VOLUNTEERS from Chard Museum and other local community organisations are helping celebrate the centenary of Margaret Bondfield being appointed the first female Government Minister.

They hope members of the public and the Chard community will join them this coming Saturday between 9.30am and 2.30pm outside the Chard Guildhall to celebrate the anniversary of her birth.

Margaret was born in Chard on March 17, 1873, the tenth of eleven children of William and Anne Bondfield, and attended the High Street School in the town.

She left Chard at the age of 14 to become an apprentice in White’s Drapery in Hove before moving to London where she joined the Union of Shop Assistants.

Claire Richter, chair of the Margaret Bondfield Steering Group, explained that “she went on to become the first woman to lead the TUC before being elected to Parliament in 1923.

“In 1924 she was appointed as the first female Government Minister. Then in 1929 she went on to become the first female cabinet minister.

“However, she stated that her proudest achievement was being given the Freedom of the Borough of Chard in 1930. She is buried in Chard cemetery.”

Chard & Ilminster News: Margaret BondfieldMargaret Bondfield (Image: Chard Museum)

The Museum is inviting the public to join them to celebrate this remarkable daughter of Chard. The cake will be provided outside the Guildhall near the Blue Plaque marking her incredible achievements.

Other volunteers will be in the foyer sharing photographs from the Wheadon Collection.

Chard History Group will be selling some of its publications and sharing future events in its monthly programme.

Four recently created pieces of lenticular art of Chard including one depicting photographs of Margaret Bondfield will be on display for the first time.

Finally, local historian, Doug Hislop will be giving away copies of his recently published booklet exploring the naming of ‘Streets of Chard’.