Due to a variety of unforseen circumstances there was only a small group of members who were able to meet for our March meeting. However, much interesting discussion arose from the meeting due to the talk given by Joan Barton, our M.U. Diocesan "Faith and Policy" co-ordinator. She spoke to us about M.U. policies relating to the M.U. aims and objects giving members a chance to express their views on the range of topics discussed e.g. marriage; relationships; free trade; disabilities and the environment. From all this, ideas arose for us to think about, discuss and possibly act upon as a branch and as individuals. A positive afternoon which gave us much food for thought.
We also discussed at this meeting our possible trip for this year. We decided to try for a trip in July this year A possible trip would be to Stonyhurst College. Details of what we arrange will be given at our next meeting and in the May magazine.
As a result of the retiring collections at Holy Trinity and Ghyll churches, given in memory of Mothers a wonderful total of £58.00 was reached. The money has been sent off and we put in a request that it should be put towards three of the ideas on the M.U. "Make a Mothers Day" leaflet. These were "Play Away" - £10, which enables M.U. to provide toys and equipment in family visiting centres in prisons, child contact centres and parent and toddler groups, including groups for parents with disabled children. Secondly "Emergency Relief Kits" - £35. From Berundi to Bristol the Mothers Union Emergency Relief Fund enables local M.U. volunteers to bring a lifeline of crucial supplies such as grain, pots and pans, sleeping mats and blankets, water purification tablets and mosquito nets-whatever is needed urgently- to families in adversity. Thirdly "Grandma read me a story" - £13. With ever more grandparents taking on the care of their HIV/AIDS orphaned grandchildren. M.U. aim to ensure that unnecessary poverty does not add to the responsibility these women are taking on. Together with Comic Relief (who generously supports the M.U. Literacy and Development programme) this will fund literacy training for grandmas in Burundi, Sudan and Malawi, giving them the skills to sustain their family through literacy training and income-generating activities. Thank you very much to all those who so generously supported this collection.
Next month on Tuesday April 8th. we look forward to a talk by Mr. Trevor Jones on his work as an "Ambulance Man" which begins as usual at 2pm at Holy Trinity. Everybody welcome. At this next meeting would all members who kindly supported the "Count Your Blessings" appeal during Lent, please bring their money for Joan Bury to collect.