What goes on in some people's minds re conversation?

Then she needs to be un-appointed, If enough of you make a stand to get someone else nominated and elected into the post it shouldn’t be difficult to get someone as “Chief “ who is less self centred.

I suspect this group is something to do with a long established national collective and they do have Equality, Diversity and Inclusion strategy in place.

It was nothing new except I had not sat next to her for years as we are 50 in the group. The other ladies can't organise anything else because she is appointed chief so holds the power of where and when. I can't do anything about her behaviour but I am leaving the group at the end of the year and joining another group in the next town which I know to be a more professionally run group where gossip and self entitlement are nipped in the bud. The leader is really good.

Was her toxic behaviour completely new and unexpected , or the usual?

This raises more interesting questions.

Why haven't all the other "ladies" organised something better , without her? What drives that hive mindset?

What are you going to do about it ?