AFTER being a part of the town for over a century, the Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union is set to close next week.
Members have spoken of their sadness following the decision to close the Driffield branch of “one of the finest women’s organisations in the world” following difficulties in appointing three new officers.
Wednesday December 12 will see the Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union meet for the last time.
But it is hoped that the closure of the group will only be temporary if younger members of the community step up to take key roles.
Margaret Trow, 77, of St Stephens Close, Driffield has been a member of the Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union for 20 years and said it is due dwindling numbers and the age of members that the branch has made the decision to close.
Mrs Trow said: “Sadly we have been unable to appoint three new officers due to the age and lack of members.
“It is very sad but if you can’t find officers who are lively enough to carry out the role you can’t carry on so we had to make this sad decision, at least for the time being.”
The Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union currently has 25 members, some of whom have been a part of the organisation for 60 years, who meet monthly at All Saints Parish Church.
“We have a viable amount of members to keep running but a lot of us are too old or infirm to organise events and a lot of people find it difficult to sort out transport.
“Some people from church have shown an interest but they would only be able to make evening meetings - if we got enough interest in the future then that could be the way forward,” Margaret added.
The Mother’s Union is a Christian organisation with 3.6 million members worldwide with the aim of helping families in need. A large part of the Mother’s Union’s work involves helping women from poverty-stricken areas of the Far East, Africa and Asia to start up their own businesses in order to provide a better future for their families.
The Driffield branch of the Mother’s Union have been supporting women in Milawi.
“Part of the work we do is supporting women in poverty stricken areas who are struggling to raise a family. Our fundraising goes towatds helping these women start a business and The Mother’s Union provide education about how to run the businesses and recently a lot of these women have been making a profit,” Margaret said.
Margaret added: “The Mother’s Union is one of the finest women’s organisations in the world - we are primarily a group based around prayer but we have loads of fun with it and their is a very strong social side.
“I have always enjoyed being a member and there is going to be a gap there.”
Despite it’s name the Mother’s Union is now open to both men and women of any age and many of the Driffield members, including Margaret, will go onto become Diocesan members of the organisation meaning they can enjoy fun and fellowship at meetings of other branches across the country.
The Mother’s Union will meet for one final service on Wednesday December 12 at All Saints’ Church, Driffield.
Margaret told the Times & Post that the service will not be a sad occasion but a look back at the Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union in the hope that it will re-start in the future.
“It will be a celebration of what has gone and what could hopefully happen in the future,” Margaret said,
The service will start at 2pm and will be led by the Rev. Andrew Ison and Diocesan Chaplain, Rev. Jeremy Fletcher.
A spokesperson for the Driffield Branch of the Mother’s Union said: “Everyone, whether members, ex-members, or members and friends from the Deanery will be very welcome to join us as we worship and pray together.
“We will give thanks for the past and look forward with renewed hope to the future.”
The Rev. Andrew Ison also spoke of his sadness at the closure of the Mother’s Union but echoed the resounding hope of the members that it marks a new chapter for church.
Andrew said: “It is a sad occasion but it’s also an occasion of celebration of all the good work the Mother’s Union has done over the years and a reflection on the way in which our society is changing.
“I often think that it is not until one thing comes to an end that something else begins so we will be doing what the Mother’s Union do best - have a good celebration.”
For more information about the Mother’s Union and their campaigns visit their website at http://www.themothersunion.org/