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

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MAY

I think Summer has arrived and is very much welcomed after a rather long Winter.

We have now returned to evening meetings and in April at the Holy Communion Service we celebrated Lady Day too. The guest speaker at the meeting was Reverend Gary Kennedy who is a Hospital Chaplain but he was speaking about his experience regarding his visit to the Leprosy Hospital in Bengal. It was all very interesting and enlightening.

At the May meeting we have our own Rector, Julian speaking on a subject of his choice which I’m sure will be interesting.

The Deanery AGM will be held at Christ Church Walmersley on Wednesday 16th May at 7.30pm. Christ Church M U always hold a social evening in May called a Strawberry Sparkle which also happens to be on the same evening and is based on a bring and share. All Branches are invited to stay on following the business meeting if they wish to do so. I shall take some refreshments as a contribution from our branch.

In June the MU have been asked to provide the Parish Lunch and offers of help would be much appreciated.

July will be a busy month as I have reserved 20 places for a visit on Wednesday 4th July 2.00pm - 4.00pm to the Stones and Roses garden in Chorley. Many of you will remember Raymond Smith coming to give us an illustrated and amusing talk in 2015. The cost is £8 including refreshments and Raymond who is an accomplished organist does a short organ recital at the end of the visit. I have been before and can really recommend this trip (just hope the sun shines). I will organise coach transport which will be an extra charge. Please ring me to reserve a place.

We are planning an Afternoon Tea to be held on Tuesday 24th July 1.00pm - 4.00pm and the guest speaker will be Reverend Tony Roach who many of you will remember. Tony is at present based in Catterick as Army Chaplain and it will be nice to see him and hear all about his varied career. Tickets will cost £5 and will be on sale from June.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MARCH

As usual our first meeting of year was the AGM and 23 members attended. The Rector chaired the meeting and began by welcoming everyone followed by prayers. Edith read the secretary’s report which reminds us of all we have done in 2017. I do so enjoy this and am grateful to everyone for their help in all we have achieved during the year.

Jackie Bolton, Eileen Winterbottom and Helen Hill have completed their 3 years on the committee, therefore creating 3 vacancies, however Eileen and Helen stated they were willing to stand again if no else was put forward. Their offer was gratefully received. Pat Sedman was elected as a new member replacing Jackie. My thanks go to all committee members, secretary and treasurer for their help and support.

Committee Members:

     Eileen Winterbottom, Helen Hill and Pat Sedman to serve for 3 years.

     Carol Hill, Gloria Wardle and Jennifer Duckworth to serve for 2 years.

     Rosemary Smith, Jean Simpson and Theresa Taylor to serve for 1 year.

     Secretary is Edith Hayhurst.

     Treasurer is June Wight.

     Banner Bearers are Carol Hill, Jean Naisbitt and Rosemary Smith.

March is proving to be a busy month beginning with the Women’s World Day of Prayer service to be held on Friday 2nd March at Bolton Road Methodist Church at 2.00pm.

At our March meeting we have Ian Warburton from Street Pastors speaking about the worthwhile work they do in keeping people safe. This will be very interesting and will give us an insight into the challenges they face in doing the work they do. As usual visitors are very welcome to join us. The meeting will start at 1.30pm and please note there will NOT be a Holy Communion service prior to the meeting as the BBC are filming in Church. Also parking alongside Church will not be available but for anyone unable to walk any distance we have permission from the Rector to park at the Rectory.

Please can I remind you that we are collecting Easter Eggs for the children so if you could bring donations to the March meeting it would be very much appreciated.

Mothering Sunday is on 11th March and as usual Mothers’ Union will be providing cakes to be served following the 10.00am service. Donations can be brought to the March meeting or on the Sunday morning any time from 9.20am.

I have also had a request form St Paul’s School for knitted chicks. They are planning a fund raising event w/c 26th March and are hoping for 200 knitted chicks so if anyone is able to help they would be grateful. Any colour of chick, they don’t have to be yellow. If you leave them at Church with my name on they will get to me. Knitting instructions can be found on page 28 of this magazine.

Lastly, our love and prayers are with Marilyn Smith and family on the loss of Philip.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR DECEMBER

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR DECEMBER

Many thanks to all the ladies who provided cakes for the Induction Service on the 19th November as we welcomed our new Rector, Julian and Jackie to Bury Parish Church. Our prayers and support are with them as they begin this new chapter in their lives.

I attended the MU Autumn Council in November and we had guest speaker Kevin from L’arche speaking about his work with this universal organisation which supports people with learning disabilities. The founder was philosopher Jean Vanier who believed people with the right support and care should live within society not be shut away in institutions. This was very forward thinking in 1964.

Also, we heard from Hilary Thomas who spoke about Fairtrade and urged everyone to support the Community Fairtrade Farmers by being aware of what you put in your shopping basket and the refreshments you serve at the MU meeting. If the farmers are paid a fair price for their produce the workers are paid a fair wage.

I will put the minutes from the Autumn Council on the notice board when I receive them for anyone who is interested in reading the full content.

Subscriptions for 2018 are £22.50 incurring an increase of 50p and payment will be due in January/February. If possible please pay by cheque, payable to Bury Parish Church MU.

Our Christmas meal is at the Masonic Hall on Tuesday 5th December at 12.30pm for 1.00pm and I’m delighted to tell you that the guests joining us are the Rector and Jackie as well as Canon Ian McVeety.

As is the normal format we will not hold a meeting in January. The February and March meetings will be held in the afternoon at 1.00pm. As we all know weather conditions can be difficult at that time of year so we are trying this and I would welcome your feedback.

Lastly, I would like to say thank you to all members for your support throughout the year and wish you all a very Happy and Peaceful Christmas and a Healthy New Year.

In Love and Friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR NOVEMBER

At our October meeting we held a Bring and Buy for the Mothers’ Union AFIA project and a total of £43 was raised. At the Deanery event at Christ Church, Walmersley, also in October, more than £200 was made for MU projects. Julie Lancaster (Deanery Leader) was delighted so many members supported this event.  Many thanks for your support.

If anyone wants a Mothers’ Union diary and didn’t manage to be at the October meeting when we had the MU shop with us do ring me as I can get more at the Autumn Council in November. If anyone would like to come to the Autumn Council with me do let me know.

At our November meeting we have Maureen Hawksworth who will talk about a centre in Nepal which supports women and their children. Maureen also makes crafts to support the centre.

On Wednesday 14th November we are holding a children’s ‘New to You Sale’ at St Paul’s School 3.00pm - 5.00pm. If anyone is able to help on the day it would be much appreciated. We will need to be at the school from 2.15pm to set up.

The MU is continuing to support the children at St Paul’s School with reading. We have five ladies involved with this worthwhile project.

Will the committee please note a meeting is arranged for Wednesday 1st November at 2.30pm in The House on The Rock.

The Christmas celebration is at the Masonic Hall, Bury on Tuesday 5th December, 12.30pm for 1.00pm. The cost is £19.50 and payments are due by 19th November. Cheques if possible made out to Bury Parish Church MU. We are again having a Secret Santa with gifts priced approx £3. The lunch is open to non members so if anyone would like to join us you are very welcome to do so. Please ring me on 01204 884671 to book a place.

The Bury Deanery Advent Service is on Sunday 3rd December at the Canon Lewis Hall, Holcombe Brook at 2.30pm.

The Diocese Advent Service is on Thursday 7th December at St Ann's, Manchester at 1.30pm.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for October

At the September meeting it was agreed we would hold our Christmas celebration at the Masonic Hall in Bury on Tuesday 5th December at lunchtime rather than in the evening. The cost will be approximately £19. I will have the menus at the October meeting. Friends are very welcome to join us. We also discussed the option of holding our February and March meetings in the afternoon as at that time of year the weather can be unpredictable. It was agreed we try this and see how it goes.

Peter Watson was as entertaining as ever and had us all laughing with his talk on alternative medicines.

For our meeting on the 3rd October we do not have a speaker but plan to have a Bring and Buy in aid of AFIA (Away From It All). AFIA provide holiday breaks for families who have had a difficult time. There was a report in the Spring Cymbal from Christine Sharp, Action and Outreach Co-ordinator, stating how highly valued this project is.  Frances from the Mothers’ Union shop will also be at the meeting so there will be an opportunity to purchase 2018 diaries, planners and cards etc. We will also have social time to chat and catch up in general.

On Monday 2nd October Julie Lancaster (Bury Deanery Leader) is hosting a fund raising event in aid of AFIA. This will take place at Christ Church, Walmersley at 1.00pm. The cost is £1 and will include a light lunch. There will be a Bring and Buy and Raffle.

Last year some members supported children at St Paul’s School with reading and we have been asked to continue our support. We will begin again in early October and if anyone else would like to join us that would be appreciated. Many thanks to all the ladies who gave their time and energy last year, it was much appreciated by the school.

I, with the committee, will be putting together the 2018 programme soon and if anyone has any suggestions for speakers do let me know.

The Deanery Advent Service will be held at the Canon Lewis Hall on Sunday 3rd December at 2.30pm.

The Diocesan Advent Service will be held at St Ann’s, Manchester on Thursday 7th Decemberat 1.30pm.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for September

Thank you to everyone who attended the afternoon tea and a special thanks to the ladies who helped bring it all together on the day. In total including the guest speaker we catered for forty-six people. I have had many comments from people saying how much they enjoyed the social get together and found the speaker very entertaining. We raised £125 which will be donated to Mothers’ Union projects.

At the Deanery leaders’ meeting in August, Julie Lancaster suggested a Bury Deanery get together. This is planned for Monday 2nd October at 1.00pm at Christ Church, Walmersley. There will be a Jacob’s table and branch leaders will be responsible for donations from their branch. Tickets are £1 and the closing date for tickets is 22nd September. There will be a raffle and a bring and buy. Funds raised from this event will go to Mothers’ Union AFIA ‘Away from it All’ which provides holidays/short breaks for families.

The Diocesan festival will be held on Saturday 16th September at 1.30pm at Manchester Cathedral.

The Bury Deanery Advent service will be held on Sunday 3rd December at 2.30pm at Canon Lewis Hall, Holcombe Brook.

At our September meeting we have Peter Watson speaking about alternative medicines. Peter has been to our meetings before and is very entertaining in the delivery of his talk.

As mentioned in the August magazine we do need to plan our Christmas social and I would welcome ideas. One lady has mentioned she would prefer to meet at lunch time rather than an evening event. Please consider this and also venues to discuss at the meeting.

Also, it’s the time of year when I need to plan the programme for next year and again I did wonder if February and March meetings would be better placed for the afternoon rather than the evening, as the weather can be unpredictable at that time of year. My thoughts were to possibly meet between 1.00pm and 3.00pm. Please let me have your thoughts.

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for August

Thank you to all members who attended the Deanery Festival at St Paul’s, Ramsbottom. It was a nice service and as usual candles were lit in memory of members who have died during the past year. We also remembered the 22 people who lost their lives at the Manchester Arena bombing and a further 22 candles were lit in their memory. Mrs Shirley Rothwell the new Branch Leader at St Paul’s was commissioned during the service.

The Archdeaconry Festival is to be held at St Margaret’s, Prestwich on Wednesday 9th August at 7.30pm. I have received an invitation from Christine Faulkner, the Archdeaconry President, inviting all members.

At our July meeting David Winterbottom talked about his role as an NHS Dispatcher. It was very evident David thoroughly enjoys this role and gets much job satisfaction helping and assisting people via the 999 calls. We all very much enjoyed hearing of his experiences.

On the 1st August we are having Afternoon Tea followed by Chris Foote-Wood speaking about his book Victoria Wood - Comedy Genius. Tickets are £4.00. We are serving afternoon tea from 1.30pm and Chris will speak at approx. 3.00pm. If committee members/helpers canbeavailablefrom12.00thiswillbe much appreciated.

I must also thank the ladies who have been involved at St Paul’s School supporting the children in their reading. This activity has been much appreciated by the teachers and they hope we can continue to give our support in the new school year. I am planning to meet with the Head Teacher at the beginning of September to discuss timetables etc.

Sadly, I have to report that Mrs Audrey Booth has died and our thoughts and prayers are with Eileen and the family at this sad time. Audrey had been a member of the Mothers’ Union for more than 60 years beginning her membership at St Anne’s, Tottington before joining BPC.

I know it seems early to be thinking about Christmas but at the September meeting we will have to be making plans regarding our Christmas celebration. If anyone has any ideas please share them.

I hope you all enjoy a lovely summer break.

In love and friendship,

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

Branch Leader's Letter for July

Summer is here. I hope you are all enjoying the long summer evenings.

At the last meeting we heard from Doreen Hough about her experiences of working with families of prisoners and how services have changed for the better over the years. It was all very interesting. Doreen is a MU member and does several talks on various topics.

In July David Winterbottom will be talking about his work as a NHS Dispatcher. A Dispatcher is the person you speak with when you dial 999 and they talk you through procedures, reassure you and calm you while the ambulance arrives. All sounds very interesting and challenging work. Visitors are welcome to join us.

Mothers’ Union have been invited to take Offertory on Sunday 30th July.

Tuesday 1st August is the Afternoon Tea in the Blackburn Hall from 1.30pm - 4.00pm with Chris Foote-Wood speaking (approx. 3.00pm) about his book Victoria Wood - Comedy Genius - her life and work. This is a fundraising event in aid of the MU ‘Summer of Hope’ appeal raising funds for families and communities around the world. Everyone welcome. Tickets are £4. Please ring me on 01204 884671 to book a place.

The Deanery Festival is on 2nd July at St Paul’s, Ramsbottom at 2.30pm. As mentioned previously it’s a new initiative to hold this service on a Sunday and also in the afternoon. Since the festival was held at our church last October we have displayed the deanery banner alongside our own banner in the side chapel. The deanery banner will be presented to St Paul’s at this service and held there till next year's festival.

The Archdeaconry Festival is to be held at St Margaret’s, Prestwich on Wednesday 9th August at 7.30pm. Mrs Canon Barbara Taylor will be preaching. Only the deanery banner required at this service.

Mrs Judith Hilton, secretary to Mothers’ Union at Church House, Manchester is to retire in July. A small donation has been made by all branches in the Manchester Diocese for a leaving gift in appreciation for her work.

For all who may be heading off on a Summer holiday I hope you have a lovely time and come back refreshed.

In love and friendship,

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR JUNE

Firstly a huge thank you to all members who helped at the Deanery AGM and the Parish Lunch held in May. I know it was a busy time as both events fell within the same week but, with the help of committed members we managed to host two successful events. Thank you.

At our meeting in May we heard from Peter Hyde of Oldham Mountain Rescue Team and the interesting work done. It’s not just mountain rescue, they are involved in flood disaster, assisting police in searches and lots of other emergencies. It was all very interesting. It’s nice to know the service is there but hope you never have need of it.

At the AGM Julie Lancaster (Deanery Leader) did report about work/support regarding homeless people in Bury and I think maybe I should clarify the information. In Bury there is the Red Door which is housed at St Joseph’s Church House and open Tuesday and Thursday 10.00am - 2.00pm and the one I take our donations to. Secondly there is the Mosses Community Centre which is open Wednesday and Friday early mornings. Thirdly there is the Manna Centre in Irwell Street open Tuesday and Wednesday early mornings, Thursday lunchtime and Saturday teatime.

Please can I draw your attention to changes in the Mothers’ Union programme.

In June we now have Doreen Hough speaking about Prison Families and the work done in this area.
In July David Winterbottom will be speaking about his work as a NHS Dispatcher.                                 
In August I am arranging to host an Afternoon Tea in the Blackburne Hall, 1.30pm - 4.00pm, and will include Chris Foote-Wood to speak about his book, Victoria Wood Comedy Genius. Proceeds from this event will go to MU ‘Summer of Hope’ appeal raising funds for families and communities around the world.

The Bury Deanery Festival will be held on Sunday 2nd July at St Paul’s Church, Ramsbottom at 2.30pm. All Branch Banners will be displayed but only the Deanery Banner will be paraded. It’s a new initiative holding this Service on a Sunday and also in the afternoon.

St Margaret’s Prestwich will be the venue for the Bolton Archdeaconry Festival on Wednesday 9th August where our Provincial President Canon Mrs Barbara Taylor will preach.

I have been asked to mention the annual MU Weekend Retreat which will be held at Foxhill, Frodsham, Cheshire on Friday 7th July - Sunday 9th July and the main Speaker will be Rt Revd Mark Ashcroft, Bishop of Bolton. The cost of the weekend is £142 including all meals.

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MAY

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Easter.

Firstly, let me thank all members and friends for the generous donations of cakes for Mothering Sunday and Easter Eggs for the children. We had enough eggs for all children who attended our Church and St Paul’s on Easter Sunday as well as giving each pupil at St Paul’s School an egg too. Many thanks to all.

Thank you also to Rhiannon for coming along to our meeting last month and giving us an insight into the work being done in Cambodia. It was interesting but quite shocking regarding what is going on there. Thankfully there are people working there with a true commitment to improve conditions and change lives.

At our next meeting (Tuesday 2nd May) we have Mike from Oldham Mountain Rescue giving a talk/presentation on the work they do. This will be interesting and informative. As usual our meetings are open to visitors so do come along and join us. We charge £1 for refreshments of tea and biscuits and if you want to take your chance in the raffle that is 50p a ticket.

May is proving to be a busy month as again we have been asked to host the Deanery AGM. This is to be held on Monday 8th May at 7.00pm in the Blackburne Hall with the usual stalls of Bring and Buy, a Raffle and the MU shop. Refreshments will be tea and biscuits. On Sunday 14th May the Mothers’ Union will be providing the Parish Lunch. Offers of help for either of the above events will be much appreciated.

The MU Spring Council meeting is to be held at Church House, 90 Deansgate on Saturday 6th May 9.30am - 2.00pm. I am planning to go and if anyone would like to join me you are very welcome to do so.

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden

Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR APRIL

I hope you all enjoyed a lovely Mothering Sunday. Many thanks to you all for the generous donations of cakes received and served following the morning service. Also, thank you to all the members who helped in official duties on the day. Read More...

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR MARCH

As usual our first meeting of the year is the AGM which was held on the 7th February. The Reverend Ian McVeety who chaired the meeting welcomed everyone and opened with prayers. Thank you to Ian and all who attended.

When reflecting on the past year we recognise what a busy and productive year we have had and, as always, I am grateful to you all for your help and support. As usual at the AGM we have some changes to the committee as some members complete their three year term of office. The members who having completed their three year term are Carol Hill, Christa Findon and June Wight and I thank them for their support and commitment they have given to MU. Read More...

Mothers' Union Branch Leader's Letter

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR FEBRUARY

A VERY HAPPY AND HEALTHY NEW YEAR TO ALL.

I hope you all enjoyed the Christmas and New Year festivities and are ready to embrace 2017 and all it brings.

As usual our year begins with the AGM on the 7th February. Please note the meeting begins at 7.30pm. No Holy Communion Service prior to the meeting. A light supper will be served following the meeting. Read More...

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR DECEMBER

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR DECEMBER

At our meeting in November we had Brian Hallworth speaking about the customs and traditions of Christmas. He was very entertaining and although it was only the beginning of November he did set the scene for Christmas. From the feedback everyone enjoyed the evening. Read more...

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR NOVEMBER

Firstly, I must thank the Rector and his team for the lovely Festival service hosted at our Church in October. Also thanks to members who helped in an official capacity and all who attended the service.  I understand it’s over 10 years since we last hosted the Deanery Festival so it was new territory for me but as usual I had lots of support from within the branch. Thank you.

In October I attended the M U Manchester Diocese council meeting. One change is the Students welcome packs are being reviewed. Mothers’ Union are focusing on supporting the homeless people. Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelters are to open from 1st November and remain open for the following 6 months providing night support to many. Referrals will be vetted via the Booth Centre. There are 7 centres around the Manchester area and each centre will house 12 camp beds. We are being asked to support this project. Items of socks, underwear, food, toiletries etc and financial donations will be welcomed.

MU will be holding a ‘New to You’ Children’s clothes sale at St Paul’s school on the 16th November. If anyone has any good quality children’s clothes they no longer need we will be pleased to have them. If you bring them to Church and leave them with Flo Leeming, she is very good at seeing they get to me.

Also, we have a team of 5 ladies who are going into St Paul’s school each week to support and encourage the children with their reading. I am grateful to the ladies who have given their time and support to this project. If anyone else is interested in joining us do get in touch with me.

Our Christmas celebration is at the Red Hall on Tuesday 6th December at 7.00pm for 7.30pm. If anyone needs transport please let me know. Please remember to bring a small gift for the secret Santa cost £3 - £5 as Santa will be dropping in sometime during the evening. Please feel free to invite a friend to join us but I do need final numbers by 4th November. I have invited St Peter’s MU to join us again this year.

Mr Brian Hallworth is the speaker at the November meeting. The title of his talk/presentation is ‘In the Bleak Midwinter’ and is about Christmas customs and traditions with a few Carols thrown in. Visitors very welcome.

The Bury Deanery Mothers’ Union Advent Service is at St Andrew’s, Ramsbottom on Sunday 27th November at 2.30pm.

The Manchester Diocese Advent service is at St Ann’s, Manchester on Thursday 1st December at 1.30pm.

In Love and Friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR AUGUST

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR AUGUST

Thank you to Jake and Graeme for coming to our meeting last month and giving a presentation about ISONEN which means ‘young leaders’ in Finnish. We all enjoyed it very much.

The Deanery Festival is to be held on Monday 3rd October @ 7.30pm in the Parish Church and following the service refreshments will be served in the Blackburne Hall. I know it is a little awkward as our regular meeting is the following evening but please attend if you can.

At our meeting on 4th October we have Carole Waterhouse speaking about her work as a Midwife in Salford. She is quite amusing and I think you will enjoy hearing about her experiences.

The Mayor, Mike Connolly found himself in good company when he attended St Paul’s coffee morning in September. Several of our Mothers’ Union members were there at the same time and had a photo taken with him. 

The Christmas celebration will take place on Tuesday 6th December at the Red Hall. The cost is £19.95 (same as last year) with a choice of 3 starters, 3 mains and 3 desserts. A list taking names and choices will be started at the meeting in October or alternatively you can ring me on the number below. If you wish to bring a friend along you are very welcome to do so. Payment by cheque preferred and full payment required by 1st November. Cheques should be made out to Bury Parish Church MU.  Also if anyone requires transport please let me know.

Bury Deanery is responsible for Thursday Prayers Service on 13th October. If anyone would like to be involved please let me know. The service will be held at Church House, Deansgate, and starts at 12.00 midday. The theme is Celebration of Faith.

Please remember the homeless as the weather is beginning to get colder. If we each bring one item of either food, toiletries or clothing to each meeting, together we can make a difference.

In Love and Friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

Mothers' Union Branch Leader's Letter for September

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR SEPTEMBER

I hope you have all enjoyed the Summer break.

During the last few weeks there have been two social trips. The first in July to Stockport Plaza, when 29 friends and members enjoyed lunch followed by a musical afternoon. The second event when 24 members and friends enjoyed afternoon tea at Park Farm, Ramsbottom.

The Archdeaconry Festival was held in August at St Mary’s, Rawtenstall and during the service a new Archdeaconry Banner was dedicated.  Tricia Stokes from Christ Church, Walmersley and Sheila Smith from St Catherine’s, Farnworth, two very talented ladies who made the new banner were each presented with a floral bouquet in appreciation of their hard work.

In celebration of the 140th anniversary of Mothers’ Union Mrs Barbara Taylor, President of the Province of York and also a member of Christ Church, Walmersley, is hosting an “Afternoon Tea” at Falshaw’s Café on the 5th September @ 2.00pm. The cost is £14 and includes a glass of Prosecco. If you would like a ticket please let me know asap.

St Paul’s School is also holding a fund raising event on Friday 23th September in aid of MacMillan Cancer Support. The event will be held in the School Hall 9.30am - 2.30pm. Lots of cake being eaten in September but it is a nice way help raise funds.

At our next meeting Jake Owen, Luke Thurston, Katherine Tomkin, and Alicia Beaty with leaders Graeme Bigg and Phoebe Moriarty will be speaking about their trip to Finland with ISONEN (which means ‘young leaders’ in Finnish). Many of you will know Jake as he is a member of the Choir. As usual our meetings are open to visitors so do come along and join us.

I shall soon need to place the order for diaries, planners and calendars, so I will be taking orders at the September meeting.

Bury Deanery Festival is being held on the 3rd October @ 7.30pm at Bury Parish Church so please make a note of the date in your diary. More details will be available soon.

A committee meeting will need to be held towards the end of September regarding forward planning etc. Would committee members please bring their diaries to the next meeting so we can agree a date.

 In Love and Friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

Mothers' Union Branch Leader's Letter for August

BRANCH LEADER'S LETTER FOR AUGUST

Mollie Seddon our oldest and longest serving member of our branch sadly passed away in June. Mollie had been a loyal and faithful member of MU for 67 years with all membership at Bury Parish Church, a remarkable achievement. The funeral was held in July and sadly I wasn’t able to be there due to holiday commitments but I know there was a good representation from the Branch.

Thank you to all who attended the Social Evening in July. There was lots of chatting, with a fun quiz, raffle and light supper which all added to make an enjoyable evening.   Special thanks to committee members for their help and John Clegg for supplying the quiz. We raised over £60 for the MU project Wheels Appeal.

The Children’s Clothes sale held at St Paul’s School Summer Fair in July made over £40 for School funds. Thanks to all who donated clothes, your support is very much appreciated by all. Since starting the ‘New to you’ Children’s clothes sales in 2013 we have raised over £600 for the School funds.

From September we hope to begin supporting the children in their reading. A few ladies have offered their support but can I stress that if anyone who isn’t a MU member is interested in being involved please get in touch with me.

There will be no monthly meeting in August, however I have arranged an Afternoon Tea at Park Farm, Ramsbottom on Tuesday 9th August @ 2.30pm. This event is open to members and friends from the congregation so do come and join us.  The cost is £11.95.  Please ring me on the number below to reserve a place.

Also on the 9th August the Archdeaconry Festival is taking place at St Mary’s Rawstenstall @ 7.30pm. I shall be going and if anyone would care to join me you are very welcome.

I know it seems too early to think about Christmas but at our September meeting we will need to decide on the venue for our Christmas Celebration. Last year we went to the Red Hall and the previous 2 years the Masonic Hall. Any other suggestions?

I hope you all have a lovely summer break.

In Love and Friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

The Mothers' Union Letter for July

Thank you to Jean Simpson for her interesting talk on her visit to Buckingham Place to receive her MBE award. She took us through the whole process from the letter dropping on the mat, the confirmation of the award, choosing her outfit and the award ceremony. She was both entertaining and interesting in her presentation. Thanks again.

Thanks also to all who donated cakes for the fund raising day at St Paul’s School on 24th June, it is much appreciated. As the sale will take place at the end of this week I will report back next month how much was raised.

The next ‘New to You’ Children’s Clothes sale will take place on Friday 8th July @ 3.00pm - 5.00pm.  If anyone has any good quality children’s clothes that are no longer needed we would be glad of them. If items are left at church, Flo Leeming is very good at seeing they get to me.

At our next meeting we are holding a social evening and any monies raised will go to the Mothers’ Union Wheels Appeal. The cost is £2 which will include a welcome drink and light refreshments, there will also be a fun quiz and raffle. The event is open to all so please come along and get to know us and support the MU. The Wheels Appeal project funds the Community Development Coordinators who give aid and support by encouraging self-help projects for communities reaching even those who live in the most isolated areas.

Subscriptions for the Families First magazine are now due. The annual subscription is £10.50 for 6 issues. If anyone is interested in taking the magazine please let me know.

Knitting for the hospital baby units is still ongoing and can I thank all the ladies who so very generously send me regular contributions. These are gratefully received by the units.

Supporting the homeless also needs your support throughout the year so please continue to donate items of clothes, toiletries, food. Again all is gratefully received by the unit.

I think everyone knows the arrangements for our trip to Stockport Plaza but here is a reminder. The coach leaves at 12.00 noon (side street opposite the main door of church), lunch at 1.00pm, show starts at 2.00pm.

I hope you all enjoy a lovely summer break

In love and friendship

Susan Sugden
Branch Leader

For further details on the Mothers' Union, visit their webpage