Source:Souvenir Programme
SALVAGE
One of the first jobs to be tackled by the newly formed Wickersley W.V.S. in 1940, was the collection of Salvage. A brave start was made by Mrs. W. Peck and a noble band of workers. Not only was this work distasteful, unpleasant and heavy, but it was a formidable task to try to persuade householders to collect and put outside tins, jars, rags, paper, bones, etc., sorted and clean. Many stories can and will be related about going from door to door, collecting salvage by hand, suffice it to say some workers were discouraged and we had then to go outside the W.V.S. and appeal for anyone who would help. Later Mrs. Peck had to relinquish the leadership, and Mrs. Wood (Springfield Road) was rnade Chief Salvage Steward, owing to ill-health, she, too, had to retire, and Mrs. Robson and Mrs. Shearing acted in her stead. All who have seen the lorries piled high with salvage must realise the enormous amount of work accomplished by thc Salvage Stewards. The salvage section of voluntarv workers must be one of the few who instead of creating expenses, were able to earn money for the authorities. At times there have been more than 50 Salvage workers in Wickersley alone. To those househoIders who regularly put out their sorted salvage, we say a big thank you, you cannot measure the help and encouragement you gave the workers by so doing.
Mrs. M. Pickles was chief Salvage Organiser for the Rural District.
THE BRITISH RED CROSS
Very valuable work was done by everyone concerned, either by Whist Drives, Competitions or Dances, thereby raising over £1,000. Sewing was also done by the ladies who met in the Barn each week and others who did their sewing at home, making over 2,000 garments for the hosptals, not forgeting the garments made for the people of those countries who had been over-run by the enemy.
Mrs H. Lee, The Rectory, has been the very efficient Leader of the Red Cross activities in Wickersley.