Busy time for Westbury Townswomen’s Guild as it approaches 50th anniversary

The ladies of Westbury TG have been taking advantage of the recent glorious Summer weather with the walking group donned appropriate footwear and sunhats in readiness for their walk taking in the lower reaches of Bratton village and up on to the Imber path.
There were glorious panoramic views across the top before a descent down through the grassy slopes of Longcombe Bottom, and culminating in a delicious lunch at the Duke Inn.
The next social event being planned is the annual cream tea and garden party. This to take place on August 16th. and will include a bring and buy stall and the ever popular raffle. Other events in the pipeline is the November dinner to celebrate the Guild’s 50th anniversary, participation in the Westbury Christmas tree festival, and an opportunity to organise a window display in the Heritage Centre.
At the May meeting Wendy Bartlett gave a talk on the origins and history of the Townswomen’s Guild movement which originated from the Suffragist movement with the first four guilds opened in 1929 (Westbury guild was formed in 1968).
Many milestones and amusing events were recalled as the ladies browsed through five scrapbooks depicting all aspects of our activities and involvement within the local community during the last 50 years.
An interesting speaker in June was Dawn Lawrence from Dorset whose talk had the intriguing title- “2 steps behind- it all began with a camel” Her subject, conservation of the world’s endangered wildlife and prevention of extinction. Her involvement with the charity, “Born Free Foundation” founded by Virginnia Mc.Kenna is through her literary work.
Dawn has written and illustrated many books. One in particular, written in verse with each wild animal describing the facts about itself and its habitat and environment. Some of these, Dawn read to us with passion and humour.
Books were on sale for us to purchase with all proceeds going to her charity and she was thanked for a most interesting and educational talk.
Still on the subject of educational talks, David Birks from Trowbridge Museum was guest speaker at our July meeting when we learned about “The History of the Woollen Industry” dating from the 13th century to the demise of the local West of England cloth mills in the 1980s.
He described the processes involved from shearing, spinning, weaving, carding etc . His talk was accompanied by interesting slides including Angel Mill and Bitham Mill in Westbury and also on display several items used in the process including some fleece and a drop spindle. David was thanked for a most interesting and informative talk.
Both book club and scrabble group reported they would be taking a break in August and meeting again in September.
Any ladies in the Westbury area who may be interested in coming to one of our monthly meetings. Please ring Wendy on 01225 764515 or Marg on 01373 826178 . We are a friendly group and you can be assured of a warm welcome plus cup of tea and biscuit!

Wendy Bartlett