War affected every section of society, not just the military. More food needed to be produced and, as men were recruited into the armed services, there were fewer hands to do the work. At the same time, farmers were being pressed to convert more land to arable from pasture. Women had always been involved in agriculture, horticulture and forestry, but now their contribution was critical…

This exhibition will explore the practicalities of how the Land Army was organised, the key figures involved and some of the challenges that were encountered along the way. Despite the misgivings, and sometimes the hostility, of politicians, civil servants, landowners, farmers, trade unions and foresters, who doubted that women would be able to undertake the range of farm work, and very often failed to give WLA leaders and volunteers the credit and recognition they, the women of ‘the Cinderella service’, deserved.

With thanks to Dr John Godfrey for his writing and research for this exhibition.

The exhibition has been generously sponsored by Oakland Grange and Oakland Court Care Homes.

Entry to the exhibition is included in your Museum entry ticket.

(NB. Exhibition not open Wednesday am and some other dates, please call to check.)