Newspaper Articles 1960 – British Women’s Overseas Club

[March 1960]

British Women’s Overseas Club

At the annual meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club held recently in St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings, Mrs S. Charlesworth was re-elected president, and a new committee was appointed.

The secretary and treasurer presented their reports, and the president thanked the retiring committee, and the hospital visitor, Mrs MacLean.

Mrs Malcolm Mason, the founder of the club, spoke of the 12,000 mile trip which she and her husband recently took on a small Dutch ship. They went from Sydney to Bangkok, via Dutch New Guinea, British North Borneo, Sarawak, and Malaya.

Mrs Mason described the jungle and some of the beautiful shrubs and trees, including the magnificent “flame of the forest” tree.

Mrs Mason was impressed with the beauty of the children of Borneo and Sarawak, and described how babies are soaped on the riverbanks and then rinsed in the chocolate-brown water.

She recalled chance encounters with British residents in several places who entertained them in their homes.

Amongst the highlights of the trip were visits to the Buddhist temples in Bangkok, and a call upon the women living in a longhouse on a river-bank in Sarawak.

Mr and Mrs Mason were in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore while a Chinese Mandarin wedding was taking place, and they were afterwards invited to the reception. They were welcomed there by Canon Shield, formerly of Wanganui.

[April 1960]

British Women’s Overseas Club birthday party

Mrs. S. Charlesworth welcomed a large gathering of members at the 14^th birthday of the British Women’s Overseas Club recently.

Floral sprays were presented to retiring committee members and to Mrs. MacLean, hospital visitor, Mrs. Sunley, Press correspondent, and Miss Horne, sick children.

A hilarious sketch, “Charladies’ Chat,” was given by two visitors, Mrs. Herlihy and Mrs. Dyett.

Competitions arranged by Mrs. Irvine and Mrs. Charlesworth were won by Mrs. Wainscott and Mrs. Sunley. Another competition for a prize donated by Mrs. Pat Fergusson, Te Aroha, was won by Mrs. Oliver.

The birthday cake was cut by Mrs. E. Horne.

Election of officers: President, Mrs. Charlesworth; vice-president, Mrs. L. H. Wainscott; secretary, Mrs. H. W. Wilson; assistant secretary, Mrs. T. Stuart; treasurer, Mrs. E. Issaacson [Isaacson]; assistant treasurer, Mrs. H. Middleton; committee, Mesdames Burns, Eyles, Irvine, Wallace, Walker, Miss M. Horne and Miss E. Wilson.

Mrs. Charlesworth told members that new arrivals from Britain who are interested in joining the club to ring Mrs. Wilson, 2602.

[June 1960]

British Women’s Overseas Club

Mrs S. Charlesworth, president of the British Women’s Overseas Club, presided at a recent games evening held in St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings.

Mesdames M. Sowman and E. Isaacson were the winners for the evening, and Mrs Isaacson held the lucky cup.

The president told members of plans for a special children’s programme to be held at the August afternoon meeting in the school holidays. It will also be a bring and buy.

[August 1960]

Children entertain British Women’s Overseas Club

A special children’s programme was arranged for a recent meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club at St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings.

Items; – Highland fling, Shona Harrison and Anne Taylor; song, Wendy Middleton; piano duets, Jocelyn and Diana Mardon; sailor’s hornpipe, Shona Harrison; piano accordion; Elaine Lincoln, Irish jig. Anne Taylor; piano solo, Brenda Reay.

Competitions were won by Gillian Fielding, Anne Taylor and Mrs. Tuck.

Mrs S. Charlesworth presided, and thanked the young performers for their entertainment.

[September 1960]

Guest artists entertain at club social

The annual social of the British Women’s Overseas Club, was held at St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings, recently. Members and friends were welcomed by the president, Mrs. Charlesworth.

The programme was provided by guest artists. It included excerpts from “My Fair Lady” and “Bitter Sweet” sung by Betty MacDonald accompanied by Mrs. Louis, Whakatu WDFF’s two light sketches “Strange Relations” and “The Lucky Lodger,” and piano solos by Brenda Reay.

Mr. Middleton conducted a spelling team game. Julie Dobson accompanied community singing on her piano accordion.

Mr. Wainscott’s quiz was won by Mr. Middleton. Mr. Charlesworth won another competition.

The Central Mothers’ Club presented musical puppets, produced by Mrs. Dagg.

[November 1960]

Christmas party at women’s overseas club

The British Women’s Overseas Club Christmas party was held recently at the Canon Drake Hall, Hastings.

The main features of the evening were the exchanging of gifts and cutting of the Christmas cake.

Mesdames Baird, Sowman, Cruickshank and Charlesworth were competition winners.

A presentation was made to Mrs J. MacLean, the clubs hospital visitor, who will shortly travel overseas.

Carols by candlelight were accompanied by Mrs Whitehouse.