Newspaper Articles 1959 – British Women’s Overseas Club

[April 1959]

British Women Celebrate Club Anniversary

The British Women’s Overseas Club recently celebrated its thirteenth birthday at St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings. The large gathering was presided over by Mrs S. Charlesworth.

Mrs Malcolm Mason, the founder of the club, read a letter which she had sent to the Herald-Tribune in 1946 concerning the wives of New Zealand Servicemen who arrived here from Britain after the war. The interest which this letter had aroused had led to the formation of the club, said Mrs. Mason.

Mrs. Mason gave an amusing account of her own early experiences, as a new bride on a lonely farm after the First World War.

Mrs. N.A. Pirie, accompanied by Mrs. Rouse, sang “Lovely shepherd Tell Me,” by Boyce, and “Pastorale,” by Carey.

Mesdames Rouse and Stevenson played two piano duets, “Wedding Day,” by Grieg, and “Dance of the Demons,” by Holmanz.

A hat-making competition was won by Mrs. Pirie, Mrs Massie won the lucky cup, Mrs March won the lucky seat, and another competition was won by Miss Horne.

Mrs. Horne, a senior member cut the birthday cake.

Election of officers: President, Mrs. S. Charlesworth; vice-president, Mrs. L. H. Wainscott; secretary, Mrs. T. Stuart; assistant secretary, Mrs. H. W. Wilson; treasurer, Mrs E. Isaacson; assistant treasurer, Miss M. Horne; committee, Mesdames Anderson, Frew, Reeks, Eyles, Cruickshank, and Burn.

The president welcomed severa [several] new members, and the retiring executive members were presented with sprays.

A presentation was made to Mrs. J. Frew for her marriage recently.

[June 1959]

British Women’s Overseas Guild

The June evening meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club was held at St. Matthew’s Hall. Mrs. S. Charlesworth presided at the meeting. Among the correspondence was a letter form the Rev. Canon K. F. Button, written on his way to England.

The beetle drive was won by Mrs J. Harbottle, and the consolation prize was won by Mrs R. Stopford. Another competition for which the prize was given by Miss E. Bannister, was won by Mrs S. Sowman.

The president reminded members of a plant stall to be held at the next meeting.

Overseas Club

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

The programme was provided by children: Jennifer Louie, piano; Anne Charlesworth, recitations; Julie Dobson, piano accordion; Leonore Livingston, skipping dance and clog dance.

The children’s competition was won by Raewyn Brooks and Ann O’Leary.

A competition, which was organised by Mrs J. Frew, was won by Miss M. Horne, and Mrs Hayes was the lucky cup holder.

[September 1959]

British Women’s Overseas Club

The annual social of the British Women’s Overseas Club was held recently at St. Matthew’s Hall, Hastings. The president, Mrs. S. Charlesworth, welcomed many members and friends, and members of the Mayfair Townswomen’s Guild.

A quiz, arranged by Mrs Charlesworth, was won by Mrs I. Wallace, and another competition was won by Mrs. M. Sowman.

Programme: “When Sweet Anne Sings,” and “When Love is Kind,” by Mrs. R. Roberts; “Love’s Last Word,” “Mussetta’s Waltz Song,” and “Don’t Be Cross,” by Miss Judith Smith; piano accordion solos by Wayne Mills; a sketch, “The Old House,” by three members of the Mayfair Townswomen’s Guild.

The choir, conducted by Mrs. A. J. Smith, and accompanied by Mrs R. Roberts, sang two brackets of songs.

[December 1959]

British Women’s Overseas Club

There was a large gathering in the St. Matthew’s Hall, for a recent meeting of the British Women’s Overseas Club. Items were given by members from various parts of Britain. There were songs from London, Lancashire and Sussex. Members heard the Yorkshire dialect and the Welsh language, and Scottish members danced an eightsome reel.

Carol singing was accompanied by Mrs. Whitehouse. An exchange of gifts was followed by supper. Mrs. S. Charlesworth presided.