News
Celebrations held during the months of April and May
to celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Mothers Union in Ireland
MU Notes
DIOCESAN BBQ (photo 1) Adele Moore and younger daughter Joanna enjoying the BBQ
The Diocesan BBQ was hosted by the members of Ardess Mothers Union. There was a good turn-out and the food was enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Diane Whittaker, Diocesan Secretary for organising the evening and to Ardess Branch for their hard work.
CLEENISH (Photos 2, 3) - Mums in May
Mothers union members in Cleenish and Mullaghdun joined in the 125year celebrations as they hosted a Teddy Bears Picnic at the weekly
Cleenish mother and toddler group.Over thirty toddlers enjoyed fun and games while adults sampled. a lovely spread of home baked scones
and cakes.Group leaders served teddy bear biscuits and drinks to the children gathered around on rugs with their teddies young and old
from six weeks old to 100 years were in attendance.
GALLOON AND DRUMMULLY (photos 4,5,6) - Mums in May
The members of Galloon and Drummully Branch enjoyed a sponsored walk and BBQ in the grounds of Crom Castle.
Thanks to Myrtle Allen for organising this event and to her husband, Maurice and son William, for manning the barbeque.
In the photos are seen hungry walkers and also the President, Geraldine Beattie and Maurice and branch members. Canon David Skuce from
Lisnaskea also attended.
LISBELLAW (photos 7, 8) - Mums in May
Lisbellaw MU held a Teddy Bears Picnic at their weekly Mother and Toddlers Group. Many toddlers, their mums and grannies enjoyed fun
and games, and home-made goodies!!
COLEBROOKE (photos 9,10,11) - Mums in May
While most people drank tea with human beings in Colebrooke we enjoyed our second childhood by seeing a host of dolls. In photo 11 is
GEORGIA granddaughter of Heather Robinson who decided to take a doll and pram for a walk!!
DERRYVULLEN SOUTH, GARVARY AND DERRRYBRUSK COFFEE MORNING AT BELLE ISLE CASTLE, (photos 12, 13, 14) - Mums in May
As their celebration of the 125th Anniversary of MU in Ireland Derrybrusk branch, and the combined branches of Derryvullen South and
Garvary MU joined together to hold a Coffee Morning at Belle Isle Castle (kindly granted), on Saturday 28th April 2012. The weather was
lovely, the setting was perfect and there was a very good turn out with some people enjoying their coffee/tea at the tables outside. It
was encouraging to see so many young women and children. As well as the tea/coffee it was possible to see around some of the refurbished
rooms or just have a walk around the grounds. We were delighted to have the company of our Bishop, his wife and their daughter, Dorothy,
who enjoyed their first visit to Belle Isle Castle.
The diocesan chaplain, Rev Canon John Stewart, and the rector of Derrybrusk, Rev Canon David Skuce, were also present.
The Branch Leaders, Christine Mitten, Derrybrusk, and Valerie Stewart, Derryvullen South and Garvary, would like to thank Andrea McIlveen,
for all her help and advice and also all the branch members who supplied food, flower arrangements and worked so very hard during the Coffee
Morning. Andrea was presented with flowers by Christine Mitten. Mr Charles Plunkett had been very generous with his time and help in
planning the event. In his absence, and on his behalf, his wife received a gardening token and Mrs Plunkett was presented with a table centre
for herself.
Slavin (photo 15) - Mums in May
Garrison, Slavin, Belleek & Kiltyclogher Branch of Mothers’ Union organised a Special Service on Sunday 29th April to celebrate 125 years
of Mothers' Union in Ireland. This was a Joint Group Service with the congregation from all four churches.
The service was conducted by Rev .Anita Kerr, who extended a warm welcome to all. The readings were read by Elizabeth Ovens (Branch Leader)
and Pauline Carson (Secretary). Elizabeth also led the Mothers’ Union Prayers. Doreen Earls (Clogher Diocesan Worldwide Representative)
presented a PowerPoint Show, which outlined the aims and Objectives of MU and its history. Reference was also made to the work done by MU
Worldwide and slides were shown of her trip to Australia and New Zealand. These included visits to two Branches of MU in Wellington Diocese,
New Zealand. The congregation were also shown the highlights of Sydney, the Great Barrier Reef, Wellington, North Island, N.Z. and Queenstown
in South Island.
Afterwards, a cup of tea with some home baking was provided by the 'Slavin Ladies'. This was enjoyed by everyone.
Castleblayney (photos 16, 17) - Mums in May
The Rev Margaret Pringle returned to St. Maeldoid's at short notice on the 18th April to preach at a special service to mark the 125th anniversary
of the Mothers Union in Ireland. The MU Diocesan President could not come due to illness and we wish her well in her recovery. The collection for MU
projects overseas came to €370.00. The local branch entertained the large congregation to refreshments afterwards.
Carrickmacross Group (photos 18,19) - Mums in May
On the last Sunday of April, the 29th we had a United Service and Parish Party at St. Patrick's Church in Ardragh at Midday. This event was our
'Mums-in-May' - MU 125th Anniversary event. There was a good turnout. We had a chocolate treasure hunt and also a hunt looking for clues. The event
was most enjoyable, with prize winners of all ages!