Woolton Hill residents mark 80th anniversary of VE Day

A commemorative service to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day was held at St Thomas’ Church in Woolton Hill on Sunday, May 4.

The service, consisting of hymns, readings and prayers, was led by rector Lisa Rodriguez and assisted by ordinand Suki Coe.

The church was adorned with red, white and blue flower arrangements, and both the church and the lychgate were decorated with Union flags and bunting.

The rector’s address emphasised that this was an occasion which combined great joy at the Second World War ending with sadness for the losses and injuries suffered by so many.

She quoted from contemporary letters and diary entries highlighting these emotions.

After singing the National Anthem, the congregation moved outside and gathered around the war memorial, where further prayers gave thanks for the end of hostilities.

They also remembered those who died in the conflict and those serving in the Armed Forces today.

After the ceremony ended, refreshments were served in the church where an illustrated panel provided by the local history society depicted an incident when a German Heinkel bomber crashed in Fullers Lane in July 1940.

It also recorded information about local men who had been killed in the war.