As with all well organised gatherings, preparation for the - 'The Mothering Sunday Church Service' - commence way in advance of the actual day. So with this in mind, the Revd. Tony Cumberlidge, Churchwarden Sally Wright, helpers and Mums met in the friends meetng house to help the children - and young people of the parish, produce some very personal Mother's day cards.  Under the guidance of  fifteen year old Libby Rodbourn, children from 3 years upwards were all invited to participate.

The History of Mothering Sunday Most Sundays in the year churchgoers in England worship at their nearest parish or 'daughter church'. Centuries ago it was considered important for people to return to their home or 'mother' church once a year. So each year in the middle of  Lent, everyone would visit their 'mother' church - the main church or Cathedral of the area. Inevitably the return to the 'mother' church became an occasion for family reunions when children who were working away returned home (It was quite common in those days for children to leave home for work once they were ten years old.). Most historians think that it was the return to the 'Mother' church which led to the tradition of children, particularly those working as domestic servants, or as apprentices, being given the day off to visit their mother and family. As they walked along the country lanes, children would pick wild flowers or violets to take to church or give to their mother as a small gift.

The session completed - time for a group photo call.