This month is a month for memories. 80 years ago, on the beaches of Normandy, the course of history was changed when allied forces gained a major stronghold into Western Europe, all but closing off Hitler’s quest for dominance and advancement into England. This was a major offensive, involving the landing of thousands of personnel, as well as military equipment, on the beaches of Juno, Gold, Omaha, Utah and Sword. The courage and fearlessness of those people who landed on D-Day was exceptional – they were drawn from countries across the world, using for the first time equipment specifically created for the purpose. The planning that went into this operation must have taken years, and certainly drew significantly on the collaborative skill of the allied team.
But there was another group of people who were stalwarts during the war, and without whom the nation may well have starved – the Women’s Land Army. Originally set up in 1917, this organization was disbanded in 1919 and re-established in 1939, just before the start of the Second World War. The blockades set up around our shores by Germany aimed to starve our nation into submission. But they hadn’t bargained on our women, who, as a volunteer group, left their homes, rolled up their sleeves and quite literally dug for victory, working for landowners and farmers and replacing farm workers who had been called up for service. These women, drawn from towns, cities and rural communities, worked tirelessly, with long hours and in all weathers, to ensure that sufficient food was grown and harvested for the nation. In 1941, Lady Denman, the Honorary Director of the Women’s Land Army, said this: ‘The Land Army fights in the fields. It is in the fields of Britain that the most critical battle of the present war may well be fought and won.’ And so it was.
It is fitting, therefore, that we mark the vital work of the Women’s Land Army the same weekend as we commemorate the D Day landings of 1944. Our Sunday morning service at Great Saxham on 9th June will be dedicated to the Land Army (and of course to those who were part of the D Day landings). At the service, we will hear from local Suffolk Women’s Land Army trustee and historian, Nicky Reynolds. In the afternoon, there is a special event at Saxham Hall being run by the Suffolk Women’s Land Army Trust, with some special guests, including Land Army veterans who served during the war. There will be outdoor displays, a Suffolk Punch horse, a pianist playing wartime music, a wartime tea party, Land Army living historians, a film in the main house, displays, and much more. All funds raised at this event will go towards creating a permanent and lasting memorial to the Suffolk Women’s Land Army.
Throughout the country, events marking D Day 80 will be taking place to commemorate this turning point in the Second World War, which led to peace and freedom. In Barrow, there will be a prayer and a wreath laying ceremony accompanied by the British Legion, followed by a wartime dance in the village hall (with a fish and chip supper) and the lighting of the beacon in the playing fields as darkness falls. It’s so important to mark these events in our country’s history, and to pay homage to the bravery of all personnel who were involved.
This moving and poignant prayer dates back to the Women’s Land Army of the Great War, but it could be written for today, as the words are so appropriate:
God, my Heavenly Father, give me this day a heart to rejoice in the glory of the earth, the benediction of the sun, the splendour of the skies, and the joyful singing of the birds.
Set a crown of pure purpose on all that we do, that in eventide thy blessing, like the dew may fall upon our labour; and hasten oh Lord, the day, when the spirit of peace that broods upon the fields may fall upon the hearts of all men the world over; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Revd Lynda,
Barrow Rectory
Rev'd Lynda Sebbage
01284 811280
revlyndasebbage@gmail.com
RECTOR OF THE BARROW BENEFICE
Gt & Lt Saxham, Barrow, Risby & Denham
