Holmes Chapel comes together for VE Day 80

The Clerk
4 days ago
2 min read

On Thursday 8th May, Holmes Chapel honoured 80 years since VE Day.

VE Day or ‘Victory in Europe Day’ took place on Tuesday 8th May 1945 and marked the official end of World War II with Germany formally surrendering. On that day millions of people celebrated the Allied victory in Europe, with street parties, singing and dancing. At 3pm on that day, Winston Churchill made a national radio broadcast announcing that war had ended in Europe. The Royal Family led by King George VI appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to wav at the crowd below. The King also gave a radio address paying tribute to those who lost their lives and calling for lasting peace.

Throughout the day there was a wide range of activities including a red, white and blue themed ‘Walk to School’ event, VE Day themed craft and coffee sessions, a concert at the Methodist church, children’s disco and more. The day culminated in a very special Churches Together Service which was followed by the reading of the National Tribute and lighting of the beacon.

The National Tribute

"Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad, whose sacrifice enables us to all enjoy the peace we have today.

Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad, whose sacrifice enables us to all enjoy the peace we have today.

Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working and family lives after years of conflict and turmoil.

Let us remember the families that lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters and sweethearts. Let us remember the servicemen and women of other nationalities and faiths from Commonwealth and allied countries who fought, suffered and died during six years of war.

God Save the King!"

A huge thank you to our readers of the National Tribute who were:

Matthew Lawrence - Holmes Chapel Fire Officer

Scarlet Challiner - Youth Councillor

Lucie Gough - Holmes Chapel Guides

Malcolm Coates -- Chair of Holmes Chapel RBL

Cllr Chris Jackson - Chair of Holmes Chapel Parish Council

The Parish Council wishes to thank all those involved in organising the wide variety of activities to celebrate VE Day 80. In particular we would like to thank members of the VE Day 80 Working Task Group, Churches Together, Holmes Chapel Fire Service, local schools for their artwork and Sam Dale's and Morrey's for the free supply of gas for the beacon. Special thanks also go to Mr Paul Bevan for bringing along his Scimitar Light Tank for all to appreciate!

We hope residents had a very special day marking 80 years since VE Day!