Q UEEN Victoria was still on the throne when Haltwhistle established its own branch of the Mothers’ Union in 1891.

Industry was flourishing in the South Tyne capital, with brickworks, quarrying, coal mining, railways and farms providing employment.

The wages were modest, and parents had to find ways of making ends meet so they could bring up large families.

Fifteen years after Mary Summer set up the country’s first Mothers’ Union branch in the parish of Old Alresford, near Winchester, in 1876, women in Haltwhistle chose to follow suit.

The role of the town’s Holy Cross branch, which is now celebrating its 125th anniversary, is best summed up in an old text from its centenary, in 1991.

“The Mothers’ Union was introduced to parish life,” it reads. “A mixture of wholesome piety and practical Christian common sense, whose aims and objectives were to work for warm, loving homes and Christian family life.”

Our home and working lives may have changed beyond recognition since the days of tin baths and poss sticks.

But today’s modern parents have much in common with their 19th century predecessors, as they seek the best opportunities for the children they bring into the world.

The text from 1991 continues: “What part the Mothers’ Union played over the years in contributing to family life in the parish will always be difficult to assess.

“But we can be certain that its presence here would not be without influence.

“Although much has changed with with regard to social conditions and expectations, there is still and perhaps more so, the need for warm, loving homes and Christian family life.”

For years it was based at the Holy Cross church hall, on Main Street, but since the building was sold off over a decade ago, the branch’s members have held their monthly meetings within the church itself.

There last Wednesday, the branch was joined by dignitaries from near and far to celebrate its anniversary.

The Christian ethos of Holy Cross Mothers’ Union means it is attached to the Hexham Deanery, and the Newcastle Diocese.

Chief among those present was local vicar, the Rev. Neil Wilson and Sheila Walker, vice-president of the Lindisfarne archdeaconry for Newcastle diocese.

Mrs Walker said: “It is about helping families, supporting families, and that has never changed.

“The committee here at Haltwhistle has done a sterling job in keeping it going, and clearly, there’s a strong membership.”

A special service took place at Holy Cross Church last Monday, before the Ukuteers, the renowned ukulele band from Hexham-based Core Music, performed at the back of the church.

A hearty afternoon tea was served by members of the Holy Cross social committee.

Haltwhistle’s branch secretary, Norma Phillips, has been a member for the past seven years,.

She said the organisation was a joy to be part of.

She said the branch is always looking to support local families as much as possible, in any way it can.

It has an in-house craft group, while members raise money to provide items such as soap, facecloths and toothbrushes for Haltwhistle Memorial Hospital.

They also support Away From It All (AFIA), the Mothers’ Union charity which enables families enduring a stressful period to go on holiday.

Mrs Phillips explained: “We’re a very active branch and we get through quite a lot.

“We have prayers and invite guest speakers to our meetings, and our craft group has been making fiddle pinnies, which are useful for many people suffering from dementia.

“We support the Mothers’ Union’s overseas fund, but we we have the same aim and purpose of reaching out to families. We get in touch with the families of children who have recently been baptised and make sure they have enough support and access to the services they need.

“Holy Cross Church is a beautiful setting for our meetings and the support we receive from the Rev. Wilson and everyone else here is absolutely marvellous.”

At 97, the Haltwhistle branch’s oldest member, Margaret Bell, is no longer able to attend monthly sessions, and was not present for the anniversary celebrations.

Peggy Henderson (92) was however, and says the organisation is a wonderful social circle.

She explained: “I’ve been coming here for over 20 years and I’ve made a lot of friends.

“It’s nice to get involved with such a lot, and also make a contribution in different ways.”

Nellie Alderson is preparing to begin her second stint as the group’s leader, having previously served for five years.

She said “I stepped down as leader a couple of years ago now, but we are in need of one, so I was happy to take on the role again.

“We have such an active team of people, so I know that by taking it on again, I will be well supported.”

Mr Wilson said: “It’s an honour to be here for the 125th anniversary celebrations because this is such a big milestone for the branch.

“It has come in the same year as the Queen’s 90th birthday and the 140th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union nationally.

“In my five years here, the members have been very active and are an important part of church life here in Haltwhistle.”

The Mothers’ Union remains active throughout Tynedale.

More information about its work can be found at www.mothersunion.org