Last month’s Worksop and District u3a meeting was an amazing and interesting talk by David Skillen on the Gretna Green Girls and the Devil’s Porridge.
The Gretna Green Girls were a small part of the one million women who worked at the Munition Factory during World War I.
The vital contribution to World War I of the girls who stirred The Devil’s Porridge has long been overlooked. It focused mainly on the troops who fought in World War, with many of the women widowed, and on nurses who cared for the injured and dying soldiers.
A minority worked close to the frontline in France and Belgium, often putting their own life in danger. Many more looked after casualties once they returned to Britain.
Birmingham University became a huge military hospital where hundreds of nurses treated the injured.
From the onset of the war soldiers did not have enough shells. bombs and bullets. The female factory included domestic staff and shop assistants – not only did they provide the Army with essential equipment, but also the community with good living conditions, a cinema and Dance Hall. Canon Doyle was impressed with the smiling khaki-clad girls who stirred the Devil’s Porridge.
The March meeting will be on Wednesday 21st at the Civic Centre, Carlton in Lindrick.
This meeting will be membership renewal, and for people to see what groups the u3a have to offer. Doors open at 1.45pm with teas and coffees.
For further information visit www.u3asites.org.uk/worksop.