Remembrance Day special: World War II evacuee finds love for farming - 'the war was awful, but it has given me a life I would never have been exposed to without it'

In this Remembrance Day special, World War II evacuee Norma Earnshaw looks back at how something as evil as war ultimately led her to a lifetime of happiness on the farm

clock • 8 min read
Norma was just six years old when she was evacuated to the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire during the Second World War. It was during this time that she discovered a love for farming and horses.
Image:

Norma was just six years old when she was evacuated to the village of Melsonby, North Yorkshire during the Second World War. It was during this time that she discovered a love for farming and horses.

The old saying goes, ‘every cloud has a silver lining' and while the Second World War was undoubtedly one of the worst humanitarian crises in British history, it led to an unexpected way of life for one...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358

 

More on Farm Life

Views sought for survey on farmland being abandoned for solar infrastructure

Views sought for survey on farmland being abandoned for solar infrastructure

Should energy security come at the expense of losing Britain's heritage, farmland and beauty spots?

Chris Brayford
clock 16 March 2026 • 4 min read
Women's History Month: Hannah Hauxwell, 'Daughter of the Dales' – a one woman farming force

Women's History Month: Hannah Hauxwell, 'Daughter of the Dales' – a one woman farming force

Many in the farming community will have heard of Hannah Hauxwell, and even more will have been inspired by her well-documented way of life. In honour of International Women’s Day, Emily Ashworth takes a deeper look into her story

clock 15 March 2026 • 5 min read
Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes

Tenants feeling 'chilling effects' of upcoming IHT changes

Sector issues plea to Government as landlords withdraw rented farmland plans to offset tax liabilities

clock 13 March 2026 • 2 min read