Clent Mother Union

The coffee morning on May 12 was again a success, in spite of the weather being less than perfect and the attendance being down. We thank anyone who contributed in any way to help us. The funds raised support MU projects helping those less fortunate than ourselves, e.g. parenting classes for young mums, overseas literacy projects, “Away from it all” (AFIA) holidays in this country for families under stress etc. Thank you all very much.

Beginning with our short service, the June meeting was a complete contrast! A glorious sunny day when members arrived at the Village Hall looking very smart and wearing a wonderful array of hats.

The speaker for the afternoon was Rev Alma Organ, who told us about her duties as a volunteer chaplain at Worcester Cathedral one day each month. These volunteer chaplains are usually retired clergy, lay readers or sometimes ministers from other denominations. Their duties are to be there for visitors and at special times like school visits etc. helping where needed and praying with people if required. The chaplain’s main function is to say a prayer every hour on the hour from the main pulpit, using the mike. They are allowed two minutes for this. The prayer should fit in with current affairs or with any special parties who may be visiting. Alma was thanked for her informative talk and presented with a plant.

Following the talk our leader, Anne Harris, paid tribute to two members, Linda Eggins and Wendy Pettit, who have been members for 40 years and 50 years respectively. Acknowledging their long and faithful service, Anne presented a gift to each of them on behalf of the branch.

We then came to our time of celebration of our Queen’s 90th birthday. Anne Lockett and Jan Woolley served us an afternoon tea that was second to none. The tables were lovely with pretty china, pink and white flowers and matching napkins. The food was plentiful and daintily presented. We could only marvel at the amount of effort which Anne and Jan had put in to make everything so lovely. A big thank you to both of them – we shall never be out of their debt. We ended our lovely afternoon by singing the Nation Anthem.

The next meeting will be at 2pm on Thursday, July 7 in the Village Hall, when the speaker will be Rev Diane Cooksey, formerly the curate at Blakedown.