Mothers' Union

Mothers’ Union is a world - wide organisation of 4 million members, living in over 80 countries who share one heartfelt vision: to bring about a world where God’s love is shown through loving, respectful and flourishing relationships. Members actively pursue this vision through community programmes, advocacy campaigns and a committed prayer life.

It was started by Mary Sumner, wife of an Anglican cleric, in Old Alresford, in 1876, just after her eldest daughter gave birth. Becoming a grandmother reminded her how difficult her own motherhood had been, and she was inspired to call a meeting of mothers in her parish to offer mutual support. She believed strongly in the vocation of motherhood, and its power to change the nation. Her Mothers’ Union gradually spread throughout England, with Botley being one of the first branches, and Queen Victoria became its patron in her diamond Jubilee Year. Branches were then set up throughout the Empire, and are now World Wide. Mary is buried alongside her husband George in Winchester Cathedral.

Botley, Curdridge and Durley branch of Mothers’ Union (BCDMU) has currently 19 members, and not all are ladies. We meet regularly on the first Tuesday of each month at 2pm, usually in All Saints’ church room, for fellowship and stimulating challenges on our world-wide annual theme. Our main local outreach is running Flutterbies each Tuesday morning during term time in All Saints’ church room from 09.45 – 11.45. Flutterbies is a drop in and out group where parents and carers can sit and chat with a hot drink, while the toddlers play and have fun with toys and crafts, finishing with group singing and a prayer. There is no charge, but donations are welcome to cover costs. In addition we are active in knitting premature baby items and toddler clothes for local hospital maternity units, providing hospital emergency sponge bags, attending wedding fairs to promote church weddings, supporting local marriage preparation candidates, and helping out at our diocesan Away From It All Holiday week in August for families in need. We support local deanery and diocesan projects, as well as contributing to worldwide MU outreach through prayer and financial offerings.

To contact us email bcdmu@btinternet.com or come along to one of our meetings. Mary Sumner’s Prayer: All this day, O Lord, let me touch as many lives as possible for thee, and every life I touch, do thou by thy spirit quicken, whether through the word I speak, the prayer I breathe or the life I live. Amen.

The Mothers' Union sponsors Flutterbies at All Saints', Botley