Ashtead Young Women's Group is a group of women whose ages range from 20 to 50, set up by the Anglican Church in Ashtead to serve as a meeting point for women in the local community. Although it is linked to the church, church and non-church members are welcome.

Other evenings have covered style analysis, mental health, interior and garden design, education and adoption. There have also been demonstrations of make-up and skincare, hanging baskets and crafts.

"At least once a year we have an exercise evening of, for example, aerobics or Scottish Country Dancing. Our aim is to cover subjects of interest to both parents and non-parents. There is always a chance to socialise beforehand, over a cup of tea or coffee," says organiser Jennifer Ashurst.

The group also runs events that are open to the wider community, like the two Baby Equipment Sales, one in March and the other in October and during the February half-term it hosts an event with a children's entertainer and craft stalls for parents. The profits from these events are used to support two charities each year. Currently the group's overseas charity is the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia, which treats women who have become incontinent through childbirth and consequently are ostracised by their communities.

"Our home charity is CHASE, which aims to create a network of care for life-limited children, teenagers, and their families in our local area," says Jennifer. "You are very welcome to join us for any of our meetings. On 10 May we have a speaker on Reflexology and Aromatherapy, on 14th June, a guided walk on Ashtead Common and our Summer Party on 12th July. Please come along and bring your friends."

For more information, contact Jennifer Ashurst (276610).

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