THE meeting on Monday, August 4 at the Abbey Hotel, was opened by the Probus Chairman Bill Major, who expressed his pleasure at the level of attendance, specifically welcoming both current and new members and guests, many of whom had brought along items of family memorabilia from the First World War.

The Chair then welcomed Paul Harding and Helen Lee who had kindly agreed to speak about Life on the Home Front.

The home front is commonly thought to refer to the Second World War whilst in fact it is very relevant to the First World War. Central to this was the Defence of the Realm Act 1914, popularly known as DORA. This had a number of impacts: summertime was introduced to facilitate farmers to use more hours of daylight in the working day; news reporting was restricted, promoting good news and acts of heroism and cigarette cards featured decorated service personnel. Rather more amusing was the banning of individuals buying rounds of drinks in pubs and the criminalisation of shooting, maiming and molesting carrier pigeons!

This was the first time in our history that our country was bombed (Dover castle, December 1914) Blackouts were introduced and a home guard (Volunteer Training Corps) formed. Registration of men of military age and rationing began. Women entered diverse employment with strict guidelines for dress. They could collect tickets on trams but not drive them. They were employed in munitions factories but had to cover any trousers with a long jacket. The Women’s Land Army was formed with strict guidelines on femininity. Many of these innovations were further developed in the Second World War but their roots lie firmly in the First World War and have largely been ignored by historians and more contemporary press.

Probus members very much appreciated a most informative talk, clearly based upon a detailed and expansive knowledge of the period.

Our next meeting will be on the Monday, August18 at the Abbey Hotel when we welcome Bob Shaw, Honorary Secretary of Defford Airfield Heritage Group who will speak on the History of RAF Defford, the secret airfield in Croome Park.

Further details of the Malvern Probus Club programme, can be found on the display board just inside Malvern Library.

TONY BATES