THE CHAIRMAN of the resurrected towns women’s guild in Petersfield has been asked to present flowers to HRH Princess Anne at a national carol concert.

Joanne Johnson of Highfield Road reformed the Petersfield Townswomen’s Guild two years ago; the last meeting of the group was in 1979.

In recognition of her hard work Joanne has been asked to meet and greet the Princess Royal at the carol service in Chichester Cathedral.

Joanne, whose mother in law was chairman of the Portchester branch of the guild, said: “We are the youngest guild in this region, and we now have 11 members.

“We met every month and enjoy various activities such as talks, wine tasting, archery and day day trips.”

But Joanne admits to being nervous about her role at the carol service on Tuesday, December 6, 1.30pm.

She said: “I haven’t done anything like this before, and although it’s a huge honour, it’s daunting.”

The first Townswomen’s Guild was formed in 1929, to offer women support in an increasingly fragmented society; today, members benefit from a national movement.

Joanne said: “It was born out of the Suffragette movement, and the National Union of Townswomen’s Guilds has as it’s colours the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies colours - red for courage, white for faith and green for hope.”

For more information about the Petersfield branch which meets in Petersfield Community Centre in Love Lane on the third Friday of each month, email Joanne at [email protected]