A FORMER Hereford munitions worker has unveiled a war statue at a Remembrance event in the city.

Nancy Billings was invited to unveil the statue in the presence of residents, families, and locals by Hampton Grange and Gwen Walford nursing homes in Hampton Park Road on November 3.

Attendees gathered in the care home's grounds at midday, as manager, Louise Craddock, gave a short speech expressing the importance of Remembrance to residents and introducing Nancy to the congregation. The residents counted down before Nancy removed the British flag to reveal a statue of ‘An Unknown Woman in War’.

Ms Billings said: "It's a lovely, lovely statue. I think it's very important, because I think that women did play a big part in the war effort.”

The 99-year-old worked at ROF Rotherwas for five years during the Second World War, during which she worked on the factory line filling explosives.

Women made up more than three quarters of the work force at Rotherwas, where weapons and ammunition were manufactured for the British Military during the First and Second World War.

It was poignant that Nancy would unveil a statue of a woman to commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of women in war and pay tribute to the local women who worked at Rotherwas.

The gathering later moved inside for a Remembrance service held by the vicar from St Paul’s Church in Hereford with readings from residents, Fred and Audrey. Nancy and her daughter, Julie, joined the residents for lunch and wine as they reflected on war-time experiences.

Louise Craddock, home manager of Hampton Grange and Gwen Walford, said: “We were honoured to welcome Nancy to unveil our statue. The Remembrance period is an especially important time for our residents, many of whom can recall memories of the war period. Every year we hand-craft a ‘river’ of poppies cascading out of the Hampton Grange building, but this year it was great to go one-step further with the war memorial for our residents to pay their respects”

Want to stay up to date with all the latest news for your local area? It's easy, just sign up for our weekly email newsletter here and all the important stories that matter to you will be delivered straight to your inbox.