News
Mothers Union Spring Diocesan Council May 2012
The Mothers Union Spring Council took place recently in St Macartin’s Hall, Enniskillen. In the absence of the Chaplain the
Prayers were taken by the Prayer Representative Dr Margaret Knox.
The meeting was chaired by the President, Geraldine Beattie. She reminded us again that this was the 125th Anniversary of
the Mothers’ Union in Ireland the “Mums-in-May” project was in full swing – all types of projects had taken place, a Service
with a treasure hunt, coffee in Belle Isle Castle, coffee in Colebrooke Hall in the company of dolls, barbeque and sponsored
walk being among the projects so far. In the absence of the Secretary and Treasurer, Valerie Stewart read the reports. She
noted from the Secretary’s report that the numbers were slightly up this year. The report of the Faith and Policy written by
the CoOrdinator Mrs Muriel Traecy, was read by Valerie Stewart. It was reported that the Prayer Chain was working well and
thanks were given to the members of the Faith and Policy Unit for their work on the Prayer book. The Prayer Breakfast held in
Killyhevlin Hotel was very successful with an excess of 200 people attending.
Unit Reports were read by the Co-Ordinators: Lynn Winslow who reported that the Accident and Emergency in the Erne
Hospital continued to look for the knitted teddies and the Neo-Natal ward appreciated the hats, matinee coats etc and was
now looking for sheets for the cots. The Women’s Refuge continued to need supplies of nightclothes etc for both the women
and children they helped.
Lettie Coalter reported that a “Welcome to Mothers’ Union” leaflet has been published by the All-Ireland Marketing Unit
and is now available to branches.
The “Make a Mother’s Day” 2012 has exceeded its estimated target, reaching a remarkable £140,000. The “Mums-in-May” cookbook
has been very successful and an extra 100 copies have been published.
Doreen Earls gave an interesting report, complete with power point, about her visit to New Zealand in 2011. The visit was hosted
by Perdita Bentall, President of MU in Wellington, who had visited Clogher in 2010.
Clogher Diocese had a visit in 2011 from John and Heather Dawson from Wellington Diocese. Doreen gave them hospitality and they
spoke at Slavin on Sunday 2 October. Heather also spoke at the Autumn Council in Clogher Cathedral. Thanks to other MU members who
entertained the Dawson’s.
Doreen reminded us that our giving to both the Worldwide Fund and Relief fund is essential in generating projects and courses in
vital health issues and Bible study, in many parts of Africa.
Those taking part are mostly local women who are able to communicate directly with members and understand how to handle cultural
issues. The number of workers has grown steadily every year and currently there are 321.