HISTORY

The National Association of Women's Clubs (NAWC) was started during the 1930's by the National Council of Social Service to provide education and recreation for the wives of the unemployed, to help them budget for and feed their families.

By the early 1940's the members had gradually taken over the management of the clubs themselves. The movement reached a peak during the 1950's when clubs were started to serve the needs of the many new housing estates springing up after the second World War. In 1950 a formal constitution was drawn up and accepted. In 1973 the Social Services Department felt that they could no longer justify the amount spent on providing for women¹s clubs and gave the members three years to find their own Head Office and take over the running of the organisation, and at this point Charity Status was granted. In recognition of its Educational nature, NAWC receives an Annual Grant from the Department for Education but still needs to raise funds through membership fees and donations in order to provide continuing service to the clubs. Currently there are approximately 30 clubs meeting throughout the Country, with a total membership of 12,500.

Each club is a non-political, non-sectarian group open to all women, whatever their ages and interests. Each club is self-governing, choosing its own officers, meeting places and times to fit in with the needs of the members and their particular neighbourhood. A wide range of activities caters for all tastes but as NAWC is an educational charity the emphasis is on self-development.

The Objects of each club are to advance education and to provide facilities for recreation or other leisure-time occupation in the interest of social welfare, with the object of improving the conditions of life for women in the area of benefit without distinction of political, religious or other opinions.

Regional Associations and Groups exist in most areas and the clubs within these regularly get together for social and other meetings. Delegates fron these attend Executive Meetings in order to put local views forward at National level.

A National Annual Conference is held at which resolutions of national importance are put by member Associations and Clubs and debated. If passed these are sent to the appropriate Government Department for comment. Many of the resolutions discussed by the members have become law.

The Ashton NAWC meets every Wednesday at the Y.M.C.A. Hilton Street, Ashton-in-Makerfield. The meeting starts at 7.30 p.m. and ends at 9.30 p.m. It has a varied programme of events, ranging from speakers invited to give talks on a variety of topics and issues, to Quiz evenings, Bring and Buy evenings, social evenings, enjoying a meal out together, and outings to the theatre or cinema etc.

Ashton Community Forum