As I write my first column for mu news, as the new Marketing Co-ordinator, it is the beginning of Advent. The beginning of the Church’s year and the beginning of the new triennial of the Mothers’ Union in Blackburn Diocese. I think, therefore, that I should begin by telling you a little about myself and my involvement with Mothers’ Union.

I have been married to my husband Michael for forty-one years and we have two children and four grandchildren. Our daughter Joanne and husband David along with children Rachael (7) and Nathan (5) live in North Carolina, USA. Our son Christopher, daughter-in-law Joanne and children William (5) and Oliver (3) live near Warrington.

I became a member of Mothers’ Union on 17th March 1985 at St Andrew’s Church, Thursby, when Michael’s job with HSBC took us to Carlisle. We moved to Longton in 1987, where I became Treasurer of St Andrew’s Longton Branch Mothers’ Union, a post I held for 14 years. I became Deanery Literature rep for 18 months before taking up the role of Diocesan Literature rep for six years and I have just completed six years as Presiding Member for Leyland Deanery.

As Marketing Co-ordinator I hope to bring you the latest information from Mary Sumner House and the diocese and to promote the work of the Mothers’ Union. Do not forget, however, that ‘Marketing’ the Mothers’ Union is not just my job, it is up to every one of us. We do not just belong to a local branch, we belong to a deanery, diocese and a wonderful world-wide organisation; so let us tell people about it.

I approach my new beginning with some trepidation, but also some excitement as to what the future holds both for myself and the Mothers’ Union. I will endeavour to answer any questions you may have and I look forward to working with the Marketing Team.

Jenny Towers - Unit Co-ordinator