Blackheath Townswomen’s Guild

Before the business of the meeting, our monthly free raffle was held and prizes of shopping bags were won by Thelma Oliver, Hazel White and Brenda Hackett.

The committee reports were then given and members were given the final arrangements for our July outing to the Red Kite Centre in Wales.

Unfortunately, the June outing for the strolling group had to be cancelled beause of adverse weather conditions but hopefully the July trip to Coombeswood will be more successful.

The charity table was well supported and a plea for tinned vegetables and meat was given on behalf of City Mission.

A report was given on the national AGM held at the ICC in Birmingham on June 14.

This was an enjoyable occasion and the main speaker Steve Cram MBE was superb.

He was very amusing and was given a standing ovation at the end.

Final arrangements were made for the Annual Lunch at The Mill on July 26 and the ladies were looking forward to the occasion.

When the business section of the meeting was concluded, Doreen Armstrong introduced our speaker.

Doug Parrish, a magistrate, had come to give us an insight into the magistrate service and he held a quiz, How much do you know about magistrates.

From this we learned that magistrates were first used in 1753 and that women were accepted to join the system in 1920.

Apparently there are 30,000 magistrates in England and Wales and each has to work in the courts at least 26 times a year.

For this they receive no payment.

Mr Parrish then held a mock trial.

A few of our ladies played the main parts with all the ladies taking part in decideing what punishment the defendant should receive.

Doreen Smith gave the official vote of thanks and all the ladies agreed it had been a different but very interesting talk.

Our next meeting will be held at 10.30am on July 28 and our speaker will be Michael Taylor. His subject being ‘The fact in fiction’.

Our meetings are held at The Moose hall, Beeches Road, Blackheath.

Visitors are always welcome.