A review of Mothers' Union Branch Summer Events

Outing to Hinton Ampner House and Gardens (22nd June)

Leaving Waterlooville at noon we were able to lunch in the gardens of The Fox, Bramdean before arriving at the National Trust Property of Hinton Ampner. It was a glorious day, just right for a leisurely stroll through the ground floor rooms of the house and peaceful terraced gardens. Tea and ices were available, which we gratefully imbibed before departing, well content with the day and the company.

The MU General Meeting 2005 was on June 24th to 25th in Ipswich at the Portman Road Football Stadium. About a dozen or so members from the Portsmouth Diocese joined 4,000 plus members. The theme for the Friday evening service was Walking into life. At appropriate times during the service performances were made by the Hazlewood Dancers, Contate Youth Choir, the St Edmundsbury Cathedral Choir and the Perazim Tambourines.

The Rt Revd Richard Inwood, Bishop of Bedford and Central Chaplain to the MU was assisted by the Bishop of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich (he gave the Homily and Blessing) and the Revd Peter Mortimer, Chaplain to the MU Diocese of St Eds and Ips. The intercessions were led by five of the visiting Provincial Presidents, from Canada, South India, Rwanda, Nigeria and Kenya, together with the World-Wide President Trish Heywood. The service provided a good start to our world-wide gathering.

The Saturday Rally's programme 10.30.am to 4.pm followed the football theme, with one unit Co-ordinator daring to appear in the local strip.

Unable to attend, the Chancellor, Gordon Brown had agreed to be interviewed by Reg Bailey (Chief Executive) and Trish Heywood. This ten minute video was shown to us just before the lunch break.

The invited celebrity was Diane Louise Jordan of Blue Peter and Songs of Praise fame. Aided by film clips Diane interviewed three of the Provincial Presidents and sensitively encouraged them to tell us how the MU is working towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals in their own countries. It was most moving and encouraged us to Make Poverty History.

The day was punctuated by prayer, ie. "The pre-match warm up" (opening prayers), midday prayers, at which Portsmouth wave of prayer partners were remembered and "The final whistle" (closing worship) led by Bishop Inwood the MU Chaplain and Bishop Lewes (Bishop of St Eds and Ips). Afterwards we mingled within the grounds meeting and greeting old friends from different dioceses and different countries. It is always a heart warming occasion, not to be missed. Pam Dinneen and Margaret Symonds attended from our branch. One lady present claimed to have been to fifty such annual events in the UK.

A Deanery Summer Lunch held on 30th June, preceeded by a service, was held at St James' Church, Emsworth. Unfortunately the weather was unsettled and lunch, with strawberries and cream for dessert, was moved into the Church Hall. St George's branch held a 'Books and Bottles' stall and raised £54 as our contribution to the total of £200+. The proceeds went towards the Away from it all holiday scheme for disadvantaged families, run by the MU in this diocese.

The MU Deanery Outing on July 14th was by coach, to Gloucester. It was a very hot day but we enjoyed the dockside museum and eating places. We gathered in the afternoon to tour the magnificent Cathedral and stayed for evensong, in the Quire, before returning home. Husbands were included in this trip.

St George's MU Garden Party was on July 21st, held in the delightful garden of Pam and Eric Dinneen, to whom we are greatly indebted. A few guests attended including Norma Gibney (Deanery Co-ordinator) and her husband Tom. They brought along this year's Christmas cards, diaries and calendars etc for 2006! Thanks to the generosity of the members we had a lovely tea followed by choc ices. The raffle and various stalls raised £130 towards the CWISY (UK) and world-wide work of the MU.

Hospital Emergency Toilet Bags.

Again, thanks to the generosity of our members about four dozen bags have been put together and delivered to Q.A.Hospital. More are in the process of being filled. A 'thank you' message from a Ward Sister has been on the table at the back of the church.

Mary Sumner Day. On August 9th, a service for the Deanery was held at All Saints Church, Catherington, in remembrance of our Founder followed by a 'bring and share' tea in the church hall.

Forward Notices

In future branch meetings will take place on the 2nd Wednesday of each month the first being at 2.15.pm on 14th September when the Diocesan Co-ordinator for Prayer and Spirituality, Mrs Millie Hodgson, will give a talk on this year's theme, "Peace and Reconciliation".

Focus on the Branch. 22nd September We are invited to attend, 10.am to 2.pm at Holy Trinity Church Hall, Fareham. Our Chaplin, the Revd Bruce Carpenter will speak on "Spirituality in later years". Millie Hodgson will give us some ideas for branch worship and Margaret Symonds will provide some thoughts on branch programme planning. Please bring your own lunch. Drinks are provided. Cost of the day £1.

Margaret Symonds