Gressenhall Home Front Stories: Norfolk in 1945

We were delighted to take part in the Gressenhall Home Front Stories: Norfolk in 1945 event this August Bank Holiday Sunday, marking the 80th anniversary of both VE and VJ Day.

For those unfamiliar, Gressenhall, near Dereham in Norfolk has a fascinating past: once a workhouse until 1930, it later became a Poor Law Institute and played an important role in supporting the local community during the Second World War.

As part of the commemorations, the Suffolk Women’s Land Army Trust was invited to share the story of the Women’s Land Army (WLA) in Suffolk. Using photographs and ephemera from the Soil Sisters and Suffolk Women’s Land Army projects, we were able to bring these remarkable women’s experiences to life.

Inside the museum boardroom, our static display featured the personal stories of six inspiring Land Girls: Daphne Hedges, Daphne Lake, Doris Rose, Doreen Renier, Edna Pallant, and Audrey Baxter.

Out on the front green, we also showcased our Soil Sisters storyboards alongside Holly Brega and her book for children; Chestnut and Daphne. Together, we highlighted the Trust’s three key aims:

• Creating an online roll of honour

• Sending a WLA resource pack to every primary school in Suffolk

• Establishing a permanent memorial

Families and children joined in with plenty of creative activities, from designing postcards of thanks to colouring in Land Girl inspired artwork.

Meanwhile, three Land Girl living historians were busy on the farm, bringing history to life in the most hands-on way possible.

It was a truly memorable day, and we hope our presence encouraged more people to explore the incredible history of the Women’s Land Army.

We’re already looking forward to future events with Gressenhall!