An 84-year-old World War II survivor will officially unveil a poignant piece of artwork at a former bomb factory in Hereford which played an important role in the country’s war effort.
Nora Foster, of South Wye, who is etched on the 14ft tall granite slab on Holme Lacy Road, at Rotherwas Industrial Estate, will cut the ceremonial ribbon on Friday, May 20.
The work, secured under a £60,000 grant from European and Central Government funding, is part of an initiative by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Herefordshire Lore, the county’s historical society, to mark the positive role women have had in Rotherwas.
The granite slab is the first in a series of three pieces commissioned by Brighton-based artist Bruce Williams depicting past, present and future generations of women.
Two more monuments depicting businesswomen and local company director Debbie Gittoes and 10-year-old Sophie Dillon will also be unveiled over the summer.
The granite slabs will also feature designs taken from local landmarks, a Celtic knot from Kilpeck Church, a zig-zag pattern from Hereford Cathedral and a patchwork design from the nearby Rotherwas Chapel.
Rotherwas munitions factory played an important part in the nation’s war effort employing thousands of people, mostly women, and producing thousands of bombs.
The plant was so important that Hitler’s Luftwaffe targeted the factory during an air raid in the early 1940s.
Cllr Roy Stockton, Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Community and Social Development, said: “Historically so much has happened in Rotherwas and the munitions factory played such an important role in the country’s war effort.
“When we reflect on the world wars we often remember the soldiers who died in the field."
“We often forget the valuable role women played in the war effort back home.
“At Rotherwas women put their lives at risk every day in terms of handling explosive materials and enduring the threat of air raids from the German Luftwaffe.
“While the theme behind the artwork is women, we have also marked the lives of men lost in the area as well by having their names scribed into the back of the granite slab.”
Artist Bruce Williams held a series of consultations in the area to ensure local people had their say on the overall theme of the project before commencing with the granite slabs.
Mrs Nora Foster started working at the munitions factory in 1940. She was a radio presenter.
“I remember vividly my time in the munitions factory,” she said. “I started in 1940. Thousands of people worked there and we made thousands of bombs.
“It was very dangerous work and I can remember the air raid when a plane dropped bombs on the factory killing scores of people.
“I can remember actually seeing the plane fly over the factory dropping bombs on it. It was harrowing. The explosions were so loud.
“At the time the MOD didn’t tell us what we were making, it was all very secretive. But we knew we were doing something important.
“That’s why I think it’s important that the role of Rotherwas in the war is remembered. This piece of artwork is a fitting tribute to our legacy.”