National Women’s Register
PATRICIA WATKINS tells HIP about ‘the organisation that no one’s heard about’
Battle Group celebration tea at the Royal Victoria hotel
National Women’s Register (NWR) is a registered charity operating throughout Great Britain connecting women through discussions and activities. Some groups were founded at NWR’s first inception as the National Housewives Register back in 1960 in response to a letter received by the women’s page of The Guardian.
The founding principles are as relevant today as they were then. Members enjoy conversation, intellectual stimulation and friendship through taking part in informal and social events, whether at a local, regional or national level. And they are fun. As one member says: “It has lifted my spirits in down periods, and at times I have laughed till I ached.”
The organisation is governed by a board of trustees and has a small staff team who manage day-to-day activities. Groups have come and gone since 1960 and new ones continue to be set up – which is always welcome. You can choose to join NWR affiliated to a local group, or as an independent member not assigned to any one local group, or you can join NWR to set up a new local group.
Members affiliated to a local group participate in their group’s programme of events and activities. NWR members can also participate in NWR’s national programme either with their group or as individual members.
BATTLE & DISTRICT GROUP
The lively group I belong to in Battle is interested in everything and we talk about anything.
But whenever we have speakers or visitors to our group meetings, they are always amazed not to have heard of the organisation before, despite its nearly 75-year history.
As a member on and off for 44 years, whenever we moved as a family to a new area, I would always contact the local NWR group. The welcoming, friendly group of women made settling into an unfamiliar place much easier.
The Battle group meets twice a month, and each year all members can participate in planning an interesting programme for the next 12 months. A typical programme might include speakers, discussions, theatre outings, craft sessions, garden visits, and social events.
For more information visit nwr.org.uk or email the Battle & District group at [email protected]
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