Community activism, 1949-1974

Cha-no-yu

Cha-no-yu is the ancient Japanese tradition of preparing a bowl of tea for honored guests. Muriel first saw Cha-no-yu in 1925 while living in Japan. She was so impressed that she found a tea master to teach her the ritual. In 1929 Muriel received her certificate granting permission to perform the tea ceremony. She often performed it for friends and guests at lectures, charity events and private parties.

British Association of Women Executives

In 1953 Madame Yvonne Foindant, head of the European women in business group, Les Femmes Chef d'Entreprises, asked Tinou Dutry, a Belgium business woman living in England, to start a British branch for the organization. Muriel responded to Tinou's letter and in 1954 she became the first President of the British Association of Women Executives. Muriel was very active with the group, chairing meetings, organizing fund raising events and representing Britain at the Annual International Congresses.

Japan Society of London

In 1949 after a long period of inactivity, the Japan Society of London was revived by Sir Robert Craigie, Major-General Roy Piggott, and Colonel J.W. Marsden. Remembering Muriel from Japan, Major-General Piggott specially asked her to become a member. She was very involved with the Society lecturing on Japanese topics such as Geisha, Cha-no-yu, and the History of Japanese Music. She also put on performances such as Fujito, a Japanese Noh play which Muriel translated herself.

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