Now men join the charitable mums (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Now men join the charitable mums

11:41am Friday 21st August 2009 in

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It was set up for and is run by women.

The Mothers’ Union is a globally-recognised Christian organisation providing support to those in need but equality reigns in 21st century Britain, so it’s no surprise that men are now being allowed into the ranks.

Women have been welcomed into some organisations where, traditionally, men made up the membership. Rotary and other clubs once out-of-bounds to females are now welcoming women with open arms.

So why has an institution, which has survived well over a century with only a woman’s touch, decided to broaden its membership?

Elsie Clarke, president of the Bradford Diocese Mothers’ Union, joined her local branch in Cononley 12 years ago and has now introduced her husband, David, into it.

David, a retired office manager, joined the MU during Elsie’s first year as president. He is one of 1,100 men within the organisation, including the Bishop of Bradford, the Rt Rev David James.

“I wanted to accompany her whenever possible to events, such as Lady Day services at the Cathedral and in Skipton, and at the Deanery festivals. To do this, it seemed the best way was ‘to show the badge’, and thus my support,” explains David.

“However, having come to know a lot more about Mothers’ Union, I realise what a wonderful organisation it is and what a grand lot the members are.”

Elsie believes changes in society have dictated the need to welcome men on board. “The make-up of the family is different now. Men have an equal role in looking after the children in the home, so it’s only fair,” says Elsie.

Elsie joined to meet new people after moving into the village. She discovered the MU through St John’s United Church. “I liked what they were doing – the overall picture of the Mothers’ Union worldwide,” she says.

Since its inception in the 1800s to support women in motherhood, the Mothers’ Union has spread throughout Britain and overseas and, despite the changes it has undergone to adapt to modern times, marriage and family remain the core of its foundations.

By 1936, worldwide membership growth and publications such as Families First brought members an awareness of the needs of families in developing countries.

In the Sixties and Seventies, ‘Away From It All’ holidays were introduced for families who never had the opportunity to take a break.

And so this valuable work continues, far exceeding the original vision of its founder, vicar’s wife and mother-of-three Mary Sumner. MU today has 3.6 million Christian members in more than 78 countries. They give money, experience and prayer to support marriage and family life.

They help families faced with adversity through their various programmes, which operate in the UK and abroad to improve the lives of families.

On the home front, Elsie and the 1,500 or so other women involved in MU branches throughout Bradford Diocese are busy supporting the organisation through various initiatives. They work with refuges, run parenting courses, knit clothing for babies in hospital neo-natal units and provide wash kits and emergency bags and teddies for children and families in emergency situations.

Elsie explains elderly members in particular who cannot easily get out and about enjoy creating the teddies provided in some emergency response vehicles to calm and comfort youngsters involved in traumatic situations such as road accidents.

Wash kits and emergency bags are also supplied to some hospital and emergency departments to patients who are rushed in for care following an accident.

“It’s just to make life that bit easier in a difficult situation,” explains Elsie.

Bradford Diocese also raised funds for a caravan at Primrose Valley in Filey to give families, who wouldn’t otherwise be able to go away, the opportunity of a holiday.

“We are always looking for new schemes in our local areas. Our branch is encouraged to look in their own community if we can offer help,” says Elsie.

There’s such a wonderful camaraderie, too. Members meet regularly and some branches have annual outings too.

While keen to attract younger members to continue the MU legacy, Elsie appreciates today’s young mums are busy juggling careers and family life. “But they can still get involved and support all our projects, both here and abroad, because it is such valuable work,” says Elsie.

She hopes raising awareness about the MU will encourage more young people to come forward. “It’s letting people know what we do. We don’t just sit once a month and have a cup of tea and a chat – we are working 24/7 where needed.”

• For more information on the MU, contact (01535) 633956.