Dear Team(if you are receiving this, you are definitely part of the team!),
And what an amazing team this is! It is safe to say that yesterday can be counted a success. When we initially thought about volunteering to host the MU Festival, we hoped to be able to coordinate an event that met the following aims:
· To host a celebration event for Newcastle MU members
· To share the wonderful work of Benwell Scotswood Parish with members of the MU
· For members of our local community to be able to share the day with us
All of those aims were certainly achieved yesterday.
We had approximately 175 people come through the doors of St James’ church and around 125 of those stayed for the service. We had the full range of Benwell’s diversity present and the full diversity of Mothers’ Union members. There was a range of ages, from tiny tots to people in their 90’s joining the fun.
People were able to enjoy crafts, tours of our historic graveyard, midday prayers, view the artwork of the Something Wonderful project, go home with a raffle prize, enjoy some music and a little dance and have a good feast.
We sold around 75kg of cake and 1,225 raffle tickets. Over 100 sausages and buns were consumed, and around 50 cups of Pimms. All of this activity, plus donations meant that we raised £908 for Mothers’ Union and the Something Wonderful Project.
And then, we had such a lovely service led by Bishop Helen-Ann and with much input from so many people and not one, but 2 music groups – our very own Benwell music group and the Mothers’ Union choir.
We have had so much positive feedback about the day, by email, text and verbally. People coming into the church immediately commented on how lovely it all looked, not something we are perhaps used to hearing about St James! Here are just a few of the things people have said:
“May I, on behalf of our members, thank you for a wonderful afternoon. You had all obviously worked really hard to put together such an event. It was lovely to mingle with other M.U. Folk and I particularly enjoyed the graveyard tour. The service was a fitting end to the day” (Tynemouth MU)
“It was exactly what the title said -something wonderful did happen in Benwell today and I suspect is happening!! Well done you and all your team worked so hard!! Everyone was friendly and helpful!” (MU member)
“Well Something Wonderful in Benwell there certainly was. What a wonderful fantastic day.
Where to start I really don't know my head is full. As the Bishop said the church was dark but full of light. I didn't see a glum face we were all very happy. Beautiful refreshments and cake stall. Music spot on and the lovely service by Chris and the branch. Followed by of course I should have guessed Pimms! I could go on and on but you get my message. Thank you so much I'm so proud of you all you said that you could come up with the goods and you did 100%. A day of fellowship and fun! (VP Northumberland)
“What a wonderful day, meeting and sharing with some very special people. Thank you Newcastle MU and all at Benwell” (Provincial President)
Mothers’ Union, Benwell Scotswood Parish and Something Wonderful – a truly tremendous combination! And made possible by you wonderful lot of people. Thank you so muchfor everything that you all did yesterday and in the run up to this event (seen and unseen)!
with lots of love
Leahan