Pakefield Church’s Mothers’ Union meets from 2.00 – 3.30pm in the Church Hall on the third Thursday of each month. They are a friendly group of ladies (although men may also join).  They also host and lead the Living for Life course that we run as part of our marriage preparation course.  

PAKEFIELD MOTHERS’ UNION – PAKEFIELD BRANCH

The air was thick with nostalgia at our meeting in November – more of that later.  First, Karen was leading and had chosen as her theme ‘Remembrance’ which we had recently commemorated, with the prayers and hymns reflecting this important occasion.

Member Janet, who has always loved to travel, did so on a school trip when she was 16 to Switzerland, her first big adventure learning to ski and also Christmas away from home. The pupils wore school uniform in order to be instantly recognisable! Learning how to stop was paramount as they started training to use skis. There were trips to a cathedral and a monastery.  The Christmas dinner consisted of a steak with a fried egg on, before setting off to church.

Janet’s trip to Holland, via Harwich to Hook of Holland, included a trip to the Utrecht cemetery and museum telling the story of the disastrous Operation Market Garden and she remembered a plaque dedicated to the fallen of a Bolton Regiment. There was also a tour to the Rembrandt Museum.

Another school trip to Switzerland when in sixth form for further instructions on ski-ing and remembering she wasn’t much better than the last time but managed to stay uninjured, unlike others in her party!

On her own, negotiating a trip to France by train from Paris to her destination, also in 1957 to Copenhagen staying with a family, members of which came to stay with her family later on.  More trips followed until she met Ron at a carnival dance here in Lowestoft.

All the above couldn’t have been achieved without the insight and finance of her parents but Janet was able to work in Woolworth to earn pocket money.

Later on, and now with a family, Janet made her longest trip of all to New Zealand for some years.

All these trips created many stories which, when ended, prompted members to recall their adventures when young which continued with one another whilst refreshments were served.   Karen thanked Janet for such an interesting afternoon.

The next meeting is on the 19th December when we will be celebrating the approach of Christmas with readings, poems, anything you love to read and hear.  There will be a raffle and mince pies!! The New Year meeting is on the 16th January with The Wave of Prayer, Sheila will be leading and will also give her finance report.   HAVE A PEACEFUL CHRISTMAS!!