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Spring 2015

Find out more about how our Mothers’ Union members are sowing the future together – to bring about a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships through:

praying ~ campaigning ~ enabling

Our Diocesan President Elizabeth Reay invites all Mothers’ Union members to join her for the Mothers’ Union Diocesan Festival Service

to be held in Gloucester Cathedral on Wednesday, 6 May 2015 at 11.00 am, where Lynne Tembey, Mothers’ Union Worldwide President will be preaching.

Lynne is seen here with Canon Pat Harris [former Mothers’ Union Central President]

and her husband the Revd Canon Jim Harris during their visit to Belfast in 2014

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Leventen House January 2015 High Street LECHLADE GL7 3AD Dear Members and friends, Happy New Year to each and everyone of you and of course the best of health for the coming year. We were all so very busy prior to Christmas rushing around trying to do everything, see everyone, post the cards after having written them with little extra messages inside – always a delight to read – and buying enough food to make sure we don’t run out!! Well I still have Christmas pudding and cold chicken in my fridge so I certainly did have enough!! I decided to start the New Year with very good intentions – managed to get to Buscot Church for 9.30 am service only to find that there was not one this week – should have checked my messages first – but at least it gave me time to write my letter to you all at the start of my final year. Two years have already passed with the final one ahead of me and I am still trying to arrange an exciting list of events that you can all attend. The visit of our Worldwide President – Lynne Tembey – is the most important and that takes place when you will all have the chance to speaking to her in person at the ‘Bring and Share’ lunch we are having in the Chapter House after our service at Gloucester Cathedral on Wednesday, 6th May 2015 at 11 am. Hopefully some Deaneries will be able to arrange for small coaches or mini–buses to bring in their members so everyone can experience her warmth and enthusiasm for our organisation. Lynne has asked to meet some of our Indoor Members so that will need to be organised.

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Later this month I am off to Nottingham to check over our hotel and meeting venue for the Annual Meeting in June so that I am familiar with the area before our Diocesan coach gets under way with Barry at the wheel [he is getting married in April so we will be hearing all his news] leaving Gloucester on Tuesday, 23rd June 2015. Full details are with your branch leaders, or do look at our website, if you would like to join our happy group. I thought we could do something slightly different this year to celebrate our founder, Mary Sumner. We have been kindly invited to use the grounds of Brockworth Court – many thanks to Tim and Bridget Wiltshire - where we plan to have an Afternoon Tea Party on Monday, 10th August 2015. Entertainment is being organised, garden treasure hunt possibly; followed by a Cornish Clotted Cream Tea with homemade scones. Tickets will be available nearer the time so that we know how many scones are needed to be baked – yes they will all be homemade!! Yesterday my Families First arrived on my door mat with Mary Berry smiling at me – and so many articles that attracted my attention especially the one on allotments. During the winter I have had someone dig over most of my plot as I mentioned in my last letter to you all, so am ready for planting in the spring when my seeds arrive. I need to move my raspberry canes into the freshly dug area so will do that as soon as I am up to date with my Mothers’ Union work. Love and prayers to you all, Elizabeth P.S. My trip to Sydney was most enjoyable and my Bell’s Palsy improved tremendously – I only look strange now when speaking. You will remember that my last letter included a reference to Martin Place in Australia which only a week or so after I returned home was the main news item due to the siege there.

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Elizabeth Reay, on behalf of Mothers’ Union in Gloucester Diocese, extends a warm welcome to new members ……. Brenda Davit writes:

We have just admitted a new member to Charlton Kings [St Mary] Mothers' Union Branch. Betty Taylor was admitted on Monday 5th January 2015 and Doreen Bill was welcomed into our group from Charlton Kings [Holy Apostles] Church in Cheltenham.

During the last year Charlton Kings [St Mary] Mothers' Union Branch have also welcomed the Revd Rosanne Roberts from Ashchurch Branch in Tewkesbury & Winchcombe Deanery and Mrs Bernice Walker from Cheltenham [St Matthews] Branch. Rosemary Keavey from Thornbury Branch writes that the Revd Matt Cottrell was enrolled on 2nd December 2015. And reporting the death of Olive Britton, she also noted that Olive had been a Mothers’ Union member for 59 years. Audrey Sharpe, Stow–on–the–Wold Branch Leader let us know that Pat Angell, still an active member of their Branch, on 14th December 2014 celebrated 60 years as a Mothers’ Union member. Kate Gale, Drybrook, Lydbrook & Ruardean Benefice Mothers’ Union Branch Leader [& The Forest Deanery Leader] shares of how they were involved in the Christmas Tree Festival hosted at Lydbrook [Holy Jesus] Church using the theme "Mothers' Union in Action in the Diocese of Gloucester". All aspects of our on–going projects were represented and there was much interest was shown by many of the visitors to this event – especially with regard to the Mothers’ Union Gloucestershire Teddies for Children Project across the diocese. Copies of the Teddies ‘knitting patterns’ were also distributed.

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Anneé Barwell, Mothers’ Union Gloucestershire Teddies for Children Project Coordinator shares the good news that by December 2014 over 2,580 knitted Teddies had been delivered to Gloucester Royal Hospital. When the 2,000th Teddy was being delivered to the hospital several members of Gloucester Diocese Mother's Union were invited to meet on 19 November 2014 at The Children's Centre in Gloucester Royal Hospital and were introduced to Tracie Eleker [Play Assistant]; Jo Harvey [Lead Nurse / Modern Matron for Paediatrics and Lead Nurse / Modern Matron for Neonatology and Specialist Paediatric Nursing Services]; and Helen Lister [Secretary to Lead Nurse]. Accompanied by a Reporter from the Gloucestershire Citizen newspaper and Ben Evans [Diocese of Gloucester Media Communications Officer] they were then introduced to a little toddler called Douglas who was chosen by the hospital to receive the 2000th Teddy. A photo shoot then took place. Douglas was clearly very happy and decided to name the Teddy ‘Hattie’. The Mothers’ Union members were then asked to go and see the parents of Alby, a five month old little boy who had been admitted some days before with pneumonia and was in isolation. Alby had been given a teddy on arrival which brought a huge smile to his little face. The parents had been told that members of the Mothers' Union were visiting the Hospital and they requested to meet then to thank them personally. Alby's father expressed the wish to assist with our Project and accepted a pattern for use with in his family. Mothers' Union are really delighted by the way in which the whole Project has been received and it is my personal hope that it may be possible to extend the whole concept of teddies for children on a much wider scale. So far we have knitted 2,500 teddies. We would like to thank all those who have accepted the challenge of knitting Teddies for Children and anything you might be able to do to publicise this project would be much appreciated. Thanks also to all the different Groups who have knitted Teddies and presented them to the Mothers' Union for the Project.

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In the Press Release prepared by the Matron it stated:

STATEMENT FOR PRESS ON DONATION OF TEDDY 2000 “Matron Joanne Harvey works for the Children's Services at Gloucestershire Hospitals National Health Service Foundation Trust. She has been really impressed by the donation: "Mothers' Union" must have worked incredibly hard to have achieved such an amazing goal and to produce such variety of teddies in such a beautiful range of colours. "These little woolly teddies are given to children undergoing treatments such as blood tests and cannulas within our Paediatric Assessment Unit and Paediatric outpatients in Gloucester, Cheltenham and other Gloucestershire Hospitals. In addition to this teddies are also kept on the Children's Inpatient ward and used for Bravery Awards. The children are delighted to receive their gift. "This is an amazing achievement by the ladies in the Mothers' union and we would like to say a huge 'thank you' to them for their continued support".

Jo Harvey

Daphne Toner and Anneé Barwell with the Teddies at Gloucester Royal Hospital

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Receiving permission from those who have expressed their gratitude to the Mothers’ Union – some of comments received from across Gloucestershire in response to the Mothers’ Union Gloucestershire Teddies for Children Project: Our Five month old son Alby was admitted into Gloucester Royal Hospital in November 2014 and diagnosed with bronchitis, a very common infection among kids of his age and at this time of year. Whilst it is common, as new parents we were terrified about what was happening and feared all kinds of terrible things. We have to say though that the staff and nurses at the hospital have been fantastic with Alby and us and have made the whole ordeal much easier to deal with. We were also delighted when we were given a hand knitted teddy for Alby from the Mothers' Union, who have been knitting thousands for kids like Alby who just need to be shown that "everything is gonna be okay". It brought a much needed smile to his little face and we would love to thank them, as even just a small gesture can make a massive difference if it comes from the heart. Jason and Niki Mitchell.

I think the idea of a knitted teddy is good because they could cheer up children who are upset or ill. You are never too old for a teddy.

Olivia Bateman [11] stayed in for 9 days. My son Charlie received a Mothers' Union knitted Teddy when he broke his arm. It really cheered him up before his operation. What a lovely idea! Thank you to all the Ladies at Mothers' Union. Beth Dixon.

My little girl was given a teddy after having a blood test. Tilly was very distressed while having her blood taken and as soon as she saw her lovely Teddy she stopped crying and clung to the Teddy. Thank you to the ladies of the Mothers' Union' who made them. Tilly and Linda Mutton [from Longlevens].

We were delighted with the kindness of receiving one of your knitted teddies and now that she's home again this is tucked up in her cot. It was a real comfort for her as she cuddled it through the night during her stay. It's a great project so please pass on our thanks to your knitters – it's a truly lovely gesture. [Name withheld]

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Steve Broomfield writes: I am an Ear, Nose and Throat surgeon in Bristol, and in November 2014 I took part in an 'ear camp' to Nepal with a group called the International Nepal Fellowship (INF). This is a well established Christian charity that provides many different areas of healthcare in Nepal. An ‘ear camp’ is where a group of volunteers travel to a remote part of Nepal to provide care, including surgery, to people with ear disease [an otherwise neglected area of healthcare in Nepal]. The good work of INF is also currently being expanded under a related charity, called 'Ear Aid Nepal', which is aiming to build a dedicated ear hospital in Pokhara, Nepal's second city. So there is no end of work to do! We had a great team from across the United Kingdom and others from within Nepal, as well as from the United States and Australia. We were able to see 1405 patients and did over 125 major ear operations in just 8 days. The teddies were very much appreciated! Despite quite strict luggage restrictions [due to taking small internal flights] we got them there and gave them to kids who we saw in clinic or following surgery. Some of these kids really do have nothing and to see their faces lighting up at receiving a gift was a real pleasure. Please pass on our thanks to the Mothers Union for all their hard work and support – and special thanks to you for making it happen. And Crystal Neave writes: I just wanted to pass on my humblest thanks to all the volunteers for the beautiful teddies that are being given out at Gloucester Royal hospital. My son is only four months old and has spent half of his life hospitalised, and we have almost lost him twice. It has been an extremely emotional time for us. On Thursday he had an appointment at outpatients, where he needed blood tests, normally a harrowing affair, and the wonderful nurse managed to get blood without him getting upset! She then proceeded to give us one of your beautiful teddies! He has not been without it ever since! He loves sucking on a paw, or just generally cuddling it! When I opened his car door this afternoon this was the picture that greeted me! And it filled me with so much love and warmth that I felt the need to search for the Mothers Union and get in touch to say thank you!! We are not very religious in our house, but we got our son christened last Sunday in the hope that the Lord will watch over him and ensure he is well and remains with us always! Thank you so much, small gestures really do mean the world to people.

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The Bible [Matthew 18: 20] says “……. where two or three have gathered together …....”; HMRC [Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs] says “……. must include at least 10 people ….…” The latter enables us to claim Gift Aid on cash donations particularly in a ‘community building’. As a way of explanation if we hold a charitable activity e.g. service or event in a community building, such as church or village hall to which members of the public are invited, any cash collection is eligible for a claim from the government. This is over and above the monies collected in gift aid envelopes [still available from the MU Office] by tax payers and is a bonus for us.

In the 2013/14 tax year we were able to claim an extra £223.00 tax back from the government for collections made at just seven services held across the diocese for Mothers’ Union funds.

I have the feeling that there may be more than seven Mothers’ Union services held in a year at which a collection is made. All I need, in order to be able claim back 25% of the takings, is where the service is held [assuming more than 10 people were present] and the total of the cash collected. Please continue to encourage all tax payers to fill in a gift aid form for any monies [including subscriptions but not Families First] collected at any time. In 2013, the last year that a claim was made, I was able to claim tax back of just over £1500.00 from just over 250 member and non–member contributions. A big thank you to those – and also to all the Mothers’ Union Treasurers who pass on the information to me. Peter Cottey Diocese of Gloucester Mothers’ Union Gift Aid Secretary A Prayer: Father in heaven, this is your work in which we are engaged.

Help us to remember that we are called to be faithful stewards of all the gifts we are blessed with. Amen.

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Mother’s Union Retreat at Cropthorne – November 2014 Although regular Retreat attendees still miss Glenfall House, Holland House at Cropthorne is a good replacement. Cropthorne is a village between Evesham and Pershore just over the border in Worcestershire and Holland House is a lovely old building with gardens going down to the River Avon. Our Leader this year was the Revd Katy Morgan who, until September 2014, was the Vicar of Churchdown [St John], the parish in which I actually live. Katy’s theme was the ‘Body of Christ’ and in the opening session we read I Corinthians 12 where St Paul reminds us that no part of our bodies can exist without the others and equally we all ‘as the Body of Christ’ have our talents and skills which are equally important. In the following sessions we looked at our feet, our hearts, our hands, lips and mouth and eyes and ears – thinking about how Jesus used those parts of His body and how we should use them for Him. Very thought provoking! In the final session we were reminded of the prayer of Teresa of Avila and that our bodies are the way in which Christ works on earth today. Many people are a little scared at the idea of a silent retreat. Actually we do not spend the time in total silence – we share in morning and evening prayer and a final Eucharist and we have discussions during the led sessions. If participants find the silence really difficult they can find a fellow sufferer and escape to a place where they will not disturb those who need and want the complete silence. One of the attendees this year was a young Mum who described the retreat to her children as having a holiday with God – a lovely way of expressing it and so true. Why don’t you come and join us next year? The dates for your diary are 3 rd till 5th November 2015. If spending time away from home is difficult come and join us at the Quiet Day at the Harnhill Centre on 28th May 2015 when the leader will be the Archdeacon of Gloucester, the Venerable Jackie Searle. For more information contact Audrey Ricks 01452 531123 [aricks@blueyonder.co.uk] The Revd Katy Morgan, Retreat Leader writes: Never having led a retreat before, I arrived at Holland House well–prepared but rather nervous. However, my fears were soon put to rest when I met the lovely group of ladies I was to spend the next 48 hours with.

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They listened, responded and contributed to the subject in hand, and some wonderfully creative work was produced, which we laid at the foot of the altar in the beautiful chapel. Throughout the time together there was a profound sense of reflection and peace, as we each contemplated our ministry of service as the body of Christ in the world and in our communities. This culminated in our final worship, a Eucharist, during which we washed and dried each other’s hands, reminding us of the example of service Jesus set us.

It was a real privilege to both lead and walk alongside my fellow retreatants, and it was an enriching experience for me. I pray it was for them, too.

The front page of Mothers’ Union Family & Policy Watch [December 2014] featured a very challenging prayer reflection: Many find themselves in situations of hopelessness ……. As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Messiah let us pray for all who are in need of his light to bring hope in their darkness. May we be inspired anew this Christmas to reflect his light in the world – through our prayers and our action. Joan Delve, a Mothers’ Union member from Tewkesbury Abbey Branch, translating this prayer into practical action was invited to share how she opened her heart and home to others on Christmas Day.

“For me, Christmas day could be lonely, could be sad. Five years ago I lost my husband Den, my eldest daughter Anne [a former Hospice Nurse] now suffers from a young person’s form of Alzheimers, and my younger daughter would be working as a Night Sister at the local Community Hospital in Tewkesbury.

“In the past for many years my husband Den and I had worked on Christmas days at the London City Mission in Vauxhall, London. How life can change? “Chatting at our Mothers’ Union Branch meeting I discovered two ladies who would be on their own for Christmas Day. They were happy to accept the invitation to come to lunch with my daughter Anne and I. Anne thought this was a lovely idea, and it really did make our Christmas day. To chat about ‘the good old days’, with snippets of television – lots of cups of tea – and as well enjoying so much food, especially the tasty pickles, and finishing off with a Pavlova!

“It was a real joy to share memories and to thank God for his goodness to each one of us. And like the Bible says, ‘to know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose’.

P.S. My daughter Anne said that they were the sweetest ladies she had ever met!”

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Following on from the theme in 2014 of ‘Sowing the Future Together’, this year we express our gratitude to God that we are part of a

worldwide Christian fellowship United in Prayer When everything was dark

and it seemed that the sun would never shine again,

your love broke through. Your love was too strong, too wide, too deep

for death to hold. The sparks cast by your love dance

and spread and burst forth with resurrection light. Gracious God, we praise you for the light of new life made possible through Jesus. We praise you for the light of new life

that shone on the first witnesses of resurrection. We praise you for the light of new life that continues to shine in our hearts today. We pray that the Easter light of life, hope and joy, will live in us each day;

and that we will be bearers of that light into the lives of others. Amen.

An Easter Prayer expressing ‘The Joy of Resurrection’ by the Revd Michaela Youngson, Superintendent Minister of the Ealing Trinity Circuit

Giving thanks for the wonderful response to our “Teddies for Children” project let us pray for families suffering the trauma of having a child in hospital

and for those who care for them

Heavenly Father, we pray for all children in hospital. Surround them with your comforting arms. Give their families the strength they need at this time. We thank you for the work of doctors and nurses and for their dedication. Help us, Heavenly Father to give our help to those in need where we can. In Jesus name. Amen. Heavenly Father, we ask your blessing too for the visit of the Mothers’ Union Worldwide President, Lynne Tembey to the Diocese of Gloucester in May 2015; and for the election of our next Diocesan President and officers to lead us through the next triennial as we continue to work towards ‘Christian Care for Families’.

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Loving Lord, unite us together in purpose. As we reach out in love and service to families and communities, use us to sensitively spread the news of a God who cares for us all. Amen.

Prayer from MSH ‘United in Purpose’ February 2015 Listed below are details forwarded to the Editor since the Winter 2014 issue.

We extend our congratulations to those celebrating Wedding Anniversaries: Diamond [60]: David and Joan Martin Moreton–in–Marsh Derek & Pam Williams Alderton

And also those members celebrating birthdays: 80 years: Frances Clapham, Stow–on–the–Wold; Brenda Fox, Newent with Gorsley; Valerie Murray, Thornbury. 85 years: Betty Davies, Newent with Gorsley; Dorothy Watts, Thornbury. 90 years: Molly Smith, Indoor Member. 95 years: Peggy Adamson, Newent with Gorsley; Betty Bullock, Redmarley D’Abitot.

We remember the members whose deaths have been notified to the editor, and give thanks for their prayers, love and faith in action through the Mothers’ Union:

Joyce Barton [91] Charlton Kings [St Mary] Indoor Member; Ann Berkeley [82] Cirencester; Olive Britton [87] Thornbury;

Joy Capon [93] Alderton; Pauline Chandler [82] Alderton; Geraldine Cooke [86] Wotton–under–Edge with North Nibley [Indoor Member];

the Revd Canon Sarah James; Barbara Jean [Jonty] Nicol [88] Badgeworth, Shurdington & Witcombe with Bentham; Doreen [Dolly] Osborne [100] Lower Cam;

May Pearce [88] Wotton–under–Edge with North Nibley, Eileen Porter [85] Cirencester; Emily Slater [91] Cheltenham Warden Hill [St Christopher];

Barbara Ward [93] Charlton Kings [St Mary]. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to their families and friends at this time.

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Please remember in your prayers the events and meetings listed below:

6 March Women’s World Day of Prayer [at various local venues] 10 March Finance & Administration Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 18 March International Women’s Day 24 March Trustees Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 15 March Mothering Sunday [Make a Mother’s Day Appeal] 25 March Lady Day [Deaneries requested to make own arrangements] 27 March Cathedral Prayers led by Stroud Deanery Mothers’ Union Office closes at 3.00 pm 29 March Palm Sunday 2 April Maundy Thursday 3 April Good Friday 5 April Easter Day 23 April George [Patron Saint of England] 6 May Visit to Gloucester by our Mothers’ Union Worldwide President

Join Lynne Tembey at the Service in Gloucester Cathedral @ 11.00 am followed by Bring & Share Lunch in Chapter House 14 May Ascension Day 22 May Cathedral Prayers led by Cirencester with Fairford Deanery 27 May National Families Week [until 2 June 2015] 28 May Quiet Day at The Harnhill Centre for Christian Healing

led by the Venerable Jackie Searle, Archdeacon of Gloucester International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers 2 June Mothers’ Union Diocesan AGM & Council Meeting

Maisemore @ 10.15 am including elections for new Diocesan President [2016–2018]

National day of Prayer for Christian Toddler Groups 16 June Finance & Administration Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 20 June Ordination Crèche @ Gloucester Cathedral 21 June Fathers Day Ordination Crèche @ Gloucester Cathedral 23 June Gloucester Mothers’ Union trip [until 28 June] to the Midlands 26 June Mothers’ Union Annual General Meeting at Nottingham Cathedral Prayers led by North Cotswold Deanery

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10 July Trustees Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 21 July Mothers’ Union Office closes at 3.00 pm 24 July Cathedral Prayers led by Wotton Deanery 10 August Mary Sumner Day Celebration Event at Brockworth Court

A warm invitation is being extended to everyone by our Diocesan President 3 September Revised dates for Wave of Prayer [until 5 September 2015] 4 September Mothers’ Union Office opens 5 September Gloucester Day Parade [please put this date in your diary] 11 September Finance & Administration Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 25 September Cathedral Prayers led by Tewkesbury & Winchcombe Deanery 29 September Trustees Meeting 10.00 am @ Gloucester 20 October Mothers’ Union Council Meeting 10.15 am @ Brockworth 23 October Cathedral Prayers led by Cheltenham Deanery 3 November Retreat @ Cropthorne [until 5 November 2015] 24 November Mothers’ Union Forum Meeting for Trustees & Deanery Leaders 11.00 @ Air Balloon PH Birdlip GL4 8JY 25 November 16 Days of Activism commences [until 10 December] International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women 1 December World AIDS Day 2 December International Day for Abolition of Slavery 3 December International Day of Persons with Disabilities 10 December United Nations Human Rights Day 18 December Mothers’ Union Office closes at 3.00 pm

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Gloucester Mothers’ Union Diocesan President: Elizabeth Reay Tel: 01367 252592 e–mail: emreay@hotmail.co.uk

Mothers’ Union Office:18 College Green Gloucester GL1 2LR Office open on Tuesdays & Fridays: 10.00 am – 3.00 pm

Tel: 01452 528621 during term time Diocesan Secretary: Jean Searle Diocesan Treasurer: Kathie Cottey

web site address: www.mugloucester.org.uk Please forward details for Summer 2015 Issue to Editor by: 1 May 2015

e-mail: anna.venables@btinternet.com Tel MU Office: 01452 528621

Summer 2015 Roundabout will be available for collection at the Diocesan AGM & Council Meeting on 2 June 2015

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Printed by Perpetua Press 20 Culver Street Newent Gloucestershire GL18 1DA

The Revd Ruth Fitter Mothers’ Union Diocesan Chaplain

at the Forest Deanery Advent Service

Clockwise from the top…….

A grateful recipient of a Mothers’ Union Bear;

Holland House Chapel during the Diocesan Retreat led by the Revd Katy Morgan;

participating in the Christmas Tree Festival in Lydbrook, Forest of Dean promoting the work of Mothers’ Union;

and a teddy given to a child in Nepal.