|
The Group
has been in existence for over 50 years, starting off as St
Matthew’s Young Wives. The name was changed in the
mid-Seventies as members got older and didn’t want to
give up their get-togethers. Current membership is
around 30, attracting new members over the years.
Meetings are held on the second and fourth Monday of the
month from September to June in the Parish Centre,
gathering from 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start.
Meetings begin with announcements, followed by a guest
speaker who entertains for approximately one hour.
Speakers are usually local people who have an
interesting hobby or talent they wish to share or even a
personal story to tell. Following the speaker there are
refreshments and time for a chat. The meetings close
around 10.00pm.
Each year a local charity is nominated and some of the meetings are dedicated to
fundraising. These take the form of Quiz nights, an
American Supper and Beetle Drive, and in the Autumn a
Sausage and Mash evening with Bingo. There is also a
Christmas Auction which significantly boosts the
fundraising efforts. This evening is great fun and
includes mulled wine and mince pies.
In addition to the meetings at the Centre the committee
organizes a Christmas meal at a local restaurant and a
Summer outing. A committee runs the group and organizes
events and the AGM is held in September. Meetings are
very informal and friendly and new members are always
welcomed so please come and join in. There is no
membership fee, just £2.00 on the night to cover costs
and this includes a raffle ticket and refreshments.
Around 30 ladies came to the 50th Anniversary American
Supper in 2013. Entertainment was provided by ‘Our
Flossie’ Song and Dance Show and there was a short
speech given by Edna Wright, one of the founder members
and still at regular. Chairman Avril Stephen
made two celebration cakes and there was also a raffle
and a tombola. |
