Latest news with #Women'sAuxiliaryAirForce
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Two long lost sisters reunited thanks to WWII medal - at 101 years old
Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes - but the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal Two long-lost sisters found each other after one was awarded a WWII medal - at 101-years-old. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement spent years without contact after moving into separate care homes. But the pair were finally reunited after Kay was awarded a medal for her work helping to keep Spitfires flying. She was re-awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI at the age of 101 - and it gave care home staff a vital clue to get the pair back together. Brenda, 93, told care home staff that she wanted to see her sister again - but all attempts were unsuccessful. Senior carer Tomos Lovell at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath, South Wales, spotted an article about Kay being re-awarded the medal she had lost. The medal was in honour of Kay's mechanical skills, that helped to keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War. Tomos then discovered Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna before staff arranged a surprise reunion. The sisters were reunited when Brenda made the short journey to visit her sister Kay who immediately recognised her. Brenda - who has no other immediate family left alive - said: 'She's still wicked as ever. She hasn't changed a bit.' The reunion was arranged with help from carer Tomos and wellbeing coordinator Kaylie Watkins at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn home along with The Old Vicarage care home. Tomos said: 'This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It's about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible. Seeing Brenda and Kay together again reminded all of us why we do what we do. 'We're incredibly proud of our team and thankful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us with such kindness. Plans are now in motion for regular visits so the sisters can continue to reconnect and share more precious time together.' The care home added: 'The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments. 'Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed.' Kay was born in 1924 before going on to work as a mechanic based at RAF Loughborough as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Waaf) during the war. When fighting ended she was awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI, but later lost it. She was surprised with a replacement war time medal presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales last year. The sisters have now promised another visit soon after finally being reunited.
Wales Online
26-05-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Sisters re-united thanks to lost Second World War military medal
Sisters re-united thanks to lost Second World War military medal Kay Clements' work as a mechanic helped keep Britain's famous spitfirefighters flying through the Second World War. She lost a medal she received for her work, but that led her to the sister she'd not seen for years Brenda Medway, 93, who lives at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home with her sister Kathleen Kay Clement, 101, during their emotional reunion after many years. (Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home ) Two sisters aged 101 and 93 have been re-united after years apart thanks to news of a lost military medal and efforts by care home staff. Brenda Medway and Kathleen 'Kay' Clement had an emotional reunion at HC-One Wales's Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home in Skewen, Neath. Staff "went above and beyond" to reunite the long lost sisters. Brenda, 93, who has lived at the home for two years, had told staff for some time she wanted to see her older sister, Kay, aged 101, whom she believed was living in a care home in the Sketty area. Despite the best efforts of the care team to locate her, initial attempts proved unsuccessful. Tomos Lovell, a senior carer at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn decided to continue the search in his own time. Trawling the internet late one evening led him to a breakthrough when he spotted an article about a 101-year-old woman named Kathleen 'Kay' Clement, who had recently been re-awarded a military medal she had lost. Kathleen Clement as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Image: PA ) He read that in 2024 Kay, whose mechanical skills helped keep Britain's famous spitfire fighters flying through the Second World War, received a replacement for the long-lost medal she received for her work. Article continues below Born in 1924 she worked as a mechanic based at RAF Loughborough as a member of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (Waaf) during the war. When fighting ended she was awarded a Loyal Service Medal for her efforts on behalf of King George VI, but later lost it. It was only when she heard she was to be given the Mayor's Award by former Neath Port Talbot mayor Chris Williams, that she mentioned she'd also once had another medal but lost it. Hearing this the authorities decided to surprise her with a replacement war time medal which was presented by Wing Commander Stephen Fry, Deputy Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, and Air Commodore Robert Woods, Air Officer Wales. News of the replacement medal presentation and the war time work Kay got it for was reported online, which Tomos spotted. Making inquiries after reading the story he discovered that Kay was living just five miles away at The Old Vicarage Nursing Home in Tonna. When staff showed Brenda the article to check it was her sister she immediately recognised her sister and was overwhelmed. Staff at her care home then arranged a surprise reunion with help from The Old Vicarage. With the support of Tomos and Kaylie Watkins, the wellbeing coordinator at Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn, Brenda made the short journey to see her sister Kay. Brenda Medway and her sister Kathleen Kay Clement when they were younger (Image: Cwrt-Clwydi-Gwyn Care Home ) Afterwards Brenda, who has no immediate family left, said: 'She's still wicked as ever — she hasn't changed a bit!' "The emotional visit was filled with laughter, joy, and tender moments," the care home said, "Kay recognised her 'little sister' and shared warm memories. The pair spent time chatting, laughing, and exchanging stories as if no time had passed." They parted with the promise of another visit soon. Tomos said seeing the sisters re-united reminded the whole team why they do what they do: "This reunion truly embodies what person-centred care means. It's about listening, caring, and making the impossible possible. Seeing Brenda and Kay together again reminded all of us why we do what we do. Article continues below 'We're incredibly proud of our team and thankful to The Old Vicarage for welcoming us with such kindness. Plans are now in motion for regular visits so the sisters can continue to reconnect and share more precious time together."
Metro
09-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Ranvir Singh replaced and forced to drop out of Lorraine last minute
To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Ranvir Singh has been forced to drop out of Lorraine at the last minute on Friday morning. The ITV show Lorraine has had a rotating host for the past couple of weeks after Lorraine Kelly, 65, announced she was undergoing surgery to remove her ovaries after feeling unwell. 'Just wanted to let you know I'm having a wee procedure today,' she explained to her fans on social media. 'I've not been feeling all that well for a little while, so I had some scans and tests, and I have to have my ovaries and my tubes taken out.' 'It's purely preventative,' she continued. 'It's going to be with keyhole surgery, which is incredible, I'm being very well looked after, and I'll obviously see you really soon, and I'm gonna be totally fine.' In her absence, her morning show has been hosted by a number of hosts, including Christine Lampard and Sian Welby who have stepped in to cover the show. Although Ranvir, 47, was scheduled to host the show on Friday morning, Andi Peters revealed he was forced to step in at the last moment as she was unwell. Andi announced on the show: 'First things first, I've just got to say get well soon to Ranvir who can't be here today, so they've drafted in a man in a bright orange shirt just to make sure you're awake this morning! 'Get well soon Ranvir, we send you all of our love.' Ranvir has not posted about being unwell on social media, but fans saw her host the show earlier in the week. On Tuesday, the presenter hosted Lorraine and chatted with Joy Trew, 98, to discuss her time in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force when she helped intercept German radio communications during World War II. During the show Joy became emotional as she was given a certificate from the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, the government code and Cypher school and a commemorative badge. Ranvir was praised online for her compassionate response as she comforted Joy as she quickly moved from her seat and gave Joy a hug. Ranvir also hosted the show on Wednesday, and Christine hosted the show on Thursday morning for a VE Day special episode. It is not yet clear when Lorraine will return to the show, but she has shared her recovery with her fans on Instagram. More Trending On the social media platform, where she boasts 572,000 followers, Lorraine posted a photo of her smiling, sitting in the middle of the medical staff who looked after her. 'Huge thanks to these kind, caring, gorgeous professionals who took care of me at @heatherwoodhospital – back home now and following doctors' orders to rest up', she wrote in the caption. 'My surgeon Mr Ahmed Rafaat has been so reassuring throughout – and I can't thank the whole team enough!' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. View More » MORE: TV fans declare 'worst day ever' after David Tennant's show faces schedule change MORE: Dancing On Ice star facing surgery after secret health struggle: 'I can't live like this' MORE: Charlotte Ritchie: 'I hope my thriller has a legacy like Line of Duty'
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'It was fabulous' says veteran who sat beside King
A 98-year-old Second World War veteran who had a blanket wrapped around her by the King during this week's VE Day parade says she "had no idea" that she was going to be seated next to His Royal Highness. Joy Trew, who was born in Bristol but lives in Wells in Somerset,, served in the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) and worked at RAF Chicksands during the war. There she listened to intercepted enemy messages in support of Bletchley Park, Britain's leading code-breaking facility. She was recently awarded a medal on national TV for her wartime service, having been missed off the original roll of honour as she was living in Spain. Joy travelled to London to attend the VE Day military parade on Monday. Upon arrival an attendant asked Joy's daughter if she wouldn't mind sitting next to an "important" person. "When I sat down I noticed there were two empty seats next to me," said Joy. "They looked just like our seats so I asked my daughter who was sitting next to us and she had to come clean." To Joy's surprise she had been selected to sit next to the King and Queen in the front row. "He shook my hand and asked me about my service and what I did and we talked about the parade - it was absolutely fabulous," she said. Joy got national attention when King Charles was pictured 'tucking her in' by wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. RAF Chicksands in Bedfordshire where Joy worked was part of a large network of signals intelligence collection sites known as Y-stations. The stations fed any encrypted messages back to the code breakers at Bletchley Park to be deciphered. All Y Station listeners are classed as Bletchley Park veterans and were issued with a specially-made medal in 2009, but Joy missed out due to living abroad. She has now finally been awarded a medal, after her family told her story to the author and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop. "Joy came to me through the medium of Instagram - when her great grandson got in touch to ask why she wasn't in one of my books," said Dr Dunlop. "I had just finished a book on how we commemorate war and the different veterans voices in 100 memorials - I had just finished it when up pops the best veteran of the lot in Joy," she added. Dr Dunlop was able to arrange a medal for Joy which she received after her very special day sitting next to the King. SIMPLE GUIDE: VE Day moments so far - and what's still to come IN PICTURES: Red Arrows, royals, veterans and tea WATCH: Unseen royal moments from VE Day commemorations 360 VIDEO: Experience the flypast from inside a Red Arrows cockpit EXPLORE: More on VE Day Man seeks to trace fellow WW2 Somerset evacuees Headlines: West Country falls silent for VE Day VE Day brought 'piles of goodies' after war trauma
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
'It was fabulous' says veteran who sat beside King
A 98-year-old Second World War veteran who had a blanket wrapped around her by the King during this week's VE Day parade says she "had no idea" that she was going to be seated next to His Royal Highness. Joy Trew, who was born in Bristol but lives in Wells in Somerset,, served in the WAAF (Women's Auxiliary Air Force) and worked at RAF Chicksands during the war. There she listened to intercepted enemy messages in support of Bletchley Park, Britain's leading code-breaking facility. She was recently awarded a medal on national TV for her wartime service, having been missed off the original roll of honour as she was living in Spain. Joy travelled to London to attend the VE Day military parade on Monday. Upon arrival an attendant asked Joy's daughter if she wouldn't mind sitting next to an "important" person. "When I sat down I noticed there were two empty seats next to me," said Joy. "They looked just like our seats so I asked my daughter who was sitting next to us and she had to come clean." To Joy's surprise she had been selected to sit next to the King and Queen in the front row. "He shook my hand and asked me about my service and what I did and we talked about the parade - it was absolutely fabulous," she said. Joy got national attention when King Charles was pictured 'tucking her in' by wrapping a blanket around her shoulders. RAF Chicksands in Bedfordshire where Joy worked was part of a large network of signals intelligence collection sites known as Y-stations. The stations fed any encrypted messages back to the code breakers at Bletchley Park to be deciphered. All Y Station listeners are classed as Bletchley Park veterans and were issued with a specially-made medal in 2009, but Joy missed out due to living abroad. She has now finally been awarded a medal, after her family told her story to the author and historian Dr Tessa Dunlop. "Joy came to me through the medium of Instagram - when her great grandson got in touch to ask why she wasn't in one of my books," said Dr Dunlop. "I had just finished a book on how we commemorate war and the different veterans voices in 100 memorials - I had just finished it when up pops the best veteran of the lot in Joy," she added. Dr Dunlop was able to arrange a medal for Joy which she received after her very special day sitting next to the King. SIMPLE GUIDE: VE Day moments so far - and what's still to come IN PICTURES: Red Arrows, royals, veterans and tea WATCH: Unseen royal moments from VE Day commemorations 360 VIDEO: Experience the flypast from inside a Red Arrows cockpit EXPLORE: More on VE Day Man seeks to trace fellow WW2 Somerset evacuees Headlines: West Country falls silent for VE Day VE Day brought 'piles of goodies' after war trauma
