Pembroke Ladies Probus members were delighted that Paula Ralph accepted their invitation to speak at their recent meeting.

Many local people will know Paula and her family, therefore it is a pleasure to be able to share Paula's story of her family business and the pawnbroking trade during her childhood growing up in Bermondsey, London.

As seen from the photograph, Paula brought along very cherished artefacts of her late father's career as a pawnbroker and his original record books.

Paula's knowledge was incredible and extremely interesting. One item on display was a unique ear-piercing tool. Paula's father used this only once as the customer fainted! It was not uncommon, Paula told her audience, for customers to pawn possessions on a Monday and buy them back on a Friday. A really unbelievable fact also, that men's suits had at one time been more valuable than gold rings.

Paula related that pawnbroking began in China 3,000 years ago, leading into the Middle Ages by two well-known families in Europe. In Italy the Medici family and in London the Lombard family.

William the Conqueror pawned jewels to finance the invasion of 1066. Edward III, Henry V were both known to have done similarly for the war in France. In 1785, Parliament legislated that pawnbrokers should have a licence, subsequently paying a duty depending on their location. As time elapsed, in 1872, Lord Eldon, once a financially struggling young barrister indebted to the facilities of the pawnbroker, instigated the Pawnbrokers Licensing Law.

Paula's father, having completed his apprenticeship before marrying in 1937, decided to open his own pawnbroker's business. He became president of the Pawnbroker's Trade Association. At trade dinners for many years, a customary toast was made to Lord Eldon.

It was fascinating to learn all these facts, an hour really wasn't long enough Paula, but thank you so much from all the ladies.

Pembroke Ladies Probus membership has now climbed to 35 ladies. Everyone is enjoying the speakers and meeting local people, not seen for ages. Many interesting trips are planned and the next meeting will be on May 15, at 11 am, at the Cleddau Bridge Hotel, Pembroke Dock. Guest on that date will be Helen Williams talking about 'The Lighter Side Of Nursing'.