AN organisation that has been running in Royal Wootton Bassett for more than half a century is set to close.

The Townswomen’s Guild is one of the largest women’s organisations in the country with around 550 guilds.

But chairman of the guild in Wootton Bassett, Vivien Warburton, said: “I have stepped down as chair for personal reasons and there was no-one left to take over. Most of our ladies had been on committee, or in office as chair or treasurer several times over, and they do not feel capable of doing the roles justice now.”

Over the years the guild has donated money to charities in the town, supported events like the Lyneham Open Days and gone on coach trips every year.

Vivien said: “In looking back, I won’t pick out specific events, speakers or trips, as all have been good in their own way. Members of our group have formed good strong bonds with the town and with each other and will remain this way. Now we have closed, we offer a fond farewell to a great group of people.”