It was a happy start to 2017 as members laughed and applauded Secretary, Glen Hepworth’s ten-line verse summing up the joys of the annual Christmas Party to close 2016.

Then it was down to the challenge of the annual quiz, compiled and presented by Guild President, Elsie Kite. Winners by one point were Norma Barker, Sylvia Bowering, Maureen Brownlie and Sally Cantello. Each of them received a small gift, as did quizmaster, Elsie and marker, Joyce Davie, who were warmly thanked.

Treasurer, Kate Pugh, reminded members that the financial year ends on January 31st and annual subscriptions should be paid at the February meeting.

A vote was taken on the organisations nominated by members to benefit in 2017/18 from monthly donations placed in the charity box in lieu of paying for refreshments at meetings; Dorothy House won the vote.

In her Chair’s remarks, Joan Norman spoke of B&NES Council’s proposal to relocate the town library within the Hollies. She had, at the request of TGHQ, been in email contact with local MP, Jacob Rees-Mogg, in late December, seeking his support in the Commons for an SNP private member’s bill calling on the Government to ratify the Istanbul Convention, which concerns gender-related violence and domestic violence against women and girls. Theresa May was Home Secretary when the UK signed up to the convention.There was a rumour at the time that a Tory MP would seek to talk the bill out and we await the MP’s written reply. Meanwhile, local media coverage highlighted the fact that men and boys also face violence from women.

The bunting knitted in Townswomen’s Guild colours of red, green and white for the 2016 national AGM in Bournemouth and displayed on the River Somer railings for the town fayre in July was finally recycled to the Radstock Knitters, who used it in their Christmas yarnbombing of the Miners’ Wheel in Radstock.

Cue for a song at our next meeting on February 21st when John Penny will present ‘Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside’ and Glen Hepworth will be pleased to assist with any enquiries meanwhile on: 01761 413528.