PREPARATIONS are well under way for the world's largest-ever Mother's Union rally, due to be held at Ipswich Town Football Club next month.More than 4,000 members are expected at Portman Road on Saturday, June 25, from 10.

PREPARATIONS are well under way for the world's largest-ever Mother's Union rally, due to be held at Ipswich Town Football Club next month.

More than 4,000 members are expected at Portman Road on Saturday, June 25, from 10.30am to 3.45pm.

For the first time, the organisation's 26 provincial presidents representing 3.6 million members in 76 countries will join delegates from 66 United Kingdom and Irish dioceses for the MU's general meeting.

Make Poverty History will be theme of the day long event.

TV presenter, Diane Louise Jordan will host an afternoon debate which will examine progress made by the internationally towards the eradication of extreme poverty.

In 2000 world governments pledged themselves to the United Nations millennium goals. Headway, as delegates will hear from those who live in the developing world, has been sporadic.

"It is wonderful that Suffolk is hosting such an important discussion," said Catherine Prophet,

President of the MU in Suffolk.

MU members will be joined by thousands of Suffolk church goers at a Service of welcome and celebration at the stadium at 7.15pm on Friday, June 24 as a prelude to the weekend's events.

"More than 130 musicians and dancers will make this a unique act of worship," said Nick Clarke, diocesan communications director. "It will be the largest Christian gathering in Suffolk for at least 21

years."

Reg Bailey, Chief Executive of the Mothers' Union said: "We are delighted to be able to host

such a prominent rally in Ipswich this year, and trust we will send the crowds home enthusing

about the progress they, as the MU, have made in the past - and the difference we will

continue to make - to thousands of families across the globe".