East Garston

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 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.

Under the guidance of Emma Jones, Diana Smith, and Sally Wright. The older children met in the Friends meeting house to make floral decorations for use with-in the Church on Mothering Sunday. They set about the task in hand with much enthusiasm, and as the last photo in this series will bear out - They did a superb job. The displays would ultimately find there way onto the window ledges of the Church, thus continuing the ever increasing family involvement in the life of All Saints' East Garston.

Serious stuff this flower arranging - I was pleasantly surprised to see just how involved the children became in this venture.

Smiles of satisfaction all round - and deservedly so.

The church entrance porch was awash with colour, the low ledges filled with posies - and the notice board crammed with the hand made greeting cards so beautifully crafted by the youngsters earlier in the week.

Mothering Sunday is the fourth Sunday of Lent. Although it's often called Mothers' Day it has no connection with the American festival of that name. Traditionally, it was a day when children, mainly daughters, who had gone to work as domestic servants were given a day off to visit their mother and family. Today it is a day when children give presents, flowers, and home-made cards to their mums.

Just a small selection of the wonderful floral contributions that adorned the church window ledges for the service. Also, a timely reminder that five of the seven featured above were created by the children and young people of East Garston.

As mid-day approaches the church begins to fill quickly. Shannon and Jessica take up their now routine task of ensuring all within are fully equipped with hymn sheets, order of service sheets and collection envelopes.


Libby - always calm	Alex takes it all in	Lauren reads quietly	James checks his running order

At precisely 12 noon, Reverend Cumberlidge started the service. The first spot went to Shannon - who delivered a personally written poem dedicated to her Mum. - Meanwhile, Tabitha patiently awaits her turn in the pulpit.

It occured to me, standing confidently in his Pulpit - James (above right) has all the poise, presence and authority of an experienced member of the Clergy. Do you not agree?

The Vicar’s Address took the form of a conversation with the children about what they valued and loved about their mothers, what they did that upset their mothers and how could they be helpful to them. He then developed the theme of dependency in connection with the church and how Mothering Sunday has its origins in remembering and returning to the parish’s Mother Church.

This beautiful and stunningly colourful window ledge display came courtesy of Diana Pilling.

Eleven children have been trained by Organist, Choir Mistress and Conductor, sixteen year old Susan Holmes, The choir sang two hymns, the second of which, Seek Ye First The Children of God, they sang as a canon, conducted by Susan.

The closing words from Reverend Cumberlidge.

"It has been a most encouraging sign that so many children now regard the church in East Garston as a place where they belong and play a prominent part. They take it as a matter of course, that they will be involved in whatever is taking place. We have tremendous support from parents, by their example in helping, encouraging and coming to the church, especially on family occasions."

Every Blessing
Reverend Tony Cumberlidge

Photos and Research: Ken Tarbox
Text : Sally Wright : Tony Cumberlidge : Ken Tarbox