Margaret's story
"I had just come home from holiday and there was one of those big barrage balloons hanging. I said ‘What’s that?’ ‘Well,’ she said, ‘that’s to keep them from attacking us’, so I said, ‘Well maybe we better do something about it then’, and I decided to join WVS.”
Margaret began volunteering in Glasgow, where her local WVS group operated out of a school building. Their early mission was focused on emergency preparedness, where they created a store of everyday essentials - kitchenware, bedding, clothes - to support families who were bombed out of their homes.
Margaret quickly found herself surrounded by like-minded people, and as the war progressed, so did Margaret’s role. She began visiting wounded soldiers in a small local hospital - many of whom were far from home and had no family nearby to visit them. She became a familiar, comforting face, bringing conversation, kindness, and the occasional rare treat.
In a time of strict rationing, even a chocolate biscuit was a luxury, but Margaret had the support of local shopkeepers - who would be persuaded to discreetly set aside small goodies for her to take to the soldiers. For Margaret, it wasn’t just giving the taste of a treat, it was giving a taste of care.
Volunteering during the war wasn’t about grand gestures for Margaret. It was about showing up, helping out, and bringing moments of comfort to people in dark times. And more than 80 years later, her legacy lives on in the same quiet, powerful spirit that continues to drive volunteers across Britain today.
Margaret’s daughter, Jean, continues her mother’s legacy, volunteering with Royal Voluntary Service. Jean runs Glasgow Lightburn Harmony Stroke Club, supporting people who have been sent home from hospital after having a stroke - with the same compassionate spirit as her mother before her.