Our Very Own "Jambuster!"

Bridget and Carol were recently made very welcome, at the home of our most senior member, Mary Daniels. Mary was being interviewed by Oxfordshire based historian and author, Julie Summers, who is currently conducting research and interviewing a number of  members on their recollections of WI activities during World War 2. Mary's son, Ray, played host and contributed to proceedings, as you will see from the short video below, recorded during the interview.

Julie's forthcoming book, aptly named "The Jambusters" will feature descriptions of support to the troops abroad and how many WI members, throughout the country, worked on the home front to bolster the war effort.

Mary was asked if there were any parties at the announcement of the wars end and replied "none, we just gone on with asking "what can we do next?". Julie said that this was a common answer from other WI members she has visited.

We heard about a Lay Preacher from Waterbeach, Mr F J Harding, who acknowledged the work of Milton WI members by writing some verses which you can read here. Mary still has the original handwritten letter, amongst other treasured WI memorabilia.

Julie and Mary

Here is Mary, photographed on the day of the interview, sporting a very special raffle prize, which was donated by HM The Late Queen Mother!