A WOMEN’S social group formed in Frodsham during the dark days of the Second World War is still going strong and celebrating its 65th anniversary.

Frodsham Townswomen’s Guild cracked open the sherry at their AGM this week to mark the special occasion and longest-serving members, Pauline Bibby and Joyce Johnson, were invited to cut a celebratory cake.

It is 42 years since Pauline and Joyce both joined the guild, which was formed under the original chairmanship of Elsie Greening on March 27, 1944, after an inaugural meeting at the former Bourne Methodist schoolroom in Main Street. The current chairman is Joan Pollen.

Membership has fluctuated over the years but now stands at 53 after several younger women joined, and the group is thriving, said secretary Linda Thomas.

Linda said she was encouraged to join when she moved to Frodsham 23 years ago and had enjoyed making new friends and learning ‘all sorts of interesting things’ from guest speakers and demonstrations who visit the group’s monthly meetings at Frodsham Community Centre.

Members also organise regular day trips, coffee evenings and theatre visits and the guild’s drama group and choir stage popular annual sketch shows and concerts which raise money for various good causes.

In the past three years the guild has donated proceeds to children’s charities and the North West Air Ambulance Appeal, which each received £1,000, and members are aiming to raise at least the same amount for Frodsham Community Centre, this year’s chosen charity.

“It’s all very sociable and good fun and we try to cram in as much as we can,” said Linda.

“We’re often asked if we would ever do a nude calendar like the WI Calendar Girls – but I don’t think any of us has quite got the nerve!”

Anyone interested in joining the guild can visit their meetings, which are held every third Tuesday of the month at Frodsham Community Centre, starting at 7.30pm.