November 2022: WAMCF Reception at Taplow Court
Over 70 local dignitaries, council staff together with leaders from local community groups and charities and representatives from the world’s faiths came together last Thursday evening for a Reception at Taplow Court.
It was an opportunity for WAMCF to thank individuals and groups within the community that had supported them over the years. WAMCF has been strengthening friendship and trust among the different faiths and in the wider community for over 40 years.
The High Sheriff of Berkshire, Alka Kharbanda as well as the Royal Borough Mayor, Cllr Christine Bateson and the Mayor of Slough, Cllr Dilbagh Singh Parmar were amongst the guest list, together with the Council leader, Cllr Andrew Johnson and Cllr Helen Price.
It was one of the first public events Taplow Court has hosted after the Covid pandemic. Guests were able to enjoy being in the main House which had previously been the home of the Desborough’s, including the Olympic athlete and philanthropist, Lord Desborough.
Commenting on the event, WAMCF Chair Karnail Pannu MBE said, ‘What a super event. It was wonderful seeing both old friends and new faces. We are so grateful to them all for their great support.’
2022 / 2023: WAMCF Women’s Group Summary
The Ladies Group continues to meet in a variety of venues. At each meeting we have enjoyed the company of between 15 and 30 ladies from across faiths and traditions. We certainly represent a breadth of beliefs in our area. It has been good to meet again in person and enjoy fellowship together.
Our What’s App group has been invaluable; it enables us to stay in touch with each other and share spiritual, and other, encouragement (and remind each other about meetings!)
We have engaged with staff at the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice over the last year, through attendance at open afternoons and events and also advising on matters surrounding death on each faith. Sisters Anni and Shahida from the Mosque, and Karnail Pannu spoke and an afternoon for staff. Each faith has provided either a holy book, prayer book or relevant literature form their faith for parents to use at the Hospice.
Our meetings in the second half of 2022 were, as usual, in a variety of places:
May at Cookham Rise Methodist church: Faith and Food (we brought examples to share)
July at St. Luke’s church: What’s in a name?
October at Maidenhead Synagogue: Sukkoth
As has become usual, ladies decorated the WAMCF tree at St. Luke’s Christmas Tree Festival.
In 2023 …
January at Maidenhead Mosque: Women and learning in Islam
March at the Gurdwara: Women and learning in Sikhism
May at St. Luke’s church: Anita Sawal, outreach worker from the Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice
July at St. Thomas’ Colnbrook Quiet Garden
October at Maidenhead Synagogue: Rosalind Luper gave and illustrated talk about the story of Ruth and Naomi.
Thank you to all our hosts and speakers. Our meetings continue to be open to ladies of all faiths and none.
Sally Lynch
31.10.23, updated 2.11.23