In March, full Council recognised the significant contribution made during the First and Second World Wars by the ‘canary girls’ in the munitions factories in Rotherwas and asked the executive to consider erecting a plaque in Rotherwas to recognise their national role and sacrifices made in the war effort and to honour and remember their important work in the county.  This report responds to that request.

That:

a plaque recognising the contribution of the ‘canary girls’ be erected at the Herefordshire Archive Records Centre (HARC) at a cost of no more than £2,500.

1.       Do nothing: this is not recommended as the recommendation proposed is in keeping with the will of Council members and is a fitting and affordable tribute to the canary girls.

2.       Do something different: Options might include a munitions- or agricultural-inspired artwork or the commissioning of a statue/sculpture. For these options to be agreed, additional sources of funding, beyond those set out in option (a) would be required.  In light of pressures on council resources this option is not recommended but should the community wish to progress such a project the council could offer support through project and funding advice and may, subject to relevant governance approvals, provide land on the site on which such an artwork could be based.