A Maryport Mothers’ Union branch celebrates its centenary this month. 

The Netherton branch which meets at All Souls’ Church in Maryport will celebrate with a church service on Tuesday.

The Bishop of Penrith, the Right Reverend Robert Freeman, will attend along with the mayors of Maryport and Allerdale, members of other Mothers' Unions and both past and present members.

Among those attending will be Mary Minchella, 88, of Greenwood Terrace, Ellenborough, and Edith Stamper, 80, of Coronation Street, Maryport.

Both joined the group in 1958.

Mary said she joined because her mother was a member.

Edith added: "I joined because my mother made me!"

Both have remained, however, because they believe in the principles of the Mothers' Union but also the fun and friendships made.

There was sometimes dirty work to be done, however, as Edith recalled.

She and Mary were going to attend a Mothers' Union meeting in Plumbland as guests.

She added: "Mary's car got stuck in the mud and I got out to push."

"I remember that. I revved the engine and you got spattered in mud," Mary said.

"I was covered and just had to go into the meeting looking like that," Edith said.

The Mothers' Union at All Souls' Church has over 40 members and is led by Gwen Birkett, 56.

Gwen joined when she was 23 and is serving her second term as leader.

She said: "I have only been here since January this time, but I also spent three years as leader six years ago."

She said it was people, including Mary and Edith who brought her into the Mothers' Union.

"In 1982 they ran a project called All Together Now which encouraged young mothers to join. We did and many of us stayed."

It is very much a family affair. 

As well as putting together a small exhibition of the work of the union, Gwen has asked members to bring along their cards. This shows that several generations of families have belonged.

Mary has membership cards for her grandmother, mother, her daughter, her cousin and her cousin's mother. 

Edith's involvement spreads three generations - her mother, herself and her daughter.

The oldest living member of the Netherton Mothers' Union is Sadie Banton, who will soon be 97 and joined the group 62 years ago.

The Mothers' Union celebrations will be held on Tuesday at 7pm.

Long service medals will be presented to four members and two new members will be admitted by diocesan president,  Wendy Houghton.