Members - Clifton
Clifton DIOCESAN BRANCH - Founded 1909
President Miss Elizabeth Macnamara
Secretary Miss Kate Doyle
Treasurer Mrs Noreen Bint
Liaison Officer Mrs Jean Coombs
Clifton Branch covers Sections in Gloucestershire, Bristol, Bath and North
Somerset, Somerset, Wiltshire.
History: It was originally known as the Bristol Branch, opened through the efforts of Mrs Austin King. The first President (1909-1928) was Mrs Charles Hill and there were 32 members.
In 1934 Bishop Lee of Clifton wanted to establish 3 new areas in the Diocese. He wished for the formation of the CWL in each parish and urged members to be actively involved in parish life. A leaflet “Eight reasons to join the CWL” was sent to every parish.
In 1964 National Council was held at Weston –Super-Mare and 1979 at Bristol. In 1983 Clifton Branch became associated with the Canadian CWL following the visit of Pat Simmons. The Canadian flag presented was displayed at meetings.
Past Activities: At the outbreak of WWI Mrs Austin King, together with a committee of CWL members had prepared a house for 13 refugees from Belgium. Active support for Relief and Refugee is still on the agenda.
Canteens were also set up for servicemen, in the Wylie Valley. There was a special CWL Clifton Diocesan Hut at Larkhill Camp and our current Secretary chairs the CWL Services Committee.
Camps to provide holidays for children were set up through the work of Miss Kitty Morrissey, by the CWL working with seminarians, teachers, students and supported by Bishop Alexander. These camps were held at Lechlade, Charlton Kings, Cricklade, Downside, Langport, Shaftesbury and Nymphsfield and CWL members did most of the catering. The last camp was held in 1997.
Section members are involved in Ecumenical events such as the Cheltenham Inter- Faith Group, the Women’s World Day of Prayer committee (Bristol and Bridgewater) and the St. Peregrine Group (Holy Rood Swindon) who meet to pray for all cancer sufferers.
Medaille Trust: The first fundraising event has taken place at the Sacred Hearts, Cheltenham Section. One of the members invited 12 members for Sunday lunch. It was enjoyed by all who attended. Other members of the Section will be having tea parties and coffee mornings in aid of the Trust.
We have a very active Justice & Peace group in the Sacred Hearts parish, and this year the Medaille Trust is going to be the main charity they support. There are 5 members of the Section in this group.
Mrs Kathleen Trapp is a long serving member of the League [she had been a member of St Thomas More's and St Gregory's Sections - both now closed] and she was presented with a certificate for 40+ years membership. Mrs Trapp has been a member of our Section for several years. Over the years she has been a tireless worker for the League.
Clifton Branch celebrate their Centenary
On Saturday 2nd May CWL ladies from around the Clifton Diocese came together at Sacred Hearts RC Church in Cheltenham to celebrate the Branch Centenary. The day started with Mass and after Section Banners had been processed into the church Bishop Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton and Bishop Peter Doyle, Bishop of Northampton and Ecclesiastical Advisor to the CWL, celebrated Mass. The address was given by Canon Alan Finley, Spiritual Advisor to the Branch. He called the CWL the ‘Catholic Welcomer’s League’ as members are always there with a welcoming smile for those we meet whether it is by providing services to the elderly, supporting families of the Armed Services, helping Refugees and Asylum Seekers and to visiting those in prison. He went on to say that the League was at the forefront of ecumenical work, serving and supporting within the community.
After lunch Bishop Peter addressed the gathering praising the League and the work we do and then Mrs. Doreen Pooley, National President, thanked the ladies for all the hard work they do within their parish and communities before cutting the celebratory cake.
It was a day to be remembered by all those who attended; a day when we met up with old friends and made new ones.
Section members with their Banners
Centenary Celebrations 2006
Centenary Mass at St Peter’s Cardiff
In May 2006, Clifton Branch joined Cardiff for a joint Region 7 Mass at St. Peter’s Cardiff followed by a celebratory meal to mark the centenary of the Catholic Women’s League.( See Cardiff’s webpage) Section members also organised a coffee and cake morning to advertise the work of the Relief and Refugee committee; a retreat at Belmont Abbey; and an inter- denominational service of prayer at St. Dunstan’s, Keynsham, including a talk about the work of the CWL which was followed by tea and a celebration cake.
Mass at St. Peter's Cardiff
Cardiff and Clifton Committee Members
Bene merenti medals have been awarded, over the years, for their work in the CWL and parish life to the following:- Miss G. Maidmeat-Salisbury, Pat Simmons, Mary Mather, Vera Pitman, Vittare and Celena Councell,-Bristol St.Augutine’s, Sheila Carey, Bristol St. Bonaventure’s, Joan Haran St. Peter & St. Paul-Bath and Brenda Love Sacred Hearts- Cheltenham.
Members Clifton Cardiff
www.cliftondiocese.com
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