100 Years of Mothers' Union celebrated in Hillsborough

Back row: Rev Simon Richardson, Mrs. Jeanette Shannon and her daughter Mrs. Louise McCambley, Lord Eames and Canon Robert Howard.
Front, left: Mrs Roberta Rodgers and Mrs Ruth Mercer.

LORD and Lady Eames were guests of honour at a day to mark 100 years of the Mothers' Union in Hillsborough recently.

Lord Eames gave the address at a special thanksgiving service, held in St Malachy's Parish Church, which was attended by Mrs. Ruth Mercer (All Ireland President) and Mrs. Roberta Rodgers (Diocesan President) who both gave readings, and Canon Robert Howard (Mothers' Union Chaplain) who led the Act of Dedication.

The service was led by the Rev Simon Richardson and prayers by Mrs. Barbara Small. An offering was given to assist the Mothers' Union Overseas Relief Fund.

Also present were representatives from many local Mothers' Union branches, from the Hillsborough branch's link in Blessington, Co Wicklow, and ladies from Hillsborough Presbyterian Women, Broomhedge/ Priesthill Methodist Women and St Colman's Reilly's Trench.

At a tea held afterwards in the Downshire Centre, branch President Mrs. Jeanette Shannon made a presentation to Lord Eames, and gifts of flowers to Lady Eames (a former World President of the Mothers' Union), Mrs. Mercer and Mrs. Rodgers. Another special guest at the event was Mrs. Bunty Hawkins (daughter of Canon Matchett, former Rector of the Parish Church) who first joined the Mothers Union , 64 years ago, and who still regularly attends meetings. She received certificates and flowers from Lady Eames, and also helped Mrs. Shannon cut the commemorative cake.


Mrs. Jeanette Shannon and Mrs. Bunty Hawkins cut the cake commemorating 100 years of the Mothers Union in Hillsborough.	Mrs. Bunty Hawkins received certificates from Lady Christine Eames, former World President of the Mothers' Union.

Ulster Star
27/05/2011