Kingsclere residents take a tour through the archives to celebrate VE Day

Residents of Kingsclere celebrated 80 years since the Second World War ended with a rare look through the village archives on Sunday (May 11).

‘Victory in Kingsclere’, jointly organised by Kingsclere Village Club and Kingsclere Local History Association, comprised 16 displays of village activities during the war.

A selection of local artefacts and photos and scrapbooks were available for visitors to view covering the invasion committee, Home Guard, Women’s Land Army, the infamous Crown pub shooting and more.

“It was our first exhibition since 2017,” said Gareth Martin, treasurer & membership secretary at the Local History Association.

“These proved very popular. Some visitors spent a couple of hours at the show.”

A pre-booked Victory Tea Party took place afterwards, enjoyed by 25 guests.

For many, it was a chance to meet and catch up with old friends whom they had lost contact with.

Organisers Helen Andrew, Mike Stokoe and Mr Martin thank everyone who attended and donated towards the costs of staging the event.

They added they look forward to organising similar events in the future.