The Women's Forum has steadfastly contributed to the life at St. James's over many years. You may not know or recall its aim: "The Women's Forum seeks to strengthen our faith through fellowship, enjoyment and stimulation of our minds" and this has largely been fulfilled. There has been good fellowship, much humour and interesting speakers from a wide variety of sources, all of which have enhanced our faith.

The Committee and Forum members are now reviewing its role and task as our numbers attending meetings have decreased steadily over the last two years. This is partly due to some members needing to move home away from Hampton Hill; others are involved in different commitments. Some are working as well as raising their families. Others find it not easy to attend meetings on dark winter evenings.

At a recent meeting of the membership it was clear that many greatly valued the opportunity for fellowship and that afternoon meetings are popular. It has been suggested that we reinstate the monthly afternoon meetings. Many enjoyed the "stimulation of the mind" and valued not only hearing speakers from different fields but also a chance to discuss current issues that concern us.

The Committee are considering how the Forum can be part of the mission plan for St. James and would appreciate anyone's ideas on this.

Another suggestion has been expressed: should we have evening meetings or occasions four times a year to which everyone in the community is welcome and can participate? The possibility of larger mixed audiences would enable us to have a greater range of speakers on subjects that genuinely interest us. There could be time for debate and discussion after the speaking. This idea would only hope to succeed if people would be interested enough to attend. Responsible help would be needed to find the speakers. We believe there is room for this type of occasion which could be interesting and informative as well as perhaps challenging.

For these ideas to take shape and work we need to find friends who will enjoy joining and working on the committee where there are vacancies. Mona Gow, our Chair, will be leaving in March. So there is a vacant Chair and there are two vacancies at least on the Committee including that of a Secretary! We do believe the Forum is meant to flourish in fresh and satisfying ways but new ideas and people are needed. Do please let us know if you would like to play a part. Contact us in church on Sunday morning!

Source: Betty Rainbow (on behalf of The Women's Forum Committee), The Spire Magazine - 2002 January