On Thursday 12th September the RSA Island Centre hosted the second plaque unveiling of the year, dedicated to the sacrifices of workers at the Royal Small Arms Factory during the Second world War.
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- RSA Trust Chairman Gary Walker and local MP Joan Ryan beneath the plaque with Dr. Ford and Philip Abbott to the right.
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- RSAF-AA President Ray Tuthill with Joan Ryan MP and Dr. Matthew Ford.
As in January, the RSA Trust provided a buffet lunch for representatives of factory workers, Enfield’s civic society and the firearms community in the United Kingdom. We were honoured to have amongst our guests our local MP, Joan Ryan, Derek Stimpson of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and Dr. Matthew Ford, the guest honoured with unveiling the plaque, who gave an incredibly interesting speech, ended from applause not only from the assembled guests but from our bell, Albert, striking twelve. OUr Chairman, GAry Walker, gave trhe opening speech before the Royal Armouries’ Head of Archives Philip Abbott introduced Dr. Ford.
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- Dr. Ford Unveils the plaque
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- Dr. Ford gives his speech
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- The assembled crowd
The plaques provided this year are part of the National Lottery Heritage Funded Roll of Honour Project, delivered in a partnership between the Royal Armouries, the RSA Trust, Enfield Council and the Royal Small Arms Factory Apprentices’ Association.
We are grateful to the Trustees of the RSA Trust for organising this unveiling and for providing a space to remember the Royal Small Arms Factory and its workers.