When asked to write an article reviewing what it has been like to be the Portsmouth Diocesan President I had to explain that I have had the privilege of being re-elected for a further triennial and 1998 is likely to be the most exciting year in my presidency. During July 1998 we shall be involved in the World Wide Winchester Festival Day (July 8th.), our own All Island festival Service at Seaview, I.O.W. (July 9th.) and the IDWAL week-end, for which Portsmouth Diocese is acting as host (July 10-12th.), not to mention the Mothers' Union World Wide Council to be held at York University (July 14-18th), culminating in a huge Festival service in York Minster on Friday July 17th. During this period we will be hosting five Diocesan Presidents (four from Nigeria and one from Sydney, Australia) together with their spouses, three of whom are bishops in our linked Nigerian Dioceses. We also hope the Archbishop of Lagos and the Bishop of Sydney will accompany us to Winchester on July 8th.
During 1997 a great deal of my time was taken up with meetings; Diocesan Trustees, Unit Co-ordinator and Financial sub-committees and the biannual Council meetings when representatives of all the branches have the opportunity of meeting and discussing together. In addition to these fourteen meetings in the Diocese, there were four days at World Wide Council, a Training Officers Day and a day considering 'The Mission Statement' and 'The Way Ahead', all spent at Mary Sumner House, the headquarters of the Mothers' Union in London.
I spent time also at Unit-Co-ordinators meetings and was involved in planning the programme for the two day visit of Lady Eames which included the Festival Eucharist Service held in the cathedral, at which she gave the address. This event was the highlight of the year, and I trust you will have read the report on it in the January '98 issue of the Diocesan Link. This contains photos of Lady Eames talking with members at a tea party held in Fareham at the Church Centre of Holy Trinity Church.
I'm currently involved with three other Diocesan Presidents and the Unit Co-ordinator for Prayer and Spirituality of the Winchester Diocese in planning the workshops and the Festival Service for next July, as previously mentioned. A pleasant break was provided by a two day conference of the Province of Canterbury Mothers' Union Presidents held at Old Alresford Place last March. I have also attended the A.G.M. of the Catholic Women's League held at St. John's Cathedral, Portsmouth.
I've much enjoyed visiting all over the Diocese as a Speaker and being involved with Deanery Services, Training Days, Branch Meetings, Enrolments and Commissionings. In addition to Mothers' Union meetings I attend the Diocesan Synod, Havant Deanery Synod and our parish P.C.C. I also attend IDWAL meetings in the diocese and centrally. These meetings give me an opportunity to get a wider view of the working of the Church in our diocese and overseas and to learn of its needs.
One great pleasure has been the presentation of Certificates commemorating fifty years membership of the Mothers' Union. There were nine last year. Attending Summer Festivals and Advent Services in the Deaneries has also been enjoyable. Last December I was asked to give the Address at the West Wight Advent Service at Whippingham. These occasions are all so different and it has been lovely to spend time with members, over a cup of tea, after worshipping together.
Finally there has been time spent writing for the Newsletter each quarter, preparing for talks and preparation prior to chairing meetings. Telephone calls and correspondence also take up much time. I am, however, only one member of a team and I must pay tribute to all who work hard for the M.U. in this diocese, especially our Diocesan Secretary and Treasurer and the Unit Co-ordinators. I've enjoyed the challenge so far and I look forward to all the events planned for 1998.
written by Margaret Symonds
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