Dore Ladies Group - 30/10/2013

Focus On ........ Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group

“Focus On ......” is a new feature which, over the coming issues, will take a look at the many and varied clubs, societies and other interest groups which can be found in Dore. There is a remarkable number of such organisations, more than most people probably realise. They add to the richness and variety of life in Dore in many ways yet many of them are little known outside their own membership. In this first article Lesley Vernon, the Leader of Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group, describes the origin and activities of the group.

Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group

Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group was originally called Christ Church Young Wives and it was formed in the late 1960s as a means by which young wives in Dore could meet and pursue interests outside the home.

Dore Ladies’ Group is closely associated with Christ Church Dore but it is also representative of the wider community of Dore, welcoming women of all ages and religions (and none). There are even occasions when men are invited.

The Ladies’ Group meets on the first Tuesday of the month at 7:45pm in the Church Hall, Townhead Road, and organises a varied programme of events, talks, visits and social activities. For example, last year a talk on the history of Longshaw was followed by a guided walk through the estate and supper at the Grouse Inn. Invited speakers have included local author Marina Lewycka and popular gardening expert Don Whitton explaining how to provide winter survival kits for hardy plants. Dore resident Katherine Lawrence talked about “Hatch, Match and Dispatch – the Jewish Way” and a visit to Manor Lodge was organised to coincide with the story of Mary Queen of Scots in Two Queens and a Countess. Topics for 2014 include Breast Cancer Awareness and a presentation by the Friends of Millhouses Park.

Talks always conclude with refreshments, sometimes from tables laden with homemade cakes and other delicacies, while social events include theatre visits and an annual dinner at a local restaurant.

Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group is about much more than events and social activities. An important part of its work is providing opportunities for socialising, making new acquaintances, developing friendships and providing support to people in the community, and time is given over to fostering these at the end of each talk.

A programme card is produced at the beginning of each year and meetings are publicized in the Dore Diary section of Dore to Door and on the Dore Village website (www.dorevillage.co.uk).

Currently the membership stands at just over 40 and the Group is keen to recruit new members. Membership costs £20 per year and this gives free entry to all the talks and events. Visitors pay £3 per visit. As Lesley says “Everyone is welcome to come along and find out what we do. If you would like to join Christ Church Dore Ladies’ Group, or just join us for an occasional meeting, you will be very welcome”.

For more information please contact: 
Mrs Lesley Vernon 
Tel: 0114 236 8185 
Email: Lesley.Vernon@sheffield.ac.uk 

Footnote - If you have suggestions for articles in this series please let me know.

Keith Shaw, Assistant Editor 
keith.shaw@dorevillage.co.uk