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Another year has flown by, I can’t believe it, even more incredibly that this is also the end of the third year of the Triennium.
As I sat down to write this report it occurred to me that it had been in some ways a very quiet year, because of the depleting branches in the Diocese there has not been a lot of involvement outside of our own Branch.
In April we welcomed our member Anne Barrett who spoke about her job with Silverlink and how much that organisation had changed over the years and the service that it is now. Thank you Anna for your talk and ‘the goodies, it was very interesting.
Gillian Grant from the Bethany Trust came to talk to us in May. The work they achieve in looking to the needs of children in deprived areas in the world is quite amazing with the limited resources that they have.
In spite of the noise going on in building the link for which we all adjourned to the kitchen we found Peter Teaques’ visit in May telling us about Mothers’ Union finances very useful especially as there had been changes and reorganisation over the last 2 years.
June was the month for our outing to the Home Farm Trust at Milton Heights. Personally, I found this visit very humbling. It was quite an eye opener to see how people unfortunate enough to have learning difficulties lead such apparent fulfilled lives. Home Farm Trust is certainly a very worthwhile Charity.
We also celebrated the Archdeaconry Festival at St. Laurence’s’ Church, Winslow in June and the Catholic Mothers’ Songs of Praise in June
It was good that our Diocesan President could come to speak in July about the Mothers’ Union Literacy and Development. I was sorry to have missed this presentation, I have heard Primrose talk on this subject at a previous Mother’s Union meeting.
August was a time that hopefully we were enjoying a summer break in spite of the heat.
We had the pleasure of Rev’d Lady Denise Brown to lead our quiet afternoon in September. Her presentation was in spite of being different, very thought provoking. She really is a very charming lady and showed such interest in us by staying for tea and chatting.
It was, with regret that in July, I decided that I would not be continuing as Branch Leader for the next Triennium and that we needed to think about the Future of the Branch so our meeting in October was to look at that very issue. We are a good Branch and have much in our favour and there was no question of the Branch closing. Primrose Gallimore had made some helpful suggestions and we needed to start looking at the way forward.
In November we welcomed back Anne and Derek May ‘In dialogue’ which gave us another opportunity to look at the life of the Prison service
Our meeting in December was brought forward to the end of November because of the Christmas Fair and Christmas Tree Festival and was a members meeting. Jenny gave us feedback on the Training day that she attended in October.
It was good that we were able to spread the good work of the Mothers’ Union by the displaying the work on our Christmas Tree.
The culmination of our year was our lunch at the Hunt Hotel which was very good as usual.
Celebrations this year were that we welcomed Iris Hutton as a new member. We and all the Congregation joined in with celebrating the Platinum Wedding Anniversary of Elsa and Ron.
In an effort to determine the Future of the Branch the Committee devised a Discussion asking members what they as individuals could do in order to maintain the monthly Friday afternoon meetings.
The Mother’s Union members will continue to support the Clergy by assisting with the Mothers and Toddlers group. Members who are also involved with the Bereavement Group are aiming to help develop that aspect of support further.
The Spiritual event at Elm Lodge for our Indoor Members and other residents continues to thrive, indeed we have increased our visits from 3 to 4 times a year
Jenny Bell had offered to continue as Branch Treasurer and I undertook to be the Branch Correspondent. in the meantime Branch Members are continuing to discuss the document and determine who will take on key roles.
Vicki Faiers
Almighty God, our heavenly Father, who gave marriage to be a source of blessing, we thank you for family life, with all its joys and sorrows.
May we know your presence and peace in our homes, fill them with your love and use them to your glory.
Bless all who are married and every parent and child.
Pour out upon us your holy spirit, that we may truly love and serve you.
Bless the members of the Mothers' Union throughout the world, unite us in prayer and worship, in love and service., that , strengthened by your grace, we may seek to do your will; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen