Photo Updates
Start – Lands End
8.30 am Day On: First meeting at St John’s Penzance with Diocesan President John Cotton (cente) and wife Susan Cotton (left)
St John’s Penzance: Cheque presented for the Wheels Appeal
Truro – Newquay
Refuel at Summercourt on leg from Truro – Newquay. Truro Cathedral members Mary Holifield and Jean Funnell , Mkt Unit Coord.
Margaret Beringer (far right) with members of Mawman branch Bodmin
Jean Funnell, Marketing Unit corodinator Truro, Sylvia Home Newquay, Mary Holifield, TruroCcathedral
Newquay and Bodmin Mothers’ Union members
Cornish Pasty lunch at St Columb Major
Margaret met Joan Butler, a Mothers’ Union member at Bodmin for 64 years at St Columb Major.
Waiting for the bus to arrive at Exeter
Margaret Beringer reunited with her family at Exeter
Willand en route to Taunton local members greetedwith their branch banners
The Mayor and Mayoress of Taunton meeting Lynne Tebbs at the bus station
Day two Taunton to Welshpool
Alison Cursham sees Lynn and Jeanette off from Taunton on the 07.35am bus to Wells
A welcome with lots of balloons and placards at Wells
Having a much needed cup of tea at Bristol bus station
On the bus from Chepstow to Newport
Cardiff bus station left to right Jeanette Appleton with Jean Oliver St Davids Marketing unit co-ordiantor, Tyann Leonard Provicial President Wales, and local Mothers’ Union members
A welsh choir sang as we arrived at Merthyr Tydfil and we were given a basket of goodies to sustain us for the rest of the day by Judy Hopkins who wore her traditional Welsh costume.
Day Three Welshpool to Preston: Joining Mothers’ Union on the Move was a member from Beverley West Yorkshire and another from Lichfield Diocese
Pam Musson, Oswestry Deanery Leader presents Jeanette Apppleton with a cheque for the Wheels Appeal
At Wrexham bus station all the local Mothers’ Union members filled the bus
At Chester Town hall the local members turned out in force. We had time for a drink at the Caich and Horses pub before setting off to Warrington
Chester Diocesan President Angela Klabou arranged for the Town Crier to join in the photos
St Laurence Parish Church Frodsham were delighted to join Jeanette on her bus relay in August – we travelled from Frodsham to Runcorn
At Warrington members from Liverpool diocese joined the bus
Bus arriving in Liverpool, passed close to Alder Hey Children’s hospital at this set of traffic
Members from Liverpool diocese and Wirral North deanery Chester diocese joined in at Queens bus station Liverpool
Marion Pope from Mary Sumner House joins the bus iBirkdale where the route went past the end of her road.
Day Four Preston to Dumfries
Elizabeth Johnston, Beverley Laycock DP Blackburn diocese, Mary Thorpe, Jeanette Appleton (both Members Rep York Prvince) and Veronica Roper at Preston bus station
Town crier annonced our arrival at Keswick Bus station Mary Thorpe and Julia Collinson, Marketign Unit co-ordinator Carlisle Diocese
Members of the Carlisle Diocese
A warm welcome at Carlisle, there was time for tea at the cathedral
On the bus from Carlisle to Annan
Jeanette updated Facebook and Twitter throughout the journey
Arriving at Dumries at the end of day Four
front row L – R Mary Thorpe, Jeanette Appleton, Hilary Moran and Linda Brownlies with members from Dumfries
Hilary Moran and Linda Brownlies at the start of Day Five Dumfries – Arbroath
Day 6
A great welcome at Aberdeen with Bishop Bob and Chaplain Graham Taylor plus loads of Mothers’ Union members
RosemaryKempsell, Mothers Union Worldwide Presdient joins Mothers Union on the move at Aberdeen
Met local Mothers’ Union members at Elgin with Rosemary Kempsell Hilary and Linda third and fourth from left behind the banner
At Elgin there was a flower festival on the theme of Jubilee which had been kept open for the Mothers Union on the Move event
The beautiful flowers in Forress were awarded Best In Bloom by the Mothers’ Union on the Move team
Official photograph from John O’Groats featuring left to right Linda Brownlie, Hilary Moran, Freddie Moran , Judith Middlemarch, Laura Gorbutt
Our official certificate click here to download your own copy of this certificate
8 Comments
I had the most amazing day yesterday, Aug 9th. Guy and I left Land’s End in glorious sunshine at 7 am, accompanied by Jean Jefferies (St John’s Penzance) and a Japanese tourist. We had arrived in good time as we had been told that this was the only bus which arrived early! Representatives form ‘First’ bus company came to take our photos, as they had donated bus passes for members to travel on their bus routes.
Next stop, Penzance where we had a 2 hour wait. We were met by Truro DP John Cotton, who took us to his home where his wife Susan had prepared a delicious breakfast. The first Mothers’ Union meeting of the day took place with members from St John’s, Penzance, who presented me with a cheque for the Wheels Appeal. Members in Truro Docese seem to be very proactive in their fundraising for Central Mothers’ Union Projects – they take these very seriously and are very generous. They are also very proud of their ‘Teddy Horsley’ project, through which they engage with many of the local C of E primary schools.
Time running out, so off we set to the bus station for a photo with Diocesan, branch and Mothers’ Union strapline banners in the carpark. This procedure took some time and did not do unnoticed by passers by, One lady became very excited at the sight of the banners and declared she was a lapsed member from Marazion (contact details swiftly secured – she’ll be a member again by the end of the month!)
We boarded the ‘First’ bus to Truro and waved goodbye, wedging the strapline banners between the luggage rack and the front seat (just so they ‘happened’ to be visible from outside). What a sight to behold as we came down the hill towards Truro rail station – blue and white, Mothers’ Union logo everywhere, people waving, cameras, much mirth and merriment. Again, a great welcome. Photographer from the West Briton newspaper was at the ready and getting us all into the photo proved difficult. He eventually assembled us in the approach road to the taxi rank and stood on a wall to perform this difficult task! I was presented with cheques for the Wheels Appeal by Mawnan branch and later, another by Truro Cathedral branch. Other branches represented were Probus, Kenwyn with St Allen and Newquay. Jean Funnell, the Marketing Coordinator for Truro Diocese was also there and she and Mary Holifield from the Cathedral branch joined me on the Western Greyhound
(greyhound? ! swift? ! ) for the next leg. Thanks to Western Greyhound for also donated buspasses. After refuelling at the depot in Summercourt, we were on to to St Columb Major. Just 45 mins here; Sylvia Horne scooped us up and took us to the local parish church for a pasty lunch with members from Bodmin and Newquay. I was introduced to Joan Butler, 90 yrs old, member 64 yrs in Bodmin branch, then back to the bus stop with three members from Bodmin for the next bus. Thankfully there were to be no more changes for me, as this bus went on the Exeter. We stopped for 5min break at Wadebridge, where my travelling companions disembaked for the Bodmin bus.There had been lots of photos and chatting and getting on and off the bus, by this time, so I was beginning to sense that the driver did not regard me as the ‘ideal’ passenger! We sped onwards through the Cornish countryside, catching glimpses of the sea and frequent ‘wafts’ from the many farms along the route. Oh joy! A group of Mothers’ Union members were assembled by the roadside, banner aloft, looking eagerly as the bus aproached – then – now you see them, now you don’t – I waved as the bus flew by and they waved back. But such disappointment for St Kew. Thank you for turning up. Just before Launceston, Margaret O,Sullivan, Indoor Members rep for Truro boarded the bus and then we drew into Launceston to a roaside welcome of Mothers’ Union members. Greetings, great excitement, 5 mins wait, photos, blue and white balloons, saffron buns, bus driver totally bemused saying he was going to have to make up time, Lynne Tebbs joined the bus and off we set. We crossed the Tamar at 15.30, leaving Truro Diocese behind. Thanks Jean Funnell for organising your ‘patch’ so well.
Exeter Diocese – 4 members from Tavistock joined at Okehampton, then two more at Tedbury St Mary. This part of the journey turned into a real Mothers’ Union meeting, as some of the members knew Lynne from when she had lived in Devon.
At last we came in sight of Exeter and the Cathedral stood proud on a hill, bathed in golden sunlight.
The welcome at Exeter bus station was AMAZING! Mothers’ Union members were there in droves. They had organised a fete at St Sidwell’s Centre, with stalls, games cakes and cream teas earlier in the afternoon and then they all came along to welcome us – with a cream tea for us as well. Bridget Vinton, Marketing Coordinator, really did us proud! Jeannette Appleton was there and joined Lynne for the next leg to Taunton. For me, just a calming Evensong at the Cathedral with Exeter Diocese members and my stint was over. And the bus driver? He was smiling as we drove into Exeter bus station – and overjoyed when I got off the bus!
Well done Jeannette – I hope you were pleased with this first day. It’s a brilliant idea and it has inspired so many members to organise themselves to join in the fun. Good luck for the rest of the trip.
Margaret Beringer
Very interesting to read what your day entailed.
The journey continued!
Yes, I joined at Launceston, and didn’t know quite what was in store! Lovely sunshine lovely members and lovely saffron buns! A Cornish speciality I dad missed since moving to Birmingham.
What ajoy to have an excuse to talk Mothers Union, and especially as old friends joined the bus along the route to Exeter, (Tavistock, Whitchurch and Newton Poppleford represented I believe!). Even time to share a few of my daughter’s wedding photos!
Exeter was truly a trmendous sight, seeing the cathedral bathed in sunshine above the roofs of the houses was a solid statement that faith can and should be seen. And what a welcome. Lots of hugs, smiles and general jollity.
Well, then on to Taunton. with Ruth and her husband continuing with us to the Devon border. It’s true, Devon villages are very picturesque. No wonder they feature on calendars and do you remember pictures on boxes of chocolates too? At Willand, where Jeanette and I changed buses, we were greeted by members carrying their MU banners. So time for another photo call. Ruth’s husband has become official photographer, so we hope for some good ones later! We bade farewell to Ruth and husband, travelling back home after sharing a good part of Devon, and then continued into Somerset. For a while we were the only two passengers on the bus. So time to reflect and admire the countryside, with its green fields, high hedges and narrow, winding roads in the evening sunshine.
The bus driver turned to us and advised that we had to follow a diversion because of a fallen power line, but thought we wouldn’t be too late in Taunton. So a couple of miles on the motorway soon brought us to Wellington (I think!) where Marlene met us with MUOTM placard and MU conversations began again.
Taunton bus station came into view and we arrived at our final stop for the day. Photo calls again, with the Mayor and Mayoress! First Group too wanted lots of photos too (for their publicity as we were given special bus passes for our journeys). Everyone very happy and pleased to be involved. I think for me the overriding memory of today has been one of enthusiasm. Our own Mothers’ Union version of the olympics! Waving MU placards and balloons and cheering.
Where would we be without MU hospitality? Thanks to Alison and Martin for hosting Jeanette and me for the night, with a lovely meal, conversation, time to watch the olympic 100m final and a very comfortable bed.
Day two began early. BBC Somerset wanted an interview about MUOTM. We had to be at the studio at 7.00am. We duly arrived and had a quick plan of who would say what in reponse to the questions, but that wasn’t needed as there would only be room for one of us in the interview! Of course Jeanette was the only one really qualified to speak and she did a fantastic job, Google it on BBC Somerset breakfast time show, at about 7.20am!
Then jump on the bus at 7.35am after a couple of photos, of course.
The route to Bristol was memorable because of the groups of members waving their placards at many bus stops along the way. We would look out for each stop, see the placards, stand up, wave and try to take a picture as we sped by! Travelling along through more beautiful villages this morning, e.g.Glastonbury full of blooming hanging baskets, tubs and containers overflowing with colourful arrangements. Surely a contender for Britain in Bloom.The sun was shining by the time we reached Wells (9.00am) and another large reception greeted us. More photos, balloons(including the one that got away to spread the MU message further!!) placards and cheering. The press was here too. A very cheerful gentleman (Wells Post? or Journal? ) who took loads of photos. The new busdriver was very perturbed about the placards on their boards and insisted they should go at the back of the bus. He was a little(!) happier when he realised they weren’t coming onto the bus. Several members joined us for the next leg of the journey to Bristol. We were able to chat about MU a fair bit to members, about work in their branches and also to ordinary passengers and gave a few leaflets and annual reports to willing recipients.
Once again we were looking out for MU banners as we continued along the road into the city centre.
Of course there at the station was a delegation of Mothers’ Union folk ready with their cheery smiles. What a happy lot we are! Time here for a refuelling of our thirsty bodies. So nice to sit on a static seat in the coffee shop.and of course record the event with a few photos.
Slight problem here. Our first delay The bus was 15 minutes or so leaving Bristol for Chepstow,and Jeanette only has 30 mins to change at Newport. But that meant more time for conversations at the Bus station. Bill’s grandmother had been an MU president and so began a long conversation ranging widely concerning attitudes and acceptances of MU today in the 21st century.
This coach was very full, no spare seats, and less space for chatting freely, nevertheless conversations were had about MU and the trip, advise given about how Jeanette might get to Cardiff on time etc. People were very helpful, interested and open.
On arrival at Chepstow (20 minutes late) We were greeted by more members, smiling of course, including our host Alison’s daughter. Here I alighted and left Jeanette to continue on through Wales with Chepstow ladies joining her and wish them all well on the subsequent stages of the trip. My part of the relay is complete.
I feel really privileged to have been a part of this fantastic enterprise and thoroughly enjoyed every single minute. Thank you Jeanette for your vision , expertise and enthusiasm. Lynhn Tebbs
Monmouth Diocese members met up with Jeannette at Chepstow and along the route to Newport. Diocesan President Kathy Palmer joined the bus at Magor. Unfortunately a delayed departure from Bristol resulted in the welcoming party at Newport having to do the Newport -Cardiff Link without Jeanette but she had caught up by Cardiff and the last I saw of her was leaving Cardiff bus station with Llandaff president Ty-Ann leonard en route to Merthyr Tydfil !
Many members met Jeanette in Chester today. 3 pictures are on facebook and on our Diocesan Web site. Our Diocesan President and other members travelled with Jeanette to Warrington and Liverpool. The sun was shining and the Town Crier greeted Jeanette when she arrived.
Alison Neale Marketing Unit Coordinator
You can follow the progress in Scotland on the MU Scotland website at http://muscotland.org.uk/OntheMove.htm. As I write this, Hilary and Linda have just left Glenrothes heading for Dundee.
Hello Jeanette, WELL DONE GIRL. What an amazing journey so far. I am just back from a few days in York but have been following the Scottish lot by Text messages. I am quite envious of you all. What fun. ENJOY. Love and hugs Trish xx
A wonderful idea. Humphrey and I followed the journey day by day on the web site. Jeanette’s interview on Radio Somerset was brilliant. Humphrey has collated all the web site reports and photos into a 19 page booklet and we will be using it in an MU meeting in 2013.