| Administrative History | Townswomen's Guilds began in 1928, as a non-political sucessor to the suffragettes movement. The first Guild began in Haywards Heath, East Sussex.
The Guilds gave women confidence and organisational skills. The formation of a Guild was guided by a member of a central Council from the umbrella body of National Townswomens' Guilds based in London. A committee was elected by ballot, comprising of a Chairman, Vice-Chaiman, Secretary and Treasurer and eight members. The aim was to advance women of all ages, parties, colour or creeds. They met at regular intervals to exchange ideas, learn new skills, and debate important issues including energy conservation, and environmental hazards, etc..
In 1955 all the residents on the Mackworth Estate had a leaflet through their letter boxes, advertising a new Townswomen's Guild that was to be formed at St. Francis' Church. The first meeting was held on 22 March. A president and vice-presidents were not appointed, but a committee of 10 members including four officers was appointed. It was also carried that the committee should appoint the officers. In accordance with the constitution, section XIII.F.4. "the four officers [were] authorised to sign cheques, and their signitures [were] forwarded to the bank (with an indication as to who [held] which office)". The membership at the first meeting was 56 strong. Each member paid an annual subscription of 2/6d. A member was entitled to attend all meetings and take part in Guild activities, nominate and vote in the election of Guild Officers and Committee, and vote on any matter laid before the Guild. The Guild met once a month to discuss business, followed by a slide show, games or performanced entertainments, and then tea and biscuits. In an attempt to recruit new members, it was agreed to allow visitors to attend two meetings on payment of 1/- per meeting (exclusive of tea). At the second meeting, sub-committees responsible for: arts & crafts; drama; music; and social studies were announced. The first birthday celebrations were attended by about 80 members.
In the early days, social matters were brought to members' attention. The Mackworth Townswomens Guild was able to put pressure on the Post Office with regard to an extra pillar box and show the need for a Post Office in the shopping centre. Playing fields were another matter which the City Council was urged to address.
On 13 April 1976, the Guild's 21st birthday meeting was attended by 62 members "dressed to kill." [see D5637/9/1]. In 1977 the study of Mackworth Estate's Social History was proposed at a Social Studies meeting. Members studied booklets issued by the Housing Department, and one by members of St. Francis's Church. The two hundred copies produced were all sold. To celebrate 25 years in 1980, three birch trees were planted to the left of the drive of St. Francis's Church. Later a 'Townswoman' rose bed was planted outside the window of the Lady Chapel there.
The Guild became affiliated to Mackworth Link in May 1984. The organisation was intended to bring together all movements on the estate with a view to co-ordinating public activities. The Guild displayed items of work by the Arts and Crafts group, memorabilia and ther magazine 'Townswoman'. One year the Social Studies group members dressed in Victoriam costume and displayed evidence of their recent studies of the period. However this failed to attracted the anticipated growth in membership.
For a number of years the Guild supported MENCAP. More recently they have supported different local charities. These include: the Lois Ellis Home for the Blind; Derby Royal Infirmary Cancer Research; and Derby Diabetic Association.
The year 2000 saw Mackworth Townswomens Guild celebrate their 45th anniversary. Membership has slowly declined despite efforts to attract new members. Younger women whom it was hoped would boost numbers found different activities. With many women working during the day, it was considered that their remaining energies were taken up in their homes and with shopping. This year also saw the closure of the meeting room at St. Francis's due to lack of funds for essential repairs and modernisation. The Guild hurriedly moved to the Diocesan Centre at the Christ the King Church on Prince Charles Avenue. |
| Custodial History | These records were deposited in January 2002. |