Westhoughton Community Network

group for and run by community groups in Westhoughton

Westhoughton Townswomen's Guild

Townswomen, regardless of politics, age, religion or circumstance, meet together to develop and exchange new ideas whilst, at the same time, learning to become better citizens in their own, national and worldwide communities.

Unfortunately, the Westhoughton Branch no longer meets and ceased its operation in November 2019.

The Organisation has been in force since 1929 when, following the lead of the Non-Militants, the Suffragists, campaigned for women's rights. Since then, members have carried on that service, educating women in their lives, in their communities and their neighbours at home and abroad. Most importantly, the Townswomen provides the opportunity for women to find what they desire, be it support, encouragement, companionship…

Westhoughton Townswomen Guild at Westhoughton Community Network Fayre April 2012The Westhoughton Guild has an Annual programme of meetings which include Speakers on a variety of subjects, demonstrations and social activities. The AGM is usually held in March.

Members each receive the National magazine - Townswoman - to keep them updated on the many activities held nationally and also, the campaigns to support those who are disadvantaged. Recently, topics such as the Environment, Caring for the Elderly, Parental Accountability have been researched and follow-up practice undertaken.

The Townswomen's Guild always has an open door to any lady seeking a friend in a meeting, listening to Speakers with entertaining - serious - thought-provoking topics, as we aim to have mixed subject levels to suit everyone along the way. During a recent meeting, members did their best to perform Speech Therapy procedures; a later meeting found us laughing our way throughout the 1940s in the company of Norman Nuttall (a much recommended speaker). And what to make of what Mike O'Connell has to say with his with his 'Murder Mystery' talk? Our meeting are interesting, fun, enlightening… for any lady, the Guild says - give us a try, don't be shy, we'd love to meet you!

In 2012 the Westhoughton Guild celebrated a significant milestone with a 60th Birthday with a dinner at held at Brookfield Masonic Hall in which it also welcomed friends from neighbouring Guilds. Still going strong and continuing to offer support and things of interest to our members.

Westhoughton Townswomen's Guild meets monthly at
The John Holt Youth & Community Centre on Birch Avenue (BL5 2NR).

Meetings were held on the 3rd Monday of each month, commencing at 7.30pm. Exceptions being June, when members celebrate our 'birthday', and in December when the Christmas party is held at a local restaurant.

Admission £1.50 at the door and that includes the tea/coffee and biscuits. All ladies welcome to come along to any meeting.

The 2017-18 programme - speakers, trips and evenings together. Our thanks to our many speakers.

Fundraising

Westhoughton Townswomen Guild at the Brinsop for Christmas Lunch with their Foodbank donation - 11 December 2013Each year the Westhoughton Townswomen Guild nominated a charity for which they embark on fundraising activities such as coffee mornings or craft stalls at events. Pictured are the ladies at their Christmas lunch at the Brinsop in December 2013 - in the spirit of Christmas items were collected and a donation made to the local Foodbank initiative, so that those families in our Community who are struggling might have a few treats over the Christmas period.

In 2014 the group raising money for the Children's Air Ambulance… with a September fundraising Charity-Social event with strawberry scones and tea with a number of stalls at Sacred Heart Church, raising money for this new and important service.

The Children's Air Ambulance Service had only been in operation for the past 12 months but, with the use of a specially designed helicopter, the service is able to transport young children and babies to the hospital they desperately need to get to, cutting time in an emergency and potentially saving lives.

Doreen Booth, Westhoughton Guild Secretary, reported that the Townswomen Guild ladies and friends in the community and church in giving up their time for such a good cause were able to raise a significant sum and make a donation of £480.


Official Townswomen Guild website Link to Townswomen Guild website for news and information

Participating Groups

Local Amenities

Photos & Videos

Music

Useful Links

Community Events

  • Daisy Hill Station Improvements
    March to December 2024
    As part of 'Access for All' improvements station will see changes to ticket hall and installation of a lift and toilet, as well as car park changes. £4m project. Some disruption but services continue. Details at Friends of Daisy Hill Station page -
  • History Group
    Monthly meetings - 3rd Thurs (10:30am)
    Westhoughton Library
    After a busy 2023 including the Wingates Band Story exhibition celebrating the brass bands 150th anniversary (Q323), schedule resumes with speakers and special events for this popular heritage group. Next mtg 21/3 st March - Speaker Ruth Duckworth: My Life in Cricket (Part 2)
  • Rotary Christmas Float 2023
    During December Rotary Club of Westhoughton were out and about visiting local estates and will at Sainsbury's ahead of Christmas. As well as Santa and his Rotary Elves bringing Christmas cheer to young and old, it is an important fundraiser; this year £6,249 was raised to be shared out with local community organisations. £5,640 raised and shared in 2022 - Presentation evening 20/4/23; 19 organisations receiving cheques.
  • Hub at Westhoughton
    The Hub at Westhoughton on Central Drive is home to a range of groups and activities serving the community. Information Leaflet.
  • Westhoughton Library
    Library now open for books, general reading and computer access. With current refurbishment complete, community activities on both ground and upper floor have resumed. Info | Community Plans.
  • Robert Shaw / Book of Quint
    Special event with Ryan Dacko, author of 'The Book of Quint' took place at Wetherspoon's 1st July, celebrating Westhoughton-born Robert Shaw and introducing the backstory of the shark hunter from Jaws. It was a great success with people coming far and wide, leading to Amberley publishing deal.
  • WOW! Women of Westhoughton
    Thursdays from 7:00pm
    John Holt Centre (BL5 2NR)
    Est. 2013, women's group for shared interests, talks, outings & social networking. New meeting venue. Updated programme.
  • Daisy Hill FC Fixtures (Home)
    League Division 1 North
    New Sirs (BL5 2EB)
    Cutters season in full flow. New management, new signings and clubhouse improvements. Support your local team. KO Sat 3pm or Mon 7:45pm. £5 adults / £3 concession / £2 U18s / U12s free w/ adult.
  • Lockdown information (Covid-19)
    For 16 months life and community was disrupted by measures to deal with the pandemic. It has been a long and impactful period, thankfully things are opening up again there is a return to normal. Watch for updates as community re-engages here and on
    Westhoughton.net Facebook Page.
  • Town Centre Masterplan
    Proposals for investment in Town Centre (Market Street focus) were consulted upon in 2019-20 with a Steering Group meeting to discuss plans for £4m investment and significant changes to Market Street, Central Park, Carnegie Hall and Town Hall.
  • Hope Community Centre
    The Central Drive church and community space is currently closed pending refurbishment discussions with Bolton Council. Hope Church services take place in the Hub.
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