Annual branch outing

On Thursday 23rd June 20 members of St George’s MU went on their annual branch outing.

After an excellent lunch at the Queens Inn, Winchester, we went, in five cars, to visit the Hospital of St Cross close by. There we were met by an excellent guide, Brother John, who took us on an informative tour of the buildings and grounds.

Never actually a hospital but a hostel, the Hospital of St Cross dates from the 12th century and was founded by Bishop Henri de Blois, half brother of King Stephen and grandson of William the Conqueror.

His original intention was to provide for 13 poor but respectable men, housing, food and clothing, as well as a daily meal for 100 others sufficiently generous to feed their families as well. The almshouses are now Britain’s oldest Charitable Institution.

We were shown the fine Norman church, the Brethren’s Hall where the gentlemen who lived at St Cross traditionally ate, and (from the outside) the almshouses with their distinctive high chimneys, where today’s Brothers live.

The Brothers (approx. 25 of them) wear black or red caps and gowns and act as guides or have duties connected with the church.

The ancient Wayfarers Dole which originally consisted of a bottle of beer and a whole loaf is still continued but now as a small cup of beer and a small slice of bread.

Our tour finished with refreshments in the Hundred Men’s Hall. We then returned to the church for compline, before rejoining our cars to make our way home at the end of a very pleasant day.

Quiz and Games

Our meeting on 19th May began as usual with a hymn, prayers and bible reading, followed by notices. After this we had a short quiz and two MU related board games, finishing with cups of tea and biscuits.

Wave of Prayer

During the 10.am service on Wednesday 22nd June, Shirley Cadet was admitted as our newest member, bringing our membership total to 22. After the service there was just time for a quick cup of coffee before we all re-assembled in Church for our Wave of Prayer Service.

With Bible readings, prayers, a hymn and informative precises of activities of MU branches in Lagos, Lagos West, Egba, Yewa, Remo, Malakal, Sydney and Portsmouth Dioceses, this proved to be an interesting as well as a spiritual service.

Bollywood Experience

Members of St George’s MU were invited to take part in the Bollywood Experience on the Monday evening of the Waterlooville Music Festival. We were to sing part of Psalm 145 - in Punjabi.

After rehearsals to learn the tune and (hopefully) the correct pronunciation and a costume fitting session, we were ready for our five minutes of fame!

We were singing with Fr Timon and his family and also some Youth Club members so the eight of us would not be on our own. We were to be the last item before the interval, so at the agreed time we all assembled, were introduced and grouped together on the altar steps to sing. Everything went well and the audience seemed to appreciate our efforts so we were very pleased.

On the following Sunday during the 10.am service we were invited to sing an encore, less stressful this time, but actually I thought taking part in the Music Festival had been a really enjoyable experience. We thank Fr Timon for his cheerful tuition and Noreen for the loan of the beautiful costumes.

Mothers’ Union Deanery Service

on 6th July several of us attended the MU Deanery Service at St James’ Church, Emsworth.

Afterwards we adjourned to the nearby church hall for tea, scones, strawberries and cream. There was a raffle and Norma Gibney had a table selling MU merchandise and cards.

Janet Johnson

Summer Edition 2011

The Dukes of NorfolkSt George’s Mothers’ Union

Hospital of St Cross, Winchester

Bollywood Experience