A WOMAN who fed Britain in its hour of need in two world wars has left a final mark on the village she called home.

Balcombe, near Haywards Heath, celebrated the life of Lady Gertrude Denman with a blue plaque commemorating her hard work in both the Women’s Land Army and Women’s Institute, of which she was a founding member.

The village paid tribute to Lady Denman with a party at the Balcombe Women’s Institute in The Victory Hall in Stockcroft Road, which was also celebrating its 100th anniversary.

Three-time Women’s Institute president Pam Taylor said: “She had lots of character and was a strong supporter of Balcombe.

“We’ve placed the plaque on the side of the Victory Hall. I feel the country should have given her something in return for all her work – never mind the WI.

“We really did have a good time. It was also our WI 100th birthday so we were celebrating both on the same day.”

Born in 1884, Lady Denman was the daughter of Lord and Lady Cowdray of Midhurst.

Reportedly, she was herfather’s favourite and he later gave her the family’s estate at Balcombe Place.

She would later run the Women’s Land Army from the estate, providing food and support during the first and second world wars.

She was an outspoken advocate for women’s rights and strongly supported birth control, despite the pill not being made available until after her death in 1954.

Lady Denman was also a founding member of the Women’s Institute, and became the organistion’s first national president, a role she held for many years.

The institute’s current national president, Yvonne Price, joined ladies from Balcombe and around the country to celebrate Lady Denman’s life.

Ms Taylor said: “She had her finger in many pies – she was a hard worker.

“She was much loved by the people on the estate.

“One lady who came up from West Wittering was 94, and had lived on the estate where her father was a worker. Lady Denman was always there for her workers.”

As well as her efforts in the UK, Lady Denman was also a governor in Canberra, Australia.