Engagement and Social Groups
In addition to the spiritual aspect, Rochdale has always enjoyed a range of social fellowship activities. This includes engagement groups (book circle, walking group, cultural group), social groups, keep fit and badminton clubs and modern sequence dances.
The name ‘engagement group’ denotes that the group is run according to a particular intention, set of principles, session structure, and style of facilitation/leadership. There is great flexibility – groups may be open or closed, time–limited or continuing, and on a huge variety of themes. For further information about Unitarian Engagement Groups see the national website.
Engagement group: book circle
The book circle meets once a month to discuss a book selected from a list provided by the local library. We usually base our discussions on set questions, which often lead us off on tangents but result in friendly if lively debate.
Books we have read include Brick Lane by Monica Ali, I Am Justice by Paul Kenyon, The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd, The Gift by Celia Aherne and Where I Am by Karen Campbell.
Engagement group: walking group
Walks are organised monthly (weather permitting). They are relatively easy-going, ranging from 4 to 5 miles in length, and usually lasting about half a day. The route frequently takes us past a cozy tea shop on the way back.
Dogs are welcome (as long as they are kept under control).
Engagement group: cultural group
The cultural group plans different events throughout the year. This includes trips to the theatre or cinema, days out to places of historic and/or local interest, museums and galleries, and occasional treats at local restaurants.
Women's League
Meetings: first Wednesday of the month
Time: 7 pm
Rochdale Unitarian Women's League was established in 1932, and has continued ever since. Our objects include the religious life of our church locally, in the Manchester Branch and as part of the national Unitarian Women's League. We value friendship, knowledge and service with compassion and caring.
Each year we have input to the Mothering Sunday Service and the Women’s League Service. We also participate in branch services and meetings in the Manchester District, making new friends and meeting old ones. Some friends attend the AGM of the National Women’s League at the General Assembly meetings.
Our meetings usually involve an invited speaker.
Most meetings are held in the main hall of the church. We occasionally visit other places.
We also fund-raise for the national Women's League annual charity. For 2016-17 the charit is the National Deaf Children's Society (NDCS).
Badminton club
Meetings: Thursday
Time: 8 pm
The badminton club meets most Thursdays in the main hall. You are advised to check if a meeting is to be held (01706 852575).
[Image by Arne Nordmann (user:norro), Germany (Own work, Own photo, 2005) [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/)], via Wikimedia Commons]
Keep Fit group
Meetings: Monday
Time: 9.30 am
The keep fit group meets most Monday mornings in the blue room. You are advised to check if a meeting is to be held (01706 852575).
Choir
Practice: Friday
Time: 7.15 pm
Our small choir meets for practice most Friday evenings. However, this is subject to change at short notice - you are advised to check before attending. Prospective new members are welcome - please use the button below to enquire about joining.