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The most controversial statement at this year's Natfhe conference in Torquay came not from a delegate or speaker but from the mayor of Torbay. In her opening speech she said: "I see there are a lot of ladies present and I do hope that on Saturday afternoon they will take advantage of the lovely shops we have here in Torbay." Her comment was noticed by the ladies, who referred to it several times during the conference.

But many must have already done their shopping because, on Saturday afternoon, they preferred to sit behind closed doors and engage in a most unladylike debate:the Natfhe battle on strike action, led by president Doreen Williams, beautiful in shocking pink.