Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways

Alarum Theatre Company productions: "Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways"

Recreating the Journey: 75^th Anniversary Tour

Date: Monday 24 April 2017

Time: 1930 - 2130

Venue: CA House

During the second world war there was plenty of work for the working boats on the canals, but not enough good crews. So the Women’s Training Scheme was born – young women who took on 72ft boats and 50 tons of cargo.

In 2017 we plan to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the start of the scheme, when trainer Eily (Kit) Gayford began her learning with working boaters Ciss and Albert Sibley, before going on to train many others as part of the Women’s Training Scheme. We will recreate the regular journey (London, Birmingham, Coventry, London) made by the trainees who, shortly after the war, became known as The Idle Women, a nickname that has stuck ever since.

Our show, Idle Women of the Wartime Waterways, tells the stories of the young women who answered the call for boat crews during World War II. It will appeal to boaters and those interested in the history of the canals in particular; however the show has been enjoyed by a wide range of audiences aged 14+.

Their tour of their double bill of theatre, poetry and music includes this showing at CA House as Limehouse was on the route that was worked by the Idle Women.

See further details on the attached flyers.