WWII Wren Dorothea Barron, 102, honoured with tree planted on Allen’s Green as community celebrates her incredible life, Bishop's Stortford Independent
One of Britain’s last surviving Second World War Wrens has been honoured with a tree planted in the village where she has lived for 70 years.
A special ceremony incorporating a dedication service and plaque unveiling was held in Allen’s Green, near Sawbridgeworth, on Sunday 8 Nov for 102-year-old Dorothea Barron. Family, friends, residents, historians and veterans gathered. The copper beech, named Dorothea’s Beech, has pride of place on the green, with a brass plaque at its base. The veteran, whose war efforts supported the top-secret preparations for both the D-Day evacuations and the Normandy landings, said: “Thank you so very much to everyone who made today happen. I can’t quite believe that I have lived so long, and for the last 70 years here in Allen’s Green. Thank you very much.”
The event, which coincided with Remembrance Sunday, was organised by fellow resident David Wojcik, who opened proceedings with a heartfelt speech paying tribute to Dorothea’s incredible life.
“She is the first resident of Allen’s Green known to have reached the venerable age of 100 years. We wanted to honour her today, for not only her services during the Second World War but also the great contribution she has made to our community – including the remarkable fact that at the age of 102 she still runs a yoga class every Monday in the village hall.” Following the ceremony, attendees were invited to the village hall for refreshments and a celebratory cake.
Animal lover Dorothea had some surprise visitors outside as villagers Vicki, Francesca and Laney brought along their pony Dora with her foal Bambi to join the celebrations.
“What a lovely surprise!” Dorothea said. “I love all animals and am very fond of horses. In fact the only creatures I don’t like are spiders!”
Article written by Hollie Ryder for Bishop's Stortford Independent:
