The crucial contribution made by Land Army girls in the last world war is being recognised by the Borough of St Edmundsbury in a ceremony at 10 am on Sunday 27 April, including a lap of honour in restored military vehicles.
More than 50 Land Army members will be welcomed by the Mayor of St Edmundsbury, Cllr Margaret Charlesworth, and entertained with celebratory cake and sherry at a reception near the war memorial on Angel Hill in Bury St Edmunds, where a large collection of World War Two vehicles will be displayed. The mayor will present the ladies, the oldest of whom is 103, with certificates recognising their wartime efforts, before accompanying them for a tour around the town in the vehicles and on to the Great Whelnetham Fete.
The occasion arose from an invitation by organisers of the Great Whelnetham fete for Land Army members to attend their military-themed exhibition of vehicles. Word of mouth generated great interest in the opportunity for a reunion and the Mayor of St Edmundsbury suggested a civic reception in their honour.
The Mayor said:
"I am extremely pleased to have this opportunity to pay tribute on behalf of St Edmundsbury to the many women who contributed so selflessly to the war effort. It is wonderful that so many Land Army members are able to attend and receive in person our thanks and recognition.I also have some photographs of Land Army girls taken by my father and I am hoping one or two of those who come might recognise themselves.I believe they were taken at Chadacre."
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Issued By Sally Easton, Communications Unit, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Phone: 01284 757046 email: sally.easton@stedsbc.gov.uk
