Neston Female Society
The society was founded in 1814 when the ladies of Neston formed a co-operative named Neston Female Friendly Society. 
It was formed to enable all the ladies, left at home with their children, to help each other out in times of hardship while the menfolk were away fighting in the Napoleonic Wars.
The original charter is on display at Neston Parish Church although in 2003 the society had to drop the word 'friendly' from the title, due to the increasing costs charged by the Financial Services Authority which was costing the society up to £2,000 per year.
The society's motto was, and still is, 'Bear ye one another's burdens'.
The motto says it all. Help one another. The society is open to all females from the age of fifteen, and all members pay a modest annual fee of £2.00 each.
The society operates a modest scheme to the members which consists of a:
Members' sickness benefit
Members' maternity benefit who have children in wedlock
Members death grant
These benefits are given with the discretion of the committee. The committee consists of 6 female members, and the secretary, traditionally, must be male. The society also has 3 trustees.
The main focal point of the society is its traditional 'Ladies Day Walk' which takes place on the first Thursday in June and has done, annually, apart from the war years.
It culminates with a procession of the members, clergy, mayor/mayoress and invited dignitaries. It departs from the Malt Shovel car park, proceeds down the High Street and stops for a service at Neston Parish Church.
After the service at the church, the procession makes it away, via church lane and Parkgate Road, to gather around Neston Cross for a short service and the blessing from clergy. It then makes its way down High Street, Bridge St, Chester Road, to Neston Civic Hall for tea and the Annual General Meeting. A truly colourful day is enjoyed by everyone.
The society has gone from strength to strength and attracts around 200 children walking along with the society members to celebrate the annual Neston Ladies Day. Long may it continue!
Hon. Secretary R D Halsall Esq.