AN annual event honouring the life of a woman – a British-French Special Operations Executive agent during the Second World War – was both formal and celebratory.

The event was held at the home of Rosemary Rigby in Wormelow, who has created a museum to honour Violette Szabó, on one of the hottest days of the year.

Violette Szabo tribute
BIRTHDAY: The mayor of Ross-on-Wye Cllr Linden Delves cuts the cake in honour of Violette with museum owner Rosemary Rigby. (Tindle)

The proceedings began with a parade featuring members of the Royal British Legion from the village’s Park, led by Highland Piper Simon Addison.

On arrival Rev’d Mark Johnson invited the audience to take part in a minute’s silence for Violette and all servicemen and women who died in conflicts.

Ms Rigby then read out a poem that was written by Maurice Hart, a neighbour, in 1992, which had only resurfaced recently

Violette Szabó tribute
CIVIC GUESTS: The mayor of Hereford Cllr David Powell and Glyn Morgan deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire spoke warmly about Violette Szabó and the museum. (Tindle)

Glyn Morgan deputy Lord Lieutenant of Herefordshire spoke of his affection for Violette, having grown up locally and said that she had always been part of his life and that some of his family joined with her during her last visit to Cartref House.

He then read out a message from Virginia McKenna who portrayed Violette in the film Carve Her Name with Pride, saying that she was sorry not to be there in person and added: “ I am there in spirt. Violette’s day, loyally conceived and arranged by Rosemary for so many years, it is a tribute like no other.

“And that Violette’s daughter Tanya Szabó is present, makes the occasion even more moving.

“We live in uncertain and troubled times, but this special day reassures us of friendships, loyalty and hope are alive and strong. Violette inspires all ages, young and old, this will never fade.”

Violette Szabo tribute
FLOWERS: Rosemary Rigby ordered a bouquet of flowers featuring 23 roses, one for each year of Violette’s life from Morrisons in Ross. The manager Dan Trotman delivered them personally and the bouquet was re-gifted to singer Ruby Ann, who was performing on her own birthday. (Tindle)

Tania Szabó spoke about her parent’s life and concluded with her adaptation of the poem associated with Violette, ‘The Life That I Have’.

Councillor David Powell, mayor of Hereford said: “Violette was just in her twenties when she volunteered for this dangerous work. Her bravery, her strength and her sense of duty is hard to imagine in today’s society. And yet she did it not for her personal glory as she did it for the greater glory. The museum isn’t just about the past, it’s about courage and dedication.

Violette Szabo tribute
AUTHORS: Peter Lantos who wrote a book suitable for children; Paul McCue whose book focuses on the life of Lillian Rolf, another agent who died along with Violette, Tania Szabó wrote about her mother in ‘Young Brave and Beautiful’, and Fred Greenhow produced a booklet on Violette. (Tindle)

The event also featured a number of authors who have written about Violette and her compatriots. It concluded with the Exhortations, the Reveille and both the French and British national anthems.

Violette Szabo tribute
FORMAL: The celebratory event closed with a rendition of the Reveille and the Last Post. Inset is the Highland Piper Simon Addison who led the parade. (Tindle)