New Year’s Eve Message 2024
10 years ago, on a wet and cold day in October, former Land Girls, Lumber Jills and their relatives stood in the grounds of the National Memorial Arboretum. They were awaiting the arrival of the then Countess of Wessex (now the Duchess of Edinburgh), who would officially unveil the first memorial dedicated to both the WLA and WTC. After the unveiling ceremony, special guests were treated to an afternoon tea, as the Countess listened carefully as veterans shared what it was like to work on the farms and in the forests. The Countess concluded the special day, highlighting in her speech how important it was for women to write down their memories, so that we remember their wartime contributions.
A decade later, we continue to commemorate the work of the WLA in a range of ways. 2024 has witnessed a flurry of new publications, including Voices from the Great War Women’s Land Army by Helen Frost and ‘Don’t Delay – Enrol Today’: The Women’s Land Army in Hampshire by John K. Lander. Lander’s book shines a light on the WLA at a county level, contributing to only a handful of local histories on the organisation. Helen Frost’s book enriches what we know about women’s experiences in the First World War, sharing their stories in vibrant detail. Joanna Foat also successfully launched a Crowdfunder campaign, raising funds for an audiobook of her excellent Lumberjills book, as well as stunning photo book.
Back in June, I was thrilled to attend a fundraising event run by Suffolk Women’s Land Army Trust at Saxham Hall. Nicky Reynolds and her team curated an excellent exhibition on what it was like to work as a Land Girl in Suffolk with an array of objects. Former Land Girls and their families were also presented with a ‘Certificate of Thanks’, signed by Lady Clare, Countess of Euston – Lord Lieutenant of Suffolk. I was honoured to accept one on behalf of Land Girl veteran Annie Catchpole (née Tooley). It was also a treat to watch the documentary, The Land Girls and Horses of Suffolk directed and produced by Holly Brega. If you haven’t seen it already, then you must take a watch!
As ever, I’ve enjoyed giving talks on the WLA to local history and women’s groups. One highlight was meeting a man in the audience who, as a young boy, grew up with Land Girls on his farm. Seeing these Land Girls at work inspired him to pursue a career in farming.
Many of you have completed questionnaires about your own or your family members’ wartime service. This year, I’ve added 16 new profiles of Second World War Land Girls to the website. With these additions, over 110 Second World War Land Girls are now featured in this self-populated register.
I’d like to end by thanking Stuart Antrobus, Catherine Procter (WLA collector), and my family, especially my sister Skye who have together offered invaluable support for developing the website.
As always, thank you to supporters of the website who continue to honour and remember the work of the WLA and WTC.
Wishing all readers a happy and healthy 2025.
Cherish
