Our tribute (From Barry And District News)

Our tribute

AS a nation mourns HM Queen Elizabeth, the Queen, Mother, WRVS (Women's Royal Voluntary Service) pays its own special tribute to this member of the Royal Family who has had personal involvement with the organisation since its formation.

Her Majesty's close association with WRVS began in 1938, when she became president of the newly-formed WVS. She performed her duties with characteristic enthusiasm, serving WVS as a figurehead and inspiration.

As Queen during the Second World War, she worked closely with WVS (as it was then), taking every opportunity to visit local projects all over the UK and encouraging volunteers. She passed on gifts that had been sent to her by various organisations and individuals for distribution through WVS. These included a gift from the people of New South Wales, the mobile canteens that became a hallmark of WVS's wartime work.

On VE Day in 1945, she sent a personal letter thanking WVS for its work and on June 14 in the same year she attended a special WVS Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey.

Today, WRVS has evolved to tackle issues such as social isolation - helping older and housebound people to maintain independence in their own homes and respecting their right of choice as well as helping people affected by disaster. It also provides community assistance at major events such as the current lying in state of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother.

All members of WRVS mourn its president but will continue to work with the same pride, sense of purpose and commitment that was encouraged with such enthusiasm by Her Majesty.

Cathy Conway On behalf of the WRVS Wales