65 years of fun & friendship

A BIRSTALL women’s group celebrated its 65th anniversary at an event in June.

Eileen Molesdale reports: In 1958 a lady called Nancy Stewart was inspired to start a ‘Women’s Group’.

She invited a small group of young women to meet for friendship and sup- port, initially in each other’s homes. When the group increased in numbers, they began to meet in the old Chapel (which is now the Birstall Methodist Coffee Shop) and ‘The Young Wives Group’ was born.

The group went from strength to strength, eventually changing to the Monday Group, with a sister Thursday Group. 65 years later, the groups still meet weekly, offering friendship, fellowship, love and support.

On June 26, 70 women met to share memories, to enjoy a buffet supper and to pay tribute to that small group of women who had the foresight to form the Young Wives Group all those years ago.

Very many thanks to the Monday Group for arranging and hosting the evening.

The groups will meet from time to time during July and August, and will restart weekly meetings again in early September - so watch this space for our varied programme!

Don’t sit at home on your own, come along and find friendship, support and a warm welcome at either the Monday, or Thursday Groups.

For further information please contact me, Eileen Molesdale, Monday Group Secretary, on 0116 29296760.

Pics: Celebrating their 65th anniversary and (top) a performance of ‘Oliver’ from 1981