A WARM welcome was given by chairman Pat Denney to members and visitors at Thornbury Townswomen’s Guild’s February meeting.

The treasurer reminded everyone that subscriptions are now due, and the Greenhouse Project, a counselling service for those suffering from sexual abuse, was chosen as the charity for 2017.

The date for the outing to Stratford upon Avon was confirmed as May 16.

Guest Mr Shaun McCormack is a member of The Queen’s Bodyguard, known as The Yeomen of the Guard, which is the oldest military unit in the world today. It was formed in 1485 under Henry VII.

There are 71 Yeomen, of whom 57 carry out duties, and they are recruited from the Army, although more recently retired RAF and Navy personnel may apply.

Their role today is purely ceremonial and they attend all state occasions such as the opening of parliament, investitures, banquets and garden parties.

They also play a part in the service on Maundy Thursday, when the Queen distributes the Maundy money, by carrying the seven plates on which the money is laid. They can be very heavy!

Mr McCormack brought his uniform to show to the audience, which included the heavily embroidered coat (weighing 16 pounds), the Tudor-style hat, ruff and his red woollen stockings.

He also passed round a number of interesting photographs showing the Yeomen on duty with the Queen, and a copy of his Oath of Allegiance.

Mr McCormack’s talk gave a very interesting insight into the life of a Yeoman of the Guard, whom we have all seen on state occasions.

Jan Ashforth, Pat Essler and Barbara Twining were among the raffle prize winners and the competition for a royal souvenir, which attracted a record number of entries, was won by Doreen Payne.

Next month’s meeting will be the annual general meeting on March 8 in the Excell Room.