OUR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE JENNIFER WORTH

It was with pride mixed with sadness that members of the Society of Women Writers and Journalists viewed the BBC 1 Television programme on Sunday, CALL THE MIDWIFE. Written by our member, the late Jennifer Worth, whose life is played out in the film by the lovely young actress, Jessica Raine, the film was so poignant for her family and close friends.  Do watch the next episode on Sunday at 8pm.  The older Jennifer's voice brings Vanessa Redgrave into the production.

Trained as a very young nurse, Jennifer became a midwife, ward sister and night-sister from 1953 until 1973. Jennifer knew the East End of London, particularly Poplar, so well and the film producer and director have faithfully kept to the themes of her book.

Having written so movingly about the beginning of life, Jennifer’s last book In the Midst of Life explored the complexities surrounding how we die. Written with passion and conviction, this book is about the mystery, the beauty, the loneliness and the aspirations of death.

Here are a few of my photographs taken at our SWWJ Summer Festival in London's Royal Over-seas League.  It was a privilege and pleasure to have Jennifer' company. She enjoyed meeting our Life President, Shirley Williams (Baroness Williams of Crosby) and our then chairman, Jean Morris and we loved chatting with her.