The Mothers' Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Summer, with objects of upholding Christ's teaching on marriage, encouraging parents to bring up children in the faith of the church and helping families whose lives had met with adversity.
Bunbury Mothers' Union has been in existence for at least 80 years.
Our present Branch Leader is Margaret Rodwell; the Treasurer is Mary Williamson and the Secretary Cynthia Fowles, They form the Committee, together with another two members.
Our present membership is 14, although as our Vicar is a member we could call it 15. As you will realise, men, even though they can never be mothers, can now become members of the Mothers' Union!
The M.U. is a worldwide organisation providing practical help in many poor countries. In this country, holidays are arranged for needy families, and some members work with the mothers and babies in prisons.
Bunbury Branch has made the kneelers at the High Altar rail at St. Boniface, and some of us have also made kneelers in the Ridley Chapel and the Nave. We have supported the annual Beeston Castle Fete tea tent for many years.
Unfortunately, the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Race, which was originally started by Rosemary Atkins to help the last church roof appeal, has had to come to an end. It will not take place this year as our members are now becoming too elderly and village support has, of late, been poor.
There were once many more of us. Is our Branch to fade away with the century? Or is there anyone in Bunbury who would like to join us? You do not have to be a mother. You do not even have to be a woman. You just have to want to work for the principles that the Mothers' Union stands for. You would certainly be welcome to join us and take us into the start of the new millennium.
Cynthia Fowles