Following the announcement of the Chai, Charcha and Chocolate meeting for women, there was a tremendous interest, with nearly 50 women aged between the twenties to the seventies in attendance on Sunday 15th January 2017 after Bhajan Bhojan.
Whilst the young ones were occupied making kites, the meeting was opened by womens advocate, Charuben Ainscough with a warm welcome to everyone. The discussion in the large group focused on the significant roles each of us play as women in our own lives and in society.
Next, everyone was asked to form smaller groups and asked to come up with the purpose of setting up a women’s group and associated activities of interest. The ideas were flowing with lots of fun, eating chocolate, drinking tea and listing ideas.
The identified aims of the group can be summarised as follows:
- To get together regularly, sharing and exchanging ideas and learning from new and old friends;
- To encourage integration of women of all generations by having joined up activities;
- To support each other and have fun.
A group has been formed where ladies get together and chat about a number of topics; this could be personal, job related or just interest and hobbies. The ladies feel free to be themselves and share their experiences.
Events covered so far:
Jacob Joint – ladies bought in all types of food and had a sing along and played musical chairs.
Games afternoon – where sudoku and crosswords were played, we made it competitive which was fun.
Avenham Park Walk – one of the ladies organised a trip to walk around the park which was a great event and enjoyed by all.
Bolton Abbey trip – the ladies took themselves off to a trip where they had a long walk, picnic and looked at historical buildings.
Dementia – A session was conducted with the women based around a critical topic Dementia, led by Joshiben Jariwala and explained in great detail of what happens and what to expect.
COVID-19 Zoom Event – In the unprecedented COVID-19 phase, the Saheli Sangathan used the advantages of modern-day technology to keep the women of the society connected and tackle forms of isolation through fun, games, singing, quizzes and support.
The above is just some of what has been covered. The Saheli Sangathan are moving forward in the right direction with the help of the talented ladies. The group is going from strength to strength with new faces joining each session. The group has a wide range of experienced ladies whether, a house wife, work professionals or retirees.
Please come along to the next session held at our very own Gujarat Hindu society. Keep your eyes and ear peeled for the next session and events which will be published within the monthly Samaj Deep (available on this website and can be sent to homes through subscriptions), Instagram and Twitter @ghspreston.