St. Mary's Focus Group

A Brief History

Over twenty years ago a group who had been known as ‘Young wives’ decided that they were now not so young but they would still like to meet. Another name was needed for the group and after much discussion they decided on the "Focus Group".

Every year a theme was chosen on which the Group would FOCUS. Speakers were invited to cover areas within the theme and meetings began.

The themes for the last few years have been:-

• 2010 People & Places
• 2009 God’s Creation
• 2008 New Beginnings

2011 Woodbridge – Caring

• 16 March – afternoon tea at Crown Place, 2.30 - 4pm
• 20 April - parish Nursing – Jane Pears
• 18 May – St. Elizabeth Hospice – Nikki Self
• 22 June - Church Crawl with Roy Tricker – Nacton & Levington, time to be advised
• 20 July – tea with residents Seckford Almshouses 3-5pm
• 17 August – Annual Supper, time to be advised
• 21 September – Homestart – Sandra Schurr - 2.30pm
• 19 October – Disability Advice Service – Debbie Payne - 2.30pm

St. Mary’s Focus Group today

We have expanded over the years and we encourage anyone to come to our meetings, either regularly or occasionally. Our meetings provide education and fellowship within a Christian community; a chance to share experiences and discuss a range of issues.

Over the years we have occasionally organised the Harvest Lunch, scrubbed the church floor and helped to provide the Student Cross supper on Palm Sunday.

A word from the members

‘we have good speakers’

‘we learn a lot’

‘I enjoy the talks and companionship’

‘it’s such a friendly group’

‘the church crawl is a wonderful experience’

‘when James Attwell came to talk about the new tower for the Cathedral he invited us to go to Bury St. Edmunds and he would give us a personal tour. It was most interesting’

Anyone is welcome

We meet on the third Wednesday of the month at 7.30pm from April to October.
We meet in St. Mary’s House – except for the church crawl.

A year’s membership costs £5 with a charge of £1 for visitors. This money mainly goes to charities that provide our speakers.

For more information please contact Anna Ashton on 01394 384299