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War and the WVS


The drive to build village halls in rural areas in the 1930s soon turned out to have been a very good idea indeed. When World War Two was declared, gathering places such as these were vital. When there was a need for gas mask distribution, evacuee billeting and civil defence recruitment they were a natural built venue for it all to happen in. This plaque at the Cornmarket Hall in Kettering pays tribute to the WVS and their wartime activities, showing the continued use that these places were put to. Both civilians and members of the armed forces might find succour in the village hall.



In December 1939, The Times newspaper reported a happy use for the village hall. Thousands of evacuee children, living away from home in more rural districts, were treated to Christmas parties. The report reads:

“There have probably never before been such parties as there were held last weekend. Village halls, country houses, school rooms and private houses…were full of children…Hertfordshire, for example, which is full of London children, arranged splendid festivities in towns and villages.”

The WVS of course played a vital role in running these parties, apparently achieving “miracles of speed and efficiency” in Berkhamsted. Of course they did...who would expect anything else from the ladies in green?

From almost the beginning, these halls proved their worth. I wonder what stories those serving hatches could tell?

Read my stories inspired by Joyce Grenfell, friend to the WVS here...

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