The Anglesey Group Mothers' Union
On a beautiful hot August day a coach full of ladies (and some husbands too!)
set off on a day trip to Wroxham Barns in Norfolk followed by a Paddle Steamer
trip from Horning after Lunch. It was a perfect day weather-wise and we all
thoroughly enjoyed the chance to wander around the complex at Wroxham Barns and
have our lunch there. Some of the men managed to discover a "Crazy
Golf" Course which kept them amused while the ladies perused the shops!
The trip on the Paddle Steamer was a delight -not only restful but also very
interesting as we were filled in on local tales and knowledge by an experienced
guide. We embarked at Horning, going down to Ranworth and back to Horning. All
in all it was a very good day out and thoroughly enjoyed by all who went. We
shall have to start thinking about a venue for next Summer's Outing!
At our September Meeting Tracy Grimster came to speak to us about "Newmarket Open Door" -how the project evolved, how it developed, and the role of Newmarket Open Door today. She was both fascinating and inspiring to listen to as she told us how this whole project to accommodate the homeless began at a Bible Study Group run by "Churches Together in Newmarket" . It was formed in 1997 with the objects being "the advancement of the Christian faith and education including the relief of persons experiencing poverty, homelessness, physical and mental disability and the provision of accommodation and support" . It has certainly fulfilled all those objectives and to date they have 3 houses in Newmarket High Street (Portland House, Cranworth House & Windsor House) and they run Rockfield House as a Hostel for homeless families on behalf of Forest Heath District Council. As well as this they run a Charity Shop in Old Station Road and a "Superstore" where furniture items and other large goods are on sale to the public and where young people are given training in woodworking skills.
Much support, advice and training is given to all those who find themselves in the care of Newmarket Open Door and many are helped to find employment as they step back into the world with a renewed sense of self worth.
It is a marvellous initiative and we do thank Tracy for coming to speak to us and enlighten us about the very worthwhile work that takes place within Newmarket Open Door -it is an admirable local Charity.
We also enrolled 2 new members to the Mothers'Union at the Meeting which was a joy and our membership now stands at 30.
Our next MU Meeting is on Thursday 15th October when we will be watching a short DVD on the work of the Mothers'Union abroad. They do such worthwhile work in housing people who live in areas of real poverty and need. We will also have a Bring & Buy Stall at this Meeting -a Stall on the theme of "Autumn" . Please do come and join us -everyone is very welcome. Same time same place - Lode Chapel at 2.30pm!