Jean Goodall became the Chair of a Blesma branch almost without a say in the matter. “I was sitting at the back of an East Berkshire meeting in 2000, a couple of years after my husband had died, and the Chairman announced that he was going to stand down,” recalls the 76 year old. “The Treasurer shouted ‘Jean!’ and before I knew it, I was taking the meeting. Next, I got a letter from Blesma congratulating me on being the new Chair and Welfare Officer, which hadn’t even been mentioned! “I really enjoyed it though,” she admits. “Everyone said it was because I like telling people what to do! It’s true that I liked arranging days out. We went on so many; musicals, museums, riverboat trips. I sorted out all the meals – the Summer lunch, the Christmas party – by myself.  It kept me very busy, which was a good thing because I hated having nothing to do.”

PIECING TOGETHER THE PAST
Jean has been rightly recognised for her achievements within the Association, having won a Blesma Soldiering On award, among other commendations. She married her husband, Jim, in 1969. Jean was 29 and Jim was 50, and already a Blesma Member after losing part of his foot in Africa. A typical old-school military man, Jim was truly stoic. “He very rarely talked about the Army,” says Jean. “To this day, I have no idea how he got his injury, and his daughter by his first marriage didn’t even know he was at Dunkirk!” Nevertheless, Jean managed to piece together her husband’s military career. Jim had joined the Hampshire Regiment in 1935 and served across the globe during WWII. “After Dunkirk, he transferred and trained with No.2 Commando, 11th SAS and went on to test-jump in the Air Corps. Prince Charles once told me that Jim was a very brave man who had jumped out of holes in the bottom of Whitley bombers.

I told him he knew a lot more about my husband than I did!” 

Jim was discharged in 1946 and joined the Post Office, eventually becoming an Inspector. “He’d fought against his injury since he was 20, and got quite ill almost as soon as we were married,” says Jean. “I must have seen every hospital in the south of England over the next 29 years. He had lots of operations, and his leg was finally amputated when he was 70. “After that, he had to use a wheelchair. I was his carer and helped him get around for the next 10 years. He wasn’t small so it was tough, and it took a lot out of me.” Blesma became a refuge for them both and they enjoyed numerous trips out with the Association, including horse training at Combermere Barracks, trips to Beating the Retreat, and “a very boozy trip to France – I’ve never seen so much drink in my life!” Being among like-minded folk was the main draw for them both. “It was very traditional then; I’d sit with the wives while the men chatted,” says Jean. “But being with others who were dealing with similar problems helped me immensely. We were all in the same boat and so didn’t have to put on an act – we all knew exactly how each other felt.”

Then, in December 2012, Jean’s world changed again. “We realised we would have to fold the Branch because I was arranging meetings and only four men might turn up,” she says. “So we went out for a slap-up dinner to mark the end. That afternoon,  I went to the doctors and was told I had cancer. I went through a rough time – but a lot of people do, so I don’t complain.” Now recovered, Jean can’t help but feel sad that Blesma is losing its old structure. “I understand why. Blesma has adapted and evolved well, and many Members are young – they’re working and doing lots of great activities, which is brilliant,” says Jean. “But when they’re older, they’ll need companionship, and that’s what the Branches provide. I loved the community structure and I’m sure there will come
a time when they’re wanted again.”

“Widows should have the same rights within an organisation we’re told we’re a part of. Women should be more involved in deciding the issues that affect our families deeply”

Jean Goodall

GIVE WIDOWS MORE OF A SAY

She also thinks that Widows aren’t given enough of a say in how the Association is run. “We’re not classed as Full Members, and I think that needs to change because we don’t have voting rights. I used to vote when I was Chair of the Branch, but now I can’t. I think Widows should get a vote and have the same rights within an organisation we’re told we’re a part of. Women shouldn’t be treated like second-class citizens, and I think we should be more involved in deciding the issues that affect our families deeply. “We know what the men are going through, and in the most part we probably have just as tough a time as them. I kept going for my husband, but since he died I’ve been in and out of hospital. I didn’t look after myself while looking after him.” Despite this, Jean remains a huge fan of the Association. “Blesma is brilliant. The activities are fabulous and the welfare on offer is fantastic. Blesma helped me out with funding when I needed a shower installing, and I’ve been on a couple of Widows’ Weeks, which were brilliant.” Jean remains as busy as ever. “I still work for the War Widows’ Association and I’ve just started as part of the Macmillan Cancer Support service. I stay in touch with a lot of the old Branch Members, too. I try to help out if there is ever a problem. I made so many friends through Blesma, and that’s what it’s all about.”