Townswomen's Guild

The Guilds' Honorary Life National Vice-Presidents are Maggie Chilton MBE, Jean Ellerton JP, Marjory Hall OBE, Jean Hunt, Pamela Pollock, Pauline Myers, Sue Smith OBE, Iris Shanahan MBE, Pauline Myers and Margaret Key.

"Townswoman of the Year" is an award presented to a member who has devoted their time and energy to the organisation and is chosen by the National Chairman.

The "Officers’ Trophy" is given to a member who has exceptionally gone ‘above and beyond the call of duty’ to support an organisation or charity and is chosen by the National Executive Committee (NEC).

Townswomen also get involved in charitable events, International Women's Day, sports, creative leisure activities, competitions and exhibitions.

The Guild tries to influence change, with a focus on public affairs, using the opinions of its members on important issues for the attention of decision-makers.

In 1928, all women over the age of 21 were given the vote as a result of the Equal Franchise Act irrespective of their property, education or previous interests.

The following year the idea of urban Guilds was launched by Margery Corbett Ashby, for women to meet and learn about citizenship and how to use the vote.

In the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s, members campaigned on issues such as environmental pollution, mixed-sex wards, nuclear power, food additives, prescription charges and carers' rights.

The 2010s saw campaigns on empty homes, geriatric care in hospitals, gambling advertising, getting rid of cheques, banning FGM and modern slavery.