Developer highlights women’s wartime role
THE housing developer behind the town’s Ramblers’ Gate development has unveiled a new sculpture at the Old Derby Road housing estate, marking the 77th anniversary of VE Day.
The sculptures, depicting women in war, were put in place in time for the Victory in Europe Day commemorations last month, and in support of the Royal British Legion Industries’ fundraising Tommy Club.
The campaign aims to highlight the efforts of women – both in military and civilian occupations – during times of conflict.
It sees injured veterans working in the legion’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, based in Aylesford, Kent, producing life-size figures of a saluting servicewoman.
The iconic female figures have also been made available for the public to purchase via the charity’s online shop, with funds raised supporting welfare, accommodation and employment services for military veterans and their families.
Lisa Farmer, the charity’s chief executive, said: “We are immensely proud to have joined forces once again with Barratt Developments – this time to acknowledge the tremendous contribution of women to the British Armed Forces.
“Not only will the funds raised through the production of these wonderful figures directly support our wide range of services, but they have also provided direct, meaningful employment to injured veterans in our factory.
“This is just the latest in a series of unwavering commitments by Barratt Developments to do all
they can to support our nation’s heroes through RBLI.
“We cannot thank them enough for their support.”
More than 100,000 joined the women’s branches of Britain’s military services during the First World War. After the war ended in 1918, women were overlooked and, within three years, all women’s branches were disbanded.
It was not until 1948 that the Women’s Service Act was passed, allowing for permanent peacetime roles for women in Britain’s armed services.
David Thomas, chief executive of Barratt Developments, said: “The RBLI’S Tommy Club is a great way for people to support our Armed Forces veterans.
“Last year we installed over 300 Tommy figures in our show home gardens, and this year we are doing the same with these new Women in War figures.
“They represent the remarkable effort that women have made in every war, and we celebrate their achievements. We are proud to have installed these figures in our show homes in time for VE Day.”