Celebrating the friendships of MU

Each year on July 30, people around the world observe the International Day of Friendship, a global day established by the United Nations. It is a day dedicated to recognising the power of friendship in building understanding, promoting peace and strengthening communities across borders. 

At Mothers’ Union, we’re embracing this day as an opportunity to reflect on the special role that friendship plays in the lives of our members. To celebrate the joy of companionship and the many ways in which strong, supportive friendships help to make the world a kinder, more connected place. 

As a global movement rooted in shared faith and purpose, Mothers’ Union provides many opportunities for friendships to flourish. Our members are united by common values and a deep commitment to supporting families and communities. This shared foundation naturally creates a sense of belonging, inclusion, and trust. 

For so many in the MU family, friendship is one of the most treasured aspects of their journey. Regular gatherings, whether in the form of branch meetings, diocesan events, or national conferences, provide an opportunity to build meaningful connections. These are the moments when acquaintances become friends, and friendships deepen through laughter, shared service, and mutual support. 

Several of our Diocesan Presidents have reflected on the friendships they’ve made along the way. Their stories offer a touching reminder that the Mothers’ Union is more than just an organisation - it’s a family built on faith, service, and friendship. 

Remembering Sue: A Lasting Bond in Lichfield 

Deb Tudor, Diocesan President for Lichfield, fondly recalls the deep friendship she shared with the late Sue Edgerton, a former DP in the same diocese. Though Deb has formed many friendships through her involvement in MU, her connection with Sue remains especially close to her heart. 

“Our friendship began on shared car journeys to events,” Deb remembers. “As we travelled, our bond grew deeper, and we were often joined by Adie, a Lichfield trustee, and Helen, my predecessor as DP. Together, we journeyed many miles, attending meetings and events and always sharing laughter along the way. We’ve got so many hilarious stories!” 

During her time as DP, Sue became unwell, with Deb and her close circle of friends rallying around her, offering practical support, prayers, love, and companionship. “We were with her until the end,” Deb says. “Her funeral took place just a few weeks before the first lockdown in 2020.” 

Though Sue is no longer with them, her spirit continues to unite Deb, Helen, and Adie. “We remain close friends and colleagues, and we still keep in touch with Sue’s family. That connection means so much.” 

Derby and Hereford: A Song of Friendship 

For Emily Brailsford, Derby’s Diocesan President, and Linda McKinley, Hereford DP, friendship began at the Canterbury Provincial Conference in 2021. What started as a brief encounter during the two-night event has blossomed into a supportive and joyful connection. 

As the DPs have gathered regularly, both online and in person, their bond has deepened. A shared link to Derbyshire added a special dimension. “I discovered Linda had spent much of her childhood in Bakewell, which is close to where I live,” Emily explains. “We had so much in common and loved chatting about Derbyshire.” 

A particularly meaningful moment came earlier this year when they attended a service in Coventry with Worldwide President Kathleen Snow. “A highlight for me was when we sat together during worship and sang ‘And Can It Be’,” Emily shares. “We even shared a little dance together. It was a moment of praise, joy, and friendship.” 

Emily and Linda remain in regular contact through email and WhatsApp, along with other members of the Midlands cluster. 

Across Dioceses, Across Platforms 

In Chester Diocese, Di Waller’s journey with Mothers’ Union stretches back to the late 1990s. Over time, she has forged lasting friendships with members from the Carlisle Diocese, especially Janice and Jane, whom she first met at an Annual Gathering. 

“I mentioned that my daughter lives in Carlisle, and that sparked our connection,” Di says. “Since then, we always make time to catch up at future gatherings or meet for coffee when nearby.” 

Social media has also played a part. “I’ve made lovely friends through Facebook, even if we’ve never met in person,” she adds. “We connect through posts and updates; it’s a real community. MU is like one big family, united in our shared mission.” 

A Lifeline in Lockdown 

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the Caerphilly branch in Llandaff Diocese found a way to stay connected through telephone circles. Committee members were each given a list of people to call weekly for a friendly chat and check-in. 

For Glynis Drysdale, one of those calls marked the beginning of a very special friendship. She was assigned to phone Avery Vaughan, a fellow member she had long known as a church acquaintance. But as weekly chats turned into heartfelt conversations, a true friendship began to grow. 

“Both of us live alone, and those calls quickly became a lifeline,” Glynis explains. “When we were able to meet in person, our bond only deepened.” 

In recent years, Avery’s health has declined. With her family living far away, Glynis has stepped in to offer help with shopping and everyday tasks. Now that Avery has moved into a care home, their friendship continues. “I visit her weekly, and we talk every day by phone,” Glynis says. 

Despite an age difference of thirty years, the two women have built a deep and lasting connection. “It’s all based on mutual respect and the sheer enjoyment of each other’s company. Long may it continue.” 

These stories highlight something essential about Mothers' Union: that alongside its mission and outreach, it is a place where genuine, lasting friendships flourish. Whether forged in car journeys, conferences, phone calls, or Facebook messages, these relationships are a testament to the power of shared faith and community. 

On this International Day of Friendship, we give thanks for the connections that sustain us, inspire us and bring us together.