COUNTY council chiefs have honoured some of Worcester’s last remaining Second World War heroes with a Black Pear Tree award.
The Canary Girls were a group of girls who worked at a Blackpole munition factory during the conflict.
Working long hours and seven days a week, the women placed dangerous chemicals into the bullets and bombs for military aircraft. The process meant their skin and hair was often coloured a slight tinge of yellow hence the name, ‘Canary Girls’.
Kathleen Halford and Kathleen Smith both worked at the Blackpole factory and represented all the Canary Girls during a County Hall ceremony held by former Worcestershire County Council chairman Coun Tony Miller.
“It was long hours and it was seven days a week. I had to be up for 5am to catch my bus from Cheltenham to Worcester,” said Kathleen.
The dedication of these ladies is what endears them to the hearts of the people of Worcestershire.
Dr Francis Howie, Director for Public Health said: “We all owe a great debt to those who served their country during the war. I was particularly moved to see this recognition, coming so very long after the sacrifices that the ladies made.
“I was proud to meet our two Canary Girls and very much hope that the ceremony made clear to them the esteem in which they and their colleagues are held.”
The selected pear tree forms part of several Black Pear Trees that have been gifted by Pershore College as supporters of the Black Pear Tree Award.
So far the Black Pear Tree Award has gifted five pear trees to worthy recipients including Rio Olympian Alex Gregory, Paralympians Lauren Rowles, Clare Cashmore, Rebecca Redfern and the Men’s GB Wheelchair Basketball Team.
