Wednesday Group

The group was inaugurated in May 1974, during the incumbency of Rev Philip Gardner, to replace the Mothers Union, and thereby includes all the women of the parish, married or otherwise.

Around 40 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 £10 with 30p for refreshments, Casual visitors pay £1.50 + 30p each meeting.

We adopt a charity each year. For this we hold coffee mornings, in the Old Schoolroom, to which everybody, including husbands, is very welcome. These are always very popular, with a bring and buy stall and raffle.

We also hold a Christmas Party, a Garden Party and a summer outing for our members.

We are a friendly group, and are always looking for new members and new ideas. All visitors are welcome, to hear a particular speaker who appeals to you. We especially welcome visiting Grandmothers who may be supporting their young families in times of crisis or after the birth of a baby, and are away from their own homes.

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'!

2006
Thursday September 21	Chats and Snaps. A evening of chat, coffe and photographs - bring any photos you want to share.
Thursday October 19	Friends of Woking Community Hospital. A chance to hear about this years chosen charity from Laura Chatwin.
Thursday November 16	Cheese and Wine Evening with raffle and fun quiz. Our first fund-raising event. Relax with friends, and enjoy wine with savories. Tickets £5.00. Everyone welcome!
Thursday December 7	Women's Forum Carol Service. 8pm Church of the Good Shepherd. Open to all women's groups, families and friends. Come along to this peaceful service of readings and carols, and make a good start to your Christmas preparations. Join us afterwards for coffee and mince pies in the Annexe.
2007
Thursday January 18	Happy at Harrods. Tony Guyatt wil humourously recount his experiences when working at Harrods.
Thursday February 17	Whats on Television tonight, and Why? Who has charge over the remote in your home? Who gets 'Eastenders' instead of football? Julia Lamaison is a media consultant in TV and has long experience of the ratings war and the tactics employed.
Thursday March 15	What to wear and how to wear it by Sue Brown, image consultant. She will advise us on colours and shapes to enhance our appearance.
Saturday March 17	Anual Barn Dance and Supper. Our major fund-raising event. Music by the Hersham Revellers.
Thursday April 26	Beetle Drive and Raffle. Our third fund-raising event. Bring the family and friends to this popular fun evening. Tickets £5.
Thursday May 17	Hanging Baskets A demonstration by Norman Ingate.
Thursday June 21	My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen! Tony Forward, a former presiden of the National Association of Toastmasters, recounds the life of a professional toastmaster, including Roayl occasions and the Lord Mayor's Banquet.
Thursday July 19	Summer Social with entertainment, wine and savouries. Presentation of charity cheque to representatives of 'Friends of Woking Community Hospital'.
Supported Charity: Friends of Woking Community Hospital