Thatcham Town Council plants commemorative rose bushes for VE Day and VJ Day

Thatcham Town Council has planted three rose bushes in honour of VE Day and VJ Day.

Dignitaries and members of the Royal British Legion Thatcham Branch gathered in The Broadway this afternoon (Friday) to plant the bushes, with a plaque, to commemorate both milestone anniversaries happening this year.

Mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos opened the ceremony with a few words.

She said: “It's an honour to welcome you all here today as we gather to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day and VJ Day.

“We remember the sacrifices made by so many in the pursuit of peace and freedom.

“As we plant these peace roses here in Thatcham, we do so not only in memory of the brave men and women who served, but also as a living symbol of hope, resilience and the enduring value of peace.

“May these roses stand as a reminder to future generations of what was endured and what was won eight decades ago.”

Newbury MP Lee Dillon and representatives from Thatcham Town Council and Thatcham Memorial Foundation attended.

The tools to plant the roses were provided by naval veteran Jim Holland, founder and CEO of Carma, based in Newbury.