Entertaining Educational Luncheon 2016
North West Kent Federation had been asking for a national event to be
held locally for some time and finally the day arrived. For me, the start
was marked by me and my aunt being followed up the narrow drive by
a coach full of East Kent ladies, with the driver (who I did not know)
calling to me by name. The South East is my patch and I was looking
forward to meeting friends old and new.
Historian Toni Mount, author of Medieval Medicine: Its Mysteries and
Science (Amberley, £9.99), spoke about medieval medicine, focusing
on the role of women. Hearing about the remedies and practices, it is
amazing that anyone survived to their 60s (the average lifespan was
about 45)! Many ingredients in the remedies are familiar today (though
not pounded cobra flesh!) and the highly toxic nature of others was
balanced by the inclusion of a herbal laxative to ensure rapid transit
through the body.
Next came Jenna Richards from the Orchid Project talking about female genital cutting (FGM). Orchid works mainly overseas in
conjunction with local partners to bring about the cultural change that is
needed for cutting to end. Jenna’s words shocked many, especially when
she stated that around 400 girls a month in the UK are cut. TG must
speak out about this, however difficult it may seem.
After an excellent three-course lunch, we enjoyed entertainment from
singer Maggie O’Hara, with a programme celebrating the Queen’s 90th
birthday the following day. Very soon we were singing along, clapping,
glass tinkling, napkin waving and arm waving. Special mention must go
to the ladies from Lewisham Guild, who threw themselves into audience
participation with aplomb!
I really enjoyed my day, as did the more than 180 others who
attended. Thank you to Freda and Jill Wright for all their local work.
Report by Penny Ryan, National Trustee
< Back to Event Reports
Similar News
Toolbox: List of previous mandates -
All of the TG mandates passed since 195480s Night -
In 1983, Cindy Lauper told us that ‘Girls just want to have fun’ and we proved her right at our 80s night on 19th August.
We were a cheerful group with some of our number clad in 80s ‘going out’ favourites of bright wigs, leg warmers and fingerless gloves plus oversized earrings and clusters of necklaces. We were asked to consider our 1980s style and ponder on some big questions of the time like Who shot J.R? Was Michael Fish right when he said there would be no storm? Could Alvin Stardust teach you how to cross the road, when seen wearing a glove with a ring on the outside of it? And was a bum bag the best way to keep your valuables safe?
North Durham Federation Guild -
Photos from the North Durham Federation Guild eventToolbox: Mandates update AGM 2019 -
The report read at the 2019 AGM in Cheltenham on past mandates"Bystanders must be supported to take action when they fear domestic abuse" -
EVAW signs joint statement calling for people to take action if they think someone's safety is at risk