ROUND THE SOCIETIES

"Keeping Lent" was the subject of Mrs. Marjorie State, from Tunstall, speaking ng to the Mothers' Union, on 18th February. Dull? Not a bit of it; no change from the ordinary daily routine (which should be the result of Lent observance) should be dull. Mrs. State filled in with plenty of practical advice, including some interesting and colourful books to read. As a contrast, next month, the M.U. will look outward and hear Canon Lambert on the Church Overseas.

The Young Wives' Feflowship have also had contrast first, a wine and cheese party, purely domestic and flavoured with the showing of holiday slides, and later, on 16th, Mrs. E. Olsen speaking on the European Union of Women. In the various Countries of Europe there appears to be the equivalent of the Y.W.F. When meeting together, and speaking in French or German, they compare the effects of climate, education, poverty and ignorance and thereby assess and often fulfil the needs of their fellows. The characteristics of the Common Market countries were also detailed for us, together with the standing and relationship of the British Isles. An enlightening talk, that brought everyone up-to-date.

Thirty-five people sat down comfortably in the drawingroom of the Parsonage (thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Kendrick) to hear the Jewish Rabbi from Chatham tell of his faith and its customs. This is the second, annual effort of the Christian Fellowship to organise a hearing and a forum for a faith outside their own Anglican-Methodist one. "Jesus Christ is only a great teacher". To us the life-blood was missing. As with our Quaker speaker last year, the Rabbi's open and frank talk was much appreciated. The subject led easily on to an illustrated talk on the Holy Land by Dr. Chalmers on 11th February, when he interrupted a busy day's duties to give us valuable time. Next month, 13th, there is an evening of pure entertainment - Norman Wisdom in "A Square Peg" with supporting films. Admission 2/6 and 1/6 and the usual good support is asked for, solely to cover the considerable expense. Later, on 25th, the spotlight will be on social problems. Two experienced people, Rev. G. S. Snell (prison chaplain and lecturer) and Sister Mary (full-time social worker) will converse, followed by general discussion. Both subject and speakers deserve a large audience at the Schoolroom.

The Women's Institute have had variety and excitement. They have pulled a name from a tin to decide who should go to the Buckingham Palace garden party in May (Mrs. Kelvie was the lucky one); they have been for a holiday in France, thanks to Mrs. Lipscombe and the projector; they have combined money-raising with music by an evening of records at Mrs. Kelvie's on 17th, Mr. Kelvie being the disc jockey and the funds benefitting by £2 7s. 6d. Also for the record ..... (cont)