Women of Westfield: Picking Up The Pieces After The First World War

A short documentary about the role that women played in the formative years of the Westfield War Memorial Village Lancaster - a bespoke settlement for disabled ex-servicemen. It looks at trustees, fundraisers (including the founder of the National Lottery), an innovative sculptress and the wives and children of the injured men. This is a poignant, interesting and informative film researched, scripted and fronted by volunteers on a Heritage Lottery project.

[@christopherkirkland7174]

An excellent documentary. Very interesting.

[@harpandamonkey]

Very interesting and very informative! Well done to the volunteers who put this together - a great testimony to the work of the Heritage Lottery Fund, too.

[@tonygask]

What a wonderful film My Grandad and Grandma (Herbert & Annie Billington) lived in Morton Cottage (the first house on the left once through the gates). I was born in the 'parlour' of Morton Cottage in 1948. Grandad was badly wounded having lost an arm and a leg in Nov 1917 (Guillemont Farm). He was found by the germans who rescued him, took him prisoner and nursed his wounds. Without their care my grandad would have died. The photo's in the film about halfway in include my Grandma. (14:58) The first photo shows Mrs Billington sat on the left with Mrs Lancaster sat on the right. Can't makeout those stood behind. (15:06) The next photo's is my nana again on her own wearing a hat and glasses. (15:15) Next is a photo of Irene Billington with my cousin Peter. Irene was married to Fred Billington (son of Herbert Billington). (15:23) Next is a photo of Mrs Braithewaite (stood with white hair) wife of the head gardner 'Dick' Braithwaite. They lived in the first house on the right just after entering the gate. (15:32) Next shows my nana again stood in the back second from left wearing glasses. (24:08) The VE day celebration photo taken outside Westfield House - the group includes my mother Mary Billington and her sisters Jean & Doreenn. Hope this is of interest. Well done to all. Wished I lived closer would have loved to be involved in the project. Tony Gask