In October 2006, during the Walk Roding Mission, Jo Parker, Jo Hargrave and I organised a Ladies' Night at Dunmow Day Centre entitled: 'Thorntons, Johnny Depp and Jesus - What More Could a Girl ask for?' The evening consisted of a variety of speakers, mainly from within our congregation, who spoke of what their faith meant to them, and how it had helped them cope with the ups and downs of life. There was an opportunity to browse at Fairtrade and Bodyshop stalls; to enjoy superb refreshments (mainly chocolate); to make new friends and catch up with old ones. The evening was attended by approximately sixty-five ladies of all ages, Christian and non-Christian, and was a great success.

Following the success of the ladies' evening we decided to arrange a programme of events with women in mind, where we could support and encourage each other; and to which we could bring our non-Christian friends. In December Jo Parker held a 'Keep In Touch' coffee morning at her home, complete with Fair-trade products; and on Friday, 2nd. March we held an evening service for the Women's World Day of Prayer, again at the Day Centre, for the benefit of those who were unable to attend the usual daytime service. We had an excellent speaker in Suzanne Potter (from the South American Mission Society - SAMS) who spoke, and presented slides of 'Esperanza' foster home in Asuncion, bringing hope to children and adults alike in Paraguay. The service was followed by Paraguayan refreshments, and 'The Missing Ingredient', acknowledging that Jesus is the missing ingredient in so many lives today.

It is difficult for some of us to attend daytime events; so with this in mind we recently organised an evening visit to a local restaurant. Fifteen of us went to 'Dinner at Dish' in Dunmow. It was a very enjoyable event, and one to which we could, once again invite our non-Christian friends. During Lent we also held a six-week course at Jo Parker's, based on the film 'Chocolat', and that was well attended.

We are now planning future events. These include a coffee morning at Jo Hargrave's; a 'pampering' evening; another 'Dinner at Dish'; and an event to which men will be invited! Finally, I would particularly like to thank Jo Parker and Jo Hargrave, without whose passion, dedication, and sheer hard work, none of the above would have been achieved.