Did your community commemorate the 80th anniversary in any way? The Parish Church was open all day. I called in briefly for the regular Thursday Morning Coffee. At 6.30 the bellringers began an hour of pealing the bells. Bob had a committee meeting in the nearby Pub, so I went into the church at 7.15 to wait for him. It was - despite the bells - a space to pray and reflect. I'd just heard from a friend with a dying relative, so I prayed for that family, and also for Michael Mosley and family, as that story had just been on the news.The bellringers finished, came down from their loft, and left the church - clearly not seeing me, "Shall we lock up?" "Who's got the keys?" they called to one another. I replied "Please don't lock me in!!" They apologised, and left, then Bob arrived, then Rev Rachael came to light the commemorative lantern. We went across to the Village Green where the beacon was being lit.
That was a disappointing non-event, The chair of the council just walked up and lit the beacon. No words, no moment of silence and reflection. Nothing. On the left of the picture is a group of villagers chatting, not even watching the beacon.
More Village stuff on Saturday - in the morning a yard sale, and I found my mini cucumber and aubergine plants for £1.50. Yippee. Bob bought a lovely £60 bowl gouge for woodturning, only £5. In the afternoon we went to the Village Hall for the D Day Commemorative Tea Party. Bob provided 1940s music and a continuous video of D Day stuff . I had loaned a load of books and posters, and volunteered to organise a children's activity table. [and all my Union flags and bunting]
Kelly, the Parish Clerk had decorated the Hall beautifully, and made a display of WW2 materials. The children did colouring, painted pebbles, made newspaper forage caps, cotton reel tanks, and assembled planes.
A good time was had by all. The children were all so well behaved and enjoyed the activities on offer.
At 6pm a lady in full 1940s dress arrived to provide an hour of WW 2 songs.
But before that we all enjoyed the most splendid tea
In 2022 we had the Queen's 70th Jubilee. In 2023 the Coronation Celebrations. In 2024 the D-Day 80th Commemoration.
I sort of hope 2025
won't have any major national events ...
What a shame the beacon lighting was so disappointing. The activities later sounded really enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteIt really was a non-event. I wasn't sure what we were there for!
DeleteThat sounds like a jolly number of events. Sorry about the beacon disappointment. I'm not sure if my local community did anything as I was out all day (from 8.45am-9.30pm) at rehearsals and a concert. Kx
ReplyDeleteI wish I had your energy Kezzie
DeleteWe had absolutely nothing here! Great to see the children were involved and could look at the displays. Is that a coronation chicken sandwich I see? Catriona
ReplyDeleteYes CC sandwiches, they were lovely (there was a choice cc, egg, cheese or tuna)
DeleteQuite a lot was planned around here. In our church village the old people's home held a community event including music, songs, prayers and a 21 minute silence. I thought this was a great idea as the older people could be there too.
ReplyDeleteReally thoughtful (love the typo! 21 minutes silence, I'd fall asleep!)
DeleteThe tea looks like a delicious treat. Although it's no surprise, you put together a lovely table for the children. You have such a gift and are so kind to share it with little ones time and time again. Susan From Across the Pond.
ReplyDeleteIf we don't teach the children about the valiant deeds AND the mistakes of history, we do them a dissservice
DeleteNothing here. Your local events (apart from the beacon lighting) look a great way to honour the occasion and keep the children informed in imaginative ways.
ReplyDeleteAlison in Wales x
One little boy told me they were studying WW2 at school, and he was going to take his forage cap into school to show his teacher. I gave him an instruction sheet for her [in case she wanted take it a Class Activity!]
DeleteWhat a memorable celebration at the Village Hall. I'm sure the children will remember this.
ReplyDeleteThe tea looked fantastic! JanF
👍
DeleteThere was nothing locally here. It seems sad, after 80 years, that the anniversary was overlooked. I did read about commemorative events online, both from the UK angle and that of the Canadians who served.
ReplyDeleteWhen we visited the Normandy beaches in 2006, we felt that the Canadian visitors centre was the best one there
DeleteAll sounds amazing, our town did loads, a march through the town to the All Saints Church and beacon lighting later.
ReplyDeleteLovely!
DeleteApart from the beacon lighting it looks like a good day was had by all . Your village put a lot of effort into remembering this special day in a fitting way.
ReplyDeleteThe Parish Clerk is a great enthusiast for community events
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