MU ‘Pudding Party’ – with a twist!

Tuesday June 3rd 2025

Connor Diocesan MU President, Alison Skillen (centre), with Young Members’ committee members (from left, Rhonda Stevenson, Melanie McAlister, Wendy Halligan and Roslyn Graham) about to serve the desserts at the MU ‘Pudding Party’ in Ballymena. (Photo: Abigail Halligan)

Connor Mothers’ Union Young Members’ committee held a ‘Pudding Party’ in St Patrick’s Church Hall, Ballymena, on Thursday May 29.

More than 115 MU members from across the diocese came together for an evening of fun, entertainment and fellowship organised by Melanie McAlister, Young Members’ Contact.

The evening comprised a table quiz with teams of six per table, with a wide variety of delicious desserts, provided by the Young Members’ committee, forming the refreshments during the interval.

The quiz was devised by the Rev Aaron McAlister, who also acted as quizmaster, assisted by Abigail Halligan.

There was, however, a twist in the tail, with the last round of the quiz involving each table making a mocktail (a non-alcoholic specially crafted mixed drink) using a wide variety of ingredients also provided by the Young Members’ committee.

In addition, each team had to explain how their mocktail represented a particular aspect of MU’s life and work.

Amid much excitement, Connor MU Diocesan President, Alison Skillen, selected the winning team – Carnmoney ‘Golden Girls’ who called their mocktail ‘Mothers’ Ruin.’

Connor MU President Alison Skillen (extreme right) is pictured with Carnmoney ‘Golden Girls’, the winners of the ‘Pudding Party’ quiz and ‘Make a Mothers’ Union’ mocktail. (Photo: Abigail Halligan)

Alison said: “Each team had put a great deal of thought into their mocktail description which made it a very difficult choice. It was great to see everyone participating so enthusiastically which added to the evening’s fun.”

Melanie described the evening as ‘a great success and thoroughly enjoyed by all who were there.’

She added: “What a great night we all had. It was lovely to see so many branches coming together for the fun and craic.

“In addition to the fellowship, we were delighted to raise over £570 for Connor MU funds.

“I would like to thank the committee, Aaron, and Abigail and Adrian Halligan for all their help in making this such a fantastic evening.”

Report by the Rev Clifford Skillen