Newspaper Articles 1971 – British Women’s Overseas Club

[March 1971]

Has visited hospital for 20 years

A presentation was made to the retiring hospital visitor, Mrs J. Maclean, at the annual meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club.

The president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, thanked Mrs Maclean for her untiring service during her 20 years as hospital visitor.

Members received annual reports from the president, secretary and treasurer, and heard plans for the forthcoming 25th anniversary dinner.

The meeting was held in St Matthew’s Guild room.

[April 1971]

British Women’s Overseas Club 25 years old

The twenty-fifth anniversary of the formation of the British Women’s Overseas Club  was celebrated at a dinner held in Hawke’s Bay Farmers, Hastings.

The president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, welcomed 50 members and introduced the guest of honour, Mrs Vera Mason, the club’s founder and first president.

Mrs Mason, who came to New Zealand 50 years ago as the bride of a soldier after the First World War, formed the British Women’s Overseas Club shortly after the Second World War to offer help and friendship to the many young brides of returned servicemen then arriving in Hastings.

Since the war the club has welcomed many new settlers from all parts of the Commonwealth and is believed to be the only club of its kind in New Zealand.

Mrs Mason spoke of the joy and satisfaction the work of the club had always given her and delivered a message of congratulations and good wishes from the Mayor and Mayoress of Hastings, Mrs and Mrs Ron Giorgi.

Toasts were drunk to absent members and to past presidents and committees.

[June 1971]

Club’s afternoon meeting

A talk on a new type of household cleaner was given by Mr Philip Freeman at an afternoon meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club, held in St. Matthew’s Guild Room, Hastings.

Mr Freeman demonstrated some of the advantages of the product in its various forms and answered question put by members.

A comedy sketch, “The Doctor Said’” was presented by Mrs Lillian Phillips assisted by Mrs Pam Smith and Mrs Rose Godfrey.

The visitors were thanked by Mrs S. Charlesworth, who presided over the meeting.

[July 1971]

Trip through India described

A trip through India was described by Miss Pauline Tyers at an evening meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club held in St Matthew’s GFS Room, Hastings.

Miss Tyers, who travelled across India in the course of a four months’ bus tour from Thailand to the English Channel, showed coloured slides of the many temples and ancient buildings she visited.

Members were told of the beauties of India’s architecture and the charm of its people and Miss Tyers confessed to a desire to return there for further exploration.

The president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, thanked Miss Tyers with a gift.

[August 1971]

Musical programme for club meeting

A programme of music was provided for members of the British Women’s Overseas Club at an evening meeting in St Matthew’s GFS Room, Hastings.

Mrs Nanette Roberts and Mrs Jill Tobin, each sang a bracket of songs. Mrs Roberts, accompanied by Mrs V. Laing, sang “I Heard a Robin Singing,” “What a Wonderful World” and “This Is My Beloved.” Mrs Tobin, accompanied by Mrs Roberts, sand “In The Sally Garden,” “Love Is Kind,” “I Know Where I’m Going” and an old nursery rhyme, “Oliver Cromwell.”

Piano Solos played by Mrs Roberts were “Tango” (Albeniz), “Andaluza” (Granados) and “Romance” (Green).

The president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, thanked the visitors and presented them with floral sprays.

A musical quiz was won by Miss M. Horne.

[September 1971]

Basics of floral art described

The basic rules of floral art were described by Mrs A. R. Adamson at an afternoon meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club in Hastings.

Mrs Adamson demonstrated several arrangements requiring a minimum of flowers and foliage.

She was thanked by the president, Mrs S. Charlesworth.

[October 1971]

Overseas visitors at club meeting

Visitors from Wales and Australia were welcomed by the president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, at an evening meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club.

A programme of competitions was held and the winners were Mesdames E. Isaacson, J. Brown and J. Sunley.

Members discussed plans for the annual outing in February. The venue will be decided at the next meeting.

[November 1971]

Women’s Club’s Christmas party

More than 70 people attend the Christmas celebrations of the British Women’s Overseas Club.

Committee members presented a mini-musical called “Those were the days.”

Mrs S. Smith provided the accompaniment.

The president, Mrs S. Charlesworth, supervised an exchange of gifts and the Christmas cake was cut by Mrs V. Mason. The programme included the singing of carols.