NEW PROJECT - MAKING SYRINGE DRIVER BAGS
Bags are needed to hold syringe drivers for use with palliative care patients. There
Is a scarcity of these due to Covid 19, so palliative care would be grateful if they could be provided.
They can be knitted or sewed.
Patterns are available on the palliative care website or Google. Further information can be obtained from
Phyllis Cassidy or Leila Beattie Some have been presented to Cavan General Hospital by Hazel Speares and Barbara Smith. Pictures show some made by Hazel Gumley, Cavan Branch and Elizabeth Henry, Virginia Branch
Is a scarcity of these due to Covid 19, so palliative care would be grateful if they could be provided.
They can be knitted or sewed.
Patterns are available on the palliative care website or Google. Further information can be obtained from
Phyllis Cassidy or Leila Beattie Some have been presented to Cavan General Hospital by Hazel Speares and Barbara Smith. Pictures show some made by Hazel Gumley, Cavan Branch and Elizabeth Henry, Virginia Branch
KNIT/CROCHET/SEW PROJECTS FOR CARE HOMES AND BABY UNITS
A outreach project has been initiated in our diocese and coordinated by Leila Beattie A&O Representative. Members who may like to knit, crochet or sew during the winter months can reach out to their community in a very practical way by making knee blankets, shoulder shawls for residents in Care Homes; Twiddle Muffs and Fiddle Blankets or aprons for Alzheimer patients and Caps for babies in baby units. (not premature babies). Below are some suggestions for patterns but you can use your own. Lots of ideas on Pinterest.
Pattern for Shawls
Fiddle Blankets
Twiddle Muffs
Baby Hat
Two samples of Fiddle Blankets below made by Leila and Sophia
A outreach project has been initiated in our diocese and coordinated by Leila Beattie A&O Representative. Members who may like to knit, crochet or sew during the winter months can reach out to their community in a very practical way by making knee blankets, shoulder shawls for residents in Care Homes; Twiddle Muffs and Fiddle Blankets or aprons for Alzheimer patients and Caps for babies in baby units. (not premature babies). Below are some suggestions for patterns but you can use your own. Lots of ideas on Pinterest.
Pattern for Shawls
Fiddle Blankets
Twiddle Muffs
Baby Hat
Two samples of Fiddle Blankets below made by Leila and Sophia
Trauma Teddies
Members are knitting teddies for the Ambulance and Emergency Services. Picture shows Mrs. Sarah Smyth from Swanlinbar branch with some of the teddies which she knit.
Teddies can also be knit for toddlers in church; or presented at a baptism. Pattern for teddy
Members are knitting teddies for the Ambulance and Emergency Services. Picture shows Mrs. Sarah Smyth from Swanlinbar branch with some of the teddies which she knit.
Teddies can also be knit for toddlers in church; or presented at a baptism. Pattern for teddy
Cregg House is a residential home for adults with intellectual disabilities. Requirements for the project include Pastoral Care; Volunteers to visit who will interact with the residents; becoming pen-friends; providing children's bibles and books; diaries; easy jig-saws; jewellery; soft toys; colouring books; pens and musical instruments.
YOUNG MEMBERS WEEKEND
Young members enjoyed a weekend away in The City North Hotel, Julianstown on 9th/10th October. The Keynote Speaker was Susan Keaney and the theme for the weekend was 'A time for everything'.
ST. JOHNS' & CALRY
Members from St. John's and Calry knit baby blankets and Prayer Shawls and presented shawls to two Senior Members, Miriam and Etta in Summerville Nursing Home. Every month there is a Communion Service in Summerville and MU members joined the families and made the presentation. The baby blankets are given to babies born in the parish. Photos below show members displaying the prayer shawls.
ST. JOHN'S/CALRY SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN ZAMBIA
As part of "TOUCH Ireland Shannonside" Martina Morris was invited to a Mothers Union gathering at Galilee where she was presented with the beautiful knitted jumpers and hats. (TOUCH) had a container going to Zambia at the end of July and these jumpers & hats were sent out on it.
St John's/Calry MU, Dromahair ICA and Sligo Carer's Association were involved in this project.
The jumpers themselves are very easy to knit and they are made in one piece. For most knitters they take an afternoon or an evening to complete. They are very important because in Africa the nights can be very cold and the babies have nothing else to keep them warm. The jumpers and hats can also help to prevent them from catching pneumonia. Many babies in Africa (and I'm sure lots of other countries) are sent home wrapped in newspaper to keep them warm. The Fish & Chip initiative provides jumpers and hats to keep these babies warm
Fish & Chip Baby Pattern
Baby Jumper knitting pattern (Knitted all in one)
Approx. 50g DK wool
Use double knitting wool and 4mm needles, cast on 44 stitches.
Work 18 Rows in K2, P2 rib Work 30 Rows stocking stitch (1 row plain, 1 row purl)
Cast on 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows and at the same time change to K2,P2 (for sleeve) Rib 22 more rows.
Next row: Rib 21, cast off 26 stitches, rib 21 (Please cast these stitches off loosely in rib, to allow the neck to stretch over a baby’s head)
Next row: Rib 21, cast on
26 stitches, rib 21 (Please cast these stitches on loosely, using one size bigger needles if necessary).
Work 22 rows in K2, P2 rib
Cast off 12 stitches at beginning of next 2 rows
Work 30 rows stocking stitch
Work 18 rows, K2, P2 rib
Cast off. Sew side and sleeve seams.
SUPPORTING FAMILIES IN KAJIADO DIOCESE
A consignment of baby clothes, blankets and teddies knitted by MU members in the diocese were sent to Kajiado Diocese, Kenya. These items were distributed by MU members to needy families and are greatly appreciated.
We are very graterful to Ronnie Briggs and staff of CMS Ireland for taking charge of the transportation of these items.
We are very graterful to Ronnie Briggs and staff of CMS Ireland for taking charge of the transportation of these items.
Never Alone Project
Suicide among teens is a sad and devsating part of life in Ireland today. The incidence of suicide has been rising steadily over the last number of years. With this in mind the Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Mothers' Union decided to do something practical and ‘Never Alone’ is a result of their efforts. A short DVD was produced to inform, provoke discussion, reach out to and encourage teens, teachers and parents to engage with this sensitive subject - underpinned by the message that we are 'Never Alone' in life. In conjunction with the DVD small cards are available which can be taken away. They contain some words of encouragement, useful telephone numbers and website addresses.
This pilot project was launched in Cavan Royal School in October 2009 and feedback has been very positive. It was especially found to be useful as a prompt to get teenagers to talk about the problems they face. The project has now been launched in Sligo Grammar School and it has also been offered to five other schools.
Suicide among teens is a sad and devsating part of life in Ireland today. The incidence of suicide has been rising steadily over the last number of years. With this in mind the Kilmore, Elphin and Ardagh Mothers' Union decided to do something practical and ‘Never Alone’ is a result of their efforts. A short DVD was produced to inform, provoke discussion, reach out to and encourage teens, teachers and parents to engage with this sensitive subject - underpinned by the message that we are 'Never Alone' in life. In conjunction with the DVD small cards are available which can be taken away. They contain some words of encouragement, useful telephone numbers and website addresses.
This pilot project was launched in Cavan Royal School in October 2009 and feedback has been very positive. It was especially found to be useful as a prompt to get teenagers to talk about the problems they face. The project has now been launched in Sligo Grammar School and it has also been offered to five other schools.
SERVICE OF COMMISSIONING
A Service of Commissioning for members of the Trustee Body was held in St. Mary's Church, Mohill on Thursday 1st May 7.45pm. The service was conducted by Dean Raymond Ferguson. Prayers were led by Charlotte Browne and the bible reading by Joy Little (Diocesan President). The organist was Leila Beattie. Following the service a meeting of Diocesan Council was held in the Hunt Hall.
Front Row left to right: Leila Beattie; Trudi Shields; Charlotte Browne; Margaret Sides; Irene Swann; Mavis Magee; Eva Gibson
Back Row left to right: Margaret Colvin; Liz Greer; Dean Raymond Ferguson; Mary Geelan; Joy Little; Ann Patterson; Joanne Quill; Canon Sandra Lindsay; Sophia Whyte. (Missing from photo Vida McCauley and Evelyn Morton)
AN EVENING WITH ALL IRELAND PRESIDENT MRS. PHYLLIS GROTHIER
Members enjoyed a wonderful evening with Mrs. Phyllis Grothier (All Ireland President) in the Cavan Crystal Hotel on Saturday 22nd March 2014. Joy Little DP gave a very warm welcome and extended a special welcome to Phyllis and Dean Raymond Ferguson. The evening commenced with a Power Point Presentation entitled "Growth and Discipleship." Phyllis then shared in a very interesting and inspiring way "the ingredients in her mixing bowl that makes up for life". She also spoke about the work of Mothers' Union here in Ireland and worldwide. Phyllis lives in Fenagh Co. Carlow and is married to George. They have five children - Albert; Noelle, Elaine, Graham and Louise.
Following refreshments we enjoyed a "Sing-along" of songs and hymns by the Belturbet Praise Group led by Mavis Magee on guitar. Entertainment in the form of sketches, recitation, jokes, chair exercises and dance were thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Everyone had an opportunity to purchase cards, books etc., from the Literature Stall.
Mrs. Phyllis Grothier gave the address at the service in St. St Fethlimidh's Cathedral Kilmore on Sunday 23rd March.
Following refreshments we enjoyed a "Sing-along" of songs and hymns by the Belturbet Praise Group led by Mavis Magee on guitar. Entertainment in the form of sketches, recitation, jokes, chair exercises and dance were thoroughly enjoyed by all present.
Everyone had an opportunity to purchase cards, books etc., from the Literature Stall.
Mrs. Phyllis Grothier gave the address at the service in St. St Fethlimidh's Cathedral Kilmore on Sunday 23rd March.
Following the Service in St Fethlimidh's Cathedral Kilmore
DRUNG BRANCH ACTIVITIES
Members made a set of activity bags for under 5s for each church in the group. Each bag includes books, colouring and activity sheets, crayons and a cuddly toy.
Our last meeting was on shoes!! Talk was entitled "Give a girl the right shoes" and included a spiritual epilogue. Photos include our Christmas party with Cootehill branch and there are also some photos of the ladies with activity bags.
Congratulations and God's richest blessing to Canon Sandra Lindsay, Cootehill who was installed as Canon in the Kilmore Cathedral Chapter (Prebendary of Annagh) on Sunday 9th February. Sandra is Vice President of Faith & Policy Unit in the diocese. Sandra's grand-daughter Amy Thompson read a lesson and the address was given by Bishop Ferran Glenfield. Members from across the diocese were in attendance. Mrs. Joy Little DP presented Sandra with flowers on behalf of the Mothers' Union in the diocese. Photo shows Bishop Ferran Glenfield; Canon Sandra Lindsay & Joy Little DP.
MRS. ISOBEL LITTLE, BOYLE CELEBRATES HER 100th BIRTHDAY
Mrs. Isobel Little celebrated her 100th birthday with her family and friends at a party on Sunday 26th January 2014. Isobel is mother-in-law of our Diocesan President Joy Little. What a remarkable lady!
Photo on the left shows Isobel on her 100th birthday with Canon Derick Swann who presented the President's cheque and letter with best wishes.
TRUSTEES DINNER AND PRESENTATIONS
The Trustees enjoyed an evening out with dinner to officially welcome the new members of the Trustee Body and also to make presentations to the outgoing members. Diocesan President welcomed all present. Following the meal presentations of flowers were made to Hazel Speares (Faith & Policy Coordinator) Ann Howard (Action & Outreach Coordinator) Linda Lovett (Literature) and Lorna Graham (Marketing Coordinator). Dolores Henderson (Senior Members' Rep) was unable to attend. Joy thanked the outgoing Trustees for all they had contributed to their units and to Mothers' Union during their term of office.
The DP then presided over the first committee meeting of the new Trustee Body.
We warmly welcome Bishop Ferran Glenfield as the new Diocesan Chaplain.
EDGEWORTHSTOWN BRANCH
Members and friends enjoyed a beautiful Christmas dinner in Keenans, Tarmonbarry. . There was another reason to celebrate when one member got the news of the birth of her first grandchild Everyone shared in the joy of the news
CHRISTMAS PARTY NIGHT - Kildallon/Swanlinbar & Killeshandra members
Kildallon/Swanlinbar and Killeshandra members enjoyed a beautiful meal in the Seven Horseshoes Hotel in Belturbet on 10th December. We were delighted to have Rev. Alison Calvin join us for the event. A warm welcome was given by Lorna Graham and Gladys Anderson - Branch Leaders. Following the meal Leila Beattie had everyone on the floor for some dance movements which was thoroughly enjoyed. We finished off the evening with some Carol singing with Lorna Graham on the keyboard. Rev. Alison gave a short reflection on the true meaning of Christmas and the importance of keeping Christ at the centre of our lives this Christmas. Everyone received a gift from the secret Santa. This was a lovely evening of fellowship and fun with neighbouring branches.
ST JOHN'S & CALRY CHRISTMAS OUTING
Members enjoyed an early bird meal in the Catacombs followed by a demonstration on Christmas floral arrangements.
COMMISSIONING OF NEW BRANCH LEADER IN SWANLINBAR/KILDALLON MU
The opening Holy Communion service of the Swanlinbar/Kildallon MU took place on Tuesday 17th September in St. Peter's Church, Templeport. This was also a Commissioning Service of new branch leader Lorna Graham, Treasurer: Faith Garland; Secretary: Linda Lovett and Committee Members: Vi Breen, Molly Richardson and Phyllis Cassidy. The service was conducted by Rev John Woods and the lessons were read by Evelyn Morton and Margaret Crawford.
Following the service a presentation of a pearl necklace and flowers was made to Vi Breen outgoing branch leader by Lorna Graham. Lorna thanked Vi for her dedication and huge contribution to MU over the past 33 years.
Lorna also gave a warm welcome to Rev John on behalf of the MU members and thanked him for conducting the service. Lorna also thanked the outgoing committee members. The members received a copy of the programme which is planned for the coming year. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful supper provided by the ladies from Templeport.
Pictured above (L to R) Molly Richardson; Lorna Graham; Phyllis Cassidy; Vi Breen; Faith Garland; Linda Lovett and Rev. John Woods.
Following the service a presentation of a pearl necklace and flowers was made to Vi Breen outgoing branch leader by Lorna Graham. Lorna thanked Vi for her dedication and huge contribution to MU over the past 33 years.
Lorna also gave a warm welcome to Rev John on behalf of the MU members and thanked him for conducting the service. Lorna also thanked the outgoing committee members. The members received a copy of the programme which is planned for the coming year. Everyone enjoyed the beautiful supper provided by the ladies from Templeport.
Pictured above (L to R) Molly Richardson; Lorna Graham; Phyllis Cassidy; Vi Breen; Faith Garland; Linda Lovett and Rev. John Woods.
MRS. VIOLET SHAW CELEBRATES HER 100th BIRTHDAY
Riverstown branch members together with family and friends celebrated with Mrs. Violet Shaw on the occasion of her 100th birthday on the 21st July. Mrs. Joy Little, Diocesan President and Mrs. Dolores Henderson Senior Member's Contact also attended the celebration.
Violet attributes her long life to hard work, prayer and the love of her family.
Violet is pictured cutting the beautiful birthday cake.
Violet attributes her long life to hard work, prayer and the love of her family.
Violet is pictured cutting the beautiful birthday cake.
COOTEHILL MEMBER CELEBRATES 65 YEAR'S MEMBERSHIP
The closing service of Holy Communion was held in Cootehill on Thursday 25th April. Mrs. Lily Pepper had just celebrated her 94th birthday and 65 years as a member of Mother's Union. Mrs. Joy Little Diocesan President attended. Mrs. Pepper is still an active member of Mothers' Union. Perhaps this is a record in the diocese. We send our Congratulations and best wishes to Mrs. Pepper.
A 'Siritual Spring Clean'
60 members attended this event in the Bush Hotel Carrick-on-Shannon on Saturday 27th April. Diocesan President Joy Little gave a warm welcome to all. The Speaker was Rev. Liz McElhinney who used the theme 'A Spiritual Spring Clean'. Rev. Liz gave a very inspirational and uplifting talk on the 'Classic Disciplines in Christianity - Training in Godliness. The ten Disciplines she spoke about are: Regular reading of Scripture; Prayer; Worship; Seeking Solitude; Stewardship of: our time, our talents, our treasures; Testimony; Adopt Simplicity; Fasting; Confession and Forgiveness and Perseverance. Following the beautiful lunch members had an opportunity to purchase items from the Literature Stall.
Mumzone Colouring Competition
Joy Little DP with Jessica and Mark Greer
Congratulations to brother and sister Mark and Jessica Greer, Sligo on winning prizes in the Mumzone colouring competition. Mark won 1st prize 3 - 5 years and Jessica Runner up 6 - 8 years.
Mark and Jessica are trilled with their prizes and thank MU. Marks prize was a pirate activity book and a caterpillar colourfelt playboard. Jessica's prize was a penguin battery free torch.
Mark and Jessica are trilled with their prizes and thank MU. Marks prize was a pirate activity book and a caterpillar colourfelt playboard. Jessica's prize was a penguin battery free torch.
BOYLE BRANCH PRESENTATION
At a recent meeting of Boyle branch Mrs. Joy Little presented Mrs. Dorothy Gillespie with a bouquet of flowers and thanked her for her leadership and service to MU over many years. The photos below show members from the branch with Dorothy and also the presentation being made by Joy to Dorothy.
PRESENTATION TO SOCIAL SERVICES IN SLIGO AREA
St. John's & Calry branch co-ordinated an appeal in the parish and the children presented their presents at the Christmas tree during the Carol service in St John's Cathedral.
Members then handed over the presents to social services who were thrilled with the response of the generosity and kindness of what was given to them as they struggle to cope with increased demands for their services and reduced donations.
Photo shows the members making the presentation.
DIOCESAN CELEBRATION OF 125 YEARS OF MU IN IRELAND
On Sunday 28th October over sixty members gathered in St. Fethlimidh's Cathedral, Kilmore for a Songs of Praise Service. Dean Raymond Ferguson gave a short introduction to each of the twelve hymns which were chosen by the Trustees and Bishop Ken Clarke.
The organist was Mrs. Vera Pollock and the readers were Elizabeth Hislop and Cynthia Poyntz (Kilmore Branch Members). It was wonderful to have Bishop Ken and Mrs. Helen Clarke in attendance. Mrs. Joy Little thanked the Dean for putting the service together, the readers, organist, the ladies who prepared the food in the hall and all who attended the service. Joy said there was an air of sadness on this occasion as MU say "Farewell" to Bishop Ken and Helen and thanked them for their leadership and support to MU over the past elven years in the diocese.
Following refreshments in the hall - Bishop Ken and Helen cut the beautiful cake which was made by Leila Beattie for the occasion. A presentation was then made on behalf of the members by Mrs. Evelyn Morton and Mrs. Irene Swann. Flowers were presented to Helen and a Card to Bishop Ken outlining details of a donation which was sent through the MU Global Village for vocational training in setting up tailoring and sewing businesses, to women and girls in countries where there's hardly any secondary school education. The project is entitled "A stitch in time saves lives". Bishop Ken and Helen were most grateful for the gifts and thanked everyone.
The organist was Mrs. Vera Pollock and the readers were Elizabeth Hislop and Cynthia Poyntz (Kilmore Branch Members). It was wonderful to have Bishop Ken and Mrs. Helen Clarke in attendance. Mrs. Joy Little thanked the Dean for putting the service together, the readers, organist, the ladies who prepared the food in the hall and all who attended the service. Joy said there was an air of sadness on this occasion as MU say "Farewell" to Bishop Ken and Helen and thanked them for their leadership and support to MU over the past elven years in the diocese.
Following refreshments in the hall - Bishop Ken and Helen cut the beautiful cake which was made by Leila Beattie for the occasion. A presentation was then made on behalf of the members by Mrs. Evelyn Morton and Mrs. Irene Swann. Flowers were presented to Helen and a Card to Bishop Ken outlining details of a donation which was sent through the MU Global Village for vocational training in setting up tailoring and sewing businesses, to women and girls in countries where there's hardly any secondary school education. The project is entitled "A stitch in time saves lives". Bishop Ken and Helen were most grateful for the gifts and thanked everyone.
EDGEWORTHSTOWN CELEBRATIONS
Congratulations to Mrs. Leitia Bogan, Coolarty, Edgeworthstown who celebrated her 100th birthday on 24th August last. Mrs. Bogan is a resident in Laurel Lodge Nursing Home in Longford where Canon Janet Catterall held a Service of Holy Communion which was attended by Leitia's family and friends. Mrs. Leila Beattie - MU Senior Members' Representative presented Leitia with flowers. Everyone enjoyed the refreshments which followed and the beautiful birthday cake.
ST. JOHN'S & CALRY CELEBRATE 100 YEARS
St John's & Calry Mothers' Union branch recently celebrated its 100th anniversay with a service of thanksgiving, when Dean Raymond Ferguson (All Ireland Chaplain in MU, Dean Arfon Williams, preacher (Dean of St John's Cathedral, Sligo) Canon Derek Swan and Dean Stuart Magee joined branch members and invited members from local branches : Drumcliffe, Manorhamilton and Riverstown. Hymns were chosen and introduced by former and present Branch Leaders. (more photos in photo gallery)
Presentations in Virginia Branch
At the closing service of the branch Mrs. Helen Clarke was the guest speaker. During the service a new "Brooch of Office" which was presented by Mrs. Yvonne Jennings was commissioned. Yvonne is the out-going branch leader having served for six years. At the end of the service Yvonne was presented with a gift and flowers by Vida McCauley (in-coming branch leader) and Ivy Stewart in recognition of her work over the past six years. |
Visit of Fiona Castle to the Diocese
Large numbers attended both venues to hear Fiona Castle give an inspiring talk on her life - from growing up and becoming a dancer, to meeting her husband Roy (whom she was introduced to by Eric Morecambe); the birth of her children, the highs and lows in her life, her battle with depression, the loss of her husand and how becoming a christian transformed her life. Fiona challenged us all to look at how we live our lives - the need to "de-clutter" and live for the moment.
Photo shows Fiona on the left with Helen Clarke and Joy Little Diocesan President. More photos in Photo Gallery
Large numbers attended both venues to hear Fiona Castle give an inspiring talk on her life - from growing up and becoming a dancer, to meeting her husband Roy (whom she was introduced to by Eric Morecambe); the birth of her children, the highs and lows in her life, her battle with depression, the loss of her husand and how becoming a christian transformed her life. Fiona challenged us all to look at how we live our lives - the need to "de-clutter" and live for the moment.
Photo shows Fiona on the left with Helen Clarke and Joy Little Diocesan President. More photos in Photo Gallery