Shelling out too much for eggs sparked anger

These Derby housewives were determined to make their mark by protesting about egg prices in February 1974.

Sandra Brookes (right), of Littleover, was the chairman and co-founder of the National Housewives' Association at the time, an organisation which fought for consumer rights and took on local and national supermarkets, manufacturers and the government over food shortages, high prices and many other issues.

She is pictured with vice-chairman June Wall (centre) and secretary Ivy Ryalls.

One of the aims of the organisation was to try to demonstrate that excessive control by the state was not ultimately in the interests of a relaxed and happy family life.

It also gave a collective voice to ordinary housewives who often bore the brunt of food policies decided at Westminster.

The NHA was a modern version of the post-war British Housewife League, which was formed by Irene Lovelock around 1946 to create an effective voice for women who were struggling to feed their families under the draconian food policies of the Attlee Labour Government.

In 1946, it had 1,000 members and, at its peak, it had more than 100,000 members. In 1947, the league held a large rally in the Albert Hall, forcing the Government to hold a debate on housewives.

Were you a member of the National Housewives' Association in the 1970s and 80s? Share your memories with us.

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Willington Post Office - then and now

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