The Livery Newsletter and Gazette Issue 32 Spring 2020 | Page 23

take our phones in! The restaurant itself was well appointed, comfortable and professionally run in stark contrast to the high walls and barbed wire which surrounded us as we walked across the courtyard. We then set up the screen and projector (which the Master Mariner had kindly lent us) – no mean feat for two people as technologically challenged as Andrew and myself! The staff, all inmates, were absolutely delightful, engaging and willing to talk about their difficult stories. So many of them seemed to have chosen one wrong path that inextricably led to poor decisions resulting in their prison terms. All were in the last year or so of their sentences and were keen to pursue a training that would get them a job “on the outside”. Many had ended up in prison as a result of their inability to engage rationally and calmly in confrontational situations. So, learning how to deal with demanding lunch or dinner guests in a pleasant and controlled manner is vitally important to their success, once they leave prison and a hugely useful life skill. The afternoon tea with a delicious array of sandwiches, scones and cakes were all made on site by prisoners training to be chefs and were totally scrumptious. A novel tea-based cocktail was presented to everyone on arrival and a constant flow of tea was available all afternoon. I was also lucky enough to have a quick tour of the kitchens which were most impressive and spotlessly clean. I felt incredibly blessed to have met Geoff at Ironbridge. He retired in 2008 and now travels extensively around the world as a consultant for prison reform. He presented a fascinating talk about Women in Prisons with facts and figures, funny stories and personal reminiscences. My favourite was a story he told about a group of women on gardening duty at Drake Hall. He saw them in gales of laughter planting out spring bulbs on the bank outside the prison. Having flowered a few months later the sunny yellow daffodils spelt out the word B*****KS! This has been the most amazing year for me – I have met so many wonderful women who will be friends for life. Our past Mistresses have also been incredibly supportive and kind. I wish Sam and Adam all the best for what I hope will be a memorable and happy year for them. A huge thank you to our Clerk, Sandra too. Her organisation and support throughout the year and in particular her enormous help with planning this Mistress event has been much appreciated - I couldn’t have done it without her! Andrew hasn’t done a bad job either. Bye for now, stay safe, stay at home and hopefully see you all in the Autumn. Kate Golding, Mistress 23