Saturday Morning Group - by Carolyn Hobson.

Our September meeting was the first chance many members of the Saturday Morning Group had to meet their friends, following the ‘Summer Recess’. The usual coffee and tea get together was a noisy event but the start of the business meeting soon restored order. Having dealt with the groups business matters, Chairman, Aileen Wright introduced the speaker Robert Hawkesworth, who gave an excellent talk and slide show on the seasons and delights of the English countryside, although the title ‘ One Man’s Fancy’ had caused some consternation! The excellent photographic views of snow capped mountains and floral displays were an enjoyment to see. In lieu of the usual speaker’s fee, Robert asked for a donation to the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire Air ambulance and we happily agreed.

This year marks the 90th Anniversary of the explosion at the Chilwell Shell Filling Factory, and the speaker at our October meeting, Maureen Rushton, has dedicated her book ‘The Canary Girls of Chilwell’ to the 109 men and 25 women who lost their lives in the 1918 explosion. Maureen detailed the terrible working conditions for the women who worked at Chilwell. The yellowing of their faces and hands was due to them working with Amatol, the yellow colour came from a mixture of TNT and ammonium nitrate, hence the ‘Canary Girls’. A very moving account of hardships endured by those employed to work at the factory during the First World War.

Due to a late change in speaker at the November meeting, we were fortunate when Jane Moore readily accepted our invitation and spoke to us about her exceptional year accompanying her husband on his civil duties. Jane’s husband is Commander Peter R.Moore R.D., R.N.R. and was High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire for 2007 / 08 and is the Queen’s representative to the county for the twelve months that he was in office. This historic office is 1000 years old and non-political. Jane and Peter provided hospitality at events for dignitaries and fortunately had a caterer when entertaining, but Jane stressed ‘There was no expense to the public purse’. The main brief was to look after visiting High Court Judges who gave Jane the soubriquet of ‘Sheriffina’ a very apt accolade.

Peter and Jane have visited the armed forces and attended the re-badging of the Mercian Regiment in Tamworth. They were invited to a Buckingham Palace Garden Party and have greeted members of the Royal Family to Nottinghamshire.

The Police Force arranged for them both to accompany officers on duty and witnessed all aspects of their work. Visiting prisons was an emotional experience especially the young offenders at Glen Parva. Visits were also made to the Fire Brigade and Ambulance service.

Having enjoyed Peter’s year as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire, Peter and Jane continue raising funds for their chosen charities. Our group were pleased to make a donation to the NSPCC.

Membership of the group is open to ladies whose husbands/ partners are members of the Masonic Club. Widows of former club members are also welcome.

Date of the next meeting:-

Saturday, December 13th 2008 ‘Seasonal Readings and Music with a touch of Humour’. Speaker : Lenna Purseglove.

There will be a lunch buffet for members following the meeting.

Meetings are held at the Masonic Hall, Goldsmith Street, on the second Saturday of each month. Coffee is served prior to the meeting at 10.00 am and the meeting commences at 10.30 am.

EVENTS CALENDAR.

Saturday, 6th December 2008

Once again by popular request are annual Christmas Festive Lunch will be held at Marsh Farm, Rugely, and calling at the Byrkley Garden Centre for Coffee.

For further information on any of the above ‘e’ mail Chairman, Aileen Wright at ladies.saturdaygroup@tiscali.co.uk