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Mrs Churchill’s Aid to Russia Fund

The wife of the Prime Minister, Clementine Churchill volunteered for the British Red Cross at the start of WW11 and was an active member throughout the war, raising more than £3m for the Fund. King George and Queen Elizabeth donated £1000 in the first week of the scheme and ordinary people were encouraged to give whatever they could, including a ‘penny-a-week’ donation scheme.

People across the country organised a diverse range of fund-raising activities, which included baking, flag days, knitting, music recitals and rabbit keeping, for the pot and for their cured pelts. These pelts would be made into hats and waistcoats for the country’s allies in Russia.

Mrs Churchill liked to respond with a personally signed letter to everyone who made a donation. The museum has two signed letters which were sent to a lady in Stalham in thanks for the donation of rabbit pelts.

Image of Mrs Churchill from the International Churchill Society: Clementine Churchill’s Aid to Russia Fund.

Artist, Johanne Couldrey, has created her own baby rabbit from pompoms. To make your own, see our video below: