Isabel Charles oral history

Isabel Charles was interviewed by Sue Kenny on 6 and 7 November 2000.

Born in 1920, Isabel moved from the UK to New Zealand in 1956. She discusses her early life in England and being in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War. She talks about getting married and having children, and coming to New Zealand by boat and living in Wellington. She and her husband moved to Silverstream in 1960, and she talks about floods, and involvement with the Plunket Society and the Pinehaven Progressive Association. Isabel discusses being the first woman elected to the county council, and New Zealand attitudes to women. She also discusses becoming a JP and a marriage celebrant, involvement with the Upper Hutt Family Refuge, and receiving awards for her community service activities.