Swansea hosts Mothers' Union General Meeting

The meeting, held in Brangwyn Hall on Tuesday 18 September, was preceded the day before by two church services at St Mary’s Collegiate and Parish Church.  The Archbishop of Wales the Right Revd John Davies preached at the first service and the Bishop of the Diocese of St David’s the Right Revd Johanna Penberthy at the second where she spoke of the powerful impact that Mothers’ Union has around the world. She stressed how important and relevant the name “Mothers’ Union” is in this day and age, particularly when speaking out against injustice. 

Both services were attended by the The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan Mr D. Byron Lewis who remarked how impressed he and his wife were at the full attendance of the services and was happy to be a part of them. 

The following day at Brangwyn Hall, Lord Mayor of Swansea, David Phillips, welcomed more than 800 members who had travelled from both near and far. He spoke of how warm and welcoming the people of Swansea are and reminded those present of Mothers’ Union’s important mission. MU Chief Executive Bev Jullien updated members on activities over the past year, which included a new website and membership engagement as well as how far MULOA has progressed with more than 200,000 members having taken part in the process so far. 

Revd Rachael Carnegie, Deputy Director of the Anglican Alliance, gave the keynote address where she talked about the importance of Faith Hope and Love. She called on members to write down their hopes and dreams for the future of the movement on paper leaves which were collected in baskets and prayed over by herself and Bishop Andrew Proud, Mothers’ Union’s Central Chaplain. 

Worldwide President Lynne Tembey, who will be stepping down as Worldwide president later this year, was honoured with a special tribute -  “This Is Your Life” with Head of Fundraising and Communications, Daniel McAllister, taking on the role of host. 

The day ended with a choral concert celebration of Welsh voices back at St Mary’s church, where members were entertained by Morriston RFC Male Choir, Parti Llwchwr and soloist Iona Jones.