Wives' Group

The idea of a Young Wives Group was first thought of by Rose Godwin and Marjorie Lockton back in 1947. Mrs Nellie Booth was very keen on 'doing something' and a few ladies met at her home in Mill Lane and stitched small jackets and knickers for babies in a muslin material which were then sent abroad. The Vicar's wife Mrs Dew was very interested and a meeting was held on the 10th February 1947 at the Vicarage. From this the first meeting of the Barrow Holy Trinity Young Wives Group took place on the 8th March when a Committee was formed and Mrs Lockton became its first Leader.

Members took part in visiting and giving flowers to new mothers, and posies and cards at baptisms. They also visited young families to offer support when sick or needing help. The meetings would include cooking, knitting and sewing and members met fortnightly. Every third meeting was of a religious nature with Compline first followed by a talk.

Members also enjoyed Fancy Dress parties, helped with the Church Bazaar, and decorated the church at Festivals. Once a year the groups met for a supper 'American Style' when everyone took enough food for one and placed it in a washing basket outside the church. Each church took it in turns to host the supper.

The Group was part of the Young Families Department of the Mothers Union and part of the Akely East Deanery. Young Wives Groups from the Deanery met for festivals quite regularly.

There hasn't been much change really over the last fifty years, except that now the 'Young' title has been dropped. Most members now are working mums with older children, or even grandchildren.

The Young Families Department ceased to exist some five years ago, but the Barrow Group still has close links with Holy Trinity Church and the Akely East Deanery. Each Deanery takes it in turn to host a Deanery Festival in June and until recently a Christmas Carol Service was held in Leicester Cathedral at which all the groups paraded their Young Wives Banners.

Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday in each month. A programme of events is planned by the whole Group and although there is now no Committee the Group continues to thrive.

Activities include, an annual dinner, a joint event with Mums and Toddlers groups, a Holy Week service which the Mothers Union and Men's Fellowship join in, guided walks, talks on varying topics and even candlelit suppers! The Group choose a charity yearly and some fund raising takes place. Help is also regularly still given to decorating the church at festivals and manning a stall at the Church Bazaar