Badge of pride
Betty Grieves
Betty is an incredible young woman of 93 years who has spent most of her life in South Shields. I met her on Sunday and discovered the remarkable story of the badge that she wears with pride, it was presented to her as a mark of recognition for her service as a “lumber Jill” whilst she was a member of Women’s Timber Corps during the Second World War. Betty spent years cutting down trees near Launceston in Cornwall as her contribution to the war effort, because our working men were away in the armed services.
She has fond memories of the area but couldn’t wait to get back to South Shields when the war was over.
For many years she worked in the Hedworth Hall at Westoe, South Shields – click here.
I was honoured to meet her and she is so typical of many of our more senior relatives and friends, unassuming and only just beginning to think of the importance and esteem with which they ought to be held.
Camera detail; Pentax K100D, 28mm lens, 1/750 second, f5.6, iso 200
This is a Photoshop composite originally shot outdoors.
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South Shields Daily Photo 
There’s a lot of character in that face; very strong portrait, Curly. Your tribute to her is fitting and appropriate. “Ordinary” people did extraordinary things during WWII.
Kate
July 29, 2008 at 2:24 am
It has meant a lot to Betty, that she would be wearing the badge after all these years. WWII was a defining time for most everyone of her age who were young adults at the time. Very emotional post Curly.
jill
July 29, 2008 at 6:25 am
What a beautiful portrait and lovely tribute. THank you for sharing this.
Laurie
July 30, 2008 at 4:57 am