Townswomen's guild aims to attract some new blood

Morpeth Stobhillgate Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild gives females in the town who are able to attend meetings the opportunity to meet new people, enjoy a range of talks, take part in crafts and other activities and discuss various issues.

It started in 1951 and it will be marking its 65th birthday in June. There were other branches in Morpeth – De Merley and St Mary’s – but the Stobhillgate group is the only one left.

There were about 60 members in its heyday and the events and shows organised included concerts, parties, dances and a few pantomimes.

But the current members are still enthusiastic about the guild and enjoy the meetings and trips.

Guest speakers in recent months have included historian Barry Mead, Daft as a Brush founder Brian Burnie, an expert on Judaism and representatives from Barnabas Safe and Sound and Northumbria Blood Bikes. There has also been a performance from a singer and an audio-visual presentation by a representative of a club in Cramlington.

Pat Lumley has been a member of the guild for more than 60 years.

She explained that it used to meet in the Stobhillgate community centre and the former Royal British Legion building before the venue changed to St Robert’s Church Hall in Oldgate as some of the members lived in the town centre area.

Meetings also occasionally take place at one of the members’ homes.

“The guild is all about making friends and having a good time,” she added

“The guest speakers are very interesting and we’ve gone to a range of places on coach trips.

“Numbers have declined in recent years, so it would be great if a few women, who aren’t aware of us and can make it along on a Thursday afternoon, attend a meeting to find out what we’re about.

“New ideas will also be very welcome.”

The Morpeth Stobhillgate Afternoon Townswomen’s Guild meets on every second Thursday of the month between 2pm and 4pm.

For more details, call Mrs Lumley on 01670 512446 – transport to meetings can be organised if required.