MEMBERS of Barnard Castle Mothers’ Union will be more vigilant in future after learning more about scams and fraud from one of the region’s top police units.
PCs Brian Collins, Megan Turner and Ian Sanders spoke to member at St Mary’s Church last week about the latest tricks being used by scam artists and fraudsters. Union president Sandra Sumner said the information session came about after she attended a similar event in Durham and felt it should be shared with other members, some of whom had already been victims.
She added: “One or two people have been scammed into going to a false website and not getting things they have ordered. We thought it worth having an open meeting to get people to be wiser and get more protected.
“They are three great characters. They spoke to us and advised us on how to be more aware. Everyone has gone away feeling they have learned something.”
Ms Sumners said the union was formed by vicar’s wife Mary Sumner in 1876, when the birth of her first child made her aware of how unprepared she was for motherhood. Quoting the founder, Ms Sumners said: “Motherhood is one of the most important professions, but it is also a profession which has such little training.” She added: “Mary held weekly classes in the rectory for young women and many inexperienced mothers from different backgrounds. It was clear to Mary that these mothers should understand the importance of baptism and Christian teaching.
“It was from this small beginning that Mothers’ Union as we know it has grown into a worldwide organisation.”
Mothers Union’ has about four million members globally. It meets at 1.30pm on the first Monday of each month at St Mary’s Church, in Barnard Castle.
To join, call Ms Sumners on 01833 690041.
