THE GUILD RETURNS

By ANNE SHISLER

I had been set a challenge – start a Ladies Guild in the New West End. The shul did have one for many years but for various reasons it had disappeared. What do you do to start a guild? What will it be called? How relevant is it in this day and age? I have come from two communities where the Ladies Guilds are literally the heart of their communities. Not only do they do all the usual things associated with ladies guilds, but provide welfare, social and cultural activities. The guilds raise money for the shul and for charities. More significantly they provide a voice for women in the community both local and nationally. The guild in Kenton was one of the first, many, many years ago, to press for representation of women on the board and on the United Synagogue committees. A guild also provides a network for women and their families, develops friendships and helps to develop a cohesive feeling within the shul, bringing together people of all ages, with varied skills and interests.

Of course, I have always been involved with guilds that are well structured, with an elected committee, chairman, treasurer, secretary, honorary presidents and so on! To say that the Rabbi has been married to the chairman of the ladies’ guild is no exaggeration. I first became chairman when Abi was 2 (she’s now 24). I was asked to stand in as vice-chairman and told not worry, as I would not be expected to be chairman when I had such a young child to look after. As in all communal situations never believe statements like that. Fortunately the guilds had some rules and regulations, which meant that a person could not be in office continuously for more than a certain number of years, so I did get some breaks.

We have no such structure here yet, but what we do have is a large group of enthusiastic and intelligent ladies who want to be involved. There is a very mixed age range – from the young to the more senior. They are not too keen on the catering part of the job, but those who have participated in this area have enjoyed themselves and ‘bonded over the coleslaw’. We have started a book club that is open to all. It was felt important that the name of our organisation would not necessarily exclude men from taking part in some of our functions and helping with the catering. Some of our activities, of course, are more suitable for women only.

After a great deal of discussion, considering many strange and wonderful names, we opted finally to call ourselves the New West End Guild – the ladies wanted to identify strongly with the community. At some time we might decide to make a more structured committee, but at the moment we are happy as we are – different ladies are taking on different responsibilities. If you have a talent and can do something for the guild, please let me know. All bright ideas are welcome.

We have all sorts of ideas for the future – one for your diary is Monday, May 13th. This one is definitely for ladies only. Mrs June Kenton, from Rigby and Peller, is coming to talk to us. It promises to be ‘An Uplifting Experience’. There will be a small charge that evening as we hope to raise some money for charity - details to follow. If you are interested call me on 7229 6215

The New West End Guild is now being represented in the wider community at Association of United Synagogue meetings and we are putting our name on the map.

Come and join us – this is a very special group – we would love to see you.

Have a good Pesach,