The Board of Trustees have an oversight of the work of Birmingham Mothers’ Union in the Diocese.
It is vital that there are good lines of communication throughout the Diocese and this is achieved by the Members having representatives at every level.
Meet the General Trustees
Anne Pycock
I’ve lived and worked in Birmingham for the past thirty years but it was only about five years ago, when my husband was ordained and took up a post at St Laurence in Northfield, that I became a member of Mothers’ Union. I was very privileged to be enrolled by the then Worldwide President, Lyne Tembey, during a visit she made to Birmingham in 2014.
Since then I’ve become increasingly involved at both branch and diocesan level and am currently serving on the Faith & Policy committee where I’ve recently taken over as the Indoor Members rep. I also help co-ordinate an occasional Knit & Natter session, part of an ‘Activities Alive’ programme.
Dorcas Jongwe
I am Tsitsi Dorcas Jongwe, a published author for Christian books. I am a daughter to a priest, retired Reverend Canon Lazarus Muyambi of the Diocese of Central Zimbabwe. In 1983 became a member of the Zimbabwean Mothers’ Union. I have actively participated in this organisation until I came to UK in 2007.
I am also an active member in the Diocese of Birmingham, where I am branch leader for St Paul’s Bordesley Green with Christ Church Baney Lane. Another role I have is as project leader for Women’s Aid. My role is to encourage members to donate to this organisation that supports vulnerable women.
I am a published author for Christian books. I am a qualified teacher with a degree in English and Communication and an Honours degree in Applied Linguistics
Peter Johnson
I am married to Susan Johnson and have 2 children and 4 grandchildren. I served as Diocesan Treasurer from 2003 – 2010 and again since 2017 although my connection with MU goes back to 1991 when Susan became Branch Leader at Knowle.
After taking early retirement from HSBC Bank, I worked for 5 years as the Administrator of the Cathedral in Birmingham. Since then I have been heavily involved in voluntary work including the Church (both locally and at Diocesan level), in education and with various charities.
I served for 6 years on the central Finance Committee of MU and am now a non-executive director of MU Enterprises Ltd.
Rowena Nicholls
I’ve been a member of Mothers’ Union for 28 years and have been privileged to hold a variety of offices during that time – I remain Branch Leader at St Laurence – and have previously been a Trustee, Group Co-ordinator and for the last 6 years a Vice President. Last year I took the lead in revising our Constitution and Regulations and felt called to be a Trustee on the new Board.
Busy and moving forward
Like most members and Trustees, I am very involved in the life of my parish church – and am currently Safeguarding Coordinator, a Sunday School Leader, chair of Social & Fundraising. You name it, I’m probably doing it – or have done it!!! I am passionate about the Mothers’ Union – about what we do here in Birmingham as well as the tremendous work done overseas. The new Board of Trustees is facing the challenge on how to take the Mothers’ Union forward. Change is exciting and I am really pleased to be a part of it!
Kit Maclachlan
I was enrolled as a member of Mothers Union in 1973. I was always very interested in the Overseas Work of MU, and the fact that the work was supported by prayer across the world.
I am married to Michael, who is a retired vicar. For many years I was a diocesan member – but this enabled me to be a speaker, so I saw many different branches at work in Guildford diocese, and again in Lichfield diocese before we retired to Birmingham. I was a trustee in Lichfield MU, responsible for Action and Outreach and I am still very interested in the project work. I run a Knitting Circle in the local parish.
I was delighted to be asked to be a trustee for Birmingham and my current interest is with Communications.
Elaine Diskin
I joined St Alphege Mothers’ Union in 2003 and soon became a member of our very active branch committee. I worship at St Alphege church and work as a learning support assistant at the Junior and Infant school enjoying the challenges and rewards it offers. I’m married to Mike with a son of 24 and a daughter of 21 and I’m always keen to keep myself fit by running, occasionally in half-marathons.