The Ladies’ Group

The Ladies’ Group meet on alternate Thursdays at 8pm in Room 7 and has an average attendance of forty. The group is part of Network to which all women in the Methodist church belong. Through Network we donate money for World Mission which goes to support women who are serving the church overseas. We also give support to Circuit Network events through the year.

We start our meetings with a hymn, reading and prayer; and then have speakers on a range of topics.

Eight years ago one of our members had the idea of having a charity Christmas card sale in our church and now this event is established in the church calendar every November, with Traidcraft also taking part. At this event, the Ladies’ Group serve coffee and run a cake stall and the proceeds go to the current charity we are supporting. Each year a different charity is chosen. Our treasurer reported a total of £997.50 given to charity in 2005. Many of our speakers ask for a cheque to be given to a particular charity in lieu of their fee,

The ladies’ baking skills came into their own when the District Network Committee asked us to provide two hundred afternoon teas for their annual ‘At Home’ which was held in our church in June 2002. It was very hard work but everyone agreed that the fellowship we experienced in working together made it all worthwhile.

Our work for the Chernobyl Children’s Project is ongoing, with collections of bedding, clothing, stationery, disposable nappies, soft toys and suitcases.

Last Christmas, instead of buying one another a Christmas present we spent the money on ‘Save the Children’s’ Baby Milk appeal for feeding orphaned babies and those separated from their mothers. Used stamps are collected for R.S.P.B., and currently we are asking everyone to pledge £1 per year to Francis House Hospice for Children in their ‘Friends in a Million’ scheme. Women working together can make a difference!

So if you would like to join us, contact our secretary Helen Oakes or just come along. We are always pleased to see new members,

Women's Fellowship

Women's Fellowship meetings at Marple are held on alternate Wednesdays at 2.30pm in Room 7. Their varied programme includes activities they arrange ourselves, speakers sharing their experience and Church members showing holiday slides. This often includes a geography lesson and they feel they have travelled the world at little expense. At Christmas they have a party with yet another excuse for having something to eat.

They raise money for a number of charities. At one of their meetings members bring a Bible reading which includes the mention of whatever goods they have brought along for our "Bring and Buy" stall, such as grapes, fish, corn. The money raised goes to the Bible Society. In May they have a flower arrangement competition in aid of another charity.

It's a very friendly meeting where all enjoy fellowship, friendship and catching up with each other's news. They also try to carry on this friendship outside the Church as well as inside. They invite anyone who would like to join - from 50 years old to 90+ years young!! You will be made very welcome - do think about it.

Contact: Brenda Russell