Throughout the 1970s women all over the world built on the achievements of the sixties and a number of notable female ‘firsts’ were recorded.
Mountaineer Junko Tabei shattered gender norms when she became the first woman to successfully climb Everest. Isabel Martínez de Perón was the first woman to serve as president of Argentina. Elisabeth Domitien served as the prime minister of the Central African Republic and in the UK, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of Great Britain.
Fashion was also undergoing major changes. From flares and bell sleeves to shearling coats and miniskirts, the era birthed an eclectic mix of style influences that evolved over a ten year span. Style icons like Jane Birkin and Bianca Jagger helped with the rise of disco and an unabashed embrace of glamour.
Popular styles included bell bottom pants, frayed jeans, midi skirts, maxi dresses, tie-dye, peasant blouses, and ponchos. Fashionable accessories included headbands, scarves, and jewelry made of wood, stones, feathers, and beads.
During this period Club membership rose rapidly, reaching 125 members in the early 1970s. The administration of the Club was put on a more formal setting introducing a Constitution with rules and bylaws in 1976.
The Club’s objectives were (and still are) to promote friendship, have fun and raise money for charity.
The growing numbers meant it was no longer possible to continue meeting in members homes so General Meetings were moved to the Parish Hall in Chalfont St Peter. Due to fire regulations, only 100 members were allowed to attend so it was a first come/first served basis. Dues were £4.
More activities were added and trips to the Old Bailey and Chelsea Flower Show as well as overseas trips to Istanbul and Athens were organized.