Bostock & District WI by Tricia Goodier

Kate Cawley was the guest speaker at the recent meeting of Bostock & District WI. She gave a very interesting talk about her work as a Justice of the Peace. Kate started as a JP when she retired from teaching. The training period is a year and Kate had to spend 26 sessions in court.

Britain has the oldest judiciary system in the world, beginning in 1361. Magistrates had to ensure that roads were kept clean and ditches were cleaned out. In 1388 the Abbott of Norton Priory was brought to court for fishing illegally. In 1544 people could be prosecuted for having dice. The usual punishment was a spell in the stocks.

The first female magistrate was from Cheshire. A number of courts exist: the adult court for over 18's that deal with drink and drug offences; common assault; shoplifting and burglary. The youth court is usually dealt with by the police and the family court deals with family disputes, parents and children. Smaller misdemeanours are dealt with by the private prosecution court. On the whole, Cheshire is a law abiding county and cases are declining.

Hilary Jones will attend the royal garden party at Buckingham Palace on June 2. Names were taken for the trip to Anglesey in August and tickets were on sale for Ruth’s coffee morning on April 22.

The next meeting is on April 28, members will bring savoury dishes to taste. Visitors and new members are always welcome. For more information call secretary, Eva Williamson on 01606 75573.