On Remembrance Sunday the Southern Co-operative funeralcare branch in Sturminster will share stories about a local family’s war experience.
Gay Wilson, funeral co-ordinator at the branch, will be decorating its window with pages of her father’s memoirs. Herbert John Ling served during World War II while his wife Lilian Peace Ling, looked after the family at home. Ms Ling’s middle name was chosen to mark Armistice Day.
Ms Wilson said: “My father always had great true stories to tell us all about the war, some of which we heard a few times, but nevertheless always fascinating to hear.
“This time of year is especially poignant for my family as mum was born on 11 November 1918. She went on to have 11 children starting with my sister who she was pregnant with when my dad joined the army. She was born in 1940.”
Pages of her father’s memoirs will go on display in the window of the funeral branch in Station Road with the rest available to read inside.
Ms Wilson added: “My father was a hero to me and my family, but we also always remember all of the heroes that fought for us and our country during both world wars.”
The local branch will also be selling poppies to support the Royal British Legion’s efforts to raise funding for war veterans. The Southern Co-op will be featuring displays of remembrance across its various funeral branches in the region.
