May 2024 Events

St Bart's MU visited Howick Hall

Following on from an inspirational talk by Helen Cooper about the Howick Kneelers at our March meeting, we organised a visit to Howick in May to see the kneelers. What a wonderful day we had. Not only did we see the kneelers in all their glory, but Helen and Avril told us about the significance of individual kneelers and why those images had been chosen. For example, in 1914 Howick Hall was the first stately home in the North East to be used as a convalescent hospital for wounded soldiers, depicted here in one of the kneelers. We also heard about the rescue of French fishermen, again remembered on a kneeler. We all had a lovely lunch in the cafe, followed by a relaxing walk around the gardens. A great day out! if you haven't visited Howick, we would definitely recommend it. You will be made most welcome.


Monkseaton MU Celebrate 100 years
Wonderful afternoon celebrating 100 years of the St Peter's branch of the Mothers' Union, with a joyful service and then marvellous tea, joined by MU members from across the deanery, and by the Diocesan President, Margy Tasker-Brown.

Events in April 2024

Diocesan Day

Saturday April 20th dawned bright and sunny, perfect weather for our spring meeting. For once, my dream that diocesan members attending would outnumber Trustees attending was realised! We were also joined by one or two valued visitors.

Opening prayers were led by Rev Ruth Stradling our new curate at St Nicholas South Gosforth, our venue, herself a new M.U. member.

Our speaker was Canon Barbara Packer with her presentation on M.U. Overseas. This gave us an international perspective, we often forget that we are a worldwide organisation.

Rev. Diana Macnaughton, herself a diocesan member led Midday Prayers, followed by our light lunch which seemed to be enjoyed by all.

Canon Barbara Packer with her presentation on MU Overseas.

MU welcomes local experts to speak about ‘The Gift of Life’.2024

Many Mothers’ Union members have personal stories about organ donations, including our MU Secretary, Sandra, whose son recently received a life-giving kidney. So we invited Dr Frankie Dowen, consultant nephrologist at the Freeman Hospital Transplant unit, and Ross Hutchinson, Tyne Tees Weather man (and a live kidney donor) to speak to Council about ‘The Gift of Life’

They presented interesting statistics, addressed FAQs including religious and legal issues around organ donation, and told heart-warming personal stories, including that of local children, Max and Keira. Max and Keira’s Law came into effect in 2020 and is encouraging many more ‘gifts of life’.

Max is now a healthy teenager, having received a life-giving heart aged nine, from Keira, also aged nine, who died in a tragic accident. Keira’s parents take comfort from knowing their daughter’s heart is alive in Max; Max and his new ‘adopted family’ are regularly in touch.

The message to MU was one of hope and the life that can be found through the most difficult of circumstances. Dr Frankie and Ross encourage everyone to have family conversations about organ donation.

MU is happy to present their message to any church groups interested.


Dr Frankie Dowen and Ross Hutchinson (centre) together with MU President Margy Tasker-Brown (Left) and MU Secretary, Sandra (right)	Dr Frankie and Ross speak to MU Council at Kingston Park. 22.03.2024

Watch the Video here

A Card from the King 2024

On hearing the news that our King had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer and was undergoing treatment our Diocesan Secretary, Sandra Davison very kindly sent him a 'Thinking of You' card on behalf of Newcastle Mothers' Union.

Sandra was surprised to receive this card addressed to you all from King Charles 111.

March Events 2024



Benwell branch members participated in the Mothering Sunday Service and admitted 3 new members.

St Cuthbert's Haydon Bridge with Beltingham and Henshaw Mothers' Union

Any one for a Raffle ticket?	New member, Terry manning the Tombola Table

What a well stocked cake stall!	Our Branch Chaplain and his wife selling the candles they make.
St Cuthbert's Haydon Bridge with Bellingham and Henshaw Mothers' Union held their Annual "Make a Mother's Day '' Coffee Morning in Bardon Mill Village Hall. A very enjoyable and successful time for everyone there. The proceeds will be used to buy MU Gifts of Dignity to empower women around the world and also to help disadvantaged mothers in Newcastle Diocese.

All those who were in anyway involved with the Refuge Christmas food project were invited for a get together lunch. Those who could make it enjoyed meeting in a room with a cosy real fire, choice of menu and much chat and laughter. As a result of that project the First Internet Branch gained two new members (both from St Nicholas Church South Gosforth) who came on board after helping with the packing and transportation of the food, so impressed were they with our work with Harbour Refuge.

Concert & Afternoon Tea - February 2024

The internet branch and St Francis’ MU led a concert and afternoon tea on Saturday 24th February at St Nicholas’ Church in South Gosforth. The Eclectic -Lite Trio with singer Jonathan Worthy entertained us with light classical music and songs from the musicals. Afternoon tea was delicious and shared by all with much chatter and time to catch up for many friends. It was a delightful afternoon with good music, food and friendship.
£691 was raised and after expenses the remainder was shared between St Francis and First Internet branches for the Sensory Room at the Refuge and M.U. projects in the Diocese.

February 2024 around the Diocese

Events in February at St Bart's Long Benton

St Barts Long Benton were pleased to welcome new members, Pat, Frances and Joan who were enrolled by Fr Ben Jarvis, Vicar of St Bartholemews on Sunday 11th	They got involved straight away with the Annual Soup and Sandwich Fundraising Lunch on Sunday 25th Feb,

There were seven flavours of soup and a variety of sandwiches on offer, There was a lovely atmosphere	These ladies were in charge of the soup!

Helen Cooper, Alnwick Deanery Leader led a Craft Afternoon at Earsdon MU.

There were 2 ladies over 90 who also took part. It was a lovely afternoon and everyone enjoyed it, either colouring in or Cross stitch on a key ring

January 2024 Events

	St John's Whorlton enjoying their annual lunch at their local hostelry.
	St John's Whorlton branch hosted our Deanery Epiphany Service yesterday with the tree and flowers but not the candles. Our Chaplain Rev Anne Marr stepped in when our vicar was unable to. We enjoyed the service with Anne Lloyd on our organ. The cuppa and scones were very welcome whilst friends caught up.

MU Members making a start on 10 kneelers for Newcastle Cathedral.

The stitched kneelers will be used in the MU Chapel in the east corner of the Cathedral.

Recent Events