CONGRATULATIONS TO CANON CLAIRE LALAND

Members of Mothers’ Union in the Birmingham and Solihull areas were delighted to hear that Mothers’ Union Past President, Canon Claire Laland, was awarded the MBE in the New Year’s Honours list. Claire was given the award for her service to Mothers’ Union in Birmingham Diocese and to the community in Balsall Common where she has lived for the past 38 years. Claire has been a member of the Mothers’ Union for 41 years and has held office in various capacities for 35 years including Diocesan President from 2001 to 2006. She edits the Mothers’ Union newsletter, Birmingham Link which is one of the best in the country and produced the prayer book, ‘Be With Me’ which is being used in all parts of the British Isles and even overseas. As a Lay Canon of Birmingham Cathedral and member of Bishop’s Council she serves the work of the Diocese as well as her own community and church in Balsall Common.

Bishop David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, joined the trustees for lunch

Branch banners make a colourful backdrop outside Birmingham Cathedral. The group includes Rt Revd David Urquhart, Bishop of Birmingham, the Diocesan President, Margaret Fulford, Mothers' Union Chaplain and Trustees.

Bishop David and Margaret Fulford outside the Cathedral

Diocesan President, Margaret Fulford, with the Centenary Banners, made to celebrate 100 years of Mothers' Union in Birmingham

You may become a member of Mothers' Union through a local branch or by becoming a Diocesan Member. For details please contact our office.

Who can join the Mothers' Union?
If you have been baptised in the name of the Holy Trinity and believe in the importance of family life we would love you to join.
Women and men, married and unmarried, parent or not, all can, and do, join Mothers' Union.

Mothers' Union is a Christian organisation which promotes the well-being of families worldwide. The purpose of the charity is to carry out its Aims within the Diocese of Birmingham. It does this by:

• developing prayer & spiritual growth in families
• studying and reflecting on family life and marriage and their place in society
• resourcing our members to take practical action to improve conditions for families, both nationally and in the communities in which they live.

• Knitting garments for premature babies in Birmingham hospitals
• Making small gowns for premature or still-born babies
• Supporting a holiday project in Lozells, Birmingham, by providing stationery and play items
• Supporting refugees by providing household and baby items
• Helping in Winson Green Prison Visits Centre
• Providing hospitality for Mothers' Union members from overseas
• Supporting St Basil's Centre for the homeless
• Providing a coach outing for 53 children from the inner city area
• Facilitating parenting groups
• With other Midlands dioceses, exhibiting at the Christian Resources Exhibition at Stoneleigh
• Supporting projects within their own parishes or branches

A Festival Service in Birmingham Cathedral