Mothers Union marks 100 years of caring
They have raised vital funds for needy causes across the world and brought a smile to the faces of ill children with hand knitted teddy bears over the last 100 years.
And now St Bartholomew's Mothers Union has marked its centenary with a special event.
Some 80 people gathered at St Bartholomew's Church in Penn, Wolverhampton, for a service lead by the Bishop of Wolverhampton the Rt Rev Clive Gregory. A lunch was then served in the Oak Room and singer Ginny Robins performed, accompanied by Lorna Davies.
Branch leader Eunice Craig said the celebration was a special occasion for everyone.
"We all had a lovely time," she said. "The money we raise makes a big difference to peoples' lives. We also knit teddy bears and give them to children at New Cross Hospital.
She added: "I just hope the St Bartholomew's Mothers Union will continue for another 100 years. It is becoming more popular worldwide so I'm sure it will."
Committee member Maureen Skitt, who has been with the group for 33 years, said it was nice for everyone to get together. "It was a very nice occasion and former clergy even came along to the event," she said.
"We are not a big group by any means but we all get on well and everyone is close. "
St Bartholomew's Mothers Union started in 1909 and the 32-strong group currently meets on the third Tuesday of the month at St Bartholomew's, for a chat over tea and coffee, to organise events and hear speakers.
They enjoy outings and lunches but also fund raise – including buying a boat so Solomon Islanders can trade more easily.
When the Mothers' Union first launched women joined at the start of their married lives, but now they rarely get involved until they reach retirement. Today they welcome unmarried mothers – and even men.
