Molly’s hard working hands are now at rest

The former land girl, who received a medal for her efforts just three years ago, died aged 85 at Warwick Hospital last Monday with her daughter Shirley Johnson and grandaughter Caroline at her bedside.

Mrs Bull (nee Jones), described her time thrashing corn, picking apples and making hay for the Land Army while she was in her 20s as “great fun”.

It was while she was living with other land girls at a hostel in Greatheed Road, Leamington, that she met her husband Gerald Bull - a soldier who was stationed at a barracks near Warwick.

The couple married at St Paul’s church in 1946 and had a family which included four children, 12 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

Mr Bull died in 1978 and Mrs Bull remained true to her sweetheart, never remarrying.

She lived in Haseley Close, just a few doors down from members of her immediate family, and was “always there” for her grandchildren.

An active churchgoer at St Margaret’s church in Whitnash, Mrs Bull helped with flower arranging, Easter bonnet parades and fancy dress competitions and she was involved in bell ringing tours.

In her final 18-months Mrs Bull was well looked after by her daughter and her son-in-law Ken Johnson, who provided care for her while still working in full time jobs.

She became good friends with Ernie Oliver, the caretaker at Radcliffe Gardens where she was living, who would collect shopping and newspapers for her and drop in for a cup of tea.

Quoting from the poem God Saw You Getting Tired Caroline, to whom Mrs Bull gave her Land Army medal, said: “A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest.

“God broke our hearts to prove to us he only takes the best.”

Mrs Bull’s funeral will take place at St Margaret’s church on Tuesday from 11am.