From 2019 the Mothers’ Union has moved away from fixed committees with specific people in charge and has embraced a new structure featuring Communities of Interest. This enables people who have a specific interest in any of the areas to be a part of that community, which spreads ideas and encourages involvement.
The communities of interest have a lead person who acts as the main point of contact and facilitates the sharing of ideas, events and activities.
Away From It All (AFIA)
Contacts are Anne Touchin (anniedt@john-lewis.com) and Margareta Hallam (ruby@red-gate.net)
Families who have met with adversity and need to build some happier memories are referred to the contacts through Social Services, Home Start coordinators, young carers associations, other social agencies and local clergy, and appropriate free holidays, day’s out or other suitable events are arranged for them. During the season of pandemic, alternative activities or gifts have been arranged for families and carers to ease the stress of living in lockdown. For more details contact Anne or Margareta.
Communications
Contact is Helen Lynett (helenlynett@btinternet.com)
Members of this community share an interest in ensuring the smooth, accurate communication of information, activities and events to all members of the Mothers’ Union in the diocese, using online resources as well as printed materials. Helen edits ‘Communicate’, the twice-yearly journal of Peterborough Diocese Mothers’ Union. For more details contact Helen.
Crafting
Contact is Jennie Edis (spritwings1@gmail.com)
The Mothers’ Union are excellent at helping out with knitting and sewing items to bring joy and practical help to others. Jennie, and fellow Trustee Juliette Dunkley (kjd467@outlook.com), oversee crafting activities. Knitting patterns include blankets, hats, scarves and gloves. These items are sent on to orphanages and hospitals in Eastern Europe. Sewing such items as Scrubs Bags, Face Coverings and Chemo Bags have helped out local hospitals during the pandemic. For patterns see our Crafting page. For more details contact Jennie.
Directory, GDPR & Website
Contact Jean Rose (jeanerose@btinternet.com)
It is essential that accurate membership records are maintained to enable the direct mailing of information about the Mothers’ Union from the diocese and from our head office of Mary Sumner House. Protecting member’s data is extremely important and the Mothers’ Union Diocese of Peterborough has implemented full documentation to ensure this. The website is regularly reviewed to ensure content is up to date. For more details contact Jean.
Faith
Contact Jill Cannings jillcannings2@gmail.com
A strong prayer life and an increasing faith underpin the Mothers’ Union. Prayer resources are available on the website for branch meetings, committee meetings, our annual diocesan prayer cycle and our international prayer cycle. Special retreats and quiet evenings are also planned throughout the year.
Rev Deborah Marsh debmarsh37@yahoo.com is our chaplain and works closely with Jill and leads MU services. For more details contact Jill.
Finance
Contact Sylvia Rowley (Sylvia.rowley@ntlworld.com)
Ensuring good governance and the correct stewardship of finances are essential to the running of the charity. For more details contact Sylvia.
Membership
Contact Jean Rose jeanerose@btinternet.com
Whether supporting new members or encouraging new groups to form, membership to the Mothers’ Union involves fun, faith and fellowship. For more details contact Jean.
Mothers’ Union Enterprises (MUe)
Contact Hazel & Raymond Goodman (hazel@chestnut.clara.net ray@chestnut.clara.net)
The Mothers’ Union produces a wide range of quality cards, stationery, diaries, calendars, prayer books and gifts which can be purchased through MUe. There are opportunities for members to purchase items at Forum and deanery and branch events. For more details contact Hazel and Raymond.
Policy
Contact Nicky Vaughan (drawers51@gmail.com)
Members are consulted on policies which affect the everyday life for thousands of people. The Mothers’ Union has a voice not only in the UK government but also at the United Nations. Current campaigns centre on modern-day slavery and 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, which encompasses Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). For more details contact Nicky.
Safeguarding
Contact Valerie Anslow (valerieanslow@cloud.com)
Responsibility to our members and to those we serve is paramount. As part of our project work and meetings we encounter people of all kinds. Adherence to national and diocesan guidelines in safeguarding individuals means we offer a safe environment where no one should feel insecure. For more details contact Valerie.