SOMERSET’S FRIENDLY SOCIETIES

Founded in the late eighteenth century, the Westbury Friendly Society is one of the five surviving Friendly Societies in Somerset, the others being at Langport, Long Sutton, Priddy and Nether Stowey (the only female only Friendly Society).

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

The societies were originally formed to provide an early form of social security - long before anyone had thought of state welfare benefits.

For example, they would help when members hit hard times, and provide assistance with funeral expenses on the death of a member.

Some of the traditions live on. When a member dies, we still make a small donation to the bereaved family. The charitable tradition is also maintained by making donations to village good causes.

THREE YEARS AT A TIME

At the end of a fixed period, which was recently shortened from five to three yers, the Society ceases to exist for a short period (’the club break’).

A village meeting is then convened to decide whether to re-establish it for another three years.

So far, the decision has always been in favour of carrying on, at which point a new committee is elected to lead the Society for for the next few  years.

The present club was formed in autumn 2007, and will break in 2010.

ANNUAL CLUB DAY

The biggest event of the year is the annual Club Day on Spring Bank Holiday weekend, which was recently spread over two days and combined with the Church Fete.

The Sunday begins with a children’s fancy dress competition in the morning, followed by a parade through the village led by a brass band. After the award of prizes and a roll call of members at the Westbury Inn, there is a special service at the village Church, followed by lunch in the Village Hall.

Monday's events take place on the village playing field and for the past two years has started with a fun run.

There is then a BBQ, licensed bar, Church Fete stalls and teas, children’s sports, skittles, tug of war contest, coconut shy, zippy-dipper and various other side shows.

CLUB DAY & CHURCH FETE PROGRAMME: 25-26 MAY 2008 

By Monday, however, the appalling weather had deteriorated to a point where the sports and Church Fete had to be abandoned. The draw for the Fete raffle will now take place at the Strawberry Tea in the Village Hall, and the organisers are already discussing a posponed Fete later in the Summmer - details of which will be posted as soon as they are available.

OTHER EVENTS

In addition to Club Day, regular Friendly Society events in recent years have included Wassailing (January), Easter Egg Hunt (Easter Monday), Barn Dance (September), Senior Citizen's Outing (September), Quiz Night & Christmas Raffle Draw (December), Carol Singing (December).

JOINING 

Everyone in the village is welcome to join the Friendly Society and get involved in helping with its various events.

If you're interested, contact the Chairman, Secretary or any other commttee members (for a list of whom, click on Read more below).