2026 marks 150 years since Mother’s Union was founded in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, by Mary Sumner. She was a young vicar’s wife with a powerful vision. She dreamed of women, regardless of class or status, coming together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life.
From that vision, a global movement was born. Today, Mothers’ Union has around 4 million members in 84 countries. Anyone can join. We work to improve the lives of individuals, families and communities around the world. At the heart of all we do is the belief that faith and compassion can transform lives. All of our work is guided by three core pillars of transformation: Ending Violence- promoting peace and safety, Ending Injustice-advancing gender justice and Ending Poverty-fostering self-reliance and resilience. Our global programmes include literacy and savings groups, parenting and resilience training, and domestic abuse awareness campaigns.
Thanks to archives in the Minster’s Chained Library, we can trace Mothers’ Union at Wimborne Minster to 1884. Currently, the local projects we are supporting are:
- Operating a holiday home at Rockley Park for families in need
- Lending schools virtual babies to enable students to discover the reality of having a baby
- Providing Christmas presents for prisoners to give to their children
- Supporting the Women’s Refuge in Salisbury
- Making baby blankets for Salisbury Maternity Unit & twiddle muffs for those with dementia.
On the 22nd August 2026, we invite EVERYONE to Wimborne Minster between 10.30 am to 4pm for family fun games, crafts and refreshments. A tea party will start at 2.30pm.
Come and celebrate our Mothers’ Union 150th Birthday with us!
Join us and join in!
