Congleton NWR
The Congleton branch of the National Women's Register (originally the National Housewives' Register) has been in existence for more than forty years. Hilary Adams, one of our founding members who is still part of the group, tells how it started in Congleton because there were more than four going to Macclesfield NHR and they wouldn’t fit in one car!
Over the years we have thrived, at one time having two groups within the town. Membership levels have gone up and down; 51 members in 1974, down to 23 in 1978, 50 in 1987 and 47 members by 1990. We were definitely ‘ bucking the national trend’ so were pleased with ourselves. Members had to be shoehorned into Sandie's house in the 80s for the Christmas party and the AGM – events exceptionally well attended because of the fantastic refreshments provided.
We were busy in the late 80s, with our own one-day conference on the environment and then being part of the organising committee for the National Conference at Keele. We had one of the first Area Organisers in the country.
We have always had a well-attended Book Group and in 2005 it was a runner up for the Penguin/Orange Readers Group Prize.
In 2010 we held our second one day conference, Music, Music, Music, which was hard work but well worth it.
Now, one of our members, Linda Messham, is kept busy sending copies of her popular murder mystery plays out to other groups, and we're all eagerly awaiting the next one.
Over the years we have thrived, at one time having two groups within the town. Membership levels have gone up and down; 51 members in 1974, down to 23 in 1978, 50 in 1987 and 47 members by 1990. We were definitely ‘ bucking the national trend’ so were pleased with ourselves. Members had to be shoehorned into Sandie's house in the 80s for the Christmas party and the AGM – events exceptionally well attended because of the fantastic refreshments provided.
We were busy in the late 80s, with our own one-day conference on the environment and then being part of the organising committee for the National Conference at Keele. We had one of the first Area Organisers in the country.
We have always had a well-attended Book Group and in 2005 it was a runner up for the Penguin/Orange Readers Group Prize.
In 2010 we held our second one day conference, Music, Music, Music, which was hard work but well worth it.
Now, one of our members, Linda Messham, is kept busy sending copies of her popular murder mystery plays out to other groups, and we're all eagerly awaiting the next one.
Congleton Park in summer
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