MALVERN WI began the New Year with an insight into the lives of women of Saudi Arabia.

Veronica Collette, the speaker, was Nurse Manager in a hospital outpatients department in Riyadh for six years. The hospital had the very latest equipment which was hardly appreciated by patients arriving out of the desert where there were not even basic amenities.

Veronica brought along an abaya,which is a floor length black all enveloping gown, along with a light black shawl for the head and a face mask. These she was told to buy on arrival and which she wore in the streets. It was also compulsory to carry an identity card showing photographs and fingerprints at all times.

The restrictions for women on their own were numerous - they could not drive nor enter hotels and restaurants. This also included foreign women at that time. The talk ended with member examining the various Saudi Arabian artefacts she had brought.

The next meeting is on Thursday, March 3 at the Salvation Army Hall with a talk on Little Malvern Priory. Visitors most welcome.