We were delighted to see that one of our members, Muriel, had two of her photographs featured in the Lancashire Federation 2009 Calendar.

Our Christmas outing to Alston Hall for a festive lunch and talk on "The Life and times of a butler" is already fully booked, and we shall be celebrating our 24th Birthday on the 25th September so yet more delicious food.

Perhaps a diet club would be popular in 2009? The walking and craft groups are very active throughout the month as usual.

Our speaker for the evening was Jean Surrey, an expert on Needles & Pins, who gave a most interesting and detailed history of these humble everyday necessities, which we all take for granted.

So precious were they that servants only had one, which they usually carried with them at all times, and never ever lent them. Needles were originally made to order by a blacksmith and involved up to 18 processes before they were ready for use.

Safety Pins were invented in 1880, after industrialisation, and are still the same design today, with over 1 billion being made annually.

The Resolutions which are debated at our National AGM, this year held in Liverpool, have a very long gestation period, and one of our members, Maureen, has been following one proposed by the Hampshire Federation, for the legalisation of Brothels in the U.K.

This followed from the Ipswich murders of 5 working girls, who were all daughters, mothers and grandchildren .Research was led by two members which involved talking to working girls, investigating their working environment, and at times putting themselves at risk.

Word of this controversial work reached Channel 4 and they facilitated very detailed investigations in countries where brothels are legal.

Visits were made to the red light district in Amsterdam, a Bunny Ranch in Nevada - they didn't have fluffy tails - and New Zealand.

Legalisation, whilst not perfect did appear to be much safer for the girls and their customers, and may reach the 2009 AGM.

We are always pleased to welcome you to our meetings, which are held on the last Thursday of the month at Penwortham Community Centre where there is ample parking.

Please contact Elaine on 01772 744672 should you be interested, she would love to hear from you.

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