MU - What's New?

The MU as it was pre-1924

Looking through the MU Diocesan Committee Minutes from 1899 to the present day, I was struck by the fact that earlier in the century women were just as concerned about family life, moral education and the problems facing children and young people as they are today.

The MU was involved in the 1911 Committee for Safeguarding Women's Interests on the National Insurance Bill. During the 1914-18 War members were particularly aware of the dangers of alcohol and appointed a special 'Temperance' worker. They also sent a representative to the National Council for Combatting Venereal Diseases. Members were asked to support the G.F.S. (Girl's Friendly Society) 'White Crusade' in 1921 - does anyone remember this and that it stood for Purity and Temperance? In 1922, Central Council passed a resolution of protest about child slavery in Hong Kong and in 1924 there was concern about criminal assaults on children. Today we are still concerned about child abuse and child prostitution in many countries.

The traditional MU image is one of 'do good' ladies, making tea but these reports show that they were very aware and very practical towards the problems of their day. In 2005 members are still concerned, aware and practical - witness the work of the Action and Outreach Unit and the Social Policy Representative in this diocese including the A.F.I.A. holiday project for disadvantaged families and the Seniors' Break holiday. Since 2000 the MU Literacy and Development Programme has brought literacy and numeracy skills to over 8,000 women in Sudan, Burui and Malawi.

If you are interested in care for families at home and abroad please get in touch with the Branch Leader, Margaret Symonds, 023 9225 2338).

based on an article by Yvonne Tolchard