Catholic Deanery of Eastbourne and St Leonards
Catholic Women’s League
CWL Reborn
Since its founding in 1906, the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) has been a vibrant part of Catholic life across England and Wales—and a strong presence in our Arundel & Brighton Diocese. While some sections have closed in recent years due to age-related challenges, fresh energy is breathing new life into the League. The CWL continues to be a space where Catholic women gather to live out their faith, support one another, and serve the Church and wider community.
One exciting sign of this renewal is the launch of a new CWL Section in Eastbourne. On Sunday 25 May, the new Section gathered for its inaugural Mass, where Section Officers were formally inducted by Fr Neil, a key supporter of this new beginning. Brenda Hilliam, Diocesan Branch President, was present to warmly welcome the team and the first group of members forming the core of this local initiative.
Their first major event — a fundraising quiz night on Friday 27 June — was a great success. Over £500 was raised to support the Deanery’s youth pilgrimage to Flame. The evening was led by 18-year-old quizmasters Maria and Lilia, who delivered a fun and varied quiz, complete with tricky questions and a lively sing-along in the “finish the lyric” round.
Congratulations to the winning team, Martin’s Manic Mechanics — which included none other than Parish Priest Fr Neil, proving our clergy have a wealth of knowledge under their hats! The team was crowned CWL Quiz Champions and awarded the trophy, a selection of delicious goodies, and a £50 prize — which they generously donated back to the cause.
With such a strong and joy-filled start, the Eastbourne CWL Section is already building momentum. They meet at 7pm on the first Wednesday of each month in the Christ the King Parish Rooms and warmly welcome new members to join them in faith, friendship, and service.
A Model of Fellowship: The Bexhill Section
The nearby Bexhill Section of the CWL was relaunched 14 years ago and is now thriving with around 30 active members. Their lively calendar includes a mix of spiritual enrichment, parish support, fundraising, guest speakers, and community involvement. From rosary gatherings, Lenten reflections, and May Processions, to strawberry teas, sausage sizzles, and ploughman’s lunches, they demonstrate the heart and hands of Catholic service.
They meet at 7:30pm on the first Monday of each month, and their activities are open to women of all ages. Friendships are formed, faith is deepened, and community is strengthened.
An Invitation to All Catholic Women
The CWL is a national and international organisation, working with groups like CAFOD, PACT, Fairtrade, and many others, supporting causes from women’s refuges to foodbanks, hospices, and children’s charities. Many CWL members are also active in their parishes as Eucharistic Ministers, flower arrangers, catechists, and more.
Whether you are a young mum, a grandmother, recently retired or just feeling called to connect your faith with service and friendship, the CWL welcomes you.
To find out more, visit https://www.catholicwomensleagueCIO.org.uk or contact our A&B Diocesan representative at margaretvonspeyr@gmail.com.
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