In 1964, Winifred Wakeling, who lived in Courtfield Gardens, Ruislip, read an article about the National Association of Women’s Clubs and thought it was the perfect answer for a group of young neighbours who felt the Women’s Institute and Townswomen’s Guild were not for them.
Hilary Fuller, now 77, was one of those young neighbours and still attends meetings today.
She said: “When I first got married we had a room in Winifred Wakeling’s house and we used to say wouldn’t it be nice to go out one evening.
“She was a very sociable lady and there were a lot of young mums who lived around us and she would get chatting to everyone and get them all to come along. It was nice to leave our husbands at home to look after the children and go off and have some time together.
“The thing that is good about it is that it is independent of a church or a political group. We are open to everyone.”
Two other women who have become firm friends of Mrs Fuller’s are Winifred Spooner of Cranley Drive and Betty Elliot of Courtfield Gardens, who attended the very first meeting on April 29, 50 years ago.
Mrs Fuller, who lives in Howletts Lane, Ruislip, said: “In those days we were charging 9d every week and 3d if you missed an evening, which seems laughable now.
“We put leaflets through doors for people to join us, and if we couldn’t afford to pay for a speaker to come along women with talents would share their skills with the group - be it in sewing, or dress making, or cooking.”
Subs for the year are now £60 and there are around 45 members of the Fourways group, named so because the club’s first home was The Windmill Hall in Pembroke Road - now the Windmill Studio Centre - near to the Ruislip Manor traffic light junction where four roads meet.
“The best part about the group is that you have always got somebody who you can have a chat with if you are a bit down. I have always felt better when I have been to the club because I have had a bit of ‘me’ time.
“Mrs Wakeling moved to Southend eventually but kept in touch with us, returning to join us for our 21st celebration. She died at the age of 91. She would be proud of us today, still going strong,” Mrs Fuller said.
Fourways Ladies Club now meet at St Mary’s Church Hall in The Fairway, South Ruislip on Wednesdays from 8pm - 10pm. They break for Christmas, Easter and during August.
The club has visiting speakers, social events including quizzes and games nights and often takes trips out to theatres and meals.
