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75th Anniversary of VE Day – Events and Services

The 75th annniversary of VE Day falls on Friday 8th May and, despite the ongoing lockdown, a number of events and services have been arranged to commemorate it. Listed below are just some which might be of interest to our parishioners. If you know of any more you would like to see added, please contact us and we will include the details.

There is an excellent website at veday75.org, giving further details about some of the events below and many more besides.

There is extensive TV scheduling of the anniversary across the weekend. The online Radio Times helpfully lists the highlights.

Friday

National events
Local Events
  • 11:00 – Southwell Minster recorded VE day service available from 11am
  • 15:00 – Tea at Three – part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s Celebrate VE Day75 at Home activities
  • 18:00 – Evening Prayer for VE Day 75th Anniversary – online at ‘St John the Divine, Colston Bassett’ via Zoom – email invitations to join the service will be sent to regular worshippers at St John’s – if you haven’t received an invitation but would like to attend, please contact Edward Hine, Churchwarden
  • 20:00 – WI We’ll Meet Again socially-distanced singalong centred on the Market Cross in Colston Bassett – note the different time to the ‘National’ event

Sunday

  • 10:30 – Pause for Prayer and Reflection – Special online service for VE Day for the Parish of Wiverton in the Vale in which Revd Fred Connell will preach on ‘Hope’

Further details

Two minute silence

The Royal British Legion is calling on people to join in a national moment of reflection and Remembrance at 11am on Friday 8th May and pause for a Two Minute Silence, not only in recognition of the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation, but also to reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.

People are invited to take part in the Silence in whatever way they feel appropriate, be that standing at their window, stepping outside their home, whilst remaining distanced from others, or taking the opportunity for a quiet moment of reflection. To build momentum towards this important moment, please share this with your communities and encourage everyone to come together in Remembrance at 11am.

The Royal British Legion VE75 Livestream

Following the Silence, the Legion is hosting a VE Day Livestream, sharing stories and memories from those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War. The Legion is inviting people to grab a cup of tea and join us for the Livestream as we bring the World War Two generation together with today’s generation to chat about their experiences. Hosted by TV presenter Sonali Shah, the programme will feature contributions from social historian Julie Summers and cook and influencer Melissa Helmsley. The stream will be live from 11.15am on the Legion’s website rbl.org.uk/veday75.

VE Day 75: The People’s Celebration BBC ONE: 20:00 – 21:10

To mark the 75th anniversary of VE day, in these unprecedented times, the BBC in partnership with The Royal British Legion will honour and celebrate the World War Two Generation with an evening of memories and music. Featuring some of those who remember this historic day, together with Britain’s favourite performers who will entertain us with popular songs of the era. In a fitting finale at 9.00 pm we will see the nation unite for a very special rendition of “We’ll Meet Again” as we all give thanks to our veterans and remember our loved ones.

‘We’ll Meet Again’ Singalong

Lyrics available on The Royal British Legion website https://www.rbl.org.uk/stories/ve-day-singalong

Tea at Three

Notts CC are encouraging all Nottinghamshire residents to undertake the nation’s toast for the Heroes of WWII from the safety of their own home by raising a cuppa at 3pm and toasting…

“To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

Keep calm and bake some cakes
Why not add a little sweet treat to your ‘Tea at 3’, after all nothing says afternoon tea like scones. Try out our recipes for yummy fruit scones and V for Victory sponge cakes.