Shropshire and Mid-Wales Federation
Shropshire and Mid Wales Federation of Townswomen’s Guilds hosted an event to mark International Women’s Day March 8th, held at the Gateway Centre in Shrewsbury, for guild members.
The key speaker was The High Sheriff of Shropshire 2022, Selina Graham, who gave a talk about three of Shropshire’s most famous women: - Julia Bainbridge Wightman who is credited with being one of the major influences in the Temperance Movement and formed the Temperance society, Dame Agnes Hunt who was awarded the Royal Red Cross for her contribution during WW1 for treating war veterans and training nurses. The third woman was Eglantyne Jebb who founded Save the Children. These women were dealing with alcohol and bad parenting, with the after-effects of war, with poverty and with children unfortunately as Selina said – these remain somewhat familiar problems today!
The talk then moved to the present when she spoke of women who had suffered greatly for different reasons but have used their individual circumstances to help other women and children. The talk was both informative and moving.
Pat Jones gave the vote of thanks and Connie Baines MBE presented a bouquet of flowers to Selina.
This was followed by a very good update on all matter Townswomen by Beryl Hales, National Vice-chair who explained what has been happening at Headquarters, fewer staff, more efficiency and cost savings, use of internet telephones. TG is embracing IT as a means of communication with many activities offered via Zoom including creative groups, quizzes, drama group. Also TIG’s –Townswomen’s i-Guilds have been set up where you can meet other members face to face and become active members of TG, but from your own home, through the TG website.
Of course, as Beryl said we still meet in person at events such as the National Carol Service and our Annual AGM. TG are always looking at ways to keep costs down but still ensuring these events are enjoyable. The Townswomen magazine is now twice a year and we also have TG Together newsletter which is sent out by email to members. It was a very interesting update.
Beryl was presented with a basket of ginger bread goodies, from Market Drayton Guild – the home of the Gingerbread.
We then enjoyed a cream tea, delicious scones. A lovely way to end a pleasant afternoon shared with guild members, it was a shame some invited members were not able to make it due to the snow blizzard covering Shropshire.
Pamela Oakley
Bridgnorth Evening Guild
Images from the event (click for a bigger version):
