Hopes that the Herefordshire heroine, Violette Szabo would be included in the shortlist for those characters to be considered for the new £50 note were dashed last week, when the Bank of England announced that they wanted someone from the world of science.

Political activist, Zehra Zaidi, has started a campaign for recognition for the SOE heroine, alongside Noor Inayat Khan and Odette Hallowes. Rosemary Rigby, who has devoted a large part of her life to creating and maintaining a museum dedicated to Violette Szabo was thrilled that Zehra wanted her to spearhead the campaign. Violette was one of only four women to be awarded the George Cross.

Miss Rigby started the Violette Szabo museum at her home in Wormelow when she discovered that the SOE agent, called the ‘bravest of us all’ had spent many happy childhood times there.

As well as the Ross Gazette, Rosemary and Zehra have spoken to several other media organisations and support was growing in many different sections of the community. Mike Lovelock of St Weonards branch of the RBL spoke to BBC H&W about Violette and how she could be honoured.

However, the news that the Bank of England had decided to go with a scientist was a massive blow to all those who had come out in support of Violette. Zehra tweeted:?“A low point today, was feeling like we let down veterans and pensioners, who helped our £50 note campaign despite also working nonstop towards Remembrance Sunday.”

MP?Jesse Norman had retweeted the Ross Gazette’s story and said:?“Violette Szabo would be a magnificent person to honour on the new £50 note.”

However work at the museum continues, Rosemary has plans to extend the small building that houses the growing collection. She told the Gazette the plans have been approved, now it is just a question of raising the money.See this week’s paper for more stories like this, available in shops and as a Digital Edition now.