238761 Christina O'Brien Red Cross from:Co. Durham My mother, Christina O'Brien, was a nursing sister who volunteered during the Second World War. She was in charge of the "sick bay", as she called it, for Raleigh Hall, which was part of the munitions factory in Swynnerton.
I remember her telling me of the frequent explosions in the factory and how the chemicals they used would turn the girls' hair colour yellow and brassy. Some people, unaware of this fact, would look at the girls with disdain, assuming their hair was an indication of low morals.
My mother also wrote, directed and acted in a pantomime at Raleigh Hall. Girls from the factory as well as nurses and general workers took part in it, making and painting scenery and acting all the parts. My mother was Widow Twankey. I have photographs of this production - it looked like great fun!
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