The Westward Ho! Ladies Club

Westward Ho! Ladies Club (formerly known as the Young Wives) was an idea conceived by the late Shirley Newcombe, Christine Beer, Denise Lamey, Janet Powell and Carol Laws in 1969.

The inaugural meeting was held at the home of Shirley by a group of ladies who wanted “something to do” during the winter in Westward Ho! (being involved during the Summer with the tourist industry).

They took advice from Nesta Hilder and Mr Eagle, Chairman of the Community Association as to how to go about forming a dub. A constitution was drawn up, a meeting place, the Schoolroom of the Kingsley Hall found, an advertisement was posted and the young wives club was formed.

At its peak it had over forty members drawn from a wide catchment area. Members arranged speakers, jumble sales for the Association and with their children participated in the Westward Ho! Carnival each year. Later when the Carnival was in danger of foundering some of the husbands of the young wives joined the committee to ensure its continuation.

In 1980 their 21st Anniversary was celebrated and many former members joined present ones to celebrate the event.

Soon afterwards the name was changed to Westward Ho! Ladies Club as it was felt the new name best described its membership.

Nowadays the club meets every Thursday from September to May still in the Schoolroom and the membership is around twenty.

A variety of topics ranging from handicrafts, history, travel and beauty therapies are covered by speakers and occasionally visits are made beyond the village.

We always welcome new members and are constantly on the look out for new speakers.

from: Alison Crossman, Chairperson