A Shawbury woman, who spent more than 35 years working at the village’s airbase, has received a belated birthday present from top brass – a Land Army medal.
Joan Woolley, 90, was presented with the award in recognition of her time serving with the Land Army during the Second World War by the station’s commanding officer, Group Captain David Prowse, last Wednesday.
It came just four days after she celebrated her birthday milestone.
Joan left school at 14 and joined the service in 1944, serving for seven years.
She had previously worked for W&T Avery’s, a manufacturing company based in Smethwick, for 11 years, but joined the Land Army when her family moved to the village.
She began working at RAF Shawbury as a technical librarian in 1951, holding a post at the base until she retired in 1987.
She lived in Poynton Road, Shawbury, before moving into River Meadows Nursing Home after two long spells in hospital.
The nonagenarian is an active member of the Shawbury branch of the Royal British Legion and is a past member and president of Shawbury WI.
Group Captain Prowse said he was happy to accept the offer to present Joan with her Land Army medal.
“I was pleased to be able to do a proper presentation of this medal to Joan,” he said.
“Her efforts during those years ensured that the country was able to recover from the war.”
The presentation was made at River Meadows and a cake was baked for the occasion by the home’s chef, Sylvia Kinvig.
Joan said: “I was very proud to be in the Land Army.
“I was also very proud of the work done by the RAF.”
She added that she was extremely honoured to have received her medal from Group Captain Prowse, especially given her links to RAF Shawbury.
• Were you in the Land Army? What are your memories? Ring our news reporter Emma Kasprzak on 01743 283324.