The GFS at War (II)

Membership decline continued, despite the amended Rules and recognition of the need for greater Member representation on Branch and Diocesan Councils. Nevertheless, from 1939 the Society threw itself wholeheartedly into the War effort. A War Emergency Committee again raised money for clubs and hostels for women working on the Home Front, while the Branches undertook various tasks from helping with evacuees to 'adopting' a mine sweeper!

Townsend House basement was requisitioned as a Public Shelter. Three-tiered bunks were installed, a doctor and nurse made frequent visits and the local clergy held short Services. Several bombs fell close by, but the building suffered no major damage.

5/GFS/10/64 The G.F.S. Magazine, February 1942. The magazine had become visually more attractive with the front cover usually incorporating a photograph of an important GFS figure or a rural scene. By July 'a serious cut in paper rationing' forced a reduction in the number and size of GFS publications and a return to a much plainer appearance.