“Christian Fellowship Group”
(St. Mary's Mothers' Union)

Within a year of his induction as Rector of St Mary’s the Rev Ian Whitehead fulfilled a promise that he made at interview to restart the Mothers’ Union in Rolleston.

Q. What is the M U?
A. Originally conceived as an Anglican mothers’ organisation it has become more democratic through the years. Men, as well as women, are welcomed as members and it is interdenominational, with world-wide membership. Groups are affiliated to the local diocese through which news of other groups is disseminated through a newsletter.

Q. What is the purpose of the M U?
A. Its main aim is to nurture family life with a Christian ethos, not only locally, but also globally. Groups can undertake a multiplicity of activities whether it be locally in the parish, in the diocese, nationally or worldwide. St Mary’s group has knitted articles for local premature baby units and made donations to overseas missionary work.

Q. What are meetings like?
A. Variety is the keynote of the programme here in Rolleston. We have had visiting speakers, visited neighbouring M.U.s, undertaken Bible study and received communion as a group. Also we have joined in special events in the diocese, e.g. Re-dedication and Carol Services. We have also enjoyed Summer Garden Parties. We are a small friendly group who would like to widen our membership. If you would like to join us at our meetings contact the Rector Ian (810151) or Gill Pyne (Tel: 812826), or just come with a friend for a taster.

“Wednesday Afternoon Christian Fellowship”

It was decided in October 2008 that the Mothers’ Union was perhaps a little too restrictive and that by becoming open to anyone regardless of gender, marital status or denomination we would continue as a group.

Programme

Meetings are held on the first Wednesday afternoon of each month from October – December and then February – July. Starting at 1.30pm, usually in the Old Schoolroom and lasting until 3pm. Time is made for a cup of tea and a chat. A warm welcome awaits you!

An account of past activities can be found below.

Rollestonian Article - Summer 2010

Wednesday Christian Fellowship Group

Our group has firmly established itself in the diary of events connected to our church.

We have welcomed several speakers over the past few months covering a range of subjects, and we also enjoy celebrating communion at Christmas and Easter.

As we enter our summer programme, Mr. David Yates will be taking us on a photographic journey to Sardinia. In June we are planning a visit to the National Memorial Arboretum at Alrewas, and we will conclude with our popular garden party in July.

New member are always very welcome and we meet in the Old Grammar School Room on the 1st Wednesday of the month (excluding August, September and January).

Gill Pyne

Christian Fellowship Group

At the first meeting of our autumn programme we celebrated communion with our rector and we also mourned the loss of Audrey Henry, one of our long serving Mothers' Union members.

Our speaker for November is Reverend Timothy Ganz and in December we welcome a representative of the Mission Aviation Fund. We will also be applying ourselves to our "Deck the Halls" contribution.

New members are always welcome in the OGSR on the first Wednesday of each month at 1.30pm.

Gill Pyne

The last two meetings of our summer term were very enjoyable social events. In June we went to Melbourne touring the church and visiting the tea rooms and July found us in a member’s garden for a very sunny garden party.

We recommence our meetings on October 7th in the Old Grammar School Room and on the first Wednesdays of the following months. We will celebrate communion in October and we have speakers booked for November and December. New members are very welcome.

Gill Pyne

Christian Fellowship Group

Our newly named group has had a successful start attracting several new members. We have welcomed speakers David Yates and Anne Foster, had a lovely Easter Communion and will finish the term with a summer outing and a garden party in a member’s home.

After a break in August and September we will recommence our meetings in October, on the first Wednesday of the month at 1.30pm in the OGS. We are a fellowship group and will provide a very warm welcome to any new members.

Gill Pyne

It was decided at our meeting in October that the Mothers’ Union was perhaps a little too restrictive and that by becoming open to anyone regardless of gender, marital status or denomination we would continue as a group.

Our working title is “Wednesday Afternoon Christian Fellowship” but we are hoping to come up with something a little snappier!

We will continue to meet on the first Wednesday of the month in the Old School room between 1.30 and 3.00pm. Our future programme will include Advent and Easter Communion, A speaker on “Travels in China”, an outing and a summer garden party.

Anyone attending our future meetings will be assure of a very warm welcome

Gill Pyne (Tel: 812826)

We have completed another successful year with excellent speakers, meetings with other branches in Burton, a visit to Barton Marina on a gloriously sunny afternoon and finally a party in a member’s garden. We did get a bit damp towards the end of the afternoon, but thoroughly enjoyed ourselves nevertheless.

Sadly we lost a member – Noreen Sloper who died after a short illness. Noreen will be greatly missed.

Unfortunately I have had to resign as Leader of the Rolleston Branch due to other commitments. I have had six happy years as leader and was delighted to receive a beautiful bouquet of flowers from my ladies. If any lady would like to join us with a view to becoming leader please contact Ian or me on 813054

Janet Neal

It is with great sadness that I write about the recent death of Noreen Sloper after a short illness.

Noreen was one of the original members when Ian re-formed Rolleston M.U. in 2000. She was a very popular member of our group and always willing to help. As our meetings are held on a Wednesday afternoon Noreen and Mildred Bailey often arrived shattered after serving lunches at Rolleston club, but I could always rely on them both. Noreen attended all M.U. services and Festivals when she could, and I, personally, will miss her smiling face very much.

I recently received a letter from Australia from a Mr Charles Bonnett who is the son of Mrs Elsa Mary Bonnett, who was a member of the M. U. for many years as well as a member of the W.I. Mrs Bonnett was responsible for repairing the M.U. banner in 1978. This confirms the initials we found on the banner when it was renovated recently. Mr Bonnett would like to be contacted by anyone who remembers him. He was called Hubert Bonnett when he sang in the choir during the 1940s. I have his address if anyone is interested in contacting him. His e-mail address is cebete@bigpond.com

Janet Neal

Rollestonian Article - Winter 2007

Programme planning for the forthcoming year was the topic under discussion at the October meeting. Janet, our leader, had baked and decorated a cake to celebrate several members recent significant birthdays! The cake was delicious and much appreciated. Having previously indicated that she wished to relinquish the leadership, now we must face the prospect of finding a new leader for this steadily growing group.

The November meeting will consist of favourite bible passages chosen and read by the members. In December, Holy Communion in church will be followed by mince pies and a social time. Several members volunteered to “dress” an angel of the special display in church during Advent. This should be a unique event and hopefully as successful as the Christmas Tree Festival of two years ago which raised much needed funds for the fabric of our church.

After the Christmas break our meetings restart in February 2008 when we look forward to talks by visiting speakers, prior to the Easter Communion service in church in April. Combining with local Methodists for the Womens’ World Day of Prayer and with diocesan groups for the M. U. rededication service, both events will be hosted by St Mary’s.

As the year’s programme draws to a close we plan to follow the pattern of recent years with an outing in June (venue yet to be decided) and with the Summer party in July. We cannot guarantee favourable weather for either of these events, but we can guarantee a friendly welcome if you would like to join us at any of our meetings. Repeating what has been written before, gender is no barrier to membership, nor do you have to be a mother! Both men and women who believe in the Christian values of family life are eligible to join.

Meetings are at 2pm on the first Wednesday of the month, usually in the schoolroom.

Audrey Henry

Rollestonian Article - Autumn 2007

The last two meetings of the M.U. were enjoyable social events when even the British summer weather failed to dampen our spirits. Although the bushes were not flowering at the time of our visit to the lavender fields at Hilton, we admired the pristine condition of the lavender beds and imagined the perfume from them had they been in bloom. We sampled the various refreshments on offer in the tea room, many of which were lavender related. If you have not already discovered this little haven so near to home, it is well worth a visit at an appropriate time of year.

In July the “Garden Party”, now renamed the “Summer Party” was held at a member’s home and attended by 15 members as well as two well behaved visitors – a pre-schoolchild and a dog! We chatted, ate and drank the afternoon away until the raffle was drawn. Three winners went home with prizes and many more with bags of uneaten food.

The hostess is grateful to the helpers who ensured the afternoon went smoothly.

Our next meeting will be on Wednesday 3rd October at 2p.m. when the future programme will be discussed. We look forward to meeting in the newly refurbished schoolroom and to welcoming visitors. Why not give it a try?

Audrey Henrey

Rollestonian Article - Summer 2007

The last article reported on previous meetings and those proposed for the future. March and April were busy months when we took part in the Women’s World Day of Prayer, the Feast of the Annunciation, and the enrolment of 4 new members at our Easter Communion Service.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer, hosted by St Mary’s was organised by Sheila Jones with members from Rolleston and Anslow reading bible passages and as Paraguayan women describing their environment and way of life. Paraguay is a landlocked, fertile country, subtropical with adequate rainfall, but many families are without running water or electricity. Because of unequal distribution of land, poverty is commonplace and 40% of the population have insufficient food. Many of the younger people move to the cities but unemployment is high resulting in increased violence.

Paraguayan women can earn a living by selling their varied craft items, the most well known being spider web lace (nanduti). By the end of the service the congregation found themselves trapped in a spider’s web created by passing wool between themselves from a central point. A symbolic way to reinforce the message from the women of Paraguay!

The Feast of the Annunciation (Lady Day) was held in Barton under Needwood and led by Rev Tony Wood. Before the service began a fellow member and I identified the six hymns and were concerned that we knew only one of them. Alarm turned to relief when we heard the introductory music to each hymn and we were able to join the congregation representing the Deanery membership. Rev Ian Whitehead spoke about his M.U. badge identifying him as a member. He had already countered his eldest daughter’s protestation that he couldn’t possibly be a member, that anyone who believed in Christianity and family life was eligible to join, be it man or woman. Ian went on to describe how his housewifery skills were learnt from his mother – hence his adaptability at tea and coffee making and washing up as evidenced at coffee mornings. Initiation into Christianity was also through his mother who told him stories of Jesus from an early age and whom he accompanied when she went to clean the church. At about the age of 5 he recalls climbing into the pulpit and, just able to peer over the top, liked the feeling. Perhaps that explains why he is where he is today!

The May meeting will be a flower arranging demonstration by member Marilyn Ottewell and a week later the Deanery Festival will be held at St John’s when area M.U. banners will be paraded. In June an afternoon outing is planned and July will be given over to the annual garden party. Visitors are welcome to join us at any of our meetings which start again after the summer break on October 3rd at 2pm in the Old Grammar School.

Finally, we wish to express our gratitude to Rolleston Club who voluntarily accommodated us during the disruption in the church grounds and schoolroom due to building works. 

Rollestonian Article - Spring 2007

The 2006/7 programme is well under way and after all the activities of Christmas we resumed meetings in February. Arnold Burston gave an interesting talk on the origins of the Lych Gate, which is now awaiting adaptation for an increase in physical height since it was first built in the 20th century. The wood for the gate came from an oak tree donated by Sir Oswald Mosley and it is likely to be far more expensive to adapt than was the original cost! Arnold also spoke in detail about some of the soldiers whose names are recorded on the memorial plaques. These details were gleaned from research by Arnold and his late wife, Anne.

Looking to the future, March will be a busy month starting on Friday 2nd with a service at 2.15pm in St Mary’s to commemorate the Women’s World Day of Prayer, this year compiled by the Christian women of Paraguay. M.U. members are invited to a full day meeting in Barton and later in the month the Deanery Lady Day Service (Feast of the Annunciation) will also be held in Barton. At our own meeting we are to hear about “persecuted churches” in a talk entitled “Open Doors”.

The Easter Communion Service in church will include the induction of 4 new members. The local M.U. is growing steadily! 

In May we are looking forward to a flower demonstration by member Marilyn Ottewell and also the Annual Deanery Service.

The last two meetings on the programme are social events. Visiting a garden (venue a mystery at the time of writing) and in July we will be indulging in our annual Garden Party.

Join us at any of these events if you would like to share in our fellowship. We meet at 2pm on the 1st Wednesday of each month – temporarily in Rolleston Club. 

Rollestonian Article - Winter 2006

The seed was sown in early Spring and bore fruit in the Autumn! Earlier in the year we appealed for information about the original M.U. banner. After reading the appeal in Rollestonian Mr John Bonnett, now living in Rugeley , contacted our leader Janet and met her in September. He confirmed that it was his mother, Elsie, who repaired the embroidery on the banner, hence the letters E.M.B. 78 found on the panel after cleaning it. He gave us a photograph of his mother with the banner over her knees. We are grateful to John for contacting us and solving part of the mystery. John grew up in Rolleston and recalled being in Sunday School in the Schoolroom on September 3rd 1939 when war against Germany was declared. Children were sent home immediately such was the fear of imminent invasion!

We are grateful to another local reader who unearthed a M.U. sash for the banner bearer to wear which is now in Janet’s safe keeping. “seek and ye shall find” is a truism, but we would be grateful to receive any further information concerning M.U. so that church records can be updated.

A full programme for the forthcoming year has now been arranged including an induction service for new members. In October many members volunteered to undertake various roles during the four days of the Flower Festival. We were pleased to be involved in a successful venture. Meanwhile we appreciate the “yellow brick road” between the lychgate and the schoolroom; a firmer surface to walk on and one which will save on muddied shoes.

Meetings take place on first Wednesday of the month in the schoolroom at 2pm. Visitors and new members are always welcome

Church Magazine Article - October 2006

The last two meetings of the 2005- 06 programme were relaxing events. In June several members visited an Open Garden in Tatenhill where we wandered amongst colourful flower borders, vegetable plots and wild areas. We were grateful for the shade of wooded areas, away from the heat and glare of the sun!

At the annual Garden Party in July we observed a minutes silence in memory of our member Judy Eden who died suddenly in June. Some 17 members and friends gathered to indulge in chat, food and drink. Two lucky raffle winners each received a prize of a basket of mixed goodies. The afternoon was warm and sunny until a brief light shower sent many indoors, whilst others sheltered under parasols!

Wednesday October 4th at 2pm in the Old Schoolroom will be the next meeting when plans for the forthcoming year’s programme will be discussed.

Please feel free to join us to sample the fellowship we enjoy.

Rollestonian Article - Summer 2006

The Deanery Festival Service of Lady Day, celebrating the Annunciation, was held at St John’s, conducted by the vicar with Tony Wood preaching. Tony immediately captured the congregation’s attention by citing “Corrie” as being a popular soap with a large following. This he attributed to the human interest engendered by the various interwoven family factors. During the service M.U. banners were paraded and displayed around the altar and two new kneelers were blessed.

The April meeting took the form of a Communion Service after which we adjourned to the schoolroom for a social time and refreshments.

Alan Partridge intrigued us with an illustrated talk of his car journey from Kuwait to Stretton. His mother was returning to England after many years of living in Kuwait so the car was packed to the gunnels with personal belongings, provisions for the journey as well as spare car parts. Travelling through Israel, Jordan, Jerusalem and on into Yugoslavia, Turkey and thence into Europe they encountered a variety of cultures and terrains from deserts to mountains. Hazardous as this journey was 40 years ago, it is unlikely that it could be so easily accomplished in today’s political climate.

June will be a change of venue for our meeting as we are planning an afternoon visit to a garden in Tatenhill. The next Deanery meeting will also be an outing, to Tewkesbury where we will end the day with Evensong in the Cathedral.

The Garden Party, an annual event since the re-inception of M.U. in Rolleston, will take place on July 5th at 54, Hall Road starting at 2pm. Join us, if you wish, as a “taster” to the fellowship we enjoy. 

Rollestonian Article - Spring 2006

It is hard to believe that the 2005 – 2006 programme is almost half completed. After planning the programme last October, meetings began in earnest in November with “The Good, the Bad and the Mad”. This humorous talk by Arnold Burston on past local characters was much appreciated, particularly when he was so concerned about Anne’s serious illness. We are grateful for his time and effort at such a traumatic time.

The Christmas Tree Festival was a group effort in deciding and creating appropriate decorations. Hands, which encompassed the tree, signified the M.U. aim of offering support and help to those in need.

The renovated banner, now reinstated in Church was rededicated at the December meeting when friends from Tutbury joined us for Christmas Communion and a celebratory tea. Deliberately the new banner is less ornate and has a more modern appearance to its predecessor. Our thanks to members and friends who helped with the mammoth task of renovation. But mystery still remains as to the date and maker of the original banner. In order to use the centre panel the banner was unpicked and tiny letters “E.M.B. 87” were revealed within the embroidery. As the canvas interlining was in such a rotting state, it is assumed that the banner was constructed in 1887. If anyone knows otherwise, please let us know!

Christmas celebrations continued with the Deanery Carol Service at St Aiden’s where the local junior school choir joined with us and entertained us with seasonal items.

The first meeting of the New Year consisted of “mementos”. Each member brought in a favourite memento and explained the reason for it being so. The age and variety of the artefacts, ranging from a 100 year old family bible to modern day ceramics from a cat lover was astounding. Meetings like this give members an insight into the interests of their companions.

The Coram Foundation was the subject of Joy Killick’s talk in March. She found reference to this family charity while researching on the internet and has since visited their HQ in London. Still existing and thriving today, it was founded by in the 19th century to cater for babies whose parents could not support or nurture them. When a baby was accepted by the foundation it was given a new name and christened. On completion of statuary education each child was apprenticed to a trade or placed in service as appropriate.

At the time of writing, preparations are in hand for the Womens’ World Day of Prayer on March 3rd at 2.30pm to be hosted by St Mary’s. The service has been compiled by Women of Africa this year and will involve congregational participation. Margaret Hewitt, who will be known to many as a past teacher in the Forest of Needwood School and latterly at de Ferrers, will give the address. A welcome is extended to anyone joining us at this service.

Finally, our felicitations go to Philip and Elsie Wraight who celebrated their Diamond Wedding on Feb 17th.

A warm welcome awaits you at our monthly meetings in the Schoolroom at 2pm on the first Wednesday of the month. 

Audrey Henry

Rollestonian Article - Autumn 2005

Despite the inclement weather there was a happy atmosphere in Janet’s home when members and friends gathered together for the annual Garden Party in July. Diets were forgotten as we sampled the culinary delights prepared by members and arranged for self selection. A raffle in aid of M.U. funds added to the fun.

Several members will be sharing in the Deanery outing to Gloucester in August, when we will be given a guided tour of the Cathedral.

It has become evident that our banner is looking rather distressed. This is due to age rather than misuse! Therefore, refurbishment is planned and is now currently underway. We hope a more “cared – for” looking banner will be displayed shortly.

Plans are also underway for the Christmas Tree Festival which will take place in church at the beginning of Advent. Our brains and fingers need to be stimulated to create an appropriate decoration for the M.U. tree.

Regular meetings begin again in October. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month in the Schoolroom at 2pm. Visitors/prospective members are always welcome.

Rollestonian Article - Summer 2005

The past few months have been busy ones for the increased membership of the M.U. and two more members were enrolled during a service conducted by Ian. Special services have been shared with Tutbury Deanery members and with Methodist friends in Rolleston.

The Women’s World Day of Prayer, this year compiled by Polish women of all denominations, had the theme “Let Our Light Shine”. Bread and salt, symbols of friendship and hospitality and a lighted candle reinforced Christ’s message “You are the salt of the earth” and “Let your light shine”. Language skills were tested when we tried to pronounce “Szczesc Boze”…”May God bless you”.

Lady Day, celebrating the Annunciation, was held in St Paul’s where there was a good congregation representing the Deanery. In his address Rev. Ian Newton, curate of St John’s spoke of the historical significance of women in Christian society. Mistaking the venue, some of us almost missed this gathering.

The Tutbury Deanery service when banners are paraded and we renew our promise to uphold the aims of M U, was hosted by St Mary’s and so we chose the readings and hymns, echoing the theme of “Good Neighbours! Mrs Joan Pearson, Vice President of the Stoke Arch Deanery, spoke on this topic while intercessions were led by Mrs Margaret Fitchett, Deanery President. During the service six of our members, with a combined total of 269 years service, were presented with certificates. Congratulations to the six members!

Attendance at the April meeting was augmented by members from Tutbury and St Paul’s. We learnt of the charitable work that Mr & Mrs Westwood undertake to help children in the village of Gede, Kenya. Twice yearly, for the past twenty years they have taken donations of books and biros, both of which are in short supply. Considering the amount of materials donated at this meeting the mind boggles at the surcharge incurred on excess baggage.

Having been mothballed since last July, the boat MUROD was brought out of dry dock and dressed overall for the 60th V.E. day anniversary. Thankfully she still floated and took her palce in the Armada moored in the Alderbrook. Did you see her?

It must be noted that every meeting finishes with refreshments and time for socialising; time for catching up on news with friends and time for making new friends. You are welcome to join with us at any of our meetings. 

Future meeting: July 6th…(one not to be missed!) 2pm, at 8, Twentylands.

Rollestonian Article - Spring 2005

St Mary’s Mothers’ Union goes from strength to strength, and we now have a membership of 15 ladies.

In February, Elsie Wraight, one of our members gave us a fascinating talk on her experiences as a Voluntary Nurse in Scotland and then in Ceylon during the Second World War. In March we celebrated the Women’s World Day of Prayer at the Methodist chapel and Lady Day at St John’s. April saw us in lively discussion with Ian about old stories from the Bible relating to Holy Week.

The M.U. Deanery Festival was held at the Priory Church of St Mary in Tutbury, together with other branches from Burton, and in June, the Rev Mick Dilley gave us a very interesting talk on the milestones in his life.

The “English Events Day” in July was our first joint partnership with the W.I. where we all helped with the teas, our boat was also part of the Armada.
The summer programme ended with a very enjoyable party at the home of one of our members.

Ann Burston demonstrated table decorations in a coffee jar lid in November – we all had a go and proudly took home our Christmas table centres!! Our final meeting of 2004 saw 6 ladies being enrolled in Church and afterwards we celebrated with a glass of wine and mince pies.

We meet on the 1st Wednesday of each month in the Old Schoolroom at 2pm. We have a very varied programme planned for this year, so do come and join us and enjoy a very pleasant afternoon out.

Janet Neal

Rollestonian Article - Autumn 2004

Variety of topics is the keynote of the monthly M U meetings, as well as socialising with like minded members who have a common purpose in promoting and nurturing Christian family life. A welcome increase in membership during the year indicates that a favourable reputation is spreading!

“At home” meetings have included Elsie’s account of her wartime nursing experiences in Ceylon where she met her future husband; Rev M.Dilley spoke of his call to the Methodist ministry; the Rector gave thought provoking, illustrated talks on Advent and Holy Week as well as describing in detail the proposed improvements/alterations to St Mary’s. Further afield we shared Christmas Communion with Anslow M.U. and the Prayer Group, joined in the Deanery Carol Service at Barton under Needwood & in the Deanery re-affirmation service at Tutbury. At each service we shared a spiritual experience with fellow members in the diocese and were given refreshments.

But the M.U. policy is not only to receive, but also to give. Within the parish members have given their time and expertise e.g. the Christmas figures of the Holy Family, adding to the refurbishment of the church kneelers and helping with refreshments at the recent RODSEC carnival day. Did you spot our family boat floating on the village stream?

On a national scale we contributed towards toiletries for overseas students & made a small donation towards the outreach work of M.U.

A message from Headquarters urging us to advertise the issue of a M U CD (content unknown) has been received. One local member (anonymous) has suggested that we re-enact the Can-Can resplendent in black stockings, suspenders & frills, with M.U. initials emblazoned on our undergarments! Fortunately for Rollestonians there is no local supplier of the CD & so villagers will be denied the spectacle of intrepid members displaying their inadequate dancing techniques.

Lastly, the Garden Party which has become an annual social event, much enjoyed by members and four visitors this year. The weather was fine, food and drinks delicious & plentiful, the company convivial. A fund raising raffle was productive & rewarding for the many winners. Grateful thanks to Janet & helpers for the preparation and hospitality.

If you would like to join us, as a member, or as a visitor, we meet on the first Wednesday, 2pm for about an hour in the Schoolroom.

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© Richard Bush

Last updated: 17 July 2010