The St. Andrew's Church Ladies' Guild
The Ladies' Guild is a small group of ladies who meet twice a month in the Gothenburg Cathedral old Deanery - Gustavigården - Kyrkogatan 28, Gothenburg.
The President of the Ladies´Guild is Marie Lygonis who has this message for potential members:
If there are any ladies who feel lonely or need a couple of hours companionship and laughter, you are very welcome to join us. We have tea, sandwiches and cake for the modest price of 10 kr!
The Next Meeting - Annual General Meeting:
Day: March 20th, 2003
Time: 14.00
Place: Gothenburg Cathedral old Deanery - Gustavigården - Kyrkogatan 28, Gothenburg.
Thereafter we meet every two weeks on "even week" Thursdays.
The LADIES GUILD
The St. Andrew's Ladies Guild was officially re-formed in October 1943. The duties previously carried out by the British Red Cross, Gothenburg, were assumed by the Ladies'Guild. The Guild worked actively on helping with the repatriation of British soldiers who had been prisoners of war - providing both hospitality and clothing.
Towards the end of 1944 there was an exchange of prisoners of war on a very large scale. Three ships were then in action: "Arundel Castle", "Drottningholm" and "Gripsholm". During the afternoon before the PoWs left, we were able to meet many of them, where they were quartered in a school in Majorna...We were all given tea and at a sing-song the chief favourites were "Take me back to dear old Blighty" and "Roll out the barrel."... The next day before they left, we were able to go aboard and wish them God speed.. It was a happy occasion in many ways- and a very tragic one too. Those of us who went belw deck and spoke with those who were too ill to be up could never forget the tragedies of broken lives. Many of them were too ill to speak much, but were grateful for a friendly word and a press of the hand. Many were the photographs we were shown, worn and fingered, of their loved ones - wives, children parents. It brought home to us very clearly the uselessness of war.
Mary C. Boorman
The Ladies' Guild also knitted and sewed many hundreds of garments which were sent to London for children from the bombed areas, to Danish refugees, to Norway, Finland, Russia, Poland Holland and later on Greece. Money was also raised for many charities such as the Red Crossand King George´s fund for Seamen.
Over the years the Ladies' Guild has taken part in many fund-raising activities for St. Andrew's. These include providing Altar Linen and Cloths, an Alter Book to commemorate the Coronation, new vestments ordered from the London School for church embroidery and a red carpet for the main aisle. Money has been raised for various appeals, as well as for restoration of St Andrew´s stained glass windows and the organ. The Ladies Guild have made a devoted and valuable contribution to the life of the St. Andrew's church community.
Sources: Articles by Margaret Lind, one of the original members, and Gunvor Otter, Secretary of the Guild.
NEWS FROM THE LADIES' GUILD
ANNUAL OUTING
The Guild's outing on Thursday 11th June, 2002 was lunch in "Heaven" - the Gothia Towers Restaurant on the twenty third floor! The meal was delicious, the company delightful, and the views over Gothenburg were magnificent. We felt positively uplifted!
LEST YOU FORGET - OUR ST. LUCIA PARTY 2001
Memories from our very enjoyable St. Lucia Party at the Chaplain's flat, where we were regaled with sandwiches, Lucia saffran cakes, ambrosia cake, mince pies and Christmas cake. Daxi the puppy thought the whole thing was most enjoyable, and she and Gandalf send their joyful thanks for the Christmas presents, which they shared with complete impartiality!
The Ladies' Guild at their St. Lucia party at the Chaplaincy
Marie Lygonis - President
Mistlursvägen 7
423 40 Torslanda
Tel: 031-92 22 96
or
Nancy Fjällbrant - Secretary
Hökåsvägen 22
436 50 Hovås
Tel: 031-28 49 33