“It was often a long drive in, with no car seats in those days. Babies would sit on their mothers’ knees,” said long-time club member Yvonne Steggall.
There was nowhere for women “to meet, socialise or have a cup of tea or coffee, or feed their babies, once in town”, said Yvonne.
In October 1953, a group of women met to discuss an idea for a social club in Gisborne. A committee was formed and the canvassing of interest began. A month later a meeting took place, and 50 women attended. It was decided to establish the Town & Country Women’s Club, which officially opened in February 1954. Numbers quickly grew to a membership of 265. Each member paid a membership fee of four guineas, which in today’s money would be about $270.
They took out an eight-year lease on rooms in Craig’s building on Gladstone Road, adjacent to the old Kings Theatre. The club was open daily throughout the business week from 9.30am to 5.30pm, with a later closing time on Fridays.
Jean Bird took on the role as the first hostess (six other hostesses have since followed) and was paid £6/10 shillings a week. Her duties included being in charge of cooking and organising the luncheons.
“There was a huge room, beautifully decorated,” recalled Yvonne. A regular cleaner was also employed.
“Women would meet, have a cuppa and often iron a dress to wear out or get ready for a party. An iron and ironing board were provided,” said Yvonne.
The club was so popular it had to start a waiting list for those wanting to become members.
In 1961 the club relocated to the heritage- listed two-storey Edwardian bay villa at 25b Fitzherbert Street. It was once owned by Dr John Williams who ran his general practice from the building. In 1947 he sold it to Dr Cedric Isaac. His wife Kathleen was a committee member of the Town and Country Women’s club and she offered the house as the new clubrooms when her husband passed away. The price of £4150 was paid. Mrs Isaac converted the first storey into a flat, leasing it from the club for £7 a week.
The Town and Country Women’s Club had a new place to call home.
One perk for club members was an on-site hairdresser. Dorothy Rouse, Mrs Isaac’s niece, took over the flat when her aunt passed away and opened a hair salon upstairs, calling it Dorothy Rose.
“It was a very popular club to belong to,” said Yvonne. “Club members could simply walk upstairs to have their hair done.”
In time, the games bridge and mahjong were introduced, with free lessons for both games. Today mahjong is still played weekly at the club.
Although a “much loved and special building”, the maintenance and ongoing repairs proved too costly. Expenses were not being covered, so it was decided in 2011 to sell the property.
The current premises on the corner of Lytton Road and Emily Street were purchased and the club officially reopened there in January 2012.
As time has marched on, and the need to provide a sanctuary to refresh and relax for out-of-towners no longer in such demand, membership has declined. There are now 48 members.
Club president Margaret Winter promotes the opportunity for new members to join. “It’s a gathering together of women, a lot of whom live alone, and it’s a really nice friendly place.” They are also open to suggestions for new activities.
If anyone would like to go along, they meet on Monday and Thursday afternoons. Contact Margaret Winter on 06 863 0144 or 021 248 7747.
