They were trying to get rid of the jam-and-jumble-sale tag that had dogged them for so long.

They were determined to show everyone that there was much more on offer in the Townswomen’s Guild movement.

To prove the point, the members above gathered in Kidlington to deliver leaflets to homes, spreading the word that they had more to offer.

READ MORE: TikTok to promote mental health treatment 

The Oxford Mail summed up their feelings by printing the picture in 1983 under the headline – ‘Jam yesterday, hang-gliding tomorrow’.

The women were determined to spread the word that the TG, as it is known, had a great deal more to offer than the simple things in life.

One of them told the Mail: “Many women turn up to Guild meetings as somewhat shy observers and then gradually assert themselves, learn to speak in public and develop fresh competence as activists.”

The varied activities on offer at that time included visits to ballet, a musical or pop show and talks ranging from exotic insect life to foreign travel.

And yes, some had even enjoyed an afternoon of hang-gliding.

At that time, the TG was attracting an increasing number of members of all ages and backgrounds – the single, married and widowed, housewives and career women, all enjoying equal status.

It wasn’t just afternoon meetings that were being held – others were being arranged in the evenings for those with daytime jobs.

Townswomen’s Guilds are still going strong today. The organisation aims to make a difference to women’s lives by offering them fun, friendship, opportunities to find things out and be part of a force for change. Members meet regularly in groups called Guilds, less formal Townswomen’s Associate Groups and online.

Help support trusted local news 

Sign up for a digital subscription now: oxfordmail.co.uk/subscribe 

As a digital subscriber you will get:      

  •       
  • Unlimited access to the Oxford Mail website   
  •       
  • Advert-light access       
  •       
  • Reader rewards       
  •       
  • Full access to our app 

About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

His Trade and Tourism newsletter is released every Saturday morning. 

You can also read his weekly Traffic and Transport newsletter.