Description:From 'Drake Hall - A War-Time Hostel', a souvenir book produced for staff and residents at the Swynnerton Royal Ordinance Factory hostel at Drake Hall, produced in 1945.
Mrs Damms, Manageress and Welfare Officer at Drake Hall comments on her time there:
"Now that the war has entered its final phase and all our thoughts are once again turned towards home, what is uppermost in my mind these days is—"how am I ever going to say good-bye to you all." It's going to be a very difficult task. We've had so many experiences here together, many, many happy times, good laughs and yes, a few tears, but through it all a grand sense of friendship, and I've loved every minute of it. When problems and tangles have had to be sorted out, well, we faced them and almost always found the remedy. To me the last three years will stand out, and give me the happiest memories of my life, and I do feel a real sense of gratitude that I have had this experience of communal living. This would not be complete without some special "thank you," so may I say in all sincerity how much I appreciate the work of the W.V.S. Group, which though not large in numbers, have done a terrific amount of work for others. I've enjoyed our weekly meetings tremendously. The Savings Group collectors, who week by week for two-and-a-half years, have quietly called for their quota of stamps and unobtrusively gone their way, but when figures were totaled the result was a grand sum of £15,000. The House Matrons who to me have been ever splendid and staunch allies. The Ministry of Labour, all departments, and Central Labour Officers, whose co-operation and ever ready help have made our contacts very pleasant ones. Miss Nash, the Diocesan Welfare Officer, who has always been most helpful and kind. To all the staff who have been such willing helpers and have never failed in their efforts to ensure the smooth running of all departments. Yes, it's been grand working and being with you all, and my great hope is, that one day we may all of us meet again, that we may say—"do you remember," and we shall be back again in spirit at Drake."