TAVISTOCK?S townswomen?s guild is shutting down after 55 years.

The federation of townswomen?s guilds was started by the Suffragette movement almost 80 years ago for the education of women.

The Tavistock group?s president, Phyllis Dawe, said they could not continue because their secretary was stepping down and they could not find anyone to replace her.

She said: ?This is a very sad day for all of us.

?We are still members of the federation, but we won?t be able to meet locally any more.?

In the past, the group have enjoyed friendship and support, holidays, outings, and a range of pursuits such as arts and crafts, drama and social studies.

l Pictured above at their final meeting in the United Reformed Church last week are (left to right): Win Mudge, founder member, Irene Jury, secretary, Sylvia Wilcock, chairman, Pat Fletcher, treasurer, and Phyllis Dawe, president.