Local MP celebrates work of the Land Girls

10.13.58am UTC (GMT +0000) Wed 6th Feb 2008

This week, Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell called on fellow MPs to recognise the achievements of the Land Girls, known officially as the Women's Land Army, and their role in Britain's survival through two world wars. Members of the Women's Land Army & Women's Timber Corps who served during either the First or Second World Wars are now eligible to apply for a special badge commemorating their efforts.

The Women's Land Army (WLA), more commonly known as the Land Girls, was formed at the outbreak of World War II to work on the land, freeing the male workers to go to war. By 1943 there were some 80,000 young women working in every aspect of agriculture to feed the nation.

Mr Stunell said:

"The Land Girls did a fantastic job helping this country survive through two world wars, and this badge to celebrate their hard work and dedication is long overdue.

"It is very important to me that everyone recognises the work done by the Land Girls, both nationally through these badge and also in the world of Westminster, where some MPs find it too easy to forget the work of others, without whom Britain would be in a much sorrier state than it is today.

"If anyone who worked in the Women's Land Army during either World War is eligible for a badge, and if anyone who is eligible for a badge needs help filling in a form they are more than welcome to come into my constituency office in Romiley, and we will give them all the help they need."

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Andrew signed the Early Day Motion 847 which notes "That this House celebrates the vital hard work and humble dedication of the Land Girls, without whom Britain would not have got through the Second World War; and welcomes the long-overdue decision to give the Land Girls the recognition they deserve."

2. To apply for a badge, members should fill out a short application form providing their date of birth, approximate dates of service in the Women's Land Army or Women's Timber Corps, and the location at which they were stationed. The form can be obtained from Andrew Stunell MP, Liberal Democrat HQ, 68A Compstall Rd, Romiley, Stockport, SK6 4DE or is available for download at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/regulat/forms/wla/wla1.htm

3. The badge is being specially designed by the Garter King of Arms and will bear the Royal Crown. A copy of the design will be put on the website http://www.defra.gov.uk/farm/working/wla/index.htm. There is no current exact date yet for when the badges will be available, but it is hoped that badges will be presented to a number of veterans early in the summer.

4. Eligibility is extended to surviving members as of 6 December, 2007. Badges will not be able to be awarded to spouses or families of deceased members, except where death has occurred after 6 December 2007.