| St. Peter's Mothers' Union |
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What a difference 90 years makes!!! In 1913, when the St. Peter's,
Leckhampton branch of the Mothers' Union was started, women had not yet got the
vote and you could get from Leckhampton to Charlton Kings by train!! Now, in
2006 as the branch closes, we have had a woman Prime Minister and travel mainly
by car!!
Early meetings, held in the Village Hall, saw members and children huddling
round a coke stove for warmth. The programme would have included many talks on
devotional subjects and how to bring up children in the faith and life of the
church. Meetings were held there until a move to the more informal atmosphere of
the renovated Cottages in 1981.
Thanks to the inspired leadership of Nancye Marlow, the Young Wives Group joined with the branch, and membership in the 1960's was over 100, with evening meetings for women unable to attend in the afternoon. For nine years we also had morning meetings.
Garden parties held annually in the Rectory garden complete with Fancy Dress competition for children raised funds for the work of the MU Overseas. When these became Parish events, the MU organised the catering and some stalls and are grateful to the PCC for their support in sharing the proceeds of these events. The branch is known for its generosity to the Overseas Fund which not only helps with training of the local MU workers but has an Emergency Fund for immediate response to disasters that occur.
Recently we have supported this work by collecting spectacles which are cleaned, checked, packed up and sent to areas where the MU has an ongoing Literacy programme and we have heard good reports of the success of this scheme. Money raised also goes towards projects in this Diocese, for instance 'Away From It All' holidays for disadvantaged families, a Money Advice Service for those in debt and towards items for a children's play area at a prison.
Our banner was dedicated in 1948 and given by members as a memorial to Mrs Longfield, enrolling member from 1926 to 1946. Twice renovated, it stands in Church as witness to the devotion of members over the years. It has been proudly carried on many occasions at Gloucester Cathedral, at local churches at Deanery Festivals and also paraded through the streets of Gloucester (on a very windy day!!) as publicity for our organisation. It was processed at our closing service and will remain in the church.
We have had in our midst members who have been involved at Diocesan level. Gertrude Barter, to whom our silver vase is dedicated, was a Diocesan speaker in the 1940's. Denise Fenley was Diocesan Secretary for 7 years and Editor of the quarterly MU newsletter for 11. Ann Herbert, an Enrolling Member here, went on to become Diocesan President, a position she held for 3 years in a most enthusiastic way.
Such progress has been made technologically over the 90 years that cosy chats and quiet talks on family matters are no longer so important to women today. We have still had talks but on many subjects, as varied as travel round the world and looking at our local fields!! Our last speaker used a Powerpoint presentation, how quickly we have embraced new ideas.
In the past few years we have been unable to attract younger women (or men!) and it has been increasingly difficult to find fit and able committee members. The result is that, after much prayerful discussion and thought, it was decided by democratic vote that the branch should close.
And so, January 4th 2006 marked the end of an era, sadly short of 100 years. The service in church officially closed the branch and its records etc. were handed to the Rector for safe-keeping. Our funds will be sent to Gloucester where an amount will be set aside for use if the branch reopens.
Many of us will continue to support the wonderful work of the Mothers' Union by becoming Diocesan members. This entitles us to our magazine/newsletter and attendance at Diocesan events. We intend to meet for corporate Communion monthly (10.30 on the first Wednesday of the month, kindly arranged by the Rector) and to continue to support the Prayer Chain. Thus our faith, fellowship and friendship, a vital part of our branch membership, can continue. Hopefully we shall be able to arrange fund raising events so that our giving does not finish.
The members would like to thank all those who have been officers in the branch for all their hard work, especially mentioning the recent enrolling members/branch leaders, Joan Vernon, Helen Taylor and Edna Kemp.
We would like to take this opportunity of thanking the Rector for his support during this difficult time for us and also to thank the members of the congregation who have always been our friends and helpers.
Of course, our members remain loyal to the Church and will continue to serve our Lord in the Parish of St. Peter's, Leckhampton as our predecessors have done for over 90 years.
Denise Fenley