To all Violette’s special Friends To all Violette’s special Friends who admire her so much!

Spring 2025

What joy to think on the 8th May 2025 we are all to celebrate 80 years of Precious Peace! So on Sunday 11th I am planning to open the Museum in the afternoon, for anyone who might like to call in and give thanks to Violette and youngsters like her who gave their lives to make this possible!

Violette having just been given a beautiful tree – called a Peace Tree by a gentleman in Newent, who not only gave it but very kindly planted it! The Mayor of Hereford has accepted to come and unveil it, the Revd Mark is also coming to say a few words of thankfulness, and the British Legion County Standard is to be here, courtesy of Mr Steve Cole, chairman of The Herefordshire British Legion. Anyone who would care to come will be most welcome. The Manager, Trevor, of The Pilgrim Hotel is kindly bringing hot tea and coffee! Please remember this is on Sunday 11th May.

A memory of a Hereford lady who was 22 and walked through High Town on the 8th of May 1945! All was very calm and quiet with people going about their business, visiting churches to say a prayer of thanks! When she happened to pass an American soldier who said to her “Good morning ma’am, it sure is a pretty day!” and for him it was!! Now able to return to his family and country!!!

For Christmas and my birthday a friend has given me a beautiful Coalport China Land Army Girl, something I have always wanted but did not know existed. Her name is Violette Kathleen, her second name is in memory of a wonderful girl who worked for my parents through the war at Sulby Grange Farm. She looks just perfect in the Museum! Violette also received a most interesting small book about the history of the Womens Land Army.

Another special occasion took place at The Pilgrim Hotel on Friday 24th January when Violette’s great artist Jan Hann presented a beautiful portrait, which is now hanging over the fireplace in Violette’s Lounge. It has just finished her room to perfection! Again, The Mayor of Hereford came to honour Violette, also the Deputy Mayor of Ross and several other kind guests.

Please remember – The Pilgrim Hotel is once again holding a Violette Szabó Murder Mystery Evening on the 16th August. Do try to come along! It is always a super evening!!

Re the Manager Jeremy of Morrisons Store in Ross, who I mentioned last year was helping me so wonderfully with my shopping – has now left! I was most upset. With my mobility becoming worse, how was I to manage? Anyway a new manager is now in place, who I have met – Dan Trotman and I have been assured their care and help will be continued – thank God.

With great joy I have heard from Ruby Ann and her wonderful friend Rachel that they are to be with us to honour Violette, Lilian and Denise on the 13th July – Ruby’s birthday! How about that!!

Please remember on the great day to bring your own family picnics and a chair and small table if possible! Chairs are always so much needed!

Apple Trees! – Violette’s! Margaret Jefferies and her husband Ken gave two to Violette a long time ago, they are planted on the Millennium Green and now have lots of lovely red apples on each year! I have now contacted my friends Sarah and George Snell who have a fruit farm at Much Birch and asked if this special year they would plant a small area of Violette’s to honour our Violette! This they are gladly going to do! Remembering they planted a maze in one of their orchards to help me raise the money to build the Museum! I think I asked because Sarah and Violette share the same birthday – the 26th June. I know I received over £1,000 from this project!!

I have recently been to Wales to give a talk for Violette, and although they were all kindness itself and met me in Monmouth and led me, I now realise I was still driving! and it has played my bad leg up unfortunately, but it was a wonderful visit and everyone so kind and appreciative. Apart from being given a donation for Violette, I also received a little container of tiny daffodils, which have just started to flower! How very cheering!!

The Pilgrim Hotel – always supporting Violette – is again holding a special evening meal following her day of celebration on the 13th July. Please phone and book your own table (01981 540742).

I have just received a phone call from Jane with an invitation to park your cars in the lovely large field next to the Museum, for which we are eternally grateful!

Lovely news – Professor Peter Lantos – everyone’s friend! is again hoping to be with us!! How wonderful!

Remember it is 13th July – please be here by 1.30pm. I so hope, with God’s help, we will again have the parade, leaving Park Hall at 1.30pm led by Simon Addison the Highland Piper, and the Parade Marshall Mr Steve Cole organising everything!

I am so very much looking forward to seeing you, and welcoming you on behalf of Violette!

Yours very sincerely

Rosemary E. Rigby M.B.E.

Holder of the Points of Light Award and
Founder and Owner of
The Violette Szabó Museum
01981 540477
www.violetteszabomuseum.org.uk

PS. Please note – Violette’s special day this year D.V. is on Sunday 13th July 2023 at 1.30 pm and next year on Sunday 12th July 2026 at 1.30 pm.