The first meeting after the summer break is traditionally a service of holy communion taken by the vicar but, as Father Stephen was ill, Mary Daw, the lay reader and Mothers’ Union member, led the service in the church hall.

Each member was invited to write a short prayer or thought and these were the basis of the intercessions.

Pat Curtis thanked Mary for leading the worship and members signed a get well card for Father Stephen.

The next meeting, on October 7, at 2.30pm, will welcome an old friend as speaker, Ivy Southgate, whose subject will be How to Boil an Egg.

Suggestions for speakers and themes for 2009 were welcomed.

The harvest festival at St Andrew’s will have as the theme A Time to Gather – a celebration of the work of the Mothers’ Union worldwide and relationships within the church and parish organisations.

There will be harvest decorations in church, plus an art exhibition, and the festivities will last from September 27 to October 1.

Mothers’ Union members are asked to help with refreshments and stewarding.