BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MARCH

Dear All,

Carol HIll

It is with deepest sorrow that I have to report that Carol Hill died on the 10th February. Carol was poorly and in hospital but her death came as a huge shock to us all. Carol was a much loved and valued member of the Mothers’ Union who will be missed so much. Our deepest sympathy and sincere condolences go to her family.

As usual our first meeting of the year is the AGM which was chaired by the Rector.

My thanks to all members for their support throughout the year and as usual there are changes to the committee as ladies complete their 3 year term of office. Read More…

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR FEBRUARY

Dear All,

May I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year.

I hope you have all enjoyed a lovely Christmas as we did, but isn’t it nice to get back to a familiar routine. The Christmas Tree Festival in Church looked wonderful and thank you to the ladies who helped decorate and dismantle the MU tree. I will bring all the decorations to the AGM so you can claim back your badges and decorations.

27 attended the Christmas lunch at the Red Hall in December and this year in lieu of the secret Santa it was suggested you might like to give a voluntary donation to the Children’s Christmas party being provided by the Chesham Food Bank/Kitchen. The unit was very grateful for the total donation £117 and the Children enjoyed a lovely party. Thank you.

Our first meeting of the year will be as usual the AGM on Tuesday 4th February starting at 1.00pm. There will be some vacancies occurring on the committee as members complete their 3 year cycle so please give some thought to becoming a member of the committee. I promise you it isn’t too demanding and new people bring new ideas. Please think about it.

Can I offer a polite reminder that MU subscriptions of £23.50 are now due. If possible please pay by cheque made payable to Bury Parish Church MU.

March will be a busy month and here are a few dates for your diary.

Tues 3rd March meeting will also be a 1.00pm start and we have Joyce Heaton joining us speaking about 18 century Fashions and Customs.

Also in March there is the Women’s World Day of Prayer service at Christ Church, Walmersley on Friday 6th the time has to be confirmed but it’s usually 2.00pm start.

Lady Day 25th March (Wednesday) and if possible can MU members attend the 11.00am service that day.

Mothering Sunday 29th March and as usual Mothers’ Union will provide cakes to be served following the 10.00am service.

A copy of the latest MU Newsletter is on the notice board in Church. I will have other copies at the AGM.

Look forward to seeing you at the AGM

MU Festical September 2019

With love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for December

Dear All,

Firstly I must thank all the Ladies who have supported the appeal for the knitted Christmas stockings for St Paul’s School. The response was brilliant and the target met very quickly and the school is very grateful to everyone. My thanks go also to all the ladies who knit for the Baby Units at the hospitals and also the ladies who support the children with reading at St Paul’s school.

At the November meeting we had Frances Brough, who manages the MU shop, join us, giving us the opportunity to purchase a MU diary, calendar etc. followed by a social evening with a quiz and conversation.

In December we are holding our Christmas celebration at the Red Hall on Tuesday 3rd Dec @ 12.30pm for 1.00pm.

The Bury Deanery Advent Service is to be held on Sunday 1st Dec at All Saints Church @ 2.00pm.

I have received the minutes and reports from the Autumn Council and I have put 2 copies on the notice board in Church and also a copy of the October Newsletter which includes a short reference to our 120th anniversary.

As usual we do not meet in January so the next official meeting will be the AGM on Tuesday 4th February which will start at 1.00pm in the Kay Room. I am again setting the March meeting for the afternoon with a start time at 1.00pm as the weather can be unpredictable at that time of year.

The MU annual subscription for 2020 will be £23.50 incurring an increase of 50p.

Lastly I want to thank the committee for their support throughout the year and also everyone who has supported our fundraising events. We are a fairly proactive branch and strive to play our part in the good work done by Mothers’ Union. By just being a member of MU helps the organisation continue the excellent work. A quote made by the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Revd Justin Welby in February 2019, ‘There is only one Mothers’ Union! It is the world’s oldest and largest women’s movement. It is one of the Anglican Communion’s greatest gifts to the worldwide church.

May I wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year.

MU Festical September 2019

My love and prayers to all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for November

Dear All,

At our October meeting we enjoyed the company of Margaret Goodwin who is a much travelled lady. She entertained us with tales of her trip to Brazil and we all thoroughly enjoyed hearing about her experiences. We hope Margaret will join us again in the future so we can learn more about her worldwide travels. Thank you Margaret.

St Paul’s are again holding a Christmas fund raising event and have asked for our help to provide the small knitted Christmas stockings. If anyone is able to help with this task it will be much appreciated. Patterns available on the notice board in Church.

The Mothers’ Union Christmas celebration will be held at the Red Hall on Tuesday 3rd Dec @ 12,30pm for 1.00pm. At the October meeting after some discussion it was decided not to have the secret Santa but to buy something of equal value for the Food Bank. I have asked the Coordinators at the Food Bank to provide a list of suggested items to help us. I am hoping to have the list available at the November meeting.

The lunch is open to all members of the congregation and we will be delighted to have friends join us. The cost is £15 for 2 courses and £17 for three courses. Please ring the number below to ask about menu choices or book a place. Please can I ask for payment to be made by cheque to BPCMU.

At the November meeting we have Frances Brough who manages the MU shop at Church House joining us. She will bring a selection of items i.e. diaries, planners and cards etc. which we can purchase on the night. It is planned as a social evening with time for chat and possibly a quiz.

I will be planning the 2020 programme soon so if anyone has any suggestions regarding speakers do please share them.

MU Festical September 2019

My love and prayers to all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for October

Dear All,

At our September meeting we enjoyed the company of our Rector, Julian, who talked about the Blessed Virgin Mary. We all knew far more at the end of the evening than we did at the beginning. Thanks Julian.

MU Festical September 2019

Also, my thanks go to Sheila who led the worship at the Deanery Festival. I must also thank all the members who helped in official duties on the day. It was a lovely day as we shared our 120th anniversary celebration with the Bury Deanery. At our October meeting we have Margaret Goodwin joining us. Margaret is a much travelled lady who will be speaking about her trip to Brazil.

The MU Christmas Lunch will be held at the Red Hall on Tuesday 3rd December 12.30pm for 1.00pm and a list will be available for names and menu choices from October with payments due in November. The costs are 2 courses £15 and 3 courses costing £17 including tea/coffee. The MU Christmas Lunch is open to guests so please feel free to invite family and friends to join us.

St Paul’s School are again planning a fund raising event before Christmas and are asking for our help to provide the small knitted Christmas Stockings. If you are able to oblige with this activity it would be much appreciated.

The Autumn Council is to be held on Saturday 12th October at Church House, Deansgate, @ 10.00am. I am planning to go and if anyone would like to join me you will be very welcome.

MU 2020 Diaries and Planners are now available to purchase and Frances Brough (MU Shop Manager) is bringing the shop to our November meeting. Diaries cost £4.15 and Planners £3.25 each

Lastly our thoughts and prayers are with Elizabeth Holiday and family on the sad loss of Harold.

My love and prayers to all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR SEPTEMBER

Dear All,

Firstly, I would like to thank all 64 people who came and supported our Afternoon Tea event and a special thanks to the Committee for the good team work in the preparation behind the scenes. From the comments received everyone enjoyed the afternoon tea and the speaker Pat Ascroft was brilliant, funny and entertaining having everyone laughing out loud.

Proceeds of £270 from this event will allow us to make a donation to the Choir Camp Fund with other monies going to Mothers’ Union projects. Also, I asked everyone to bring one item for the food bank and you did, so thank you on behalf of the Chesham Food Bank as they were very grateful and appreciated the large stock delivered to them the following day courtesy of Judith Norris. The demand on the Food Bank is huge at all times but during the School holidays the demand is greater. We can continue to support them by bringing an item to our MU meeting or putting an item in the red tub at the back of Church.

The beginning of September is a busy time as we have our meeting with the Rector speaking on a subject of his choice followed by the Deanery Festival on the 8th September. As it’s our 120th anniversary this year we thought it would be nice to share this celebration with the Deanery. The service will take place on the Sunday 8th September at 2.30pm at Bury Parish Church followed by refreshments and a celebration cake in the Blackburne Hall. I hope as many members as possible will be there.

The Bury Deanery AGM is planned for the Monday 23rd September at All Saints Church Hall, Elton, @ 7.00pm. There will be a Bring and Buy.

The Diocesan Festival is to be held on Saturday 28th September at St Ann’s Church, St Ann’s Square, Manchester @ 2.30pm At the committee meeting in July it was agreed after much discussion that the MU Christmas Lunch would be at the Red Hall on Tuesday 3rd December. More details to follow in due course. The latest newsletter is on the notice board in Church and I will have more copies at the next meeting.

With Love and Prayers to you all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR AUGUST

Dear All,

At the July meeting to celebrate our 120th anniversary we had a celebration cake. Don’t fret if you missed out on a slice as there will be another cake at the Deanery Festival in September.

Christine Sharp also joined us at the July meeting and gave a presentation on the work MU do within the Prison Service supporting families. New family friendly areas have been created for the children to play during visiting times.

On August 6th we are hosting an Afternoon Tea at 1.00pm The tickets cost £5 plus on the day we are asking everyone to bring a donation for the Food Bank. There is always a heavy demand on Food Banks but in the School holidays it must be greater than usual. Tickets are available on Sunday mornings in Church or ring the number below. Profits from the event will go to causes in line with Mothers’ Union aims and objectives.

The Bury Deanery Festival will take place on Sunday 8th September @ 2.30pm at Bury Parish Church. By hosting the Festival it gives us the opportunity to celebrate our special anniversary with all the Mothers Union members in the Bury area. We are planning to have light refreshments and a celebration cake following the service.

Can I thank all the Ladies who support the children at St Paul’s school with reading and say how much this is appreciated by the School. I hope you all enjoy the long summer break and look forward to seeing you all back there in September.

The annual joint fundraising event with the Union of Catholic Mothers and MU was held at Holy Cross College in July and was well supported. 7 Ladies from our branch went along and enjoyed a lovely social evening. Proceeds will be divided between the 2 organisations.

With Love and Prayers to you all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR JULY

As I’m writing this, the sky is grey and rain is threatening but I hope by the time you are reading it Summer has well and truly started. If you have a Summer holiday planned I hope you enjoy some warm and sunny weather.

At our last meeting we enjoyed a social evening with Ann Milius showing us the art of paper craft using books. She was quite impressed with our efforts as I was. My hedgehog looked remarkably like a hedgehog.

In July we have Christine Sharp joining us. Christine is the new MU president of Manchester Diocese. I’m not sure what her topic will be but she has been very involved in developing a partnership with MU and the Prison Service to establish family space and services. She has worked hard to put this into practice, securing a generous donation from a leading toy shop to stock the play area. I’m sure she will have new ideas for the future of MU to share too.

Also in July the Mothers’ Union and Union of Catholic Mothers are again holding a joint fund raising event at Holy Cross College. It will take place on Wednesday 17th July starting at 7.30pm and the cost is £5 which includes a Pasty/Peas supper. Please take your own drinks. Tickets are available from Holy Cross College office – do let me know if you want a ticket. This is usually a good social evening giving us the opportunity to meet up with members of other Branches.

The Archdeaconry Festival is to take place on Friday 9th August at St Anne’s Church Tottington @ 7.30pm. Only the Deanery Banner is to be paraded. The new Bolton Archdeaconry President is Mrs Ruth Taylor.

Advance notice of our Afternoon Tea on Tuesday 6th August. Please see separate notice. This event is open to all the congregation and friends. Tickets will be on sale from July.

With Love and Prayers to you all

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR JUNE

Firstly, can I thank you all for the generous donations of Easter Eggs. We had enough to give each child at St Paul’s School an egg, as well as to all the children in Church on Easter Sunday at BPC and St Paul’s and the surplus eggs going to the Food Bank.

Secondly, I would like to thank all the members who helped to provide the Parish Lunch in May and also all who came along and supported it. I am pleased to report that the profit made from the event will go to Christian Aid.

I have received a Thank You card from St Paul’s School PTFA (Parents, Teachers & Friends Association) in appreciation of the support given with the task of the knitted Easter chicks. They made a grand total of £225 which is almost a £100 more than last year. The Thank You card is displayed on the notice board in Church.

At the meeting last month we heard from Peter Watson who took us on a trip down Memory Lane with his various pieces of memorabilia many of which bring a smile to your face but some you are pleased to leave behind.

In July we have Ann Milius who will show us the art of paper craft and hopefully by the end of the evening we will all have created a cute mouse or similar. I met Ann at the Greenmount Christmas Fair and she creates some wonderful items. I’m not really a craft person but I think even I can do this with her guidance.

The Bury Deanery AGM should have taken place on the 20th May at All Saints Church Hall but was cancelled at short notice. A new date is to be arranged for June and I will keep you informed.

The annual ‘United in Support’ joint fundraising event with Mothers’ Union and Union of Catholic Mothers is to take place on the 17th July @ Holy Cross College. Doors open at 7.00pm for a 7.30pm start. The cost is usually £5 including a pasty and peas supper. This is usually a great social evening and profitable fund raising event.

With Best Wishes

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MAY

I hope you have all enjoyed a wonderful Easter.

As I’m writing this the weather report for the Easter weekend is promising to be fine and sunny.

Firstly I must begin with a thank you to MU members for their help and support on Mothering Sunday and all the lovely cakes provided for the refreshments following the morning service. Thanks also to everyone who knitted chicks for St Paul’s fundraising event (over 300) and all who have kindly donated Easter eggs for the children on Easter Sunday. All very much appreciated.

At the April meeting, our first evening meeting of 2019 and as usual we celebrated Holy Communion in Church, during this service Jackie Heaton was enrolled and welcomed as a member of our Mother Union. The speaker at the meeting was Joanne Nicholson from the Children’s Society and she spoke about the referrals, support systems, partnership working and the funding needed. It was all very interesting and informative.

May is proving to be a busy month with our meeting on the 7th when we welcome back Peter Watson who is always amusing and well as very informative in his topic.

MU are also hosting the Parish Lunch on the 12th May and lastly Bury Deanery AGM will be held at All Saints, Elton @ 7.00pm on Monday 20th May. . The Church Hall is accessed via Throstle Grove off Brandlesholme Road.

We held a committee meeting last week and agreed the date for the Afternoon Tea this year will be Tuesday 6th August. Please ‘save the day’ and more details will follow in the June magazine.

The post of Deanery Secretary is still vacant and an appeal has been made for someone to take up this role. It entails attending and taking the minutes of approximately 4 Branch Leaders meetings each year plus the Deanery AGM. If anyone is interested please let me know and I can give you Julie’s (Deanery Leader) contact details.

Lastly, a quote from the Archbishop of Canterbury, The Right Rev’d Justin Welby at the Commissioning Service at Southwark Cathedral of our New Worldwide President Mrs Sheran Harper in February 2019.

“There is only one Mothers’ Union! It is the world’s oldest and largest women’s movement. It is one of the Anglican Communion’s greatest gifts to the worldwide church.”

 With Best Wishes

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR APRIL

WISHING YOU ALL A VERY HAPPY EASTER

In March in lieu of our regular meeting we enjoyed a visit to Bury Art Gallery to see the Victoria Wood exhibition and it is well worth a visit if you haven’t already been. There were many smiles as we remembered the various amusing programmes she brought to our TV screens. We later enjoyed refreshments in the café and I had my last chocolate treat before starting my Lenten fast.

On the 27th February 2019 Mothers’ Union New Worldwide President Sheran Harper was commissioned by the Archbishop of Canterbury at Southwark Cathedral. A copy of the press release is on the notice board in Church.

On the 10th March 2019 Manchester Diocese New President Christine Sharp was commissioned by the Bishop of Manchester at Manchester Cathedral. Christine has agreed to speak at our July meeting so you will have the chance to meet her.

Mothering Sunday 31st March and Lady Day 25th March will be celebrated together on Mothering Sunday when the MU Banner will be paraded and 4 members will take the offertory. As usual MU will be providing cakes to be served following the 10.00am service. Donations of cakes will be appreciated and can be brought to the Church Hall from 9.20am onwards on the morning.

On the 2nd April we are back to our evening meetings beginning with Holy Communion @ 7.15pm and the meeting starting around 7.45pm. The speaker will be Joanne Nicholson from the Children’s Society speaking about the work they do. I’m sure she will be very interesting. Visitors are very welcome to join us. If members could bring their donations of Easter eggs to the April meeting it will be much appreciated. These are to be given out to the children on Easter Sunday morning at Bury Parish Church and St Paul’s, as well as sending one for each pupil at St Paul’s School.

Thank you so much to everyone who is busy knitting the Easter chicks to support St Paul’s School fundraising event being held w/c 25th March. I know the school is very grateful for your support.

With Best Wishes

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MARCH

As usual our first meeting of the year is the AGM and 25 members attended. The Rector chaired the meeting and began by welcoming everyone followed by prayers. Edith read the secretary’s report which reminds us all of what we have achieved in 2018.

I would like to thank everyone for their support throughout 2018 with special thanks to the MU committee for all their help. We had a very busy and proactive year and this is only possible to achieve with team effort and commitment. Also we had a great deal of support from ladies in the congregation in response to the requests for the knitted items for the hospitals, knitted Easter chicks and Christmas stockings to support the fund raising events at St Paul’s School and not forgetting the ladies who join MU members giving their time to help the children with reading.

Election of Committee Members

Rosemary Smith, Rita Whittaker and Helen Hill to serve 3 years

Gloria Wardle, Eileen Winterbottom and Pat Sedman to serve for 2 years

Jean Simpson, Jennifer Duckworth and Janet Hewitt to serve for 1 year

Secretary is Edith Hayhurst

Treasurer is Carol Hill

Assistant Treasurer is June Wight

Banner Bearers are Carol Hill, Jean Naisbitt and Rosemary Smith

Thank you to the retiring members Teresa Taylor and Carol Hill (now Treasurer) and a warm welcome to the newly appointed members of the committee.

It was a lovely surprise when I was presented with a lovely floral arrangement having completed my 2nd triennium and I thank you all. I did however, offered to stand as Branch Leader for one more year and Julian accepted.

March will again be a busy month.

Our next meeting will be a visit to the Victoria Wood exhibition at Bury Museum. We meet on 5th March @ 1.00pm at the reception area inside the Museum.

1st March – World Day of Prayer service at Bury Baptist Church, Manchester Road, Bury @ 2.00pm. Parking is very limited in the surrounding streets.

25th March – Lady Day TBC

31st March - Mothering Sunday and as usual MU will be providing cakes to be served following the 10.00am service.

Donations will be much appreciated and can be brought to the March meeting or on the Sunday morning anytime from 9.20am

I have had a request from St Paul’s asking for our help in knitting Easter chicks again. They are planning a fund raising event week w/c 26 th March so if anyone can help with this request I and the school would be very grateful. Any colour of chick it doesn’t have to be yellow. If you leave them at Church with my name on they will get to me. Knitting patterns can be obtained from the notice board at the back of Church.

With Best Wishes

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for December and January

Firstly I must say a huge Thank You to everyone who supported the appeal of the knitted Christmas Stockings for St Paul’s School. The response has been overwhelming with over 300 stockings knitted and the School is very grateful to you all. Also many thanks for the donations to the Night Shelter and Food Bank which again were very much appreciated by the ladies running the service.

Five members attended the Mothers’ Union Service at York Minster in November and enjoyed a lovely day.  I’m not sure if York was ready for the arrival of Eileen dressed completely in purple including wig as she promotes Pancreatic Cancer Awareness month. We had a super day.

Eight members attended the Thanksgiving event at Stoller Hall at the end of October. It was a lovely evening and the Encore Children’s Choir provided the entertainment and were brilliant.

Manchester Diocese MU is supporting a Syrian family who will arrive in on the 4th December and have a house ready for them in Bury. Many fundraising events are being planned to support the family and also there is the opportunity to donate items of warm children’s clothes ages 4-5, 10 and 12 all girls and adult women and adult men as well as household items. There is a list in church for people to pledge their support. Please see newsletter on separate page.

As many of you know there is to be a Christmas tree festival in church in December and MU are supporting this event with the theme of the carol ‘We Three Kings’.

Just a polite reminder for the ladies attending the Christmas Lunch at The Red Hall on 4th December not to forget their secret Santa gift. We meet at 12.30pm for 1.00pm at The Red Hall.

The MU annual subscription for 2019 will be £23 incurring an increase of 50p.

As usual we will not have a meeting in January so our next meeting will be the AGM in February starting at 1.00pm. I have again set the February and March meeting for the afternoons rather than evenings as the weather can be unpredictable at that time of year.

Sadly, I have to report the news that Eunice Johnson died at the end of October. The funeral was held on Friday 9th November and regretfully I wasn’t able to attend as I and four other members were at the service at York Minster. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.

 Finally, may I wish everyone a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and New Year.

With Best Wishes

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR NOVEMBER

The November meeting is to be a social evening with the Mothers’ Union shop in attendance for the purchase of diaries, calendars, cards etc. Also, payments for the Christmas Lunch will be being taken. If possible, can you make the payment by cheque payable to Bury Parish Church MU. If anyone from the congregation would like to join us for this Christmas celebration you are very welcome to do so. The Lunch will take place at The Red Hall on Tuesday 4th December, 12.30pm for 1.00pm. Please ring me on the number below to book a place.

Mary Sumner House is for the first time holding a Mothers’ Union Christmas Raffle and tickets are on sale now. Tickets cost £1 with a first prize of £2000 and other cash prizes to be won. The draw will take place on 17th December 2018.

St Paul’s School PTA has asked for our help in knitting mini Christmas Stockings into which they will add a small chocolate bar and sell to raise funds for the school. Any colour of stocking is ok. The sales will start at the beginning of December. If anyone can help with this task it will be much appreciated. A pattern is printed on page 7 of this magazine.

I visited the Food Bank last week with Judith Norris to meet the people involved in the centre and also find out a little more about the unit. In the conversation it came up that they are planning to distribute Christmas food parcels to the elderly people living near to the centre. East Ward School sent their Harvest Festival to the centre and this will be used for this cause. However, it would be nice to add a Christmas treat along the lines of an individual Christmas pudding, chocolate biscuits or mince pies etc. so I thought if anyone is willing to donate an item this would be appreciated. Items can be passed to me or put in the red bucket at the back of church.

The October newsletter is available and as usual there is a copy on the notice board in church and I will have copies at the November meeting but as its 6 pages long it isn’t possible to print in the magazine this month. The important news included in the newsletter is the announcement of the new Worldwide President, Mrs Sheran Harper.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

MU Branch Leader's Letter for October

We had an enjoyable meeting last month with Mr Hadyn Keenan speaking about his role as Registrar. He was both interesting and amusing. He did mention that we would be welcome to have a tour of the archives of the Registrars Dept. We may well take him up on this offer at some time in the future.

At the October meeting we have MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship) speaking about the work they do in flying aid to people in disaster areas. As part of their way of raising funds they do collect old postcards which they sell on to collectors, so if anyone has any old postcards and are happy to part with them MAF would very much appreciate them.

The Christmas celebration in December will be held at the Red Hall on Tuesday 4th at 12.30pm for 1.00pm. Names will be being taken at the October meeting with payment due in November. As usual guests are welcome to join us so do invite friends and family. This invitation is open to all members of the congregation too, so please ring me on the number below if you would like to join us.

Tickets for the Evening of Celebration at the Stoller Hall in Manchester being held on Monday 29th October are available and cost £8. Do let me know if you want a ticket.

The September newsletter is available and there is one on the notice board in Church and also a copy printed in this issue of the magazine. This monthly newsletter is replacing Cymbal which has become too expensive to produce.

 There is no coach transport being arranged by the Deanery for the service at York Minster in November as numbers aren’t enough so we are to make our own travel arrangements. Five members from our branch are planning to go so we are well represented.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR SEPTEMBER

I hope you have all enjoyed the lovely Summer weather.

It will be nice to catch up with everyone at the September meeting and we have the Superintendent Registrar, Mr. Hadyn Keenan, coming to speak about his role. I know it will be very interesting and as usual visitors are very welcome to join us.

On the 9th August which is Mary Sumner Day, June Thompson and I attended the Thursday Prayer Service at Church House. It was a very nice service and was led by Bolton Archdeaconry President Christine Faulkner. On the same day but in the evening Carol Hill and I attended the Bolton Archdeaconry Festival at St George with St James, Farnworth. This was Christine Faulkner’s final service as Archdeaconry President and was a really lovely service led by Rector Mark. Christine had said she intended to go out with a bang and succeeded as everyone was given a party popper to pop simultaneously. Christine will be taking up a new post within MU in January 2019.

The Bury Deanery Festival is to be held at St Peter’s Bury on Monday 24th September at 7.00pm. Please come along if you can. Only the Bury Deanery Banner is to be paraded.

There is to be an Evening of Celebration on the 29th October at the Stoller Hall which is opposite Victoria Station adjacent to Chetham’s School of Music. The evening is to celebrate the end of the Triennium and the cost of a ticket is £8. Tickets and more information will be available soon.

The Bury Deanery Advent Service is to be held on Sunday 2nd December at St Stephen’s Church at 2.00pm.

2019 Diaries, Planners and Calendars are now available to order. The Diaries are a lovely tan colour this year and look very smart. Please let me know if you want to order anything. We do have the shop visiting in November but I do like to let Frances (MU shop manager) have a rough idea of numbers.

From the end of August workshops are being held weekly to string together long lengths of poppies to commemorate the Armistice Celebrations. If anyone can help with this task please come along to the Bishop Ashton Room either Tuesday evening at 7.00pm or Wednesday afternoon at 2.00pm. Many ladies took part in this work during 2014 and it was good fun but very productive.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR AUGUST

What a busy but enjoyable July we have had.

Thank you to all who came along and supported our Afternoon Tea. 64 members and friends enjoyed an Afternoon Tea in the Blackburne Hall and an opportunity to catch up with the guest speaker Rev. Tony Roach. It was so nice to hear Tony’s journey beginning as a Curate at Bury Parish Church, then a parish at Kearsley, then on to Army Chaplain and the gateway to the world. Tony was brilliant, amusing and obviously has the right personality for the role of Army Chaplain. Our grateful thanks go to Tony for giving his time to join us and make our event so successful. Tony and Ann will be moving to the Northeast in August and we wish them well in this next chapter of their lives. Lastly, I must thank committee members for their help and support at this event.  Proceeds from this event will go to Mothers’ Union projects.

At the July meeting Peter Watson gave an interesting talk titled ‘Funny you should say that’ and the meaning behind these sayings. As usual Peter was very amusing and had us all laughing. The following day 16 members and friends enjoyed a trip to the Stones and Roses Garden at White Coppice Farm, Chorley. We had a lovely day, the sun was out, the garden looked stunning with the flowers in full bloom, tea and scones were delicious and the afternoon ended with Raymond giving a short organ recital.

The social evening at Holy Cross College (19th July) seemed to be well attended and 6 members from our branch went along to support this fund raising event. It was a joint venture by Mothers’ Union and Union of Catholic Mothers. I haven’t heard how much was raised but proceeds are going to Victims of Abuse.

We don’t have a meeting planned for August but there is the Bolton Archdeaconry service at St George with St James, Bolton on the Thursday 9th August at 7.30pm. This will be Christine Faulkner’s last service as Archdeaconry President. Earlier on the same day, 9th August, is the Thursday Prayer Service at Church House, Manchester at 12.00 noon.

Our congratulations and best wishes go to Elizabeth and Harold Holiday who will be celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary in August. Also, best wishes to all celebrating special birthdays in August.

The Mothers’ Union are producing a Newsletter and the 1st edition is now available. You can see it on pages 19 and 20 of this month's magazine, but it will also be on the notice board in Church.

Can I thank all the Ladies who have given their time to support the pupils at St Paul’s School with  reading  and  wish  you  a  well  earned Summer break.

Our thoughts and prayers are with June and Dawn Wight on the sad and sudden loss of Ray.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

An MU Afternoon Tea with the Revd Tony Roach

Thank you to all who came along and supported our Afternoon Tea.

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64 members and friends enjoyed afternoon tea in the Blackburne Hall and an opportunity to catch up with the guest speaker Revd Tony Roach.

It was so nice to hear Tony's journey beginning as a Curate at Bury Parish Church, then on to a parish in Kearsley, then on to Army Chaplin based in Catterick leading to many overseas postings. Tony was interesting, amusing and obviously has the right personality for the role of Army Chaplin.

Our grateful thanks go to Tony for giving his time to join us and make our event so successful.   

For more information on our Mother's Union or if you'd like to become a member, visit our webpage here

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR JULY

Firstly, thank you to the ladies who helped provide the Parish Lunch last month and also to all who came along and supported it. Although these occasions aren’t always about making a profit, but to give people the opportunity to come together to share a meal, I’m pleased to say a profit was made and will go to some worthwhile charity.

At the meeting last month we enjoyed hearing from Chris Foote Wood talking about remaining seaside piers. Chris dressed in striped jacket and straw boater looked like he was ready to take to the stage as he made us all smile as he took us all on a trip down memory lane.

On the 3rd July we have Peter Watson and his talk is titled ‘Funny you should say that’ and the meaning behind the funny saying we hear. Peter is always very entertaining and informative. As usual visitors are welcome to join us.

The MU is holding an Afternoon Tea on the 24th July 1.00pm - 4.00pm. The guest speaker is Rev. Tony Roach who many will remember from his association with Bury Parish Church. Tony is currently an Army Chaplain based at Catterick. This event is open to everyone and the cost is £5. To reserve a place please ring me on 01204 884671. The proceeds from this event will go to Mothers’ Union projects.

Also on the 19th July at 7.30pm there is a joint fundraising event with MU and Union of Catholic Mothers’ at Holy Cross College. The tickets cost £5 inc. refreshments.

Can I remind members and friends who are going on the garden visit to White Coppice Farm on 4th July to be outside Church for 12.45pm for a prompt departure at 1.00pm.

The MU for several years have manned a tent at the Bury Show for a baby feeding and changing facility / lost children. Julie Lancaster last year had the brainwave to enter a knitted item in the handicraft section under the MU name and gained 2nd prize. This year I offered her something from our knitted items and am pleased to say MU were awarded a 1st prize. Thank you to all the ladies who knit for Mothers’ Union.

The Bolton Archdeaconry Festival is to be held on 9th August at St George with St James, Daisy Avenue, Bolton at 7.30pm.

The Provincial Meeting takes place at York Minster on 9th November at 11.00am. Coach transport will be arranged but there are no details as yet but it will be an early start, approx. 8.00am. Please see separate notice regarding this event.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR JUNE

Wow, what super weather we are enjoying at the moment. David tells me it will be hotter here than Tenerife for the Bank Holiday weekend. Enjoy!!

At the May meeting we were treated to a presentation by the Rector about his pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. We all found it very interesting and enjoyed hearing about Julian and Jackie’s experience. Many of us had seen the TV program shown recently with celebrities making the same journey but to hear about someone’s personal experience was brilliant.

At our June meeting we have Chris Foote-Wood talking about his trips around all remaining 56 UK pleasure seaside piers. I think it will be fun to see some familiar places.

I have been asked by St Paul’s School to thank all the ladies who knitted chicks for their fundraising event in March and the total raised was £129.

At the Deanery AGM, this year hosted by Christ Church, Walmersley it was announced that Christine Sharp is to be the new President of the Manchester Diocese when Cath Hilton completes her triennium later this year.  Also there is a vacancy for Deanery Secretary to assist Julie Lancaster (Deanery Leader). There are 4 Branch Leader meetings each year when minutes need to be taken as well as the AGM. If anyone is interested I can give you Julie’s contact details.

On 10th June it is the Mothers’ Union's turn to host  the  Parish  Lunch.  Offers  of  help  will be appreciated.                                                                                                                                

July will be very busy as along with our regular meeting on the 3rd July the following will be taking place:

Wednesday 4th (BPC) Trip to White Coppice Farm, Stones and Roses Garden, Chorley. Cost £8.00 inc. refreshments. Transport will be an extra charge.

Thursday 19th United in Support. Union of Catholic Mothers and Mothers’ Union are holding a joint fund raising event at Holy Cross College, Bury. Cost £5.00.

Saturday 21st MU Retreat 2018. Schoenstatt Centre, Kearsley. 9.30am - 4.00pm. Tickets £10.00.

Tuesday 24th (BPC) Afternoon Tea in the Blackburne Hall 1.00pm - 4.00pm.  Guest Speaker is Rev. Tony Roach. Tickets £5.00. Offers of help will be appreciated.

Sadly, I have to report that Keith Holland passed  away  recently  and  our  thoughts  and prayers are with Jean and family at this sad time.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader