Mothers’ Union marks 150 years with open day and service at Blackburn Cathedral

Blackburn Cathedral will host a day of public events on Saturday 8 August as members of the Mothers’ Union from across Lancashire gather to mark the organisation’s 150th anniversary.

The event is open to all and runs from 10am to 4pm. Visitors can see an exhibition on the work of the Mothers’ Union in the county, across the UK and around the world, along with around 50 deanery and branch banners.

Some of the banners are historic and others are more recent, with the display highlighting the work and design behind them.

Exhibits will also focus on some of the issues the Mothers’ Union has campaigned on, including domestic abuse and modern-day slavery, as well as outreach work supporting hospitals, prisons and refuges.

Activities for accompanied children will be held in the Crypt.

A commemorative service starts at 2pm and will be led by the Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Revd Philip North. It will remember founder Mary Sumner and give thanks for her legacy.

The Lord-Lieutenant of Lancashire is due to attend the service, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Blackburn with Darwen and the York Provincial Mothers’ Union President.

Susan Willoughby, Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union president, said the group was “absolutely delighted” to be marking the milestone with a day of celebration at the cathedral and invited people of all ages to attend.

Bishop Philip said he was pleased to lead the service and praised generations of members who had served communities in Lancashire and beyond.

More information is available from the Blackburn Diocese Mothers’ Union.