Don’t be misled by the name “Mothers’ Union”; this Christian organisation is open to all baptised people: female, male, married, single, divorced, parents or childless. What unites us is a shared belief in the value of families and the wish to encourage family life and values.

Here at St Faith’s we have 26 members (and you may be surprised to hear that we are the longest-running organisation in Lee-on-the-Solent, established in 1903). We are part of the Gosport Deanery within the Diocese of Portsmouth, which has 36 branches. But throughout the world there are over 3 million members from 81 countries.

Our Branch meets on the first Thursday every month (except August) at 2.15 pm in the Lowry Room. We welcome newcomers and visitors to our meetings and we hope they may later join us as members.

At our meetings there is always a short service led by our branch leader. We have speakers on all types of subjects, some from our own Church, others from around the area. Over the years we have heard about other religions and beliefs, the work of local organisations and other general subjects. We hold discussions on current issues within the Christian Church and matters of interest to people in general. At times we have a quiz or a musical afternoon. During Lent we hold a Lent Lunch followed by a meditative afternoon. Whatever the style of meeting we aim to enjoy each other’s company and have a sociable time together.

Our MU members are involved in all Church duties and activities – we can do lots more than make tea and cake! There are people on the PCC and other committees and many of our members regularly read and lead intercessions at services. You will find our names on many rotas: Sidesmen, flower-arranging, reading, cleaning – and often we are called on in emergencies to help out.

Some members meet the young mums and their babies when they make the tea at the weekly Bumps and Babes get-together – but it’s not just making tea, it’s a chance to chat and make friends with the mothers and babies.

We have a corporate communion on Thursday morning once a month, when our members prepare the Intercessions and do all the readings. Over the years we have donated a lectern, flower stand and candlestick for the Lady Chapel and made altar cloths for all three altars.

Every summer we have a delicious Cream Tea and in December there is a home-cooked Christmas Lunch. Guests are invited from other MU branches and also other local Churches. Of course we prepare tea and refreshments following a Mothers’ Union Deanery Service when it is held at St. Faith’s.

We support local organisations by using our skills as well as raising money. Our needle-workers have made toiletry bags for Queen Alexandra Hospital emergency patients - then filled them with essential supplies. Also for the hospital we have made medical dolls for traumatised children and clothing for premature babies. Recently, following a talk from the Chairwoman of the Fareham and Gosport Women’s Refuge, we knitted cot blankets and supplied bed-linen and towels for mothers and families setting up home after leaving the refuges.

But our own Church activities and meetings do not tell the whole story. We have people serving on MU Deanery and Diocesan committees, helping to organise the wider work of the MU: for example, raising funds for the Diocesan ‘Away from it all’ holidays for needy families. Our Branch Leader represents the MU at wedding fairs, giving information and advice about Church weddings. And another of our members bakes a delicious cake which is the prize for a free competition at the wedding fair!

And let’s not forget what unites us: our Christian belief. The worldwide Mothers’ Union takes part in the Women’s World Day of Prayer each spring and at St Faith’s we always have a good attendance for our own contribution to prayers throughout the world. In addition, from time to time we have the privilege of reading at the noon Eucharist at Portsmouth Cathedral.

St Faith’s Mothers’ Union has links with two separate Australian MU branches and we share news and information about activities. Our correspondent organises a folder with all the emails, cards, letters and magazines so that all our members can enjoy reading about the very different life-style and the activities of our Australian friends.

And a reminder – you are welcome to join us at our meetings