Born in London in 1924, Mary Bott’s parents were from Cardiganshire. Already staying in North Wales at the start of WW2 in September 1939, she remained in Wales for the duration of the war. Initially she worked for the Welsh Board of Health in Cardiff and then by 1944, having been ‘called up’, elected to join the Women’s Land Army and moved to Cardiganshire. During this period of her life which lasted for two years, Mary worked on farms in and around Llangeitho, Llanarth, Tresaith and Rhydlewis, finishing up at a farm in Penparcau by the war’s end.
Mary talks vividly about her experiences as a young woman during those days engaging in hard, labour-intensive work, often under harsh conditions, with some very interesting experiences along the way.
Post-war, Mary remained in Ceredigion, becoming a primary school teacher and renowned community volunteer and fundraiser, receiving an MBE for her services to volunteering and the community.