 Members - Clifton
Clifton DIOCESAN BRANCH - Founded 1909President Miss Elizabeth Macnamara Secretary Miss Kate Doyle Treasurer Mrs Noreen Bint Liaison Officer Mrs Jean Coombs SECTIONS St. Joseph's Bridgewater, Sacred Hearts Cheltenham, St. Augustine's Bristol, St. Dunstan's Bristol, St. Catherine's Frome, Holy Rood Swindon, SS Joseph & Theresa Wells, Woodchester
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. 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 Adviser 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 BRANCH AGM 2010 The ladies of the Branch recently gathered at the church of SS Joseph & Theresa in Wells for their AGM. Reports were given from around the sections telling of fund raising for HCPT, Help For Heroes and other charities. Social events around the sections included a garden party, a trip to the National Arboretum and a variety of guest speakers at section meetings.
Our Branch Chaplain, Fr. Phillip Thomas, said we should be positive about the way forward for the Branch and that sections should hold regular functions with each other. He quoted Declan Lang, Bishop of Clifton saying the we should be " A People of Hope" and that with prayer membership will grow.
Elizabeth Macnamara, Branch President, said that perhaps we should look at other ways of recruiting such as individual membership or getting younger women to form their own sections under the umbrella of the Branch.
As there was no change of officers Elizabeth then welcomed Mrs. Sophie Brown, wife of the county co-ordinator for the charity Help For Heroes. Sophie spoke
of how Help for Heroes was set up in 2007 and with the help of DVD footage showed us what wonderful work the charity is doing for injured soldiers and their families
Elizabeth Macnamara with Sophie Brown ww.cliftondiocese.com
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