West Berkshire pays tribute to end of Second World War with VE Day 80 services
Today thousands of people poured on to the streets in Britain to celebrate the end of the war 80 years ago.
In Newbury a large crowd gathered ahead of a service and two-minute silence at the War Memorial at 11am, where residents and dignitaries paid their “respects to the brave individuals who fought and sacrificed for freedom”.
The service was conducted by Fr Michael Fava, from St Joseph’s Church, and wreaths were laid by Willie Hartley Russell, a Deputy Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire, followed by Newbury MP Lee Dillon, the mayor of Newbury, Andy Moore, the chairman of West Berkshire Council, Billy Drummond and representatives of the Royal British Legion.
Officers from Thames Valley Police and crews from Newbury Fire Station were also in attendance.
The Last Post was sounded by Andrew Willis.
Residents and dignitaries of Thatcham held their service at the town War Memorial this morning (Thursday) to celebrate the milestone and remember those lost in the Second World War.
Team rector at St Mary’s Church Mark Bennet read the opening prayer and chairman of the Royal British Legion Thatcham branch Brian Hare recited the Exhortation.
The Last Post was sounded, followed by the two-minute silence. The Reveille sounded after.
RBL Thatcham branch secretary John Sharpe recited The Kohima Epitaph, and the town’s Roll of Honour was read.
Members of the RBL and mayor of Thatcham Suzanne Adamantos then laid wreaths at the memorial.
Mrs Adamantos said of the service: “I thought it was really nice. It’s important to keep on celebrating and sharing those memories.”
Fair Close Centre, in Newbury, also hosted a special VE Day celebration lunch today.
A number of people got together to enjoy entertainment and a fish and chips lunch, to celebrate the spirit of VE Day.
Tonight there will a number of beacons lit across the district.
From 7pm people are encouraged to head into Victoria Park to enjoy a picnic and entertainment, before the Beacon Lighting ceremony at 9.30pm.
Newbury Town Council said it would offer the opportunity for the “community [to] reflect on the significance of VE Day, a symbol of hope, peace, and unity”.
A beacon will also be lit at Donnington Castle, while a large celebration of VE Day 80 will be taking place at Chapel Row from 7pm, with the beacon due to be lit at 9.30pm.
Silchester also held an evening service on Thursday, May 8, which was led by Rev Karen West at the Silchester War Memorial.
Thatcham Town Council is planting three rose bushes on the Broadway Green tomorrow (Friday) at 2pm with a plaque to commemorative VE Day 80.
The mayor and members of the RBL will be present.
Thatcham’s RBL branch meets on the third Tuesday of each month from 7.30pm at Thatcham Football Club. Everyone is welcome to attend.
