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Mothers’ Union on the Move

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A group travelled by public bus from Lands End to John O’Groats over seven days in August 2012 to raise awareness of the Mothers’ Union.

 

Members and their friends were encouraged to travel with us and spread the news of our travels. The WWP Rosemary Kempsell joined us on Day Six for the segment from Aberdeen to Inverness.

 

On day four of the journey, the group arrived in Scotland, having reached Dumfries on the evening of August 12th.

 

Day Five

August 13th, 2012

Dumfries to Arbroath via Glasgow, Dumfermline and Dundee.

     

Click here to see the full progress report and photos from Days Four and Five in Scotland

 

 

Day Six

August 14th, 2012

Arbroath to Inverness via Montrose, Aberdeen, Keith and Elgin.

 

Departed Arbroath at 0815

 

08.25 Had such a good evening with two members from Arbroath and three from Broughty Ferry at the ‘Old Brewhouse’ on the harbour at Arbroath. We had our photo taken this morning by a photographer who works for both local papers. Margaret has joined us on bus to Montrose. Her husband David has been our chauffeur. Heavy rain last night. Misty this morning. Margaret really enjoyed our fellowship last night and feels so sorry that the Arbroath branch had to close.

 

09.40 Local members so pleased that the bus route has been through Brechin diocese, which is relatively small and often overlooked.

 

Just had a great chat to lady from New Zealand.  She knew about the Mothers’ Union in New Zealand.

 

On our way to Aberdeen via Montrose and Stonehaven.  We’re due into Aberdeen at 10.01.


11.05 Just had a great welcome at Aberdeen. Bishop Bob and chaplain Graham Taylor plus loads of members.

At Aberdeen Bus Station - WWP and Bishop Bob in the centre and Graham Taylor to the right

 

11.25 Worldwide President, Rosemary Kempsell, joined us at Aberdeen. I (Hilary) am sitting beside her and hearing about her visit this weekend to Aberdeen. She has been touched by the generosity and warmth of the reception.  She had opportunity to speak to non members as well. The Moderator of the Church of Scotland was very struck by the breath of work the Mothers’ Union is doing around the world. She was introduced to members in the Aberdeen branches and found it inspiring to see Mothers’ Union pushing the boundaries, welcoming people who aren't often seen in church.

 

11.40  Christine, a member from Broughty Ferry has let us know that there was a super photo, big heading and item in Courier today.  She also said it was lovely to see us and sent love to Rosemary and us for the rest of journey.

 

12.30  Six members have joined us for the trip to Elgin for lunch with the branch there.  It’s good to see that the mist is now lifting.

 

We’re due into Elgin at 13.14 and will have just over two hours before we catch the bus for Inverness where we are due to arrive at 16.40

Arrival at Elgin (photo courtesy of the Northern Scot newspaper)

 

15.25 Sylvia Baston from Ellon Branch emailed: “Loved the photographs of all the group doing such splendid work and spreading the message.  Safe journey to everyone and we will keep our eyes on the trip.”

16.45 Just coming into Inverness. I think Forres (above) has to win the best town in bloom so far. Sunny in Elgin, raining here.

 

 

Day Seven

August 15th, 2012

Elgin and Inverness members with Hilary, Linda and Rosemary at Inverness Bus Station last night

 

08.00 Several members and church friends will be meeting us at John O'Groats. Rosemary Kempsell off south shortly. She’ll be flying out to Burundi on Saturday for two weeks.

 

10.45 Catching up on yesterday.  Communication difficulties meant my updates with pictures didn’t go.  Hopefully we can catch up with them later.

Elgin branch gave us a wonderful welcome. Northern Scot reporter met us for a picture. They had kept the church’s flower festival on the theme of the Jubilee celebration so we could see it with the members that came over from Aberdeen with us (Click here to see some pictures from the Festival). They then provided us with a big lunch.

 

We were 15 minutes late leaving this morning, but have been told that the next bus will wait for this one as we have 5 minute connection at Dunbeath. Crossing the Cromarty and Dornoch Firths was beautiful.

 

10.51 Three Inverness members met us when we got in last night.  They were delighted to be part of our journey. A grandchild is a student reporter and interviewed me, Linda and Rosemary. Elgin members had joined us to Inverness.

 

11.05 We’ve just stopped in Dornoch, most attractive town, which has in its centre the church where Madonna got married.

 

11.20 Got confirmation from a local that the next bus will wait. Again a chance to talk about Mothers’ Union and give out our new Scottish leaflet, which has been very well received.

 

11.36 Just seen a sign saying 66 miles to John O’Groats. Unfortunately the mist in now rolling in.

 

12.08 Thick fog can't see a thing! We’ve climbed a lot and all we can see are snow posts. Ears gone!

12.15 We made our connection at Dunbeath, so we are happy!

 

12.54 We’ve just changed buses at Wick, which was a surprise for us. 13 miles to go to John O’Groats.

14.05 Arrived! Got photo at John O’Groats. Linda has gone back down south. Now thin fog. Met by two diocesan members and church member. Gone for lunch. Thanks to everyone who has made this possible, it's been great.

 


 

 

More information is available on the Mothers’ Union on the Move website by clicking here.

 

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