A FORMIDABLE character behind a number of local charities and a well known museum honouring a British heroine has celebrated her 90th birthday with the community.

Among the charitable organisations that Rosemary Rigby champions is the museum in Wormelow dedicated to Violette Szabó, the British/French Special Operations Executive agent.

The actress Virginia McKenna played Violette in the film Carve Her Name With Pride and sent Rosemarie a special message on her milestone birthday and said: “I recall with great fondness the many times I was able to join you to celebrate the incredible legacy of Violette Szabó, who meant so much to so many.

“Inspired by her daughter Tania, you’ve led the way in making sure her memory is never forgotten and I’m honoured to have played my own small part.

“I send you the warmest good wishes for your 90th birthday, with affection.”

Paul Deneen, Deputy Lieutenant of Herefordshire said at the birthday celebration at the Pilgrim Hotel in Much Birch that 1936, the year of Rosemary’s birth, had been a momentous period which included the abdication of King Edward VIII and the BBC beginning broadcasting.

And he added: “Rosemary has been a keen fundraiser for three charities, namely the Royal National Institute for the Blind between 1966 to 1996 for which this community is very grateful.

“I’m involved with the Ross Action Bus committee, and I know this is an absolute lifeline for people living in the greater Ross-on-Wye community. Rosemary is a founder member, along with David Rose who I taught together at the High School.

“When the Ross Gazette marked its 150th anniversary in 2017, the school held a fundraising event and we had renowned journalist Quentin Letts talk to the school about newspapers. The newspaper’s then editor suggested that the monies raised should go to the Ross Action Bus.

“Rosemary’s third charitable interest is the museum dedicated to Violette Szabó and because of all the work she does for these charities she was awarded the MBE.

“Over the decades Rosemary has made remarkable achievements in everything she does. She is a great energiser to who you can’t say no, when she is on the end of the phone.

“We are all here today to wish Rosemary a happy birthday. She has said that she doesn’t wish to receive presents and would prefer donations to be made to the Action Bus instead.”

Linden Delves, mayor of Ross, said: “I am delighted to be here and help celebrate Rosemary’s birthday and its amazing how much she does for the community.

“When Mr Deneen described Rosemary as being an energiser, I felt this was a perfect description of her.”

Rosemary duly thanked everybody for attending her 90th birthday and pointed out that the Ross Action Bus was sitting outside the hotel and that it was gleaming in the winter sunshine.

She reminded those in the hotel’s Violette Szabó suite to make a donation in the bucket, as this will go a long way to keeping the charity going into the future.