WHEN Kathy Unsworth's busy teaching career came to an end she found herself rattling around her home, alone and lost.

The former personnel officer and lecturer, who was used to a busy life, wondered what to do next.

She decided she had to carve out some new interests for herself -- so she joined Golborne Towswomen's Guild.

That was seven years ago, and she has never looked back.

Kathy, of Cross Street, Golborne, has made some new and lasting friendships with a crowd of people who care about each other.

Now as vice president of the local branch she is urging other women to join the group, and especially wants to see some younger blood.

Kathy said: "We want to get rid of the image that we are old biddies who bake cake and arrange flowers.

"The Guild has members who have been white water rafting and abseiling.

"And age is no barrier. The youngest member is just seven-months-old and attends meetings with her mum and grandma.

Kathy, who worked in the personnel department at both C and A and Debenhams, before becoming a lecturer in business studies at Wigan and Leigh College, worked past retirement age.

She said: "I enjoyed being at the college and loved the teenagers I worked with. They were brilliant.

"When I left I missed the life and turned to the Guild. We might be older women, but there's plenty of life left in us. I couldn't make jam to save my life.

"We have a wonderful time, and play a part in community life."

Kathy represented Golborne at the last national council meeting at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, where members voted for equal rights for gay parenting, with the exception of the adoption of children, and against the closure of Post Offices. Guilds throughout the country vote on controversial issues, then send a delegate and observer to the national meeting at which motions are discussed and voted upon .

In the past they have backed the legal use of cannabis for medical use.

Today's Townswomen's Guild offers a warm welcome to all women who want to broaden their knowledge and experience of life, to exchange ideas and above all have fun.

At Golborne there are 28 members who meet on the fourth Wednesday of every month, except July and December, in the Barwell Room at the village high school. Even the oldest founder member, now 87, a resident in a local nursing home and unable to attend meetings, is kept up with news of activities.

Each year the Guild selects a charity to support. Last year members purchased two baby monitors. This year they are hoping to kit out a lifeboat man for the RNLI.

Kathy said: "There is no need for any woman in Golborne to feel lonely. There's a group here willing to give them a welcome and hopefully make their lives a lot happier."

Anyone interested should contact Kathy on 209123.