New female Tommy silhouette unveiled in Dudley

A new female Tommy silhouette is being added to a remembrance display at Wollescote Park in Stourbridge to recognise the contribution of women during wartime.

The Friends of Wollescote Park volunteers decided to introduce the figure so that the display, which already features a male soldier, better reflects the role played by women in times of conflict.

Women served in the armed forces, supported medical services, worked in factories and carried out many other essential duties, often in challenging and dangerous circumstances.

Julia Marks, chair of Friends of Wollescote Park, said: "We felt it was important that our remembrance display recognised everyone who contributed and sacrificed during wartime.

"Women played an incredibly important role in supporting our country through times of conflict, and we wanted to make sure their contribution was visible and recognised.

"Having both figures standing together sends a simple but important message: remembrance is for everyone."

The new silhouette will be part of the park's remembrance display as the Friends group prepares to host a 1940s-themed Poppy Appeal fundraising morning.

The event will take place at Wollescote Park Sensory Garden on Friday, November 6, from 10am to noon.

Visitors are invited to embrace the 1940s theme, with live music from Maggie Page, also known as The Peaky Blondie, as well as homemade cakes and refreshments.

Everyone is welcome to attend, support the Poppy Appeal and remember those who served and sacrificed, both at home and overseas.