VIDEO: Mothers’ Union celebrate 140 years at St Edmundsbury Cathedral

Hundreds gathered at St Edmundsbury Cathedral to celebrate the 140th anniversary of the Mothers’ Union.

More than 250 people showed up on Monday for the first service led by the newly ordained Bishop of Dunwich, Rt Reverend Mike Harrison.

A colourful parade started the Lady Day service with members of the Mothers’ Union making their way down the aisle holding banners from their branches.

However, there were so many banners the stand fell over under their weight.

Diocesan President Christine Ward, who was commissioned at the service, said: “When I saw it going down my heart sank.

“The wonderful thing was when they came to take them out again we couldn’t sort it out so each person had their branch banner.

“So the ladies had to take someone else’s banner back down the aisle.

“It was a real symbol of unity.”

The Mothers’ Union was formed in 1876 and has since grown to an organisation of more than four million women and men.

During his sermon Rt Rev’d Harrison praised the organisation for the work it does both in countries around the world and here in the UK.

“From helping the bereaved to assisting in homes under the grip of domestic violence,” he said.

“It does extraordinary work supporting family life while attending those who are weak or broken.”

The Mothers’ Union is holding events all over the region this summer to mark its 140th anniversary.