News from the Mothers’ Union

Knitting Project

The Diocesan President’s Knitting Project continues its successful path towards the Royal Gwent Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU). Kathy Palmer recently delivered hundreds of small baby items to the unit as well as Angel Pockets which were all knitted by members from Monmouth Diocese. Some of the small cardigans were unsuitable for SCBU but were gladly accepted by the Maternity Unit for Mothers in need. A selection of wonderfully knitted toys was also donated to the Children’s Unit.

Nevill Hall Hospital, Abergavenny has also received baby clothing and toys, and both hospitals are keen to accept more.

This is proving to be a very worthwhile project which is very well received both by benefactors and contributors alike.

Mothers’ Union Members are keen to work on projects both locally and overseas. Recently, meetings have been held in Tintern and Usk to encourage membership, and both were successful. So, please keep knitting as our work is never done in this particular area.

Guess who came to lunch?

The Monmouth Diocese of the Mothers’ Union held its annual luncheon on the 19th February at the Parkway Hotel, Cwmbran. The aim of the luncheon is not only to raise money but also to bring members together both old and new.

The Diocese invited Trish Heywood, former worldwide president of the Mothers’ Union, as our guest speaker – a real honour for us. Trish was born in Carlisle and has two sons and four grandchildren. Following six successful years as worldwide president, she was recognised by the award of the OBE. She has flown over 200,000 miles to visit members from India, Melanesia, Papua New Guinea, Thailand, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and ten African countries, as well as travelling extensively throughout Britain and Ireland.

Starting with an African prayer, Trish spoke with a passion and energy that we all share and recognise. She was keen to relay all that she had seen the Mothers’ Union do in recent times, and urged us to continue the good work in providing funds for the overseas projects. She gave a marvellous account of her ‘sleepover’ at Windsor Castle with the Queen and a small select gathering of dinner companions, another memorable highlight of her talk. Thirty minutes had flown by in what seemed to be only a few. Following her talk, Trish gave a brief Question and Answer session followed by meeting and mingling with members.

Marketing Co-ordinator, Kate Staton, who had organised the event, thanked Trish for coming and presented her with a ‘keepsake’ Celtic design napkin ring set in silver. Kate commented that the luncheon had been a complete success and thanked everyone for their support and contribution.

The luncheon raised over £400.

Shelley Miller, Diocesan Publicity Officer