The Mothers’ Union is about caring for, and cherishing our families wherever we are and whatever situations we find ourselves in, through prayer and practical help. It has 3 _ million members worldwide.

St.Margaret’s branch is proud to be celebrating its 80th Anniversary in 2007. Among our activities we hold meetings that vary from month to month, beginning with prayers and then sometimes followed by a talk from a guest speaker, or perhaps a discussion on a topic such as Make Poverty History. Our Strawberry Supper in June, the Annual Evening Meal and Advent Meditation evening are always special occasions, as is the Wave of Prayer, five special days in March, when we pray for the dioceses linked to Chelmsford diocese. We also send toiletries to a women’s ward in Southend Hospital, and soon we will be sending puzzle books, and cross-stitch kits etc. through an MU prison visitor to Bulwood Hall Prison.

This year we raised £90 from a coffee morning for the MU Literacy and Development Fund. This fund enables illiterate overseas members to learn to read write and count, invaluable skills necessary for their daily lives as mothers and carers. We make the tea and coffee at The Edward Bear club for the mums and juice for the children as well as making the Christingles for the Christingle Service. We send out Anniversary Baptism cards to the young children who were baptised at St.Margaret’s.

Our branch always welcomes new members and if you would like to join us please contact Diane at dianeseaton@waitrose.com. To see much more about the MU please look at the national website.