Middlewich Deanery Mothers' Union by Susan Hawkes The Whitegate Branch of the Mothers' Union was pleased to welcome members from other branches for the annual Deanery Festival service which was held on the eve of the Feast of the Annunciation. This was the first time Whitegate had hosted it since they were re-established in October 2011 after a break of 20 years. The theme of the service was 'United in Prayer' and was led by Canon Chris Humphries, vicar of Whitegate and Little Budworth and soon to be commissioned as Diocesan Chaplain to the Mothers' Union.

Members were joined by Angela Klabou, Diocesan President, and during the service a member from each branch lit a candle for past links and to unite in prayer with new links which are now Grahamstown (South Africa), Masasi (Tanzania), Afikpo (Nigeria) Wiawso (Ghana West) and Northern Argentina.

Members in Vanuatu in Melanesia were particularly remembered following the tropical storm in that area. Part of the retiring collection will be sent to the Mothers' Union Relief Fund.

Following the service members enjoyed a social time with each other with excellent coffee and cakes.

Members are now looking forward to attending the Diocesan Festival in Chester in May which will be led by the newly installed Bishop of Stockport, the Rt. Rev. Libby Lane, and which will be attended by the Worldwide President Lynne Tembey.

For more information about the Mothers' Union, please contact Deanery Leader, Diana Bancroft on 01606 552213