Hope is Daffodil Bright: Women's Voluntary Service in Cambridge during WWII

Alice Bragg moved to Cambridge with her family in 1938 when her husband, Lawrence was appointed head of the Cavendish Laboratories. Within a year the Second World War broke out and her life unexpectedly changed. With no training or experience, she became head of the Women’s Voluntary Service in Cambridge and in 1946 the city’s third female Mayor. Zoë Jasko author of ‘Hope is Daffodil Bright’ dramatizes Alice’s war time life and the essential work of the WVS. Her research and her subsequent historical novel give a fascinating insight into a city at war and a community pulling together.

About the Speaker:

Zoë Jasko is a writer, public speaker, and performer. Her books What the Wind Saw: Short Stories from the Heart of Hertfordshire (2022), Hope is Daffodil Bright (2023) and The Portraits on the Wall: Five Cherished Pets, Five Special Stories (2024) are published by The Endless Bookcase. Trained as a light lyric soprano, she is cofounder and creative director of the Hertfordshire based Felici Opera. She lives in Hertfordshire with her husband and four children.

Find out more about Zoe here: www.zoejasko.com

Supporting the Museum of Cambridge

The Museum of Cambridge is an independent Charity and is not part of either the Cambridge Council or the University of Cambridge. Your ticket includes the talk and entry to the Museum of Cambridge (usually £6 for Adults, £4.50 for Students/Jobseekers), and supports the daily running and conservation care of the Museum, an independent charity.

Accessibility

You can read about our accessibility information on our website here Accessibility – The Museum of Cambridge. If you'd like to chat through any accessibility requirements, don't hesitate to give us a call on 01223 355159 or email [email protected]. Event attendees with additional needs are welcome to bring a supporter or carer who will be admitted to the event free of charge.

Getting Here

We are in the centre of Cambridge. You’ll find us at the corner of Castle Street and Northampton Street. We are right beside Kettle’s Yard and only a 15-minute walk from King’s College.

You can park your bike at the bike parks on Bridge Street or on Northampton Street. There is a bus stop on Bridge Street. Check out the Stagecoach website to plan your journey to and from the Museum. Find out more about how to get here by train, bike, bus, car or on foot on our website.

Photography

Please note that photographs will be taken throughout this event, and images may be used in future marketing and reporting materials. If you do not wish you or your family's photograph to be taken, please make sure to let us know.

Healthy Events

If you’re feeling unwell or have recently tested positive for Covid-19, please do not attend this event. We’ll be happy to offer you a refund if applicable, and welcome you at the Museum on another day.

Love events? Love them even more when they’re free? Join the Friends of the Museum of Cambridge today and you’ll get access to free events, discounts in our shop and year-round free entry for you and a guest.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Museum of Cambridge, 2-3 Castle Street, Cambridge, United Kingdom