CHERITON Fitzpaine Ladies' Evening Organisation was pleased to welcome local historian Tony Gale to its October meeting.

Tony spoke about the role of women in agriculture in the First World War.  

With the aid of amusing graphics we learnt about the "ladies" and women who worked the land whilst the men were in France.  

Tony first became interested after seeing a photo of women workers (perhaps staff), from the workhouse at Western Way, Crediton, working in the fields, and did some further research.  

Once it was realised that male agricultural workers would be expected to go into the army, especially after 2016, women were drawn from the Women’s Farm and Garden Union and the Women’s Defence Relief Corps.  

At first, ladies from monied families volunteered, attired in outfits from Harrods and the like, but eventually women from all backgrounds, "Patriotic Girls are We", were recruited to farm.  

Some of them joined the Forage Corps to provide food for the thousands of war horses.

At first, there was considerable scepticism from farmers, but this lessened when the women showed that they were willing to get up at 5 am, in all weathers, to work the land.  

They even became accustomed to seeing women in britches, a much more suitable attire than long skirts, especially in muddy situations.

Tony was able to answer questions over coffee, and was thanked by Julia Sanders, the chairman.

Our next meeting, in November, will have local historian Elly Babbedge talk to us about "The Lady at Stockleigh Court".