The extraordinary wartime contributions of women will be celebrated as part of Hillingdon Council's one-day programme of talks, tours and live performances at its Battle of Britain Bunker Exhibition and Visitor Centre in Uxbridge on Sunday 8 March.
The special event, curated to celebrate International Women’s Day, features three captivating talks from historian and presenter, Dr Sarah-Louise Miller, former soldier and historian, Rachael Andrews, and author, Dilip Sarkar MBE.
The trio of experts will be speaking on wartime roles performed by women; from officers of the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) stationed at the bunker, to military nursing and the 800 personnel working in the Women’s Royal Naval Service at Western Approaches.
There will also be a bespoke bunker tour on offer at 1.30pm, called ‘The Women of the Battle of Britain’, taking visitors 60 feet underground to where WAAF officers worked as plotters, tellers and radar operators. Book a spot on the tour and hear personal accounts of their fascinating stories.
At 2.30pm, a panel of inspiring women will come together to discuss ‘Women in Heritage’, examining leadership, visibility and influence within the sector, alongside the challenges and opportunities women in the heritage field face.
There will also be a range of stalls for visitors to browse throughout the day, exploring military history, local women in history and women in the heritage sector and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths), before singer-songwriter Naomi Cook entertains with a performance of her renditions of 40s favourites at 3.30pm.
Cllr Wayne Bridges, Hillingdon Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Environment, said: “The young WAAF officers who were stationed at the bunker during the Second World War have quite extraordinary life stories which warrant a wider audience.
“International Women’s Day is the perfect opportunity to shine a light on the heroics of those, and other wartime women, with tales that will energise and empower future generations. Our event is open to all ages, so bring the family along for a fun, informative and inspiring day out.”
Tickets start at £5, with a full day package priced at £20.
See all tickets and the full schedule of events at discover.hillingdon.gov.uk/int-womens-day-at-bunker
