A giant celebration cake made up of many smaller cakes each baked by a different branch of the Mothers Union was assembled in Ripon Cathedral this week (November 24th). It was part of the historic celebration and thanksgiving service which marked the formal closing of the Diocese of Ripon and Leeds Mothers’ Union – and the start of a new chapter for its 1100 members as part of the Diocese of West Yorkshire & the Dales.
Members from the sixty branches across the former diocese processed with their banners into the Cathedral to mark the end of a 130 year chapter for the Diocese of Ripon/Ripon & Leeds branch, one of the first ever diocesan branches of the Mothers’ Union, the Anglican organisation set up by Mary Sumner to support young mothers.
The Celebration Eucharist service was led by Mothers’ Union Chaplain, and Leeds vicar, the Revd Fiona Harrison-Smith and the preacher was Bishop James Bell.
Five former Presidents, (pictured left– Margaret Hirst, Caroline Peulevé, Brenda Robinson, Anne Oliver, Joyce Holdsworth together with Janet Richardson) led the prayers. During the prayers symbols of the Mothers’ Union work were brought forward, (including a bucket and spade) as the congregation gave thanks for projects of care and compassion, links across the world, holidays for those unable to afford them, and help for young parents.
The Ripon and Leeds Mothers’ Union has more than 1100 members, and the diocesan branch flag was brought forward and laid up for the last time, as Ripon & Leeds joins with Bradford and Wakefield to form a new West Yorkshire & the Dales diocesan organisation with more than 3500 members.
In his address Bishop James gave examples across the former diocese of hospitality, care and compassion and prayer which he said undergirded the Mothers’ Union and “keeps us in touch with our core values and makes us open to new possibilities and opportunities.” Speaking of the future he said “Look forward to the future with confidence…There is the new West Yorkshire &the Dales Mothers’ Union to look forward to.. It is a great opportunity for sharing new ideas, new opportunities and possibilities for contributing to the mission of the church.”
The former Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Revd John Packer, and his wife Mrs Barbara Packer, were among many returning chaplains and guests for the historic event.
Ros Dobbin, outgoing Mothers’ Union Joint President, said, “It is amazing how much Mothers' Union has done in our area to support families. I think we are well placed to move forward with renewed resources and ideas. We continue to be inspired by our vision of Christian values helping family life to flourish.”