Mothers Union

The Mothers' Union was founded in 1876 by Mary Sumner in Old Alresford, near Winchester, where her husband was vicar.  She was inspired to start the movement after the birth of her first grandchild.  Remembering her own difficulties when she was first a mother, Mary Sumner wanted to bring mothers of all social classes together to provide support for one another and to be trained in motherhood, something which she saw as a vocation.  Rapidly, the Mothers' Union spread to the dioceses of Ely, Exeter, Hereford, Lichfield and Newcastle, and then throughout the United Kingdom. By 1892, there were 60,000 members in 28 dioceses, which grew to 169,000 members by the turn of the century.  In 1898 the North Walsham branch was started.  The Mothers' Union now has branches in 81 countries with over 4 million members.

The Mothers' Union vision is of a world where God's love is shown through loving, respectful, and flourishing relationships.  Membership is open to all, male and female, married or single.

The Purpose of the Mothers' Union is to be specially concerned with all that strengthens and preserves marriage and Christian family life.

The Aim of the Society is the advancement of the Christian religion in the sphere of marriage and family life.

In order to carry out its Aim, its Objects are:

• To uphold Christ's teaching on the nature of marriage and promote its wider understanding

• To encourage parents to bring up their children in the faith and life of the Church

• To maintain a worldwide fellowship of Christians united in prayer, worship and service

• To promote conditions in society favourable to stable family life and the protection of children

• To help those whose family life has met with adversity

We meet as a branch every month on the second Tuesday (except August) at 2.30pm in the St Nicholas Room (behind the Church).  Each meeting begins with a short service followed by a varied programme of speakers, quizzes etc.  Visitors and new members are always welcome.

On the first Thursday of every month we hold a Tea Cake afternoon from 2 – 4pm in the St Nicholas Room and a warm welcome awaits anyone who wants to come for conversation and refreshments.

Members assist at baptisms and also send cards for the first 4 anniversaries of the child's baptism.  They also provide the refreshments in the St Nicholas Room after the monthly pram service for pre-school children which is held on the second Thursday of the month at 2pm in the Church.

For further information please contact any of the above on the Parish Hotline 01692 408971 or via the 'Contact Us' webpage form on this website.