St Andrew’s Church, Oxshott
St Andrew’s - Your Church
Mothers' Union
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See our 2010 programme for what we're doing this year
Cycle Cuba Evening - MU@8
At the Mothers' Union meeting on 30 April, two MU members Ruth Burns and Polly Zabari gave a presentation about their cycling adventure across Cuba in support of Women for Women, Professor Robert Winston's charity for mothers and babies.
They told the story of riding 370 km across Cuba in 5 days with 65 other women to raise money. In searing heat they cycled by beaches, down mountains and across sugar cane plantations - at times stopping traffic and escorted by motorcycle police.
In total the 4 Cuba events (in November & March) have raised over £500k - they thanked all their sponsors for contributing to this impressive total.
They told how they met Robert Winston in May at an event he held to explain some of the medical research the funds raised will support. They thanked all for financial support and messages of encouragement.
Polly finished the evening by reading a poem that she had written to celebrate the completion of their achievements.
I’m going to cycle across India
Oh yes, said my Mum and my Dad
You could see by their facial expressions
They thought I was totally mad!
But that’s not the trip we are on now
I hear you all cry with dismay
I know, I’ll come to the point soon
But its all relevant, why I’m here today.
I got to the playground with stories
I’m going again, they said streuth
That is all except one lovely lady
Who said she would join me, that’s Ruth
We cycled and fundraised together
Through the rain, mud, more rain and snow
We fundraised and got sponsors together
The money came in, but it was slow
The day arrived of our amazing adventure
Up early we were for the plane
We travelled via Paris to Cuba
Don’t think I’ll fly Air France again!
We arrived in Havana that evening
Very tired and ready to sleep
Next day on coaches, bike fittings
And some time by the pool, on the beach
Day one was incredibly bumpy
Our off road experience for this week
Then miles of fields of sugar cane
I was so hot I started to reek.
The heat of the day was exhausting
Add in the humidity too
You’ve got 68 sweaty ladies
All drinking then needing the loo!
Day two was hilly not bumpy
The temperature soared as before
We stopped for lunch at a restaurant
Then set off for more hills and more
Day three was much gentler for some of us
Once we got the viewfinder place
We were given the option to cycle on
Or turn back at a gentler pace
Days four and five were spectacular
Not up thankfully just riding down
The scenery was lush and inviting
But I was quite glad to head into town
I’m coming to the end of my ditty
We have all had the time of our lives
Some may be signing up for next year
Now we know men can survive without wives.
So thank you to Miriam and Sarah
To Simon, Sheba, Anne and Gwen
Your patience, encouragement and friendship
Will make most of us do this again
But lets not forget the reason we do this
Its not just for us, its for they
The people we’ve lost of know have been helped
Through the money we’ve raised on the way
To my friends lost to nasty breastcancer
To my brothers fab IVF twins
I did this for you either in memory
Or for the happiness that you now bring.
Polly Zabari 2009
2009 Report
In spite of our being without a leader, we have had a very successful year run by committee. As well as an excellent variety of speakers and discussions at our monthly meetings, we have continued to expand our project work. Our strong worldwide links – notably with All Saints,
· A Meditation for Lent led by Barry Preece
· The work of magistrate Jim Baker plus an interactive discussion
· ‘The God of Surprises’ – a talk by Trish Heywood, past Worldwide President
· ‘Gunpowder, Treason and Plot – was Guy Fawkes’s action justified?
· Reading of ‘An Unexpected Guest’ – a new play for Christmas
· Our evening events have included a talk by Polly and Yehuda Zabari on Yehuda’s experiences as a Christian Jew, and the showing of two films: ‘Amazing Grace’ and ‘Schindler’s List’.
We have participated in major Diocesan services at Guildford Cathedral and in Deanery services, such as on Lady Day.
Four of our members have worked throughout the year in High Down Prison in the capacity of playleaders, and one in Send Prison through the MU listening project.
Recently, MU has been running the eekly crèche for Jill Mengham’s Parenting Course. Every year we make all the posies for Mothering Sunday and every Christmas we provide the giant tea party that follows Toddler Praise.
Our members greet people as they arrive at Church and tidy up afterwards. We have continued to provide and arrange flowers for Dorincourt.
Office Address:
Oakshade Road
Oxshott
Surrey
KT22 0LE