Five hundred and sixty seven members travelled from 20 dioceses of England and Wales for the Annual Conference of the Catholic Women’s League, which was held at the Spa Complex, Scarborough, on the weekend of 17th-19th October 2008.

The Diocesan Chaplain to Cardiff, Canon Finley, was the main celebrant for the Saturday Mass. He was joined by Rev Connell, Hexham/Newcastle Branch Chaplain, Rev Nicholson, Middlesbrough Branch Chaplain, as well as the Very Rev Loughlin, Parish Priest of Scarborough and Section Chaplains, Rev Massie, Rev Day and Rev Grant.

Members were urged to continue supporting the Refugees and Asylum Seekers, The Medaille Trust, who work with rescued women/children who’ve been trafficked into the sex trade, many of whom have been conned into that way of life. Members continue to work on CAFOD projects and support missionaries in India, Peru and Africa. Members were urged to keep writing to MPs on all issues which are contrary to the way of Christ’s teaching and the common good.

There was a good report from the European Conference in Verona on Trafficking and Traffickers. Members were urged to do all they could and most importantly, keep up the prayers. Salford Branch was congratulated on reaching its centenary and still flourishing.

The whole weekend was hosted by Region 1 – Middlesbrough, Leeds and Hexham/Newcastle Branches. Mary Durcan from Hull gave the welcome address at Saturday’s Annual General Meeting, which was attended by the Mayor of Scarborough Borough, Mrs Eileen Vickers and her Consort, Mr Vickers.

Tony Hardiment from CAFOD gave us an interesting report on Burma and China. Following their two disasters earlier this year, the League had responded by sending £10,000 to CAFOD, who work in both countries through CARITAS International.

Saturday evening saw members dancing and being entertained by Gervaise Phinn, author and raconteur. During the weekend, £1,200 was raised for CAFOD, £1,100 for Zöe’s Place Hospice at Normanby, Middlesbrough, £1,200 for Kidney Research and from a raffle £1,200 was shared equally between three of the League’s charities – Relief and Refugees helping with small grants; services who provide small grants for elderly service and allied people and their families; and Our Lady’s Catechists who train Catechists to work in parishes here and in South Africa.

Guests included the Presidents of the National Board of Catholic Women, England’s WUCWO Board and the UCM Presidents of England, Wales and Scotland.

Elizabeth Rodgers

Branch Secretary