These are some of the questions we are most often asked. If you can't find the answer to your question here, use the Contact Us page to send us an email.
Why do members campaign?
Members campaign to advance the well-being of all women and the wider public. Townswomen's Guilds has been challenging the Government over issues since the mid-1950s, examples of which include fairer funding for adult education and greater rights for grandparents.
Do I have to join a local Guild to become a member?
You don't have to attend regular meetings to become a member. If you have a busy work and social life you may like to join as an Associate member. Membership includes an annual subscription to the magazine,
Townswoman, four newsletters, the opportunity to attend national events and the chance to have your say on important local and national issues, the opportunity to become a Trustee. Associate members have access to the members’ are of the website and can join a Townswomen’s Internet Group (TiG) or to go to a Townswomen’s Associate Group (TAG) which is a less informal formal meeting of TG members.
What can I expect from a Guild meeting?
Thousands of members around the country meet at regular monthly meetings held in the morning, afternoon or evening. The annual programme includes speakers, demonstrations and social activities. Townswomen also mount a strong lobby on national and regional issues, offer each other support and develop new skills and interests.
What if there's no Guild in my area?
If there isn't a Guild in your area, you may want to start up your own Townswomen's Guild. Contact Townswomen's Guilds HQ on 0121 326 0400 or e-mail contact@the-tg.com and we will get Sara, or National Recruitment Officer, to contact you. Please do not worry; you will not have to do all the work yourself! Help and assistance (including promotional literature) will be provided but it is always useful to have a contact with local knowledge. Or you might want to become an Associate member and join a TiG or TAG.
How much does it cost to join Townswomen's Guilds?
For the financial year 2024/25 it will cost £20 to join as an Associate member.
Joining a Guild will include the £20 plus an amount to cover the costs of running the Guild. This includes the price of room hire, speakers etc. The amount will vary, depending upon which Guild you join. Guilds are self governing and therefore have discretion when setting subscription fees.
How do I get in touch with my local Guild if I want to become a Member?
To become a Member search for a Guild using the Guild Finder and by all means go along to a meeting and see what they do. You will be assured of a warm welcome! However, if you wish to speak to a representative from a Guild beforehand please contact Townswomen's Guilds HQ on 0121 326 0400 or email contact@the-tg.com and we will facilitate an introduction.
What do TG colours represent?
Townswomen's Guilds branded colours are red, white and green - red for courage, white for faith and green for hope, adopted from the NUWSS (National Union of Women's Suffrage Societies).
Our information on the colours of the new logo was taken from the book Organization Women, The Story of the Nation Union of Townswomen's Guilds, written by Mary Stott. The book is regarded by many as the definitive history of TG from 1929 until 1978 when it was published.
How do I get my details/information to local Guilds?
You will be able to locate Guilds by using the Guild Finder located on the homepage. It will display Guilds within your postcode search and by clicking on the location bubbles it will display the meeting place of the Guild and when their monthly meeting takes place. If you wish you can come along to a meeting. Unfortunately we are unable to offer you the option of posting details/information to individual Guilds on your behalf through Townswomen's Guilds Headquarters. There is also our National Magazine 'Townswoman', which you can advertise in. for more details on advertising please see 'Advertising Details' in our 'Townswomen Magazine' section.
Is Townswomen's Guilds relevant in today's society?
100% YES! Townswomen's Guilds remains as relevant today as it was when it was formed in 1929. TG is open to women of all ages and continually campaigns on important and topical issues both local and Nationally.
Why do Townswomen's Guilds have a National Headquarters?
Having a central address for a national organisation is essential. Acting as a focal point of contact, they deal with letters, emails and phone calls together providing information, support and advice to TG members. They set up national events and also manage the general administration of the organisation and its membership. Headquarters keeps up to date with Government and Charity Commission changes and follows up mandates. HQ has a great deal of interaction with other organisations, charities and governmental departments.
Who governs the organisation?
The National Executive Committee consists of members who have been voted into the position of Trustee who in turn manage the running and structure of Townswomen's Guilds. At the UK Charity Awards in 2005, these members scooped the prestigious Trustee Board of the Year Award in recognition of their excellence and service to the organisation.
Don't miss this opportunity to have your say on important political issues, meet new people, enjoy a wide range of activities and above all, have fun.