MU History
A History of Dore Mothers' Union
The Branch was first mentioned at Mary Sumner House in 1932 but the exact date of registration is unknown.
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The old banner has been described as a fine and unusual example of ecclesiastical embroidery and the design is placed between the first world war and early twenties. The piece was obviously worked at a later date. It is also unusual in the fact that it does not depict Mary and baby Jesus, the popular MU design. This one appears to show a mother teaching her son from a scroll, and who is dressed Roman/Greek style. The maker is unknown.
The date of commissioning is not recorded but many of our older members advise that it was in the branch well before the 2nd world war. |
| A new banner was requisitioned in1980 made by Mrs D. G. Harris of Rugby at a cost of £85. The background is blue with a central white/gold Rose design with surrounding leaves in gold.
In the early days Vicar's wives were the Enrolling Members, but this tended to go out of favour in the later years as younger clergy wives desired to work. The name Enrolling Member in Sheffield Diocese was changed to Branch Leader in the 1990's. |
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Our first Enrolling Member was Mrs Saxelby-Kemp from 1932-1944; then Mary Thorpe from 1944-1958; Kathleen Heawood officiated between 1958-1967. In 1967 Jean Sceats took over for a short while until Dorothy Lowther came to be Enrolling Member from late 1967-1976. Jean Sceats became Enrolling Member from 1976-1982. Elizabeth A. Swan was Enrolling Member from 1982-1985, when Jean Sceats took over for a short while until Jean Froggatt became Enrolling Member from 1986-1992. Jean Sceats became Branch Leader again from 1992-1998. Susan Ashton was leader from 1998-2004. Maureen Hayes became branch leader from 2004-2009 when she handed over to Mollie Smith who was commissioned as leader in March 2009.
The Present Day
Dore Mothers' Union covers the Parish of Dore and meets in the Large Conference Room at the Old School, Savage Lane, Dore the 3rd Tuesday in the month. In March & November, meetings are also held on the 1st Thursday in the month as well as the 3rd Tuesday. Prayer meetings are held quarterly. An MU Corporate Communion is held every other month at the 10am service when members read lessons and intercessions.
At present we have an excellent membership. Several MU and Church members assist with the Toddler Group run by one of our younger members. Further outreaches into the community take place with a Christmas Market and annual party. Our Indoor Members are supported regularly by visits. Cards and flowers are taken to members in adversity.
Several members are part of a team who take Holy Communion to parishioners unable to attend services.
As a branch, we continue to support all aspects of the deanery and diocese including Festivals, Quiest Days, Prayer Days and fundraisers for Overseas Training. Relief Funds and the Away-from-it-all holiday scheme for under privileged families. Members and friends knit baby clothes for the Premature Baby Units at the hospitals, and vests and blankets for Christian African Relief Trust.