Looking back it has soon become apparent that this has been one of our most active and eventful years. We thank God for His faithfulness and goodness. During the year we welcomed Andre Shea and Teresa Dickie into our group bringing our membership to 17. We were deeply saddened by the death of Maureen Hayward who was a great asset with her strong faith, sense of humour, willingness and care.

Our speakers were Paul John: 'Pentecost – when the Spirit comes', 'James – purpose of trials', and the book of Ruth. Pauline Selhi: 'Looking after our bodies because they belong to God', 'Power of the Cross', and 'Chapter 21 from the book of Numbers'. Bernice White: 'Creative Prayer', 'Coping with Old Age,' and 'The meaning of Redemption through the Passover'. Barbara Smith shared a scripture dear to her and also related family news from the USA and Canada. Mandy Patterson shared her faith through her art work. Meleckson and Hildah Delano brought news about their work in Kenya, we then took them to lunch at Cornerstone. Ruth Andersen updated news from Kenya. Lydia Margetts gave an illustrated talk about her time in South Africa with Tearfund. Margaret Willemsen updated us on Romania.

We had 'Share a Book' and also 'Share a Scripture', mornings.

We studied the Bible with the help of these DVD's: 'The Testing of Our Faith', led by Julie John and 'Doers of the Word', led by June Dyer, both from the book of James, speaker Bobbie Langford. We also watched 'Breakthrough', the life of James Fraser (OMF) with the Lisu People in Burma (Myanmar) and a DVD 'Farm of Hope' with Margaret Willemsen. Margaret Willemsen and Lesley Baker went to Oberammergau to see the Passion Play, they shared about their experiences with the help of a DVD. We focused on Christmas with carol singing, sharing scriptures and poems. For Easter we listened to a Nick Fawcett CD, 'No Ordinary Story, the Risen Christ and Journey to the Cross' both very helpful in deepening our understanding.

Prayer and Share sessions included Holiday Funday Club, Sunday FC, Friday FC, (Debbie Hooker and Ruth Haynes). Christian Work in Schools (Lesley), Youth Group, (Elaine Baker) MAG Force, (Bernice White). Deacons, (Margaret Barber) and Cornerstone (Anita Dyer). We also shared and prayed for our families. Two mornings were devoted to Fellowship and Prayer.

This year we celebrated two special 70th birthdays, Jenny Steadman (in June) and Margaret Willemsen (in January), both had a birthday cake and a meal out. Jenny's at the Old Manse Restaurant in Bourton on the Water and Margaret's at The Dog House, Frilford.

Two very special visits (with lunch) were Aston Pottery and Church Mission Society (CMS) Oxford, here we met very interesting people. Yvonne Cavanagh and Helen Harwood gave us a tour of the offices.

We thank all our speakers for giving time to prepare and share with us. Also, many thanks to Lesley for providing an interesting programme once again this year. Thank you ladies for your support and fellowship through the year and for bringing varied and delicious food dishes for our shared lunches which we really enjoy!

Gwenda Lucas and Lesley Baker