THE wonderful singing of the internationally acclaimed Pontarddulais Male Choir was a very appropriate end to the national Townswomen’s Guild annual meeting in June – an event attended by a group from Bemerton TG. The keynote speaker was Matthew Collins, who gave an account of his life as a travel broadcaster, author, and single parent of two boys – a very good antidote to the serious business of the day.

During the meeting there was a debate on the contentious issue of lowering the voting age to 16. A mandate to support a ban on female genital mutilation in this country was carried unanimously.

Caroline Brocksome chaired the guild’s monthly meeting, and welcomed Christine Dowdell as a new member.

She also congratulated Eileen Abel on her golden wedding, and presented her with a lovely basket of roses arranged by Verbena Greenough.

The various groups have all been active, and Caroline is organising a series of summer evening walks starting on June 26.

The speaker for the evening was local historian George Fleming. His talk was entitled Eileen’s Story. Tragically, 19-year-old local bride Eileen was lost on the Titanic on her way to a new life in America. George was thanked by Carole Harper.

The next meeting will be tonight at 7.15pm in Roman Road Methodist Lounge, when the speaker will be Brian Percey, talking about Street Pastors. New members and visitors are welcome, or call Chris on 01722 331275 for details.