The Chairman, Maureen Williams welcomed members to the September meeting.

Members were once again reminded to sign up for the 50th anniversary lunch which is to be held on October 26 as this was the last day of signing.

The cost of the Christmas lunch at the Golf Club will be £17. Menu now available for people to sign up for their choices.

The Singing Group has four new bookings and Betty Wilson asked members to think about joining the group since it is now down to 10 members.

The next outing for members is to be to Arley Arboretum on Sunday October 26 cars to meet on the Link Common at 1pm.

The speaker for the morning was Rebecca Edmonds who spoke about ‘Tales from the Crown Court’.

Rebecca started by saying she had trained as a Barrister in 1997 when she was 29 years old after previously obtaining a first class degree and also a Masters, working for 12 years in the profession.

Students start attached to an ‘’Inn’’ (Inner Temple) the Inns are very rich and are very generous to some students, all have to apply for funding. Rebecca applied and was refused as she had worked in Marketing in London which the Inn described as a “lightweight profession”. She therefore had to pay £8,000 plus her living expenses to get trained.

If a student completes the course it does not mean the guarantee of a place in chambers. Rebecca was fortunate to be accepted. Only 25 per cent of students will be accepted. Pupils, as the students are called, are paid no wage. Rebecca decided to fight this for a minimum wage to be paid and Edmonds v Lawson came to court to establish if a minimum wage should be awarded. The judge agreed with Rebecca but the Bar council disagreed and went to the Court of Appeal to reverse the decision. The Newspapers took up the case and because of the adverse publicity the Bar decided to award the minimum wage.

Rebecca had a fund of stories to tell about her life as a Defence Barrister and quoted that “Every person should be entitled to fair and good representation it should not depend on how deep your pockets are”.

The talk ended with Rebecca showing members her legal wig, every wig has a special number, is made of horse hair and is very uncomfortable itchy. The cost £450.

It really was a fascinating morning listening to a talk that was both very informative and interesting.

The vote of thanks was given by Judy Clarke.

The next meeting will be held on Thursday October 20 when the speaker will be from Sight Concern.

The Guild meet on the third Thursday of every month at Clarence Park Village, Worcester Road, Malvern Link at 10.15am. Visitors are always most welcome.

MAUREEN WILLIAMS