Mothers' Union flood gifts to International Rescue

When the news broke in late June 2007 of severe flooding in Hull and Filey, Mothers' Union members world-wide, from places as far away as Papua New Guinea, spontaneously and generously sent gifts for the victims. Some of the money was used to refurbish and restock a community laundry service situated at St Michael's Church, Hull, then, after discussions with local councils and other aid agencies, and with the permission of the Charities Commission, it was decided to offer help to International Rescue Corps to be used for future flood rescue work.

Mothers' Union is therefore to buy ten complete kits of survival gear for the flood rescue work which International Rescue Corps is increasingly called out to help with. Two of their volunteers, Simon Drayton and Julie Ryan, presented to Mothers' Union members at their biannual Diocesan Council meeting films about the work of the charity including live footage of their flood rescue work in Hull last year.

In the picture: Janet Andrews, Mothers' Union Diocesan President in the Diocese of York, inspects an example of the ten survival kits which Mohters' Union in the Diocese of York is giving to International Rescue Corps. Also in the picture are Julie Ryan and Simon Drayton, International Rescue Corps volunteers.

New Branch dedicated at Staxton

On Trinity Sunday a new Mothers' Union Branch was dedicated at St Peter's, Willerby. Drawing members from the united benefice of St Peter, Willerby, St John, Folkton and St Nicholas Ganton the branch takes its name from the village of Staxton for which St Peter's is the parish church.

The dedication was conducted by the incumbent, The Revd Ken Holding, assisted by The Revd Dr Trevor Jordan and Miss Janet Andrews, Diocesan President. Jenny Jordan was confirmed as the new Branch Leader.

Here are some of the congregation with members and friends from around the Deanery and the Diocese:

And here is Janet Andrews with the obligatory celebration cake, and Marion Banks who played the organ for us:

Stokesley Deanery Festival

The Stokesley Deanery Festival was held in St Mary Magdalene, Yarm. The vicar Revd Simon Gurd led the Festal Evensong with the church choir and organist. Members from six of the seven branches of the Deanery were present together with members from the Middlesbrough Deanery. The banners were processed and are seen in the photo with the Archdeaconry Vice President Olwyn Cooke, Canon Patricia Johnson, Diocesan President of Newcastle Diocese, who gave the address "Time for Relationships", and Nancy Redfern, the Yarm Branch Leader. It was good to have some clergy supporting their branches at the service. Everyone enjoyed the fellowship over refreshments after the service.

Photo and text by Elizabeth Revett, Stokesley Deanery President.

Bridlington Deanery Festival

I'm always happy to receive invitations to Mothers' Union events, though I fear that time and distance does not allow me to attend as many as I might like. A recent happy occasion was Bridlington Deanery's annual festival service held in St John's, Sewerby. The vicar, David Mather, conducted the service; Canon Stella Vernon gave the address; and members laid on a buffet supper to the usual standards of Mothers' Union!

L to R:
The Revd David Mather, Canon Stella Vernon; Diocesan President Janet Andrews; Deanery President Irene Todd

Banners of Bridlington Deanery

Retreat at Wydale

While we were enjoying the post-service buffet at Sewerby (see story above) Liz Hodge showed me some photos she had taken at the recent Retreat at Wydale and she kindly lent them to me to share with you.

The assembled company

Molly, Cath & Shirley

Marian & Molly

Cath

Happy hundredth birthday, Selby Abbey branch!

Congratulations to Selby Abbey Branch who celebrated their centenary with a service in the Abbey on Saturday March 8th 2008 in the presence of The Rt Revd Martin Wallace, Bishop of Selby, and Mrs Margaret Sentamu who gave the address. Here's a selection of photos from the event:

Margaret Sentamu, the wife of John Sentamu, Archbishop of York and, like her husband, a member of Mothers' Union, spoke powerfully about the importance of hospitality and relationships. She is always glad to have visitors for whom she doesn't feel she needs to do a special clean...!

An aerial view by Gill Simpson of the celebration of the Eucharist.

Gill also sent this picture of the obligatory birthday cake about to be cut!

Selby Abbey Branch's banner proudly leads the procession of banners at the end of the service.

Martin Wallace, Bishop of Selby; Rob Wainwright, NSM at Selby Abbey; and Keith Richards, Vicar of Selby Abbey make their way to the vestry at the close of a most moving service.

Leaving Margaret Simpson, Branch Leader, to present Margaret Sentamu with an arrangement of flowers...

... and everyone to join in a group photograph at the end!

High resolution copies of the photographs are available from the webmaster.

What do you think of it so far?

NO! IT'S NOT RUBBISH! Sylvia Holliday writes to explain the bags collected round her house...!

As a result of the floods during the summer, our membership was asked to donate items of bedding as it was felt that this would be very useful for people when they eventually returned to their properties. Most of the victims' own bedding had been used to try to stem the water coming into their homes. The response from Mothers' Union members was staggering. The Dioesan Secretary agreed to store the bedding in her summerhouse until the appeal closed and at one stage she felt the summerhouse would burst at the seams, such was the amount received. The bedding (see picture) was collected by the authorities and they asked the Secretary to pass on to members their grateful thanks for their generosity.

Making wash bags for young homeless people

Irene Todd, Bridlington Deanery President, sent me some pictures of herself and some Mothers Union friends making up washing bags for their local Nightstop scheme. It's not a Mothers Union scheme, but that never stops Mothers Union members getting stuck in!

The wash bags, for males and females, include soap, shower cream, toothpaste, toothbrush, face cloth, deodorant and shampoo. So what is Nightstop?

Nightstop

There are young people living homeless through no fault of their own throughout our Diocese. Housing Officers and Social Services try to house them but assessments can take up to 24 hours.

"I had begun to think - why should I care about anyone? No-one cares about me. Then I found that people - total strangers - did care. It was a turning point for me. I was able to care again." (A Nightstopper)

Although The East Riding & Selby District Nightstop scheme receives some local council funding, it relies entirely on local volunteers to provide the accommodation and to cover many of the expenses of the scheme. For more information go to www.ournightstop.org.

Irene Todd and members from Bridlington Deanery making up wash bags for homeless young people and the local Nightstop scheme.

Social Retreat Wydale Hall 2007

The reason that the Hull promotion days pictures were put up on the web somewhat hurriedly (see below) is that we were preparing to go on the 2007 Social Retreat at Wydale Hall! Here are some pictures to whet your appetite for next year! Thanks and congratulations to Muriel Kerridge for arranging it!

If you've known Wydale Hall for a while you'll remember the carved tree depicting Jacob's ladder. Sadly it had to be cut down a few years ago but the upper part with the door to heaven was preserved. Where better, then, to pose Muriel who set for the 2007 retreat theme, "Opening Doors"?

We were taking a little time off in the sitting room and the conversation fell to how long we'd been members. So here's a picture of nearly 240 years of membership gathered casually in one place! (My own membership is just four years....!

Meal times are important and the catering at Wydale is excellent: this was lunch on the second day

Linda Harkins talked to us about her work with refugees and asylum seekers in the north-east. Then Tobi (pictured, centre) from Zimbabwe told her story. Tears flowed around the room as we heard of harrowing events like being forced at gunpoint to beat her own parents with a stick - supplied by the militia - until their bones broke. Her brother was stabbed to death with bayonets in front of her.

Then came our tears of anger as we heard of the way our Government still treats asylum seekers -- they exist on 70% of the normal state benefit while their case is heard (and that can take years). They live in accommodation so bad that landlords can't rent it (except to the Government...), they are forbidden to work, they are constantly racially abused from the moment they arrive at the immigration desk to their daily life in the sink estates where they are temporarily housed... And then, if they're not granted "leave to remain", even though the Government agrees they would be in danger to return to their home countries but don't fulfill the criteria for asylum, they are allowed to stay while existing on supermarket vouchers to the value of around 35 a week and a munificent 5.00GBP cash... Tobi, along with her two children aged 12 and 7, is one of these 'voucher families'. We also heard that families not granted asylum are liable to being 'lifted' either at the police station where they are obliged to register weekly or at 6.00am when they are given 15 minutes to pack their bags: they are transported to holding camps and then deported...

Readers might just detect in this write up a touch of anger towards the Government. This isn't party political: it'a been going on for a long time. But the general feeling among our members was that something must be done. At midday prayers a spontaneous request for a collection raised over 275GBP, which we gave to Tobi as a gift.

We will ask Mary Sumner House what their policy is concerning asylum seekers ... Watch this space.

God was merciful again this year and once more sent sunshine for what is becoming the traditional group photo on the steps behind Wydale Hall! Mmmm... they seem to have enjoyed it!

Pictures from Hull exhibition

I've put together a very quick gallery of pictures from the October 6th Mothers Union Promotion Day exhibition in Holy Trinity Church, Hull - here's just one of them: Jenny Deakin, East Riding Vice-President and coordinator of the day, addressing the assembled visitors before midday prayers: by the way, that's reputed to be the tallest church lectern in England, which goes well with the neighbouring pulpit which is the highest in the land!

For some more pictures of the day click here

Don't call us the MU!

The marketeers at Mary Sumner House have come up with a new logo!

Until now each country has used a different logo. Now there is to be a single logo "that will ensure a united branding worldwide" - well, almost. There are actually three versions of the new logo - in the one shown above the globe depicts Europe, Africa and Asia while in the other two versions the globe rotates to show the other continents where the Mothers' Union is operating.

At the same time Mary Sumner House has said that the name of the organisation is safe. Research suggests that the name continues to symbolise more than 130 years of Christian care in communities all around the world so, instead of changing the name as some had argued,, it would instead be celebrated. So don't call us the MU any more - call us "Mothers' Union" instead!

The days the rains came down...

The days that the rains came down in summer 2007 in Hull many people lost their possessions, and for a time their homes.

Mary and her two boys were such a family, but she can now look after the family's laundry at St Michael's Church, Orchard Park.

Money from several voluntary organisations provided the church with a brand new industrial sized washing machine; the Mothers Union, with much help from local businessman Roger Stanford, provided money for the repair and upgrade to the dryer. The Mothers Union, a world-wide Christian organisation of more than 3.6 million members, men and women, also provided 2,336 washing tablets, enough for 1168 washes!

Residents in the Orchard Park and North Hull area can phone the church and book a time to do their laundry for a small contribution and at the same time have a cup of tea or coffee, all provided on the premises!

Seen here handing over more than 2,000 washing powder tablets to The Revd David Walker, vicar of St Michael's, Hull, are:

(Back row, l to r): Chrtistine Sawyer, Diocesan MU Treasurer; Joan Cracknell, Hull Deanery President; Irene Todd, Bridlington Deanery President. (Front row, l to r): Jenny Jordan, Scarborough Deanery President; Hilary Bolton, East Riding Archdeaconry Elected Representative; Sylvia Holliday, Diocesan MU Secretary; Cath Green, Faith & Policy representative Bridlington Deanery.

Diocesan members enjoy social at The Deanery

For the second year The Dean of York Minster, Keith Jones, and his wife Viola - themselves Diocesan Members of the MU - opened their garden to other Diocesan members for a social organised by the indefatigable Maureen Kent. With an entertainment based loosely (some say, very loosely!) on Cinderella and al fresco picnics and wine worthy of Glyndebourne a delightful evening was had by all as these photographs show...

Maureen Kent organised the whole thing and husband Andrew did sterling service on the drinks table

Dean's wife Viola Jones arranged lights for the coffee serving table, referred to by one member as 'Let there be light' which might - or might not - be the topic of conversation with Diocesan Chaplain Chris Hawthorn!

A highlight of the evening was the pantomime. Here the Ugly Sisters berate Cinderella...

... who gave as good as she got with the help of the Fairy Godmother!

The audience clearly enjoyed it all. Revd Chris even interrupted his biscuit in appreciation! So congratulations to the cast: Ugly Sisters - Betty Pearson & Elizabeth Moran; Narrator - Neil Moran; Cinderella - Maureen Kent; Prince Charming - Anna Benson; Fairy Godmother - Dorothy Crabtree

Precentor Jeremy Fletcher and Dean Keith Jones thought they'd try treading the thespian way too... and ended up transfigured! (Actually it was a malfunction of Trevor's flashgun which produced this odd effect, but I like the story!)

Liz Clark brought along the MU Enterprises stall - already it's time to start thinking about Christmas cards! - and a good time was had by all, here exemplified by Marie Rose ("yes, like the sauce!") from Thirsk and Jill Walley from Northallerton.

We look forward to next year's Diocesan Members'summer/autumn social!

Celebrating 50 years of membership

(l to r) Jenny Jordan, Deanery President,
holding Margaret's original enrolment certificate,
Margaret Rhodes with the flowers given her to mark the occasion and Vera Pugsley, Branch Leader holding Margaret's 50 years certificate.
Margaret Rhodes celebrated fifty years of Mothers' Union membership in St John's Church, Filey, on September 5th. The Vicar, Revd Mary Williams, and three retired priests (all of whom are members of the Mothers' Union) joined with more than forty other members and two prospective members, to praise God and to give thanks for Margaret's long service to Mothers Union.

Margaret was enrolled at St Luke's Milnsbridge in Wakefield diocese in September 1957 after having been previously a member of Young Wives. Margaret said her years of membership of Mothers' Union had always made her very happy and she was proud to be a member. She has a large family of 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren and looks forward to next year's celebration of Filey Branch's 90th birthday!

A well-travelled dress

This striking dress began its journey in Kenya when it was presented to Mrs Eileen Carey, wife of the then Archbishop of Canterbury Dr George Carey, on a visit to Kenya. The dress illustrates Mary Sumner as a young woman, celebrating the centenary 1876 -1976. The chain links symbolise all the many links around the world.

Mrs Carey later auctioned the dress to raise funds for Mothers' Union Overseas funds and the successful bid was by Joyce Starling from the St Alban's Diocese. Last year Joyce wore it at a Mary Sumner Day celebration in Framlingham, Suffolk.

The dress was acquired by Elizabeth Revett's sister-in-law, Jane and so Elizabeth, Deanery President in Stokesley Deanery, is seen here modelling the dress at their recent Mary Sumner Day celebration. The day was beautiful as far as the weather was concerned, people were able to enjoy the garden, sunshine, fellowship, good food and the proceeds are to be given to the Yorkshire Flood Appeal through Mothers' Union in this Diocese, specifically for the Hull and Filey areas. Over three hundred pounds was raised, and towels and bedding are currently being collected in Elizabeth's spare bedroom.

Annual General Meeting, 2007

A good number of York Diocesan Mothers' Union members made the trip to Liverpool for this year's Annual General Meeting. On the Wednesday evening we joined in a moving service in Liverpool's cathedral which was also our venue for the business meeting on the Thursday.

On Thursday morning we heard presentations from our world-wide president, Rosemary Kempsall, and our Chief Executive Reg Bailey, who also starred in a series of innovative presentations from Unit Coordinators on the theme Thinking outside the box.

Most of us ate our lunch in the body of the magnificent cathedral, which gave me an oportunity to climb 9 metres to the famous nave bridge to get a general view. At the far end you can see a giant screen, one of many set up around the cathedral to give everyone a chance to see the action on stage.

After lunch we were treated to a presentation by Jonathan Aitken, former Member of Parliament, author, historian, Christian - and ex-prisoner. Jonathan spoke movingly yet very amusingly about his experiences in prison where he had spent 14 months for perjury. As one of the few prisoners able to read and write, Jonathan quickly found himself writing letters for many of his fellow prisoners. many of the letters were to solicitors or about appeals, but one prisoner said that his wife was amazed by the sudden inprovement in the quality of his love letters from prison!

Eventually Jonathan spoke to one of these prisoners about his Christian faith, and before long there was a 20 strong "cell group" - Jonathan made no apology for the pun! - the long-lasting joys of which can be judged from the fact that only three of them re-offended after their release: the national average re-offending rate is over 90%. Jonathan referred to recent recommendations by the Home Office, prompted by ever-increasing prison overcrowding, to release a whole swathe of people imprisoned for "minor" offences. This, Aitken argued strongly, robs them of the most important aspect of prison, namely an opportunity for rehabilitation.

We had a film, and a talking heads interview, again on Thinking outside the box with Reg Bailey doing the Michael Parkinson bit, and a final closing act of worship.

Next year won't see an AGM in this format: the staff from Mary Sumner House will be tavelling around the country doing 8 or so 'road shows' to give more people the chance to hear them, but I am glad to say that the format of us all gathering in one place for an Annual General Meeting will resume in 2008 - see you there?

And to set you thinking and to help with forward planning of your Branch programmes: the Mothers' Union themes for the next five years will be:

• 2008 Time for relationships
• 2009 Cost of relationships
• 2010 Relationships, not rules
• 2011 Faithful relationships
• 2012 Real relationships

Er... so it's all about relationships, then...

The York Provincial banner was, of course, proudly displayed.

Some of the York Diocese contingent as we gathered for the afternoon session

Jenny Jordan and Eleanor Bacon leaving the cathedral after the Wednesday evening opening service

Hilda Watt-Wyness and Eleanor Bacon looking forward to Jonathan Aitken's talk

"Springtime at Wydale"

That was the invitation to attend the York Diocesan Mothers' Union Retreat in May. There were twenty eight members from various branches and diocesan members. We all arrived with the expectation and hope to be refreshed and encouraged in our worship and prayer life. We were welcomed and given the programme entitled "Living Eucharist". Muriel Kerridge, organising her first retreat, introduced our Conductor. We then all introduced ourselves to one another. The setting at Wydale is very calming in a pastoral area with lovely countryside views and a garden which is well maintained and still developing. The conference room which is light and airy was the venue for our Morning, Evening and Compline services and addresses. At noon on the Tuesday and Wednesday we met in the Chapel seated in the round, the Midday Prayers were included in the Intercessions and we all received the Eucharist after passing the Peace to one another in a very prayerful manner.

Our Retreat Conductor led the worship and addressed us in a very sincere and quiet way, she had put a great deal into the preparation for our time together. We listened to music and prayers with a Celtic theme to focus our minds. Many of us bought the book, just published by Kevin Mayhew, "Notes on Bread and Wine" - Reflections on the Eucharist in Daily Life written by our Retreat Conductor. The retreat was based on some items in this book.

Our bodily needs were satisfied in the dining room, where breakfast and lunch were amply provided by a buffet, dinner in the evening was more formal, we were served at our tables after Grace was said by one of the members. Many members took part in various duties which created a sharing and taking part in the fellowship. Friendships were made and renewed and although this was not an absolute silent retreat there was a respect for one another's space. The staff were very obliging and helpful. Many of us had a good walk on Tuesday and enjoyed more of the local area, in views, scents and sounds. The walled garden is being redeveloped, including a labyrinth which is now laid out and will be enjoyed by future visitors to Wydale. There was a display of stones, pots and pictures in the Conference room, and we were given some information on Praying with Pictures and A Word of Grace - God is a potter: he works in mud. for us to meditate on.

After lunch on Wednesday we all gathered to thank the people who had prepared, taken part and shared this moving retreat. We all returned home with much to ponder on.

Elizabeth Revett
Deanery President
Stokesley Deanery

Helmsley & Pickering Deanery appointments

Pickering Deanery Rural Dean, The Revd Paul Mothersdale, commisioned The Revd David Clark as Helmsley & Pickering Deanery President, and Petrea Bessant (left) and Brenda Beal (right) as Deanery representatives for Action & Outreach and Faith & Policy respectively at the Deanery Festival held in St Peter & St Paul, Pickering. Congratulations to them. May God bless their service in his name on behalf of the Mothers' union.

A little bird (his wife, Liz Clark to be exact...) said David felt like a bride flanked by a pair of bridesmaids. Viewers may decide for themselves. Comments to the web master please!

Celebrations at St James, Scarborough

Doris Agar came late to membership of the Mothers' Union. She was 42 when she joined. So it was a great delight and a huge privilege to be invited to a celebration tea at St James', Scarborough, when she and the Branch celebrated her 50 years of membership! Doris is seen here with new Branch Leader, Margaret Clapham, just before cutting the special anniversary cake which Doris had made and her granddaughter had iced!

St James was delighted top welcome Doris's family and friends to her celebration tea, with a special welcome going to Jenny Deakin, East Riding Archdeaconry Vice-President, who managed to make space in her busy schedule and made the 50 mile round trip from Hull, to be with Doris on this special occasion.

Also in the group picture is one Mette Theakstone who was enrolled into the Mothers' Union just one week before Doris's celebration tea! Seen in the picture below after her enrolment with our Diocesan Chaplain, Christopher Hawthorn, and Margaret Clapham who was commissioned as Branch Leader during the same service, Mette manages the Cockleshell Cafe at St James, an important and flourishing point of contact between church and community where the word of God is served alongside light refreshments. Mette told me that in 1983 she was crowned as the last Coal Queen in Coalville, Leicestershire just before the coal mines there closed, so she reigns still!

3000 members welcome new Provincial President in Minster service

One estimate says that 3,000 members joined The Archbishop of York and fourteen bishops in commissioning Lynne Tembey as our new Provisional President in a service at York Minster on April 25th. Alix Peacock, the Minster's press coordinator, kindly sent us some photos of the event, and Ann Hagen, Branch Leader of Redcar Branch, provided these words:

...a very lovely service it was too! Seemed to me that there may have been the best part of 3000 people in the Minster that afternoon. The service was very uplifting with the choir singing beautifully. The Minster staff as usual were very organised. My friends and I loved seeing the 'living liturgy' of 14 Bishops as Archbishop Sentumu called them!

Ann Hagen

For a transcript of Archbishop's Sentamu's sermon, click here

Photographs © Dean and Chapter of York: we are grateful for their kind permission to reproduce them on this web site

An aerial view of the packed Minster during the service. Notice the huge choir and the large collection of bishops! And if you try to count the congregation don't forget you can only see about half of them in this view!
	Archbishop Sentamu addressing the congregation. The provincial banner is displayed well to the fore
Lynne Tembey stands before the 'living liturgy' of the Archbishop and fourteen bishops to receive her commission as Provincial President.
	Past and present Provincial presidents exchange the kiss of peace: Lynne Tembey and Stella Vernon
Lynne and the Archbishop on the steps of York Minster after the commissioning service. Clearly a very happy and blessed occasion!

Action & Outreach report to Council 2007

Jo Tulip, our Action & Outreach Unit Coordinator, sent this report which will be given to our Diocesan Council meeting at Norton on June 1st

The first unit meeting took place on 18th April at Old Malton with an excellent attendance including many new Deanery Representatives. A Job Description has been sent out earlier to help Deanery Presidents to find members willing to act as reps for both units and I am delighted at the response as there are only two deaneries without a Representative at present.

Opening and closing worship was held jointly with the Faith & Policy unit. Reports were gathered in beforehand and issued with agendas leaving more time at the meeting for updates, last minute reports and discussion. This seems to have worked well and the meeting was good and lively.

The job of Link Correspondent has been handed over to Cathie Gambles and she and I are sharing the planned talks to branches during this first year. The postcard collecting project remains with me for the time being. Len, our card 'expert' will be collecting from me on 23rd June so that all the cards brought to Council do not stay in my spare bedroom for the next 6 months. Hurrah!

Gillian Wilson, our AFIA officer attended an AFIA Sharing Day on 20th March at Mary Sumner House which she found to be most useful and she presided over an excellent open day in March. We are looking into the possibility of follow up visits to families who have had a holiday by their local branch members.

I attended an A&O Training Event on 27th -28th April at Mary Sumner House which included a half day on the Parenting Course and I will be liaising with Jenny Deakin to discuss progress in the diocese. Jenny has kindly agreed to be the Parenting Project officer as this was her main A&O interest and she knows all there is to know - and all I need to know.

A three year plan for the unit has been put to the Trustees with an agreed emphasis on one of the Archdeaconries each year. This year is to be York Archdeaconry. Also presented was a discussion paper on branch organisation and a draft resource pack for a recruitment/awareness event. Both to be discussed again at the next meeting in May.

I have asked to be informed of dates for Archdeaconry and Deanery meetings, services and events so that I can attend when possible. A&O reps have also been asked to check on outreach and projects in their branches and let me know so that a comprehensive view of what is happening in the diocese can be formed and help us see what needs doing and where.

Of course, I came back from Mary Sumner House enthused and full of bright ideas - but do not intend to run before I can walk and certainly not before I know which toes not to tread on!

Meanwhile, whatever you are doing please keep doing it - and Thank You .

Jo Tulip

Another good man joins MU!

Norman Pacey sent this picture of himself being enrolled as a member of the Mothers' Union by Jean Clark, Branch Leader at St.Columba, Drypool, Hull. Norman is now the second male member at St Columba's: congratulations all round!

XL events in York Minster

16 and 17 February, 2007

Anna Lewis writes:

As in several previous years, MU members in York Diocese looked after the drinks bar on two evenings at events, especially for children and young people, in York Minster. With the Minster cleared of all the chairs a huge space was available for the two events.

The first evening, 1200 people, young people over the age of 11, and their leaders, came to 'XLS Broken Chains' to enjoy modern worship, various bands and several stalls and workshops. The ancient Minster resonated with the music, possibly louder than ever before in its history! The MU Team of eight, were kept very busy from 7.15 - 10. providing tea, coffee, orange squash and water. We didn't even have time to visit the stalls or take part in the singing/dancing; the demand for refreshments was so high! It was hard work but very worthwhile and very rewarding being part of such a large youth event.

On the following evening we repeated our provision of drinks but for only about half as many people. The evening of Saturday 17, with 'XL children - The Great Escape to Freedom' was for primary school age children and their carers. This time we were on duty for a shorter time, from about 6.45 - 8.15. The evening was more structured to reflect the age of those attending and included action packed worship and a praise party. Also the MU Millennium Development Goals game was much appreciated. Again it was a privilege to be there seeing the young children enjoying themselves so much.

Surely this is part of what the MU is about - supporting the Church in our own area, especially with events that are for children and their parents or youth leaders.

Anna Lewis

York Diocese

Haxby Branch 100 years old

Maureen Kent writes from Haxby where the Branch celebrated their hundredth birthday earlier this month:

During January 2007 our Branch celebrated 100 years of the Mothers' Union in Haxby.

Members of the York Deanery Mothers' Union came together on the evening of February 7th,with many Members of the Church Family of St Mary's for what can only be described as a most wonderful and uplifting Service. To complete the event our most distinguished guest was The Archbishop of York who celebrated our Eucharist and also gave us his own uplifting words.

Maureen with Archbishop Sentamu at Haxby's centenary celebration service

Members of Haxby Branch proudly display their centenary cake!

... which Maureen and the Archbishop duly cut!

ONE HUNDRED YEARS OF A MOTHERS' UNION BRANCH IN HAXBY

For your further reading and historical interest I write a few extracts from past editions of Haxby and Wigginton Magazines.

At the turn of the century the Parish of Haxby was part of the Cleveland Archdeaconry and yet still within the Rural Deanery of Easingwold. On Monday January 28th, 1907, our Church was visited by the Hon. Mrs Maclagan, wife of the then Archbishop of York. She gave a meaningful address on the growing Christian work of the Mothers' Union. It was agreed by all the ladies present that they had an important role to play within our growing Community and that a Branch should be formed at St Mary's Church. Mrs Rees, the Vicar's wife became the Hon. Secretary and ten Members were admitted at our First Service.

In May 1924, the wife of the new Vicar, the Revd EA Irwin, became the new Branch Enrolling Member (now called Branch Leader). The Branch Meetings were held quarterly) with us all coming together for a Quarterly Corporate Communion Service on a Sunday Morning at 8.00am. By 1924 the Branch had 94 members with several Probationers in waiting to become full Members. It is noted that in 1931 Mrs Irwin was still our Enrolling Member and playing a full part in our Branch.

A Second Mothers' Union Branch was formed at Wigginton Church in February 1931 with the Rector, The Revd L. Long taking a great interest in the work and meaning of the Mothers' Union. A Branch was started with 12 members being Enrolled, Mrs Boddy from Holme Farm, Wigginton, becoming the Enrolling Member.

With a total of 99 Members the Branches of Haxby and Wigginton then joined together in 1933. Mrs Donald, wife of the Vicar of Haxby, became the combined Enrolling Member.

Now in 2007our Membership number is 40+ with our Branch joining together every 3rd Wednesday in the month in St Mary's Church Hall at 2.15pm. We still hold a Corporate Communion on the third Monday of each month at 10.00am. As many people have already found, whichever occasion you wish to join us for you can be assured of a warm welcome with true fellowship.

In St Mary's Church we proudly display a Banner that was made for us 1989, at a cost of 500.00GBP, by Mrs Rose Walker and designed for us by the well known Church architect Mr Ronald Sims.

Maureen Kent 2007

Stop press!

Hard on the heels of publishing the news item below which asked if David Clark might be the first male Deanery President I'm indebted to Edith Dobson who emailed, "The late Revd. John Cave, when Vicar of Dormanstown, was Deanery President for Guisborough (1995 to 1997) during Stella Vernon's first triennial as Diocesan President. His wife and daughter were also members and this was covered in the local press and in Home & Family."

So now we know! Thank you for the prompt response, Edith!

New Diocesan President commissioned

Miss Janet Andrews was commissioned as the new President of the Mothers' Union in the Diocese of York during a special service in York Minster on Friday 26th January 2007.

The service was conducted by the Archbishop of York, The Right Reverend John Sentamu, himself a member of the Mothers' Union. In his sermon Archbishop Sentamu commended the Mothers' Union theme for 2007 - Faith in Action - and prayed that we might all be inspired to do just that: put our faith into action. "we have a gospel to proclaim," he said, "and we must always remember that we are Christians 24/7."

The service also saw the commissioning of the trustees for 2007 - some very familar faces and some new - and the admission of three new members. One of these, The Revd David Clark, is the new Deanery President for Pickering: having a male Deanery President is likely to be fairly uncommon still, and we're making enquiries to see if it's actually a first!

Incidentally, York Minster has a rich vein of male MU members! As well as the Archbishop there's the Dean, Keith Jones, the Precentor Jeremy Fletcher, and The Revd Glynn Webster to which we can now add Alex Carberry, the Head verger!

That's Alex at the back left of this picture of the Trustees gathering before processing into the service (apologies for the poor quality of the photo...) Also seen is The Revd Chris Hawthorn who was also confirmed at the service as the continuing Chaplain to the MU im York Dioocese.

Flying the flags at the Minster

Farewell to Stella after six years

Stella Vernon handed over her Provincial Presidency at an emotional service in York Minster on November 30. As you'll see from the picture above, a lot of people joined her afterwards in the Chapter House for a farewell reception...

But over 2,000 members and friends watched as the Diocesan banners and the Provincial banner were carried in at the beginning of the service. No prizes, but I'll be interested if you can spot yourself in this picture by Martin Sheppard, our Diocesan Communications Officer!

And because it was St Andrew's Day, the flag of Scotland and the flag of England were also paraded, carried by Jenny Jordan and Eleanor Allen respectively.

The Rt Revd Nigel McCulloch opened his address to cheers when he began, "Thank God for the Mothers' Union!" and then preached a stimulating sermon on this year's Mothers' Union theme, "Answering God's Call." He'd overheard two youngsters saying of the hordes of MU members disembarking on York Railway Station, "Looks like a pensioners' rebellion!" "Keep on being rebellious!" said the Bishop!

Outgoing Provincial President, Canon Stella Vernon, and incoming Provincial President Lynne Temby share a moment on the platform in front of 2,000 appreciative members and friends.

In this picture, kindly supplied by Stella herself (all the other pictures in this piece were by Martin Sheppard to whom many thanks for his permission to reproduce them here) Stella is flanked by all her Diocesan Presidents. No prizes, but can you name them all with their Dioceses?

Clue: third from the left is Margaret Brookes, outgoing DP of York Diocese...

CARING FOR COMMUNITIES

THE A & O CONFERENCE 2006

SWANWICK, Oct. 4th-6th

Report by Jenny Deakin

This was the last A & O Conference of my second triennial. It was attended by over 100 delegates and co-ordinated by Rosemary Kempsell.

Throughout the conference we were supported by excellent and varied prayer and worship, led by the Rev'd. Simon Butler and the Right Rev'd. Richard Inwood, the Central Chaplain.

The Literacy & Development Project in Malawi, Burundi and Sudan

• Currently 771 million people illiterate in world
• Circles start with discussion on relevant topics - HIV, gender issues etc. - this improves relationships
• Runs in many and various venues, on hill tops, under makeshift shelters, under trees, in half-built buildings, some in displaced persons camps
• All give love and friendship and help change attitudes

Melanesia and the Solomon Islands

• 70% of the people are under 30 years old
• Transport difficult, often by boat
• Very different cultures, dress, dances and language across 8 dioceses
• MU involved in many projects e.g. nursery schools, Sunday schools, craft projects, malaria prevention initiatives

West Africa

Jo Hayes and Trish Heywood went to encourage the provinces of Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone and Accra for the MU provincial meeting. Again, very different cultures and communities - very poor in most cases but inspiring in the work done by and through the MU.

Global Perspectives

All workers are paid by grants from Mary Sumner House

Worldwide parenting in :

• Ruanda
• Kenya
• Guyana
• Jamaica

Very positive feedback - these groups are crossing religious boundaries

Family Life Programme in 4 Dioceses in Uganda

Builds relationships, fights poverty sickness and ignorance, improves hygiene and nutrition, gives people a feeling of self-worth and unites family and community.

In the UK

Extended Schools Policy

• Country-wide government scheme which offers opportunities for MU members to become involved
• Requires all schools to provide access to a core of extended services by 2010
• It is intended to be a partnership between schools, local authorities,statutory, voluntary and community organisations

At a workshop we looked at ways in which the MU could be involved; the most obvious seemed to be through parenting groups along with special interest clubs, breakfast clubs etc.

The Rev'd Simon Butler, Conference Chaplain, led a seminar called "Caring with the Clergy", looking at:

• Positive partnerships
• Mission not meetings
• Communication
• MU input into ongoing Ministry training
• Encouragement and affirmation

Reg Bailey

• As always thought-provoking and encouraging.
• We are making progress - we have members in 77 countries, including 400 members in Iraq since Easter!
• MU Enterprises soaks up much of the cost of the staff
• We are in the top 3 of the Charity Commission list for minimum cost of organisation
• We are a respected body
• Our publication packs are amongst the best there are
• Our voice is heard at national and international level

Jenny Deakin

October 2006

Plea for coordinator

Andrew Kent has for a long time coordinated the stuffing of the monthly clergy mailing at Diocesan House each month. Our involvement in this earns money for our funds and the free use of a room in Diocesan House for trustee meetings. So it's a valuable asset, and we are most grateful to Andrew for coordinating it.

Now, however, Andrew is standing down and we urgently need a new coordiantor. It entails arranging for groups of around four people to attend Diocesan House once a month (on average: there are a few occasional extra mailings) and putting sheaves of paper into envelopes. And sticking them down. That's it! Takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace during which most folks chatter away happily taklking of this and that. If there are enough people willing to take n the job it need come round maybe once a year.

So if you think you could coordinate that, please let Margaret Brookes know as soon as possible!

Trustees en bloc

We took the opportunity of the recent Trustees' meeting at Diocesan House to get a picture of them for the album. Quite a few of them, including Margaret Brookes (centre, seated) are coming to the end of their second triennial and are therefore standing down. Others, like Janet Andrews (in the pink jumper to Margaret's left) are taking up new posts in the MU: in Janet's case, Diocesan President.

Please pray for all of us: those who are leaving, those newly appointed and those whose work and membership of the Trustees body continues. (there's another trustee in the room, but he was behind the camera at the time!)

Archbishop drops in to social retreat

A delightful surprise for members on the recent Social Retreat at Wydale Hall was an unexpected visit from the Archbishop of York, Dr John Sentamu. He called in briefly with his greetings, and chatted to the appropriately named John Steele who was conducting a session on "Answering God's Call in Metalwork."

Also in the background, doing her essential and much appreciated job as organiser of the retreat, is Liz Clarke. Well done, Liz: do enjoy a rest after two triennials as Unit Coordinator for Prayer and Spirituality.

Archbishop Sentamu in thoughtful but playful pose at the social retreat.

Humber Bridge walk

Members of Beverley Minster Mothers' Union at the start of their sponsored walk across the Humber Bridge in aid of MU Charitites

Social Retreat at Wydale Hall 2006

Liz Clarke's sixth - and final, because she's standing down from Prayer & Spirituality at the end of her second triennial in post - Social Retreat at Wydale Hall was hugely enjoyable as this picture shows! As well as good food, good fellowship, good fun (especially the entertainment!) we learned a little, laughed a lot and vowed to come back next year!

Open letterPassionate about Parenting

Jenny Deakin, Cordinator of Action & Outreach for York Diuocese, has sent this letter for the attention of all members of the Mothers' Union in the Diocese, especially Branch Leaders and others who might actively encourage potential parenting course facilitators to take up the challenge. Please distribute the letter as widely as possible.

14 Turners Lane

North Ferriby

East Yorkshire

HU14 3DF

28th August 2006

POSITIVE, PASSIONATE PARENTING

As you may know, the York diocese is hosting a second parenting facilitators' course from 17th to 19th November at Wydale Hall. The trustees, of which I am one, firmly believe that parenting courses are the way forward if we are to promote an awareness of the Mothers' Union among the younger population.

The benefits parents get from attending parenting courses facilitated by competent and accredited facilitators is enormous and I have no doubt that there will be a need for courses in your area.

This letter is to encourage you to identify someone in your area who would be keen to go on the Wydale course and who wants to show Christ's love in action by running a group for parents.

There is no charge for the course; it is a challenging experience and at the same time great fun. To go on the course you do not need to be young or a parent, all you need is a love of people and some knowledge of children.

Please contact me for further information or with the details of any suitable candidates, by letter or e-mail and I will get in touch.

Yours sincerely,

Jenny Deakin

Action & Outreach Co-ordinator

York Diocese

e-mail: bdeakin@bdeakin.karoo.co.uk

Celebrating Mary Sumner Day in York Archdeaconry

Ken & Dot Townley sent us these pictures of the York Archdeaconry Open Garden event to celebrate Mary Sumner Day. It took place on August 9th at Granary Cottage, Seaton Ross, and as you can see, a good time was enjoyed by all! Ken & Dot supplied the captions...

First, Dot and Ken, the hosts for the event, wondering if there were enough tea bags!

A service of celebration led by our Chaplain

Everyone enjoyed a good sing

Enjoying a cup of tea and cakes

Looks like a PCC meeting !

Chaplain checking his sermon?

Rapid response!

No sooner had I challenged you to let me have pictures and a story than one arrived from Cleveland Archdeaconry! I don't usually work at nearly midnight, but here it is!

Cleveland Archdeaconry diocesan members enjoyed an afternoon together in Hilton on 11th July. We were pleased that Margaret Brookes, Edith Dobson and Maureen Kent (Diocesan members correspondent) were able to join us. The sun shone some of the time and we had a lovely tea followed by evening prayer in Hilton Church.

Report and pictures from Pauline Haigh

Concert at Cloughton

There was a good turn-out for Cloughton's Summer Concert recently, and we're grateful to Audrey Berry for these photos which give a flavour of it! (There was a delightful tea too!) Every member of Cloughton Branch took part in a programme which included sketches, readings, poems and singing. The proceeds were 214GBP which was sent to the MU Overseas Fund.

Diocesan Members Social Evening

It was a beautifully warm sunny evening on the lawn of the Deanery, home of Canon Keith Jones and his wife Viola who invited York Diocesan Members for a social gathering in the first week of June. In the shadow of the Minster members ate and drank, played crquet, juggled and kicked a football (well, it was the start of the World Cup!). Jenny & Trevor were there with a camera...

First the Dean, Keith Jones, welcomed everyone to the event...

... and Viola Jones got down to this croquet business...

Oops!

The Canon Precentor, Jeremy Fletcher, demonstrated the art of juggling services at the Minster...

...and Maisie Chapman, head of the Marketing Unit, wasn't to be outdone!

Young Matthew "Beckham" Sherriff tried his hand - no, his foot - at another ball game

And his smile suggests it was a goal!

Other guests celebrated with a glass or two of wine...!

Like Janet Burgis

and husband Peter Burgis

Our Diocesan Chaplain, Christopher Hawthorn

And last though never least, our Diocesan Members' Correspondent Maureen Kent

But there was plenty for all!

And everyone agreed it was a delightful time together, and Maureen received flowers from Viola for her part in organising it.

New Deanery President for Scarborough Deanery

The Rural Dean of Scarborough, The Revd Martyn Dunning, commissioned Jenny Jordan as the new Scarborough Deanery MU President at a well-attended Eucharist service at St James' Scarborough on May 11th. Martyn also preached at the service which was led by Jenny's husband, Trevor Jordan, assisted by MU member and Reader Ros O'Toole.

In the morning two dozen members joined a workshop exploring the five Objectives and how our Branches fulfilled them with a special emphasis on how the Deanery can support Branches. The results of the workshop will be collated and published, a long job unlike polishing off the substantial tea provided by St James' Branch, and the cake to celebrate the commissioning!

New AFIA Caravan at Filey

ON A GLORIOUSLY SUNNY DAY The Venerable Chris Hawthorn, Chaplain to the Mothers' Union in the Diocese of York, cut the ribbons to open the new AFIA caravan at Filey just a few days before the first family was due.

After the official dedication and opening ceremony members were treated to a buffet by Bourne Leisure, owners of the Blue Dolphin Caravan Park at Filey. Bourne Leisure have always supported the AFIA scheme most generously and they sent their irrepressible mascot, Tony the Tiger, to help out!

Bought at a cost of 19,000GBP, all raised by the Mothers' Union in the Diocese of York, the new caravan has double-glazing and central heating to extend its usefulness and its comfort for the 20 or more families who benefit from a free holiday every year. Families are sponsored by Mothers' Union branches and others.

(Left to right): Peter Metcalf (caravan booking manager); Elizabeth Bradley (cleaning manager); Tony the Tiger; Margaret Brookes (Diocesan President); and Gillian Wilson (AFIA supervisor)

... meanwhile (left to right) Joan Brown, Margaret Swiers, Val Smith, Elizabeth Bradley, Jenny Jordan, and Clare & Stan Archer look on!

Lady Day at York Minster

What a lovely day at the Minster to celebrate Lady Day! I don't know how many of us were there but it seemed like a thousand! And with the Dean, Precentor and Chancellor of the Minster being admitted to membership of the Mothers' Union along with 14 others, it was a great day!

Here are a few photos taken after the service... These are small versions compressed for the web: larger versions are available. there are also some pictures of banners which will be posted here as asoon as possible. For all enquiries, contact Trevor Jordan

The new members and our preacher, Fleur Dorell, with Diocesan President Margaret Brookes on the Minster steps after the service.

Fleur Dorell, head of the Prayer and Spirituality Unit at Mary Sumner House preached at the 2006 Lady Day service at York Minster. She's seen here relaxing after the service!

Keith Jones, Dean of the Minster, proudly points to his brand-new MU badge after being admitted to membership of the Mothers' Union at York Minster during the 2006 Lady Day service, assisted by Glyn Webster (right.

Glyn Webster, Chancellor of the Minster, was among those admitted to membership at the 2006 Lady Day service. He first learned about the MU at his mother's knee, and has spoken often to MU Branches, but it has taken till now to get him admitted to membership! Must get him to wear his badge, though!

Jeremy Fletcher, Canon Precentor at the Minster, was responsible for the final form of the service, and to coin a phrase, "Didn't he do well!" Here he is obviously explaining the finer points of the liturgy to an interested member: can anyone identify her please?

Maureen Kent, Branch Leader at Haxby, with the three new Minster members. She is overlooked by Glyn Webster, the Chancellor, while the Dean, Keith Jones, focuses closely on his new badge and the Canon Prtecentor, Jeremy Fletcher, proudly points to his. Well done, chaps!

The Venerable Chris Hawthorn, Chaplain to the Mothers' Union in the Diocesan of York, making a point!

Christine's 50th Anniversary

Christine McLaren is Branch Leader at Patrington in South Holderness and in February she celebrated 50 years of Mothers' Union membership! Our love and congratulations to Christine. Christine was the wife of The Revd Bill McLaren who sadly died shortly after this photo was taken.

Celebrating marriage

Scarborough Deanery MU serves tea... and wedding cake

To celebrate National Marriage Week this year Scarborough Deanery Mothers' Union held a special service in St Columba's Church on Sunday February 12th. Couples renewed their marriage vows in the service led by The Revd Kathryn Jackson, priest-in-charge of St Columba's and chaplain to St Catherine's Hospice in Scarborough, and we gave thanks for married life, not forgetting those now widowed, divorced or separated, and those to be married in the future.

Then, on St Valentine's Day, there was a "wedding tea" in the Memorial Hall at Seamer. Invitations were sent out to any couple who had been married for 50 years or more. We thought we might get about a dozen or so replies...

In the event more than 45 couples shared tea and reminiscences of marriage which totalled over 2,000 years in the one room! Tea and coffee, sandwiches, biscuits and cake - and a champagne toast - were served by members of various Deanery MU branches.

Alf and Ruby Pottage of Scarborough were married in November 1935, 70 years ago, and we were delighted to present them with a basket of flowers and a box of chocolates as the longest-married couple at the celebration. They're seen here with Deanery MU President Jenny Jordan who, with others, organised the tea and the service at St Columba's. She also made the cake...

... which Alf and Ruby cut. There was just enough for the 94 couples and the dozen helpers!

Everyone agreed is was a marvellous event and went away to start planning next years celebration of marriage!

National Marriage Week began in 1996. It's always the week, Sunday to Sunday, which includes February 14th, St Valentine's Day, and it celebrates Marriage. This fits well with the first of the Mothers' Union's five objectives: "To uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and promote its wider understanding." Click here for more on the Mothers' Union and for our York Diocesan MU website, click here.

It's catching!

Margaret leaps from 10,000ft

Readers might have noticed a parachute theme occasionally pops up around the pages. Trevor's done a couple of parachute jumps, his son-in-law arrived for his wedding by parachute, and so on. And the habit's catching!

Margaret Swiers of Seamer St Martin's Branch, churchwarden, MU Enterprise rep, and she won't mind my saying, also a senior citizen, recently strapped herself to Dave Walker (Trevor's said son-in-law) and jumped out of a Cessna aircraft while 10,000ft above Grindale near Bridlington...raising over 750GBP for St Martin's and the MU Literacy and Development fund!

Sheer brilliance! Well done, Margaret!

Who's next, we wonder?

Archbishop & Mrs Sentamu join MU

At one of his last services in Birmingham Diocese the Archbishop of York and his wife, Margaret Sentamu, both joined the Mothers' Union. They were enrolled by Canon Claire Laland, President of Mothers' Union in Birmingham Diocese. The enrolment took place during a Confirmation Service at St Leonard Church, Dordon near Polesworth. The Chaplain of Birmingham Mothers' Union, Revd Val Hicks, is Vicar of the parish.

Both the Archbishop and Margaret have been very supportive of Mothers' Union while in Birmingham and have also seen the extensive work carried out by members in Malawi on their recent visit. Claire said, 'I am delighted that Archbishop Sentamu and Margaret took the decision to join MU. We are extremely sorry that they are to leave Birmingham after only three years but wish them both well in this new important Ministry.'

New uses sought for web site!

Recently we asked for email addresses so we could send out papers, documents and information more quickly - therefore more up to date - and much more cheaply than we could do it in the past. Emailing a whole bunch of people costs nothing (well, nothing if you've already got the technology up and running), and we can put even quite complex documents on the web site for you to see.

So far so good. To date there aren't that many of you who have sent me your email address, but thanks to those who have: it's early days yet. And then before I could put up some papers (by Fleur Dorrell, and by our World President, among others) there was a strongly worded letter decrying the "increasing reliance on technology", claiming that this was putting off our older members.

I've passed that on to the Diocesan President, but meanwhile I have put up the papers, and I have emailed those whose addresses I have. Without this scheme the information would have been impossible to distribute - postage is very expensive. So I'd be interested to hear your comments. Please email me at trevor@trevorsweb.net.

Meanwhile, click on the Documents link

The whole world at Wydale!

All 31 of the worldwide Provincial Presidents met with Trish Heywood, Worldwide President, and Reg Bailey, CEO of Mothers' Union, at Wydale Hall near Scarborough last week to discuss the current state of the Mothers' Union around the world, and to pray and plan for more!"

They did much more than that, of course, including sending a delegation to the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY rally in Edinburgh on the Saturday

Thanks to Angela Byram we have some pictures from the conference and they can be seen in a small gallery of pictures by clicking HERE!

But here's a picture of them all together. They're showing the world their white bands in support of the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY campaign, and please notice that while Trish has the whole world in her hands - nearly 4 million members in 76 countries! - she's pointing at... Scarborough! (Well, that's what I asked her to do, anyway!

Celebration of Mary Sumner

Tuesday 9th August at Seaton Ross

Well, the heading says most of it! But here's a poster for the rest! Enjoy!

Special Speaker
for Southern Ryedale
MU Deanery Festival.

St. Peter's Church, Langton Road,
Norton-on-Derwent
at 7.30pm on Wednesday 13th July.

The Speaker is Pricilla Johnson, Provincial President for The Gambia.

Light refreshments will be served after the service. There is plenty of parking space next to the church.

Contact for more information:

Helen Wright
Branch: Old Malton, St. Mary's
Email: h.m-wright@tiscali.co.uk

Report on...

INSPIRATION & ACTION

A Sharing Day for A&O Co-ordinators
Mary Sumner House - 9th April 2005

...by Jenny Deakin

Theme:"Salt & Light"

Bible Reading - Matthew 5, 13-16

There were 60 delegates at the conference; we were divided into 7 groups for 4 sessions of small group work, to consider:

1. Inspiration
2. Action
3. Support
4. Investing in each other

Inspiration

What inspires members to consider setting up or getting involved with projects, thereby demonstrating their faith through action? We looked at different groups:

1. Branch members
2. Diocesan members
3. Central members
4. Non-members

Branch members

• enthusiastic leaders
• speakers passionate about M.U. and their projects
• communicate & inform - use Home & Family and Encompass
• projects with a local need
• promote resource packs
• have Unit or Project sharing days
• take members to Committee meetings
• affirm people

Diocesan Members

• designate a trustee to be i/c diocesan members
• inform deanery presidents who the D.M. are
• special diocesan members days
• monthly intercessions at the cathedral
• contact and ask for their help
• regular mail-outs including Home & Family and Encompass

Central members

• let Mary Sumner House know what is happening

Non-members

• bring non-members to events e.g. Thirsk, General Meetings
• get involved with other agencies

Action

Once inspired how do members move from inspiration to action? What support is currently available and are there any additional approaches we could adopt to help them as they set up projects or participate in new ones?

• project needs to meet aims and objectives of M.U.
• to identify needs - ask health visitors, vicars, head-teachers, local newspapers etc.
• recognise what you can do

Once a potential project is identified, what happens next?

• involve P&S in marketing/publicity
• research and question
• involve A&O co-ordinator and M.S.H
• have a strategy and budget
• share knowledge and problems
• be realistic
• have a time limit for start and duration if appropriate
• have regular meetings to evaluate; celebrate achievements

Support

How and why we must support members involved in project work

• Why?
• to keep up motivation and morale
• to avoid over-load
• to ensure projects are financially secure
• How?
• prayer
• honest job/task description
• social gatherings
• diocesan support structure
• encourage evaluation

Investing in each other

What support, resources and information do A&O co-ordinators receive from each other, the diocese, the centre? Where might support come from? How might we work with co-ordinators from other dioceses?

Conclusions

Support should come from:

• trustees
• chaplains
• clergy
• other members
• mentors
• family
• husbands.

Some ideas for projects:

• welcome boxes for overseas students
• world-wide day
• after school Christian clubs
• soup lunch for the elderly
• emergency toilet-bags for hospitals
• knitting woolly hats for seamen
• virtual babies
• prison visiting
• mini-Thirsk
• child contact centre

Urgent Consultation Document

Ruth Beavin, our Social Policies Officer, has been sent the following document for comment - by May 15th! (Today is April 27th...)

Please read and respond as soon as possible.

Social Policy Officer

Mary Sumner House

24 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3RB

0207 222 55 33

To: Social Policy Contacts and P&S Co-ordinators 18th April 2005

Re: Work and Families: Choice and Flexibility- A Government Consultation

Dear Friend,

Despite the impression that everything in Government has been put on hold for the General Election, the cogs of the civil service are (believe it or not!) still turning. As a result, please find enclosed with this letter a summary of a Government Consultation that is requesting your views on certain proposals to modify the current provisions for supporting parents and carers.

Ensuring that the UK has policies in place to provide quality support for all parents and carers soundly resonates with the aims and objectives of the Mothers' Union. By answering this Consultation, we have an opportunity to practically fulfil and demonstrate our commitment to 'promoting conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children' to the next Government - no matter who wins on May 5th.

So that the MU can submit a response representative of its membership, please distribute this consultation to members in your diocese and encourage them to consider, either individually or as a branch or group, the six questions outlined in this Consultation document. In doing so, do not forget to take time out yourselves to do the same!

Due to the small amount of time the Government has given us to answer this consultation, please ask members to convey their collective or individual thoughts to me, or Rachel Barber, by 15th May 2005. We can be contacted by:

a. emailing

b. writing to:

c. phoning:

I look forward to hearing from you!

With every best wish,

Ruth Lee

Social Policy Officer

Registered Charity No. 240531

Work and Families: Choice and Flexibility A Consultation Summary

Today's families face huge challenges in balancing their home and work responsibilities. Parents are the best people to make decisions about the interests of their children. The Government's role is to support families and to ensure they have meaningful choices about how they live their lives. Employers also have an important role to play in supporting family friendly working. Recent measures that the Government has introduced include:

• introducing two weeks' paid paternity leave for the first time
• introducing a new right to request flexible working hours for parents with young or disabled children

In addition to the above, the UK Government is proposing to make the following changes to the maternity leave and pay system:

* Extend paid maternity leave to nine months from April 2007 towards the goal of a year's paid leave by the end of the next Parliament.

Currently, a mother has the right to 12 months maternity leave but only the first six months of this is paid. As a result, many families cannot afford to make use of the full 12 months maternity leave they are entitled to. Research has shown that many women feel they have to go back to work before they are ready1. Subsequently, women who do return to work earlier find it difficult to juggle work and caring for a young baby, and end up resigning from their job. What's more, paid maternity leave is associated with a range of health benefits for mothers and babies, such as reduced levels of maternal depression, lower infant mortality and more breastfeeding2. Unpaid leave does not have the same protective effects.

* Support more effective communication between employers and their employees during maternity leave.

Effective communication between employers and employees makes maternity leave easier to manage. It helps to keep women up to date with changes at work and helps employers to keep in touch with their employees' plans, and to manage the maternity leave and return to work. However, some employers are unsure whether it is within their rights to make contact with mothers on maternity leave. At the same time, some mothers feel that an ongoing dialogue with their employer would help ease their return.

* Introduce a new law to enable mothers to transfer a proportion of their maternity leave and pay to fathers.

Fathers are spending increasing amounts of time with their children. In the late 1990s fathers with children under five years of age spent an average of two hours a day caring for their children, compared with less than a quarter of an hour a day in the mid 1970s3. Recent survey evidence suggests that fathers would like to be even more involved4. In addition to current provisions such as parental leave (entitling mothers and fathers to 13 weeks' unpaid parental leave per child), two weeks' paid paternity leave and the right to request flexible working hours, this new law enabling mothers to transfer their maternity leave to fathers would give fathers even more flexibility to balance their caring and working roles.

* Consider extending the new right for parents of young and disabled children to request flexible working hours to carers of adult relatives and/or parents of older children.

Building on its provision to give parents of young or disabled children the right to request flexible working hours, the Government intends to enable people with other caring responsibilities (for older children or sick or vulnerable adults, for example) to also find suitable working hours. The Government estimates that there are currently 5.3 million carers of working age (between 16 and 64). Many carers struggle to balance their work and caring responsibilities or feel they have to choose between work and caring.

Questions to Consider

The Government is seeking views on these proposals. Please consider the questions below, either individually or in your MU branch or diocese.

1. Communication between employers and mothers

The Government has identified three ways to support effective communication during maternity leave:

• Establish a specific point in time when employers can contact women during their maternity leave
• Spell out in the law that an employer can make reasonable contact with an employee during maternity leave
• Provide improved guidance to employers and employees on keeping in touch during maternity leave

One other idea is to establish effective dialogue before maternity leave even begins, perhaps done by providing a leaflet on employees' and employers' rights and responsibilities in relation to maternity leave, pay and flexible working to be given to women at an early point in their pregnancy.

Question 1: How can dialogue and communication between employers and mothers be improved both before and during maternity leave?

2. Improving Information and Advice for Parents

Having easy access to good quality information helps parents plan their return to work and their options for balancing their work and caring responsibilities. However, many parents have to go to a range of different places to get the information they need. Developing a one-stop-information-shop for working families would help better enable parents and carers to make choices about how to balance their work and family responsibilities. Such a service could advise on working time options, provide support to an individual employee who wants to change their working hours, and help to find childcare or elder care services where those are needed.

Question 2: How can information about maternity leave entitlements available best be provided for working parents?

3. Supporting Women Returning to Work

Some women no longer have contact with an employer because they have resigned from work in order to bring up their children full-time at home, or because they have other caring commitments. In some instances these women may have been out of the workforce for a number of years, this is particularly true for lone parents. This will have long-term consequences for their employment, lifetime earnings and future pensions, as well as for their aspirations to use their skills and experience and fulfil their potential.

Question 3: What more could be done to help women returning to the labour market after a period of time out caring for their children?

4. Transferring Maternity Leave to the Father

When introducing this new law to enable mothers to transfer their maternity leave to fathers, the intention is that it will be the mother who decides whether or not to transfer statutory maternity leave and pay to the father. When the mother returns to work, the father will immediately begin his period of transferred leave so that, as now, the total period of leave taken is continuous. The Government sees three main options with regard to the amount of leave and pay that could be transferred:

Option 1 Any leave and pay after six weeks following the start of maternity leave (or two weeks after the birth of the child if this is later)

This option would:

• give parents the most choice in balancing work and family responsibilities
• make the largest period of leave and pay available to fathers
• help keep the focus of the first part of maternity leave on the child's birth and the mother's health (by the initial non-transferable period of six weeks)
• However, whilst it would be the mother's choice to transfer her leave and pay to the father, a six week period could lead to some feeling pressurised to return to work sooner than they want.

Option 2 Any leave and pay after six months following the start of maternity leave

This option would:

• help remove concerns about mothers feeling pressurised to return to work sooner than they are ready
• provide greater certainty about when transferred leave and pay would start
• be consistent with Government advice that children should be solely breastfed for the first six months of their life

However, it would

• reduce the choices available to parents
• limit the amount of leave and pay available to fathers
• offer the least scope for women to return to work during the 1st year of their child's life

Option 3 Any leave and pay after three months following the start of maternity leave.

This option would continue to provide mothers and fathers with significant choice about how much leave could be transferred, whilst avoiding many of the uncertainties about returning to work arising from premature or late births.

Question 4: How much statutory maternity leave and pay should mothers be entitled to transfer to fathers?

5. Extending the Right to Request Flexible Working Hours to Carers

Any extension of the law to request flexible working hours to carers must be based on a straightforward and easily understandable definition of carers. The Government is seeking views on the following 4 options to define carers or suggestions of other ways to define them:

Option 1 Caring for a spouse or partner only - affects 127,000 people

This option would provide clarity for both employers and carers but is narrow in its scope, excluding many other carers.

Option 2 Caring for either a partner or a parent - affects 837,000 people

This option gives a wider scope than option 1.

Option 3 Caring for any dependent adult relative - affects 1.3 million people

Further widening the scope, a dependent relative in this option could mean either (1) an immediate relative or

(2) a relative living in the same house as the employee to include an aunt or grandparent.

Option 4 Caring for any disabled dependant - affects 1.8 million

This option is the widest and is explicitly based on individuals who are disabled and would enable the law to be targeted at those who provide substantial care.

Question 5: Should the right to request flexible working hours be extended to carers and, if so, to what types of carers?

6. Extending the Right to Request Flexible Hours to Parents of Older Children

There are 3.7 million parents of young children who are currently eligible for the right to request flexible working hours. However, many parents of older children also need support in finding hours to match their work and caring responsibilities. Please consider the following three options to extend the law:

Option 1 to parents with children under nine - affects 1.4 million parents

This would be a small step minimising any extra impact on employers.

Option 2 to parents with children under 12 - affects 2.6 million parents

As most children in the UK change school at age 11, many parents may want to change their working patterns at the same time.

Option 3 to parents with children under 17- affects 4.5 million parents

Teenagers still need a great deal of support throughout secondary school and compulsory school age stops when a child reaches 16.

Question 6: Should the right to request flexible working be extended to parents and, if so, to which parents? (i.e. the age cut-off)

The staff of the Social Policy Unit at Mary Sumner House would like to compile a detailed Mothers' Union response to this Government Consultation, one that is fully representative of the views of its members in the UK. In order to enable us to do this, please consider the questions above and let us know your answers and thoughts on any or all of them:

a. by emailing policy@themothersunion.org

b. by writing to: Social Policy Officer

Mary Sumner House, 24 Tufton Street, London, SW1P 3RB

c. by phoning: Ruth Lee or Rachel Barber on 0207 222 55 33

Please send your responses no later than 15th May 2005.

1 Hudson et al, "Maternity and Paternity Rights in Britain 2002: Survey of Parents", PSI, 2004.

2 Chatterji and Markowitz, "Does the Length of Maternity Leave affect Maternal Health?", NBER Working Papers 10206., National Bureau of Economic Research 2004

3 British Fathers with children. Working Paper. Fisher, McCulloch and Gershuny 1999, Essex Institute for Social and Economic Research

4 Guardian / ICM poll on family friendly policies, August 2004

We need your postcards!

Mothers' Union in York Diocese

Calling All Members to help in

SAVING SUDAN

BY SAVING
PICTURE POSTCARDS

(Used; Unused; Any Size)

throughout 2005

These will be passed to the

Sudan Church Association

And used to raise money for

Their work throughout Sudan

Including Ibba our link diocese.

All branches can do this - ask your

family, friends, Indoor Members,

Church, work etc. etc.

Bring cards to Council meetings in June & November or send them to

Jo Tulip - Worldwide Co-ordinator

(Address in Handbook)

Tel. 01642 714644

The balloons went up at Thirsk

Our thanks to photographer Mike Arnott for his pictures of the balloons going up at Thirsk and of his grandson Joseph, and thanks to Brian Dobson for making the electronic collage!

Up, up and away!

We're still waiting for pictures of the balloons going up at Thirsk when York Province held its Family Fun Day recently. But we can tell you where a couple of the ballons ended up - Norway!

Sindre Jakobsen wrote with a picture of himself and his dog:

Hi!

We found this message on a yellow balone. It was on a place caled Vemorktoppen. This is a place near the heavy water factory Vemork (Rjukan) which is known from the world war 2. It was bombed and destroyed in 1943. We now have a cabin in the mountain near. I am a boy, 9 years old. I hope to win the price.

Meanwhile, Stig Eikeland was on a moose hunt when suddenly... but let him tell the story himself!

Hey!

Greetings from Norway.

I want to tell you my story about how it happened that 1 was the lucky one to find one of the cards from your balloon race.

An unusual day of hunt.

The morning was extraordinary cool and clear. The autumn had come with its diverse spectre of numerous colours. The steep mountains stood there just waiting for the sun to drive away the morning mist. This very morning some of the villagers in the small community of Breland in the commune of Aaseral were getting ready for moose hunt.

This year we have seen a lot of moose, in good condition. They are really the kings of these mountains. The excitement stands like written in the eyes of the eager hunters planning today's strategy. The key is to sneak on to the animals from down wind. This day the wind was shifting and the moose seemed to bee sunk in to the ground. Every thing was quiet, just some sparrows was hurrying on south. No one worried much about the abandoned moose on this lovely day.

After have been sitting still for some hours we decided to shift our positions. Cautiously the five hunters started to move further up. We expected the moose to be further up as the whether was so bright. As lightning from clear sky five moose were spotted. But as usual the moose had sensed us first. They took of in a hurry and we did not expect to see them more that day.

As we were tiring we moved on to find better view and sit there, rest and wait. After this long walk in the spectacular mountains I suddenly discovered this paper down in the red heather. What is this trash...? As always I bend down and pick it up. Grand balloon race it says! It must bee one in a million chance to find this note! 1 sure did not shoot any moose this day but I got some thing else... Hopefully this balloon has travelled the furthest.....

...and Stig sent us a photo of Aaseral fjord:

Watch this space for news of the winner of the Grand Balloon Race!

An idea for a Mothers' Union Calendar!

The ladies of Rylstone WI found fame and fortune - and raised a huge amount of money for charity - by posing nude for a famous calendar. We've racked our brains for something similar but sufficiently different to catch the imagination and we came up with - The Mothers' Union Extreme Sports Calendar!

No need to strip off, folks: just take part in an extreme sport! Gliding, skydiving, surfing, climbing, racing motorbikes or even mountain biking - in fact anything which would make an eyecatching picture of the Mothers' Union at play!

So, we need your help. Got an idea for an activity we can photograph? Do you do an extreme sport yourself and could we take photos? Any other ideas? LET US KNOW, PLEASE!! You can ring Trevor/Jenny on 01723 863102 or email to trevor@trevorsweb.net or just catch us when you see us!

We're grateful to Dot Townley, Elected Member for the York Archdeaconry, for lending us this recent picture of herself in a glider. She said "not exactly an action shot, but you should have seen us ten minutes later!"

Happy Social Retreat at Wydale!

As is now traditional, the Social Retreat at Wydale was hugely enjoyable and very convivial, even if it was occasionally a little loud for some!

Pictured below the sixty-four ladies who enjoyed the excellent hospitality of Wydale Hall under its new Director, The Revd Ann Colman. Worship ranged from Taize and Iona style services to the final formal Eucharist. The talks were all about the MU's theme for this International Year of the Family: Building Relationships. We covered relationships with God (Jonathan Juckes), relationships within families (Eleanor Allen), relationships among different cultures (Margaret Ford): and building intimate relationships (Trevor Jordan). Many thanks to Liz Clark of Thornton Dale MU for her usual superb organisation, and to the staff of Wydale for their hospitality.

Province goes to the races!

The Provincial Family Fun Day at Thirsk Racecoure attracted a large number of visitors from the whole Province. Opened by the Mayor of Thirsk, Councillor Derek Adamson, assisted by The Bishop of Whitby and his wife, The Rt Revd Robert and Mrs Roberta Ladds; MU Provincial President Canon Stella Vernon; and York Diocesan President Margaret Brookes, the day dawned bright and clear and a short downpour in the afternoon didn't prevent hundreds having their fun day out.

The day ended with lively worship in the sunshine and Canon Stella led us all in action songs - see the pictures! A lovely, lively and fun-filled day where we made new frioends, exchanged pennants from across the Province, and went home rejoicing!

Click HERE for some pictures from our Family Fun Day!

MU York Diocese in the news

From the York Diocesan Web site - thanks, Martin!

20 February 2004

200 Gallons poured by Mothers' Union - in the dark!

Marathon effort by XL / XS refreshment team

The Mothers' Union drinks crew at XL and XS (the two youth celebration and worship events in York Minster on the 13th and 14th February), poured around 750 litres - 200 gallons - of water from 30 25-litre containers into 2,000 plastic cups in the course of the two evenings.

That's around 230 drinks per hour or 4 per minute!

Tea, coffee, orange squash and God's good water streamed forth at the row of tables across the foot of the 'Five Sisters' (appropriately) window at the end of the Minster's North Transept. Running water? Drainage? The Mothers' Union is undaunted by the lack of such trivia. The moody gloom of the part-lit Minster added to the challenges to which the crew rose magnificently.

Our pictures confirm rumours that Provincial President Canon Stella Vernon was wielding a milk jug with the rest.

Well done M.U. - long may your urns steam.

This story originally appeared on the York Diocesan web site and is reproduced with permission: thanks, Martin! Just for the record, the Mothers' Union does also do tea - it's just not the whole of what we do!