June 2006
The Ladies of The Stowey's turned out in force. It was great to see so many, the dresses and the Wondrous hats were a fantastic sight. The weather was perfect and the Watchet Town Brass Band led the way to the Church. The Cars on the A39 were stopped so the Lovely Ladies could cross.
At the church the ladies were greeted by Phil Dennison, the previous vicar of the parish, and the Vicar Hilary Watkins. A short prayer was said at the grave side of the founder of the Women's Walk, Tom Poole. Then into the church for a short service. Then it was back through the village to the village Hall for Tea.
Banner holder & flower girls
The Women's walk began in 1806 as a part of the Women's Friendly Society, a charity for women in the village and surrounding area, the society gave money to women who were in need. There was also a Men's friendly society but this folded a number of years ago. The rules of the Society were quite strict and, if not followed, the women would be fined. the charity was folded in the 1970's but the walk was continued (It is a great excuse for the women of the villages of Nether Stowey and Over Stowey to get dressed up and have a good time together putting the world to right.)
