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Women's Forum
Wednesday
Group
The group was inaugurated in May 1974, during the incumbency of Rev. Philip Gardner, to replace the Mother’s Union and thereby includes all the women of the parish, married or otherwise.
Around 30 of us meet on the first Wednesday of each month at 2.15pm in the Annexe of the Church of the Good Shepherd. The timing dictates that mainly retired ladies join, but all ages are welcome. We listen to a speaker and afterwards enjoy fellowship over a cup of tea.
The annual subscription is £15 with 40p for refreshments paid at each meeting. Casual visitors pay £2 plus 40p each meeting.
We adopt a charity each year and our fundraising efforts include an annual Coffee Morning. This is always very popular with a bring and buy stall and raffle.
We also hold a Christmas Party and a Summer Lunch Outing for our members.
We are a friendly group and are always looking for new members and new ideas. All visitors are welcome and if you would like more information or a copy of our programme please contact the Parish Office.
Gill Ankers
Chairman
Thursday
Group
If you have a little leisure time to spare,
come along on the third Thursday of any
month (except August) to the Annexe of the
Church of the Good Shepherd at 8 p.m. Here
Women's Forum Thursday Group can provide
you with a variety of thoughts and experiences,
stimulated by speakers, activities and friends!
We usually have a good laugh into the
bargain!
So what is it all about? It certainly goes
back a long way, emerging from that original
band of "Young Wives" when our church was
first built in the early 1960s. Indeed,
there are many of these "species" still
around and even an honoured few still in
the Group!
Anyone in the locality is welcome at our
meetings and though we are Christian based,
church going is not a necessary requirement!
In fact only a handful of our Group attend
church regularly. The evening meeting allows
membership for working women and those with
daytime commitments. We raise around £1,000
a year (on average) for different charities
chosen by our members. Another aim is to
deepen and strengthen our fellowship with
one another.
So what does the Group actually offer? Maybe
this is best answered by some of our members.
"It
is always a good evening - I look forward
to going each month."
"The
Group offers friendship, relaxation and
perhaps relief from daily stress, providing
interesting activities, talks and demonstrations.
How else could one have the opportunity
to ring handbells, make 3D Christmas cards
and line dance, without enrolling on courses?"
"Thursday
Group is one of the most enjoyable evenings
of the month for me. Apart from the interesting
talks and demonstrations, etc., it is a
good opportunity to meet and chat to people
whom I do not see on a regular basis."
"I
am very pleased to take part in a group
that combines an interesting and varied
programme of talks and events, with raising
money for local charities. Our members give
their time and money to ensure the maximum
amount goes towards the charity of the year."
"It
is a relaxing evening, when we work together
and enjoy each other's company."
"I
have made lots of friends there."
"For
me, Thursday Group is a lovely blend of
meeting with friends and enjoying doing
things together, listening to talks and
experiences, watching demonstrations and
helping to fundraise. Whilst having an enjoyable
evening, one gets a sense of fulfilment
which makes for a good balance."
Come to Thursday Group and be a 'motivated
Lady of Leisure'!
Margaret Baker
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