Nine life-sized commemorative figures of women who have served in the armed forces have been installed in Barratt David Wilson Homes show home gardens throughout the south west following VE Day, with hundreds more placed at developments across the country.
The figures are part of the Royal British Legion Industries’ (RBLI) ‘Women in War’ campaign, which aims to highlight the efforts of women – both in military and civilian occupations – during times of conflict. The campaign sees veterans working in RBLI’s social enterprise, Britain’s Bravest Manufacturing Company, based in Aylesford, Kent, producing life-size figures of a saluting servicewoman. Barratt David Wilson Homes is a patron of this fundraising initiative.
The RBLI’s ‘Women in War’ campaign has received widespread support including from the first woman to command a British Army brigade, Major General Sharon Patricia Nesmith. The campaign’s iconic female figures have also been made available for the public to purchase via the charity’s online shop. Every penny raised through their sale goes directly to support RBLI’s welfare, accommodation, and employment services for military veterans and their families.
Lisa Farmer, RBLI’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.”
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.”
Developments throughout the Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter division have been selected to receive a Women in War figure. In Somerset this includes Blackdown Heights, near Chard, and Elworthy Place in Wiveliscombe. In Devon it includes Victoria Heights near Exeter, Okement Park in Okehampton and Fairfax Heath in Tiverton. While in Cornwall, Chapel Gate in Launceston is home to a figure.
Nicki Reid, sales director at Barratt David Wilson Homes Exeter said: “We’re incredibly proud to be partnering up once again with the RBLI, this year for their Women in War campaign, following the success of the Tommy Club appeal last year. The work that the RBLI does for ex-service personnel and their families is invaluable and is hugely important for our colleagues and home buyers in this area, many of whom had careers in the armed forces. The Women in War figures will be a visual reminder of the often-overlooked role of women in the armed forces, whilst highlighting the fantastic work of the RBLI.”
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