A Stage of Her Own: The Story of Anne Kilby

Born in 1941, Anne Kilby entered the world during one of the most intense years of the Second World War. Britain was still reeling from the Blitz, and the conflict showed no signs of slowing. Just days before her birth, the House of Commons had been bombed during a Luftwaffe raid. Cities and towns across the country were under constant threat, including Luton, where Anne was born.

Wartime Luton: A Town Under Pressure

At the time of Anne's birth, Luton was a key manufacturing centre, producing munitions and military vehicles. This made it a target for German bombing raids—particularly its Vauxhall Motors plant, which had been repurposed to produce Churchill tanks. The town faced air raid sirens, blackout regulations, rationing, and shelter drills, all of which shaped the daily lives of residents. 

Anne grew up in post-war Luton, attending Luton High School. As the country rebuilt, women were increasingly stepping into education and employment, and Anne followed suit. She took a Saturday job at a local jeweller’s, perhaps her first glimpse into the beauty of craftsmanship and customer connection.

Later, she settled in Northill, near Biggleswade, where she raised her two sons and became very active village life. Her sons recall that she was out doing something every evening.

In the 1980s, Anne found joy and purpose in the Northill and Ickwell Drama Group, where she played a vital backstage role. Whether prompting actors or managing props, she helped bring local productions to life—becoming part of the lifeblood of a theatre community that relied not just on performers, but the steady, skilled hands behind the scenes.

The group remembers her fondly, and continues to honour the creative legacy Anne helped shape. Their current production of Wind in the Willows is now bookable. (Tickets available via 01767 627 725.)

After retiring, she embarked on a solo journey to New Zealand—a bold move that reflected her independence, adventurous nature, and desire to explore the world beyond her doorstep.

To close our Women’s History Month series, next we turn our focus to a woman rooted in our very own town—Kath Melot. Born and raised locally, Kath ran a much-loved craft shop on Churchyard, continuing a family business passed down from her grandparents.

Follow our blog and social media to read more incredible stories of the women of Foxholes.