THE St Luke's branch celebrated their 70th anniversary on June 11 at the Mothers' Union Deanery Festival at St Luke's Church, Headless Cross.

Banners were presented from branches of the Mothers' Union at St Leonard's, Beoley; St John's, Bromsgrove; All Saints Church, Bromsgrove; and Catshill and Dodford.

The anniversary Eucharist service was celebrated by the Rev Glyn Dew. He gave thanks for the work of the Mothers' Union world-wide and congratulated the Headless Cross branch on their anniversary.

The theme of the service was family life and the address was given by Mrs Joyce Bush, Diocesan president.

She drew on events in her own family to illustrate the ups and downs of family life today and encouraged the members of the Mothers' Union in their work across the Deanery.

The collection taken during the service will be donated to the Mothers' Union Prison Project.

St Luke's choir joined the celebration and sang Psalm 71 during the service. The church was beautifully decorated with flowers of blue and gold by Mrs Ann Tedstone and Mrs Audrey Bourne.

Long service awards were presented to Mrs Betty Craddock, Mrs Kay Boreham, Mrs Beryl Jones, Mrs Pat Bridle, Mrs Frances Simpson and Mrs Barbara Taylor in recognition of their membership of the Mothers' Union of 35 to 53 years.

After the service, everyone was invited to the Memorial Hall, where a buffet was provided by the Headless Cross branch.

A special anniversary cake was provided by Mrs Jean Kirk and Mrs Sally Manning.

Mrs Joan Beck, Headless Cross branch leader, thanked everyone for coming and everyone who contributed towards the evening.