Mothers' Union
is an international Christian charity with 4 million members in 83 countries. It
is a worldwide fellowship and its members form one of the largest communities
of lay Christians in the world. Members do all they can, through volunteering,
giving and prayer to support families. It seeks to support marriage, families
and family life around the world through a wide range of practical projects
within local communities and by helping to influence policy at national and
international level.
Mary Sumner who founded the
Mothers' Union in 1896 lived as a girl in Colwall. She was married
here in St James Church in 1848 - a connection of which we feel rather proud. We
are very pleased that Mothers' Union members from around the region like to
visit us here and hear about her life – and we can, and do, arrange teas for
our visitors which helps us raise funds for MU.
Our branch in Colwall has
about 50 members of whom about half come to our meetings. We meet once a month
to share time together, enjoy each others company and to hear speakers on a
wide range of topics. All our members however are very supportive of our aims
and help with fundraising, playing an active role in many parish activities
such as Mothering Sunday and Christingle Services and organising one of the
Lent Lunches. We also join with members in the deanery and diocese from time to
time.
Our meetings are held on the
first Thursday of the month at 2.15pm,
normally in the Ale House by St James' Church (but during January to March in
St Crispin's Chapel at the Village Hall). The subject and location of each
meeting is advertised in the parish magazine The Clock and visitors are always
welcome. Please note you don't have to be a mother, married or even female to
be a member! Many branches, including ours, now have men as members. If anyone
needs a lift to the Ale House this can be arranged.
If you would like further
information about our branch please contact
our Secretary : Dorothy
Lockyear 540608
or one of our Branch Leaders: Jan Bartlett 540163 or Val
Dipple 540088.
For more information about
Mothers' Union please visit the website www.themothersunion.org.