, as they are wholly dependent on the charity, and to give the level of resources necessary to continue to support their work. Given the increasing age profile of the sisters and the lack of new vocations this sum will only provide modest resources to look after them.

The Trustees have examined the requirement for free reserves i.e. those unrestricted funds not invested in tangible fixed assets, designated for specific purposes or otherwise committed. The Trustees consider that, given the nature of the charity’s work, the level of free reserves should be approximately six to twelve months’ annual expenditure, to provide for contingencies and unevenness in future income. At the date of the balance sheet, free reserves amounted to £1.84 million (2023: £2.3 million) which is within the amount implicit in the policy. The Trustees will continue to monitor reserves but do not regard the overall reserves of the charity as inadequate or excessive.

The charity’s assets

Acquisitions and disposals of fixed assets during the year are recorded in the notes to the accounts.

Future plans

The trustees do not anticipate any significant change to the charity or its activities over the next two to five years. It is their intention to meet the following objectives:

• To continue to care for the sisters and enable them to carry out their pastoral work and ministry. We will continue to focus on the poor and marginalised and reaching out to as many as possible.

• To continue to operate our Care Centre and provide the highest possible quality of care for the residents.

• To continue to aim to achieve occupancy rates of 95+% within the Care Centre.

• To meet the care requirements laid down by law within the Care Centre and ensure the reports of the CQC are of an excellent standard.

• To continue a rolling programme of refurbishment for the Care Centre.

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Future plans (continued)

• To continue to employ high quality staff in the Care Centre and elsewhere and ensure that they receive appropriate and relevant training.

• To monitor the needs of the sisters as they grow older and, if necessary, adapt the charity’s plans in respect of property needs and the provision of care to elderly members.

• To work with the Congregational Bursar in looking at restructuring our finances in order to ensure continued good stewardship.

• To support the Congregation’s missions overseas.

• To ensure that on-going formation is provided for our sisters and our co-workers.

• To ensure that the policy of sharing our resources is continued.

• To seek and encourage new members to the Congregation.

Governance, management and community structure

Governance

The trustees are incorporated under the Charities Act 2011. They are appointed by the Unit Leader and their number is specified in the Trust Deed. At any one time, there must be a minimum of five trustees. The Unit itself is administered by the Unit Team Leader, a Team of three and other trustees including the Province Bursar. In assisting and supporting the Unit, the trustees work closely as a team and meet regularly throughout the year. The members of the Unit Team are elected by members of the English Province or are appointed by the Congregational Leadership Team (CLT) following consultation with members of the English Unit. The Unit Leadership Team are accountable to the Congregational Leadership Team.

The Unit Team were appointed normally for a six-year term. On being elected the incoming Unit Team is required to spend some time with those leaving office. They also meet with the Unit’s legal, financial, investment and property advisers to obtain a full briefing of their responsibilities and the charity’s position.

Each community in England is visited regularly by the Unit Leader and/or members of the leadership Team and there is a system of accountability operational in the Unit ensuring that the Team is aware of developments in the work and life of each community. The Unit Team work closely with the leaders of Communities and Community Groupings to form an extended Leadership Team. They have regular meetings and ensure that the care of sisters and the ministries undertaken by the sisters is kept under review.

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Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Management

The names of the trustees who served during this year 2023-2024 are set out as part of the reference and administrative details on page 1 of this annual report and accounts. Brief biographical details on each trustee in office at 31 March 2024 are given below. The current leadership team began their term of office in August 2022 and are due to complete their term in July 2025.

Sister Eileen Keating was Unit Leader until 11 September 2024. Born and brought up in Kerry, where she entered the Presentation Sisters, she has ministered in New Zealand and Chile before coming to England. She was Youth Chaplain and involved in Parish ministry in Corsham and then moved to Holy Family, Sheffield – where she was Canonical Pastor for 27 years, before being elected as Unit Leader of the English Unit in the summer of 2014. Sister Eileen Keating died on 11 September 2024, just before this report was signed off. Her death was sudden in the end but she had been ill for a period of time prior to her death.

Sister Eleanor O’Gorman made her first profession of vows in 1985, she

has lived in communities in Scunthorpe, Acocks Green, Glossop and Gorton and has taught in primary schools in Scunthorpe, Birmingham and Stockport. She is currently living in Acocks Green where she is doing voluntary work with Cafod and at Tabor House, a centre for people experiencing homelessness. Eleanor is currently the Provincial Bursar.

Sister Mary Deane made her first profession in 1987, she is resident in Shirebrook and has lived in communities in Redditch, Coventry and Nottingham. She has worked in a number of ministries including teaching, school and university chaplaincy. From 2006-2012 she ‘ - served on the Congregational Leadership Team and from 2012-2018 was Congregational Leader. She is currently is involved with vocation _ ministry and is the Link sister with the Friends of Nano in the Province. As the Assistant Leader Sister Mary assumed the role of the Province Leader according to C53 of Our Way of Life - The Constitutions of the Union of Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary. This appointment was confirmed by the Congregational Leader - Sister Sharon Fagan, with effect from 12 September 2024 to 31 July 2025.

Sister Mary Deane along with Sister Eleanor will form the Provincial Leadership Team working closely with the Trustees and the leaders of the communities and community groupings to form an extended leadership Team.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Management (continued) The following sisters make up the full complement of the board of trustees:

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Sister Anne Marie Buckley Sister Angela Murphy Sister Bernadette Healy
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Sister Anne Marie Buckley is resident at Presentation Convent in Matlock. She has retired from a very active life in teaching and Pastoral Ministry.

Sister Angela Murphy lives in Acocks Green and is a member of Leadership Team in Matlock community. .She has taught in a secondary school and was involved in formation for some years. She is involved in Prayer Ministry and Bereavement in the parish.

Sister Bernadette Healy lives in Derby and is a member of the leadership Team for the Matlock community. She has taught in primary schools in Bicester, Huddersfield and Birmingham and currently has pastoral responsibility for the Traveller community in the Nottingham Diocese.

Trustees Meeting

Left and clockwise around the table : Karen Roberts (Financial Consultant) Sisters Mary Deane, Eleanor O’Gorman, Bernadette Healy, Anne Marie Buckley, Eileen Keating, Angela Murphy.

Trustees’ responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees’ report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the trustees to prepare accounts for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing these accounts, the trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 53

Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Trustees’ responsibilities (continued)

• observe the methods and principles in Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102);

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable United Kingdom Accounting Standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the accounts; and

• prepare the accounts on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Charities Act 2011, the applicable Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the charity’s trust deed. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Structure and management reporting

The trustees are ultimately responsible for the policies, activities and assets of the charity. The Unit Leader and her Leadership Team meet once a month to review developments and make decisions. The full board of trustees meet twice a year and when necessary, meet with the charity’s professional advisers including property consultants, accountants, and investment managers. The day-to-day management of the charity’s activities and the carrying out of its policies is delegated to the appropriate members of the Congregation.

Community structure

On 31 March 2024, the Province consisted of 54 sisters. For the most part the sisters live in small communities of between three and four sisters. However, we have one community of six members and another community of 22 sisters. Four sisters live on their own for the sake of mission. The largest community has named leadership while other communities work on a collaborative model, and have a designated Leader.

Care Centre

The Charity owns and operates a highly regarded Care Centre for older people within the Matlock Community. The Care Centre is open to all regardless of belief.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Structure and management reporting (continued)

Care Centre (continued)

The Care Centre fulfils the aim of the charity to both provide an appropriate care facility for sisters of the Congregation and for members of the public who need care and would benefit from a peaceful and religious environment. Whilst fees are charged for the Care Centre, assistance is given for residents to be able to claim state assistance, subject to Government qualification criteria. Top-Up fees are reduced when there is an inability to pay and any specific cases of hardship are put to the trustees if the resident does not qualify for state assistance. All residents have access to pastoral services provided by the sisters and the onsite chapel is available for services and contemplation.

The Registered Manager of the Care Centre during the year was responsible for the day-today administration. This post is held by Mrs Jayne Carnall. Medical care was supervised by the Lead Nurse, held by Jo Green.

A Management Board, chaired until October 2023 by Mr Steven Taylor, meets every three months. The Board reports to the Province Leader on matters regarding residents, finance and premises. The Chair of the Board, the Registered Manager and Lead Nurse and/or Clinical Practice Facilitator, attend these meetings. Members of the Province, Sisters Eileen Keating, Eleanor O’Gorman and Bernadette Healy along with Ms Jacquie Scott and Sister Siobhan O’Keefe SHJM are members of this Board. Sister Eileen Keating represents the Province Leadership Team on this Board. The Care Quality Commission liaises with the Province Leadership.

The charity has a serious and continuing commitment to the care, support and maintenance of the members who are being cared for in our Care Centre at Matlock. We continue to be aware of the increasing age and fragility of the members of the Province and seek always to find the best ways to care for them.

Key management personnel

The trustees consider that they comprise the key management personnel of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day-to-day basis.

As noted above, the day-to-day operations of the Care Centre are overseen by a Management Board. Steve Taylor was the chair of the Management Board until his retirement in October 2023. This role is now temporarily being held by Sr Eileen Keating who along with the Registered Manager, the Lead Nurse and Clinical Practice Facilitator, oversees the running of the Care Centre and reports to the Province Leadership Team on matters regarding residents, finance and premises.

The pay of the Registered Manager and Lead Nurse are reviewed annually by the trustees and the members of the Management Board. Their pay generally is increased in line with average earnings within the Care Centre.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Structure and management reporting (continued)

Working with other organisations

The charity works closely with a number of other charities and public bodies in various fields to achieve its mission. In some instances, sisters are employed by organisations whilst in other instances the relationships are more informal. In working together, the sisters further the Congregation’s mission. They also work in coordination with other organisations in order to further their objectives in relation to care and education.

Examples of other organisations with which members cooperate are as follows:

• Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham/Hallam and others

• Derby University

• Education Authorities e.g., Manchester/ Derbyshire

• Christian Alliance, Fr Hudson’s Care.

• Church Action on Poverty/ CAFOD / NJPN / Pax Christi

• Conference of Religious of England and Wales

• MIND / ICAP

• Capacitar

• YCW – Young Christian Workers

• Faith Justice

Risk management

In line with the requirement for trustees to undertake a risk assessment exercise and report on the same in their annual report, the trustees have looked at the risks the Congregation currently faces, including those in the Care Centre, and have reviewed the measures already in place, or needing to be put in place, to mitigate them.

The following main areas where risks may occur have been identified:

Governance and management

The Unit Team Leader works closely with her team ensuring that responsibility and information regarding the charity is shared. This mitigates the risk of one key person holding all the responsibility and information for the charity. Management of key areas of the charity (care of the elderly sisters, the Care Centre, finance) have been delegated to the appropriate members of the Congregation and competent individuals who are accountable to and work closely with the trustees.

Financial

All local houses are accountable to the Unit Bursar regarding finance and resources. The Unit Leader and her Leadership Team meet once a month to review developments and make decisions. As regards the Care Centre, a Management Board meets every three months. The Board reports to the Unit Leader on matters regarding residents, finance and premises.

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Trustees’ report Year to 31 March 2024

Governance, management and community structure (continued)

Risk management (continued)

Financial (continued)

All sisters and staff receive training and formation in appropriate skills. It also ensures the good use of the charity’s resources and members are enabled to learn new skills and constantly update their training in the light of new developments.

Properties and investments

The principal financial assets of the charity are its properties and investment portfolio. The Unit Bursar oversees the maintenance and management of properties in conjunction with the trustees and advisers. All the properties are fully insured with a reputable insurance company. The investment portfolio is subject to market fluctuations and so is managed by a competent and reputable firm of investment managers who act in accordance with the trustees’ investment policy which is reviewed annually. The trustees meet annually with the investment managers to review the performance of the portfolio and to ensure that funds are at appropriate levels to meet the charity’s needs both now and into the future.

Care of sisters

An analysis of the age profile of the sisters in the Unit shows that the main group of sisters are in their 70s and 80s. Recent experience has shown that this is the group likely to have unexpected health issues. Therefore, the planning for the future needs to take provision for the future of these sisters into account alongside the more obvious needs of the more elderly. The trustees are aware of their legal and moral responsibility to care for their members. None of the sisters has resources of her own as all pensions, salaries and other income have been donated to the charity under a Gift Aid compliant Deed of Covenant. Key to managing this risk is: ensuring there are financial resources available to finance this care now and into the future by setting aside designated funds for this purpose; also, regular reviews of the ministries and needs of the sisters in order to identify and address those needing more support or care.

Care Centre

The Care Centre operates in a highly regulated field of activity and as such is subject to regular inspection by a number of agencies. The result of this degree of scrutiny is that operational risk policies are very well developed in the areas of quality of service, health and safety of residents and employees and employment issues. The Management Board, the Registered Manager and the Lead Nurse with experience of running health care organisations advise the trustees on the myriad of clinical, care and other risks associated with the operation of the Care Centre including, for example, safeguarding (see below); the chronic shortage of qualified nurses and care assistants; the impact of the changes in the provision of care funding and the changing regulatory environment including alterations to the inspection regime of the Care Quality Commission and the need for specific written policies.

The Care Centre complies with all regulations regarding fire alarms, emergency lighting, fire doors, emergency exits, and procedures for alerting the fire brigade. Fire tests are regularly carried out and handbooks are provided for workers. In all our properties, a qualified engineer annually inspects our machinery and plant equipment.

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Trustees, report Year to 31 March 2024 Governance, management and communlty structure (continued) Risk management (continued) Safeguarding Sisters engaged in any ministry in Great Britain and all those who work or volunteer for Ihe charity and work with children or vulnerable adults (including our elderly sisters) must obtain Clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service {DBS). The sisters commit themselves to c2re in this area, guided by the Unit Safeguarding Policy. This policy is in alignment with the Catholic Church and Statutory Services in this Country. These provide the necessary framework for those who exercise ministry involving any work with children. young people and adults at risk. Employees, volunteers and members of the Congregation The trustees wish to record Éheir recognition of the professionalism and commitment of all their staff, volunteers and the individual members of the Province and Congregation. Their dedication and positive approach are very much appreciated. Signed on behalf of the trustees.. Sister Mary Deane Trustee Approved by the Trustees on.. 31 October 2024 The English Province of the Union of Ihe Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust 58

Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2024

Independent auditor’s report to the Trustees of The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust

Opinion

We have audited the accounts of The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust (the ‘charity’) for the year ended 31 March 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet, the statement of cash flows, the principal accounting policies and notes to the accounts. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102 ‘The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland’ (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the accounts:

•  give a true and fair view of the state of the charity’s affairs as at 31 March 2024 and of its income and expenditure for the year then ended;

•  have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and

•  have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts section of our report. We are independent of the charity in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the accounts in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the accounts, we have concluded that the Trustees’ use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the accounts is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the accounts are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

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Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2024

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the Annual Report, including the trustees’ report other than the accounts and our auditor’s report thereon. The trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the accounts does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon.

Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the accounts or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the accounts themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

In the light of the knowledge and understanding of the charity and its environment obtained in the course of the audit, we have not identified material misstatements in the trustees’ report.

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

•  the information given in the Trustees’ report is inconsistent in any material respect with the accounts; or

•  sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or

•  the accounts are not in agreement with the accounting records; or

•  we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the Trustees’ responsibilities statement set out on page 53, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of accounts that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.

In preparing the accounts, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charity or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

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Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2024

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts

We have been appointed as auditor under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made of having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the accounts as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor’s report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists.

Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these accounts.

Irregularities, including fraud, are instances of non-compliance with laws and regulations. We design procedures in line with our responsibilities, outlined above, to detect material misstatements in respect to irregularities, including fraud. The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

How the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud

Our approach to identifying and assessing the risks of material misstatement in respect of irregularities, including fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations, was as follows:

•  The engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations;

•  We identified the laws and regulations applicable to the charity through discussions with management and Trustees and from our knowledge and experience of the charity sector;

•  We focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the accounts or the activities of the charity. These included but were not limited to the Charities Act 2011; Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable to the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019); the Care Act 2014 and related legislation/regulations; and

•  We assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and those charged with governance and review of minutes of Trustees’ meetings.

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Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2024

Auditor’s responsibilities for the audit of the accounts (continued)

How the audit was considered capable of detecting irregularities including fraud (continued)

We assessed the susceptibility of the charity’s financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

•  Making enquiries of management and Trustees as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud; and

•  Considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.

To address the risk of fraud through management bias and override of controls, we:

•  Performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships;

•  Tested and reviewed journal entries to identify unusual transactions;

•  Carried out substantive testing of expenditure;

•  Assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias; and

•  Investigated the rationale behind significant or unusual transactions.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

•  Agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation;

•  Reading the minutes of meetings of Trustees and the Care Centre Management Board; and

•  Enquiring of as to actual and potential litigation and claims.

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the Trustees and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion.

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements is located on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor’s report.

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Independent auditor’s report 31 March 2024

Use of this report

This report is made solely to the charity’s Trustees, as a body, in accordance Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s Trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor's report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s Trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Buzzacott LLP Statutory Auditor 130 Wood Street London EC2V 6DL

Buzzacott LLP is eligible to act as an auditor in terms of section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006

01 November 2024

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

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Statement of financial activities Year to 31 March 2024

Notes	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
Income from: Donations and legacies 1 Investments and interest receivable 2 Charitable activities . Charges for care services Other sources: . Care Centre grants . Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets 3 . Miscellaneous Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds . Investment manager’s fees Charitable activities . Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry 4 . Provision of care services 5 . Grants and donations in support of miscellaneous charitable purposes 6 Total expenditure Net (expenditure) income before net investment gains (losses) 8 Net investment gains (losses) 12 Net (expenditure) income and net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward at 1 April 2023 Total funds carried forward at 31 March 2024	1,069,123 334,252 1,752,022 6,502 4,599 3,072	65,767 81 — — — — —	1,134,890 334,333 1,752,022 6,502 4,599 3,072	1,039,152 292,044 1,615,580 10,422 350,751 7,344	54,416 29 — — — —	1,093,568 292,073 1,615,580 10,422 350,751 7,344
	3,169,570	65,848	3,235,418	3,315,293	54,445	3,369,738
	61,647 1,513,385 2,077,422 59,099	— — 537 38,805	61,647 1,513,385 2,077,959 97,904	61,028 1,287,282 1,897,896 86,535	— — — 75,753	61,028 1,287,282 1,897,896 162,288
	3,711,553	39,342	3,750,895	3,332,741	75,753	3,408,494
	(541,983) 516,917	26,506 —	(515,477) 516,917	(17,448) (905,531)	(21,308) —	(38,756) (905,531)
	(25,066) 22,115,914	26,506 47,093	1,440 22,163,007	(922,979) 23,038,893	(21,308) 68,401	(944,287) 23,107,294
	22,090,848	73,599	22,164,447	22,115,914	47,093	22,163,007

All of the charity’s activities comprised continuing operations during the above two financial years.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 64

- Sister Mary Deane

31 October 2024

Charity Registration Number 327357

Statement of cash flows Year to 31 March 2024

Notes	2024 £	2023 £
Cash flows from operating activities: Net cash used in operating activities A Cash flows from investing activities: Investment income and interest received Proceeds from the disposal of tangible fixed assets Purchase of tangible fixed assets Proceeds from the disposal of investments Purchase of investments Net cash provided by investing activities Change in cash and cash equivalents in the year Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April 2023 B Change in cash and cash equivalents due to exchange rate movements Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March 2024 B	(514,345)	(422,099)
	329,313 4,600 (798,219) 1,667,945 (773,765)	294,791 591,846 (158,360) 433,606 (684,178)
	429,874	477,705
	(84,471) 1,193,160 (377)	55,606 1,137,272 282
	1,108,312	1,193,160

Notes to the statement of cash flows for the year to 31 March 2024.

A Reconciliation of net movement in funds to net cash provided by used in operating activities

activities
	2024 £	2023 £
Net movement in funds (as per the statement of financial activities) Adjustments for: Depreciation charge (Gains) losses on investments Investment income and interest receivable Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets Exchange losses (gains) Decrease in debtors Decrease in creditors Net cash used in operating activities	1,440 275,931 (516,917) (334,333) (4,599) 377 105,210 (41,454)	(944,287) 266,029 905,531 (292,073) (350,751) (282) 12,525 (18,791)
	(514,345)	(422,099)

B Analysis of cash and cash equivalents

Analysis of cash and cash equivalents
	2024 £	2023 £
Cash at bank and in hand Cash held by investment managers Total cash and cash equivalents	626,351 481,961	1,142,060 51,100
	1,108,312	1,193,160

No separate reconciliation of net debt has been prepared as there is no difference between the net cash (debt) of the charity and the above cash and cash equivalents.

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Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the accounts are laid out below.

Basis of preparation

These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 March 2024 with comparative information provided for the year to 31 March 2023.

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (Charities SORP FRS 102), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.

The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.

The accounts are presented in sterling and are rounded to the nearest pound.

Critical accounting estimates and areas of judgement

Preparation of the accounts requires the Trustees to make significant judgements and estimates.

The items in the accounts where these judgements and estimates have been made include:

•  estimating the useful economic life of tangible fixed assets for the purposes of determining the annual depreciation charge;

•  assessing the probability of the receipt of legacy income;

•  determining the apportionment of expenditure between governance and support costs and between support costs and the various categories of expenditure on charitable activities;

•  assessing the recoverability of outstanding debtors especially in respect to care fees and loans advanced to thirds parties;

•  the assumptions applied in determining the size of the sisters’ retirement reserve created in order to provide for the sisters in their retirement; and

•  the estimation of future income and expenditure flows for the purpose of assessing going concern.

Assessment of going concern

The Trustees have assessed whether the use of the going concern assumption is appropriate in preparing these accounts. The Trustees have made this assessment in respect to a period of at least one year from the date of approval of these accounts.

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Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

Assessment of going concern (continued)

The Trustees of the charity have concluded that there are no material uncertainties related to events or conditions that may cast significant doubt on the ability of the charity to continue as a going concern. The Trustees are of the opinion that the charity will have sufficient resources to meet its liabilities as they fall due. The most significant areas of judgement that affect items in the accounts are detailed above. With regard to the next accounting period, the year ending 31 March 2025, the most significant areas that affect the carrying value of the assets held by the charity are the level of investment return and the performance of the investment markets (see the investment policy and the risk management sections of the Trustees’ report for more information).

Income recognition

Income is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to the income, the amount of the income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

Income comprises donations and legacies, investment income and interest receivable, charges for care services and other income including the surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets.

Donations, including salaries and pensions of individual religious received under Gift Aid or deed of covenant, are recognised when the charity has confirmation of both the amount and settlement date. In the event of donations pledged but not received, the amount is accrued for where the receipt is considered probable. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the charity is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognised until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the charity and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.

In accordance with the Charities SORP FRS 102 volunteer time is not recognised.

Legacies are included in the statement of financial activities when the charity is entitled to the legacy, the executors have established that there are sufficient surplus assets in the estate to pay the legacy, and any conditions attached to the legacy are within the control of the charity.

Entitlement is taken as the earlier of the date on which either: the charity is aware that probate has been granted, the estate has been finalised and notification has been made by the executor to the charity that a distribution will be made, or when a distribution is received from the estate. Receipt of a legacy, in whole or in part, is only considered probable when the amount can be measured reliably and the charity has been notified of the executor’s intention to make a distribution. Where legacies have been notified to the charity, or the charity is aware of the granting of probate, but the criteria for income recognition have not been met, then the legacy is treated as a contingent asset and disclosed if material. In the event that the gift is in the form of an asset other than cash or a financial asset traded on a recognised stock exchange, recognition is subject to the value of the gift being reliably measurable with a degree of reasonable accuracy and the title of the asset having being transferred to the charity.

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Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

Income recognition (continued)

Investment income is recognised once the dividend or similar distribution has been declared and notification has been received of the amount due.

Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity; this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.

Income from fees and related charges in respect to care services is recognised to the extent that it is probable that the economic benefits will flow to the charity and the revenue can be reliably measured. It is measured at fair value of the consideration received or receivable, excluding discounts and rebates.

Other income is measured at fair value and is recognised in the period in which the charity is entitled to receipt and the amount can be measured with reasonable certainty.

Income from specific grants is accounted for when the charity has entitlement to the income, the amount of income can be measured reliably and it is probable that the income will be received.

The surplus on the disposal of tangible fixed assets is calculated as the difference between the sale proceeds net of sale costs and the net book value of the asset immediately prior to disposal. It is accounted for once legal completion of the disposal has taken place.

Expenditure recognition

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis. All expenses are allocated to the applicable expenditure headings. The classification between activities is as follows:

Expenditure on raising funds includes all expenditure associated with raising funds for the charity. This relates to investment management fees only.

Expenditure on charitable activities includes all costs associated with furthering the charitable purposes of the charity through the provision of its charitable activities. Such costs include costs in respect to the support of members of the Congregation; expenditure incurred in the provision of care services to residents at the charity’s Care Centre in Matlock, Derbyshire; and charitable grants and donations.

Donations relate, in the main, to the support of the Congregation’s own work overseas and the support of other Roman Catholic charitable organisations. Donations are included in the statement of financial activities when approved for payment. Provision is made for donations approved but unpaid at the period end.

All expenditure is stated inclusive of irrecoverable VAT.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 69

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

Allocation of support and governance costs

Support costs represent indirect charitable expenditure. In order to carry out the primary purposes of the charity it is necessary to provide support in the form of personnel development, financial procedures, provision of office services and equipment and a suitable working environment. The nature of the charity’s structure means that support costs applicable to each of the charity’s activities can be identified directly and there has been no need for any apportionment between headings.

Governance costs comprise the costs involving the public accountability of the charity (including audit costs) and costs in respect to compliance with regulation and good practice.

Governance costs are apportioned using percentages based on the direct expenditure incurred on the support of members of the Congregation and their ministry and on the provision of care services. No apportionment is made to expenditure on donations and grants or to expenditure on raising funds as the amounts are not deemed material.

Tangible fixed assets

All assets costing more than £1,500 and with an expected useful life exceeding one year are capitalised.

•  Freehold and long leasehold land and buildings Freehold and long leasehold land and buildings purchased on or prior to 31 March 1996 are included in the accounts at a valuation determined by the Trustees as at that date with professional assistance, based on replacement cost for existing use. As permitted by FRS 102, with effect from 1 July 2014 the value assigned to this property is now deemed its cost. Land and buildings purchased on or after 1 April 1996 are shown on the balance sheet at cost. Freehold land and buildings comprise:

•  Non-specialised buildings are those designated as, and used wholly or mainly for, private residential accommodation. Such buildings are not depreciated. Their value and condition are reviewed annually by the Trustees and an impairment provision made where their residual value is materially less than their book value.

•  Specialised buildings comprise the charity’s care home and large residential convents. Depreciation is provided at 2% per annum on a straight-line basis to write the buildings off over their estimated useful economic life to the charity.

•  Furniture, plant and equipment and motor vehicles Expenditure on the purchase and replacement of furniture, plant and equipment and motor vehicles is capitalised and depreciated on a straight-line basis in order to write each asset off over its estimated useful economic life.

•  Furniture and equipment 5 or 10 years

•  Motor vehicles 5 years

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 70

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

Fixed asset investments

Listed investments are a form of basic financial instrument and are initially recognised at their transaction value and subsequently measured at their fair value as at the balance sheet date using the closing quoted market price.

The charity does not acquire put options, derivatives or other complex financial instruments.

As noted above the main form of financial risk faced by the charity is that of volatility in equity markets and investment markets due to wider economic conditions, the attitude of investors to investment risk, and changes in sentiment concerning equities and within particular sectors or sub sectors.

Realised gains (or losses) on investment assets are calculated as the difference between disposal proceeds and their opening carrying value or their purchase value is acquired subsequent to the first day of the financial year. Unrealised gains and losses are calculated as the difference between the fair value at the year end and their carrying value at that date. Realised and unrealised investment gains (or losses) are combined in the statement of financial activities and are credited (or debited) in the year in which they arise.

Debtors

Debtors are recognised at their settlement amount, less any provision for non-recoverability. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash receipt where such discounting is material.

Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand represents such accounts and instruments that are available on demand or have a maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition. Deposits for more than three months but less than one year have been disclosed as short term deposits. Cash placed on deposit for more than one year is disclosed as a fixed asset investment.

Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised when there is an obligation at the balance sheet date as a result of a past event, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefit will be required in settlement, and the amount of the settlement can be estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are recognised at the amount the charity anticipates it will pay to settle the debt. They have been discounted to the present value of the future cash payment where such discounting is material.

Foreign currencies

Income received and costs incurred overseas are translated into Sterling at the rate of exchange in force at the year end. This policy does not comply with FRS 102 but has been adopted to avoid over-complexity. The amounts involved are not material.

Exchange differences arising on translation of assets and liabilities at the balance sheet date are recorded as movements on general funds.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 71

Principal accounting policies 31 March 2024

Pension contributions

The charity offers its employees membership of a defined contribution pension scheme administered by the National Employment Savings Trust (NEST). Contributions to the scheme are debited to the statement of financial activities in the year in which they are payable to the scheme. The assets of the scheme are held by an independent corporate trustee, whose activities are governed by the National Employment Savings Trust Order 2010, made by the Secretary of State in exercise of powers confirmed under the Pensions Act 2008.

Finance leases

Assets held under finance leases are capitalised and depreciated over their useful lives. The corresponding lease obligation is treated in the balance sheet as a liability. The interest element of rental obligations is charged to the statement of financial activities over the period of the lease at a constant proportion of the outstanding balance of capital repayment.

Operating leases

Rentals under operating leases are charged to the statement of financial activities as the rentals fall due.

Funds structure

Restricted funds comprise monies raised for, or their use restricted to, a specific purpose, or contributions subject to donor imposed conditions.

The general fund comprises those monies which may be used towards meeting the charitable objectives of the charity and which may be applied at the discretion of the Trustees.

The designated funds are monies or other assets set aside out of general funds and designated for specific purposes by the Trustees.

The tangible fixed assets fund represents the net book value of those tangible fixed assets used for the support of the sisters and their ministry. A decision was made to separate this fund from the general fund in recognition of the fact that the assets are used in the day to day work of the charity, and the fund value would not be realisable easily if needed to meet future contingencies.

Services provided by members of the Congregation

For the purposes of these accounts, no monetary value has been placed on administrative and other services provided by the members of the Congregation.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 72

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

1 Income from: Donations and legacies

	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
Pensions and salaries of individual religious received under deed of covenant General donations	1,056,550 12,573	— 65,767	1,056,550 78,340	1,031,876 7,276	— 54,416	1,031,876 61,692
	1,069,123	65,767	1,134,890	1,039,152	54,416	1,093,568

2 Income from: Investments and interest receivable

	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
Income from listed investments . UK fixed interest . UK equities . Overseas equities and alternatives Interest receivable . Bank interest . Other interest	53,110 146,364 122,967	— — —	53,110 146,364 122,967	46,108 127,632 114,183	— — —	46,108 127,632 114,183
	322,441	—	322,441	287,923	—	287,923
	9,515 2,296	81 —	9,596 2,296	1,825 2,296	29 —	1,854 2,296
	11,811	81	11,892	4,121	29	4,150
	334,252	81	334,333	292,044	29	292,073

3 Income from: Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets

Income from: Surplus on disposal of tangible fixed assets
	Total funds 2024 £	Total funds 2023 £
Surplus on disposal of non-specialised freehold property Surplus on disposal of motor vehicles Loss on disposal of furniture, plant and equipment	— 4,599 —	352,079 1,199 (2,527)
	4,599	350,751

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 73

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

4 Expenditure on: Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry

	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
Staff costs (note 9) Premises Sisters’ living and ministry expenses Education, training and spiritual renewal Depreciation of buildings Other support costs Governance costs (note 7)	211,973 496,054 582,359 25,199 102,924 81,210 13,666	— — — — — — —	211,973 496,054 582,359 25,199 102,924 81,210 13,666	158,692 347,666 562,222 37,386 94,855 74,983 11,478	— — — — — — —	158,692 347,666 562,222 37,386 94,855 74,983 11,478
	1,513,385	—	1,513,385	1,287,282	—	1,287,282

5 Expenditure on: Provision of care services

	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
Staff costs (note 9) Depreciation of buildings Other costs Governance costs (note 7)	1,590,818 95,490 372,344 18,770	— — 537 —	1,590,818 95,490 372,881 18,770	1,407,915 95,490 377,569 16,922	— — — —	1,407,915 95,490 377,569 16,922
	2,077,422	537	2,077,959	1,897,896	—	1,897,896

6 Expenditure on: Grants and donations in support of miscellaneous charitable activities

The charity makes grants and donations, principally in support of the overseas missions of the Congregation and to other causes which further the Roman Catholic faith.

The grants and donations payable during the year were as follows:

`	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2024 £	Un- restricted funds £	Restricted funds £	Total funds 2023 £
. Generalate of the Congregation . Overseas missions of the Congregation . Church Action on Poverty	56,699 — 2,400	— 38,805 —	56,699 38,805 2,400	84,135 — 2,400	— 75,753 —	84,135 75,753 2,400
	59,099	38,805	97,904	86,535	75,753	162,288

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 74

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

7 Governance costs

Governance costs
	Total funds 2024 £	Total funds 2023 £
Legal andprofessional fees	32,436	28,400
Allocated as follows:	Total funds 2024 £	Total funds 2023 £
Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry (note 4) Provision of care services (note 5)	13,666 18,770	11,478 16,922
	32,436	28,400

All governance costs related to unrestricted funds in both 2023 and 2024.

8 Net expenditure before net investment (losses) gains

This is stated after charging:

	Total funds 2024 £	Total funds 2023 £
Staff costs (note 9) Auditor’s remuneration, including VAT . Statutory audit services Depreciation Exchange losses(gains)	1,802,791 32,436 275,931 377	1,566,607 28,400 266,029 (282)

9 Staff costs, Trustees’ remuneration and key management personnel

	2024 £	2023 £
Staff costs during the year were as follows: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension contributions Agency staff Staff costs by function were as follows: Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry (note 4) Provision of care services (note 5)	1,522,123 112,629 22,711	1,350,495 100,022 21,761
	1,657,463 145,328	1,472,278 94,329
	1,802,791	1,566,607
	211,973 1,590,818	158,692 1,407,915
	1,802,791	1,566,607

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 75

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

• 9 Staff costs, Trustees’ remuneration and key management personnel (continued) One employee earned between £70,000 and £80,000 per annum (including benefits) during the year (2023: One employee earned between £70,000 and £80,000 per annum). Included within the prior year wages and salaries figure above is an ex-gratia payment of £3,000 made to one employee. There were no such payments in 2024.

The average number of employees during the year expressed as both full time equivalent (FTE) and average numbers, analysed by function, was:

	2024 FTE	2023 FTE	2024 average	2023 average
Support of members of the Congregation and their ministry Provision of care services	8 55	7 55	9 76	10 60
	63	62	85	70

As members of the Congregation, the Trustees’ living expenses during the year were borne by the charity, but they received no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as Trustees during the year.

Key management

The Trustees consider that they comprise the key management of the charity in charge of directing and controlling, running and operating the charity on a day to day basis.

All Trustees are members of the Congregation and whilst their living and personal expenses are borne by the charity they receive no remuneration or reimbursement of expenses in connection with their duties as Trustees or work as key management (2023: £nil).

The Registered Manager; Care Centre Manager and the Matron are considered key management personnel of the charity’s Care Centre in charge of running and operating the Care Centre under the supervision of the Management Board. The total remuneration for the year (including employer’s pension contributions) was £147,416 (2023: £120,716).

Steve Taylor was Chair of the Care Centre Management Board and provided his services through Axiom Healthcare Services Limited until 31 July 2022. Consultancy fees payable to Axiom Healthcare Services Limited in 2023 were £8,095. After 31 July 2022 Steve Taylor received no remuneration from the charity.

10 Taxation

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary Charitable Trust is a registered charity and, therefore, is not liable to income tax or corporation tax on income derived from its charitable activities, as it falls within the various exemptions available to registered charities.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 76

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

11 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets
	Freehold and long leasehold land and buildings		Furniture, plant and equipment £	Motor vehicles £	Total £
	Non- Specialised £	Specialised £
Cost or valuation At 1 April 2023 Additions Disposals At 31 March 2024 At deemed cost (1996 valuation) At cost Depreciation and impairment At 1 April 2023 Depreciation charge for the year On disposals At 31 March 2024 Net book values At 31 March 2024 At 31 March 2023	2,201,899 277,656 —	9,517,285 403,430 —	352,982 79,058 —	246,695 25,285 (25,695)	12,318,861 785,429 (25,695)
	2,479,555	9,920,715	432,040	246,285	13,078,595
	920,587 1,558,968	6,475,476 3,445,239	— 432,040	— 246,285	7,396,063 5,682,532
	2,479,555	9,920,715	432,040	246,285	13,078,595
	466,033 — —	3,640,245 198,414 —	238,695 58,856 —	233,078 18,661 (25,694)	4,578,051 275,931 (25,694)
	466,033	3,838,659	297,551	226,045	4,828,288
	2,013,522	6,082,056	134,489	20,240	8,250,307
	1,735,866	5,877,040	114,287	13,617	7,740,810

Included within freehold and long leasehold land and buildings is a property held on a 999 year lease signed on 5 March 1964. The property is included in the accounts at a net book value of £899,750 (2023: £935,399). There were no additions to the property in the year (2023: none) and accumulated depreciation was £882,718 (2023: £847,069). The lease provides for the charity to occupy the property at an annual rent of £1 but to take responsibility for all costs relating to the building including repairs, maintenance and insurance. Under the lease the charity covenants to occupy and use the property solely as a Roman Catholic institution for religious and charitable purposes in accordance with its trust deed. At any time, should the charity wish to cease to occupy the premises, the Trustees are to give the lessor six months’ notice in writing and, on surrender of the lease, the lessor is required to pay to the charity an amount equal to the value of the lease term surrendered, such value to be determined between the two parties.

As permitted under FRS 102, the charity has opted to adopt a policy of not revaluing its tangible fixed assets. The book value of the land and buildings owned at 1 April 1996 is based on Trustees’ valuation made, with professional assistance, as at that date on the basis of replacement cost for existing use. As permitted by FRS 102, with effect from 1 April 2014 the value assigned to this property is now deemed its cost. Additions in subsequent years are stated at cost. Other tangible fixed assets are stated at cost.

The historical cost of the freehold land and buildings included above at a valuation cannot be obtained without significant time and expense researching past records. The Trustees are of the opinion that such information would not add to the understanding of the accounts.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 77

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

11 Tangible fixed assets (continued)

It is likely that the open market values of certain of the charity’s land and buildings are materially greater than their book values. The amount of such differences cannot be ascertained without incurring significant costs, which, in the opinion of Trustees, is not justified in terms of the benefit to the users of the accounts.

Capital commitments

At 31 March 2024, the charity had no capital commitments (2023: £nil.)

12 Investments

Investments
	2024 £	2023 £
Listed investments Market value at 1 April 2024 Additions Disposals at book value (proceeds: £1,667,945; losses: £86,727) Net unrealised investment gains (losses) Market value at 31 March 2024 Cash held by investment managers for re-investment Historical cost of listed investments at 31 March 2024	13,201,102 773,765 (1,754,672) 603,644	13,856,061 684,178 (454,299) (884,838)
	12,823,839 481,961	13,201,102 51,100
	13,305,800	13,252,202
	8,137,364	9,126,937

Listed investments held at 31 March 2024 comprised the following:

	2024 £	2023 £
UK fixed interest UK equities Overseas equities Alternatives	1,671,924 3,652,651 6,233,103 1,266,161	2,197,352 4,236,110 5,352,751 1,414,889
	12,823,839	13,201,102

All listed investments were dealt in on a recognised stock exchange.

At 31 March 2024 the following listed investments were deemed material when compared to the overall portfolio valuation as at that date (2023: none).

Holding	Investment	Market Value at 31 March 2024
5,000	Findlay Park Funds ICAV	£864,516

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 78

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

13 Debtors

Debtors
	2024 £	2023 £
Care charges receivable Loan (see below) Investment income receivable Prepayments and accrued income Pensions of individual religious received under deed of covenant including lump sum pension receipts	134,783 127,017 12,618 4,774 —	138,000 124,721 9,895 45,015 61,751
	279,192	379,382

The loan represents an amount advanced to a former member of the Congregation to facilitate the purchase of a property. The loan, which is secured by way of a first legal charge over the property, is repayable on the sale of the property or the death of the former member. On repayment the loan attracts interest of 3% per annum calculated from the date it was advanced to the date of repayment. The accrued interest to 31 March 2024 of £50,501 (2023: £48,205) has been added to the loan.

	2024 £	2023 £
Loan amount Accrued interest	76,516 50,501	76,516 48,205
	127,017	124,721

14 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year

Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
	2024 £	2023 £
Amounts payable in respect to capital works Expense creditors Amount due to the Generalate of the Congregation (including grant payable of £20,000 (see note 15)) Taxation and social security costs Other creditors Deferred grants Accruals	12,650 39,133 76,699 25,117 7,254 3,092 53,258	25,440 15,950 96,366 34,398 22,462 5,514 51,317
	217,203	251,447

15 Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year

Creditors: amounts falling due after more than one year
	2024 £	2023 £
Amounts due to the Generalate of the Congregation	80,000	100,000

In 2019 the charity committed to make a ten year grant of £200,000 in aggregate to the Generalate of the Congregation towards the cost of a building project to develop the Western Apex of Nano Nagle, Cork, Ireland. £20,000 is payable per annum.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 79

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

16 Restricted funds

The income funds of the charity include restricted funds comprising the following unexpended balances of donations and grants held on trusts to be applied for specific purposes:

purposes:
	At 1 April 2023 £	Income £	Expenditure £	At 31 March 2024 £
Overseas missions fund Care Centre residents’ fund	46,817 276	63,551 2,297	(38,805) (537)	71,563 2,036
	47,093	65,848	(39,342)	73,599
	At 1 April 2022 £	Income £	Expenditure £	At 31 March 2023 £
Overseas missions fund Care Centre residents’ fund	68,128 273	54,442 3	(75,753) —	46,817 276
	68,401	54,445	(75,753)	47,093

Funds held at 31 March 2024 to be applied as follows:

The overseas missions fund

The overseas missions fund represents monies received for the purposes of supporting overseas missions of the Congregation.

The Care Centre residents’ fund

The Care Centre residents’ fund represents donations to be applied for the benefit of all residents of the Care Centre and used to pay for entertainment and other items to be decided on after consultation with the residents.

17 Tangible fixed assets fund

Tangible fixed assets fund
	2024 £
At 1 April 2023 Net movement in year At 31 March 2024	7,740,810 509,497
	8,250,307
	2023 £
At 1 April 2022 Net movement in year At 31 March 2023	8,086,350 (345,540)
	7,740,810

The tangible fixed assets fund represents the net book value of the charity’s tangible fixed assets. A decision was made to separate this fund from the general fund and other designated funds of the charity in recognition of the fact that the tangible fixed assets are essential to the day-to-day work of the charity and as such their value should not be regarded as funds that would be realisable with ease, in order to meet future contingencies.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 80

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

18 Designated funds

The income funds of the charity include the following designated funds, which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the Trustees for specific purposes:

	At 1 April 2023 £	New designations £	Released £	At 31 March 2024 £
Retirement reserve	12,000,000	—	—	12,000,000
	At 1 April 2022 £	New designations £	Released £	At 31 March 2023 £
Retirement reserve	12,000,000	—	—	12,000,000

Retirement reserve

The retirement reserve consists of monies which the Trustees have set aside in order to provide for the sisters in their retirement. The value of the fund has been calculated using actuarial principles but is adjusted as necessary for additional care costs and changes in the number of the Province’s members and their age profile.

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

	General funds £	Tangible fixed assets funds £ 8,250,307 — — — 8,250,307	Designated funds £ — 12,000,000 — — 12,000,000	Restricted funds £	Total funds £
Fund balances at 31 March 2024 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets Long term liabilities Total net assets	— 1,305,800 614,741 (80,000)			— — 73,599 —	8,250,307 13,305,800 688,340 (80,000)
	1,840,541			73,599	22,164,447
	General funds £	Tangible fixed assets funds £ 7,740,810 — — — 7,740,810	Designated funds £ — 12,000,000 — — 12,000,000	Restricted funds £	Total funds £
Fund balances at 31 March 2023 are represented by: Tangible fixed assets Investments Net current assets Long term liabilities Total net assets	— 1,252,202 1,222,902 (100,000)			— — 47,093 —	7,740,810 13,252,202 1,269,995 (100,000)
	2,375,104			47,093	22,163,007

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 81

Notes to the accounts 31 March 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds (continued)

The total unrealised gains as at 31 March 2024 constitutes movements on revaluation and are as follows:

	2024 £	2023 £
Total unrealised gains at 31 March 2024 on investments Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains Unrealised gains at 1 April 2023 Net gains (losses) in respect to disposals of listed investments in the year Net gains (losses) arising on revaluation of listed investments arising in the year Total unrealisedgains at 31 March 2024	4,686,475	4,074,165
	4,074,165 8,666 603,644	5,042,384 (83,381) (884,838)
	4,686,475	4,074,165

20 Commitments under operating leases

At 31 March 2024, the charity had future minimum commitments under non-cancellable operating leases as follows:

Equipment	2024 £	2023 £
Payments falling due: . Within one year . Between two and five years . After five years	6,576 24,236 720	6,576 26,304 5,040
	30,812	32,880

21 Related party transactions and transactions with Trustees

As members of the charity, none of the Trustees have resources of their own as all earnings, pensions and other income have been donated to the charity under a Gift Aid compliant Deed of Covenant. During the year, the total amount donated by the Trustees to the charity was £97,317 (2023: £91,633).

Details of other transactions with Trustees are given in note 9 to these accounts.

There were no other related party transactions in the year.

22 Ultimate control

The charity, which is constituted as a trust, was controlled throughout the period by The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary by virtue of the fact that the Provincial Leader of the Congregation appoints the Trustees.

23 Post balance sheet events

On 3 May 2024 the charity sold its freehold property in Market Harborough for £685,000.

The English Province of the Union of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin

Mary Charitable Trust 82