Enid Niezgoda (née Scowcroft)
General Information
First Name(s): Enid
Unmarried Surname: Scowcroft
Married Surname: Niezgoda
Date of Birth: 15/12/22
Place of Birth: Bolton
Date joined WLA: 1939
Date left: 1947
Previous occupation: Hairdresser
Reasons for joining: Didn’t want to work in a munitions factory, not my cup of tea at all!
Family’s reaction to joining: They didn’t mind at all – my grandfather was a very outdoors type of person.
Reasons for leaving: Not making any headway in life. I had saved up enough money to open my own hairdressing shop so went back to doing that.
Employment
County War Agricultural Committee, Lancashire 1939-1945
Then employed by Jakemans, Lower Darwin, near Bolton from 1945-1947.
Accommodation
Lived in hostel in Wellspool with 12 other Land Girls, followed by a private house in Ael-e-Bryn.
Type of work undertaken: When working on the farm, a morning milk round with a pony and float. I also cleared the cow houses and stables and did the milking in the afternoon.
Worked liked most and least: The milk round was the best. Nothing I didn’t like, I took it all in my stride.
Any accidents or injuries: No, but I had a close escape when a frightened horse bolted with the hay cart I was on. I managed to jump off, but could have been a bad accident.
How did work in the WLA impact their life? I was lucky, I was very happy with the people I worked and lived with and made memories that have lasted a lifetime.
Best memories: The pharmacist’s wife in the village holding a 21st hen party for my birthday with all the girls and ladies in the village.
Reactions of local people towards WLA: Everyone was very pleasant; they respected you and took you to heart.
Treatment by farmers or market gardeners: It was always good on market day, when all the farmers came in. The place came alive then.
Any other comments on time in the WLA: Life is what you put into it, so I enjoyed it.
Life after the war
Went back to working as a hairdresser.
Contributor Information
Name: Samantha Adby
