Newspaper Articles 1947 – British Women’s Overseas Club

[21 April 1947]

British Women’s Club Holds First Birthday

On the occasion of the first birthday of the forming of their club, in April of last year, members of the British Women’s Club entertained a large number of friends at a social function in Hastings. An extremely progressive year, in which activities had surpossed [surpassed] the initial hopes of the executive, was referred to by the president, Mrs Malcolm Mason.

Following supper, entertainment was provided by the following: – Mrs W.A. Greer (songs); Miss June Pothan (elocutionary items); Messrs P. Hobbs and B. Hasler (humorous impersonations, songs, and character sketches; Mr D.C. Fisher (songs); Mrs I.S. McLeod and Havelock North Players (amusing charades).

During the evening an interesting talk on the Navy was given by Dr Antony Reeve, with particular reference to the use of nautical terms in everyday life, and embodying humorous anecdotes about life in the Service.

On behalf of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the English Speaking Union, Mrs W.H. Wood extended an invitation to younger members particularly, to attend the branch meetings.

Thanking the hostesses and performers, on behalf of the guests, Mr. W.A. Whitlock spoke of the value of such a club as this to the community, and the helpful spirit of kinship which existed among members.

On this its first birthday meeting, Mrs Mason recalled the reasons for establishing the British Women’s Overseas Club and the overwhelming success which it had achieved in all its activities during the first year of its existence. It had been of great value to innumerable girls and older women on taking up life in a new country, as the membership of approximately 200 testified. The comradeship and contacts with fellow-members she considered an important part of its purpose, as were visits in sickness and to members in hospital.

[24 April 1947]

British Women’s Club Entertained by English Speaking Union In Hastings

English Speaking Union Hastings   12

A particularly bright meeting of the Hawke’s Bay branch of the English Speaking Union was held on Thursday afternoon in St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings, when representatives of the British Women’s Club were the guests of the branch. A welcome was extended to those present by the chairwoman, Mrs. W. H. Wood, and in his speech to the gathering, the guest speaker, the Rev. K. F. Button, more particularly addressed his remarks to the guests of the afternoon.

A musical programme was contributed to by Mrs. H. S. Robinson (pianoforte selections), Mrs. Martin and Miss Buck (vocal solos, accompanied by Mrs. A. Christie), Mr. T. Tomoana (vocal solos, accompanied by Mrs. Robinson).

Mrs. T. H. Lowry returned thanks on behalf of the audience, to the Rev. Button for his interesting talk, and the soloists and musicians were thanked by Mrs. Wood.

An excellent contribution to the Food-for-Britain fund was received in contributions and goods.

The function concluded with the […] afternoon tea.

[November 1947]

British Women’s Club Party for Children

The British Women’s Overseas Club concluded a successful, progressive year with a Christmas party for “under fives,” held in St. Matthew’s Hall. The little guests were entertained to a special tea, table arrangements looking lovely with flowers brought by members. Balloons and sweets were distributed, and a large Christmas tree (donated by a member) was laden with presents for pre-school children of members.

Great excitement prevailed when Father Christmas appeared to hand out gifts.

The party was splendidly organised by Mrs. Malcolm Mason (president), Mrs A.W. Reeve (secretary), members of the committee and helpers, tea arrangements being in the capable hands of Mrs J.A. Walker and assistants.

No December meeting of the club will be held, nominations for the new committee being received at the January function.