The 80th Anniversary of VE Day – Full of Happiness, Reflection, Remembrance & Hope for the Future.
It was an honour to be the incumbent High Sheriff of Surrey and participate in the celebration and remembrance on the 80thAnniversary of VE Day.
Both my parents witnessed the Blitz in London and experienced evacuation and both my grandfathers fought in the war, one in North Africa and the other manning the barrage balloons in London. I grew up hearing their stories and their recollections of VE Day and marking the anniversary is so important to ensure future generations never forget the selflessness of those who gave up so much for their freedom. My wife and I had the privilege of meeting some veterans on our visits across the County and sharing in many happy moments and poignant reflections on our travels; including in Guildford having a wonderful chat with a resident of Merrow, proudly wearing his father’s medals who participated in the D-Day landings on Juno beach.
Our first event was the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford, where I was privileged to be on the balcony with Colonel (retired) Patrick Crowley MA MBE DL, the Mayor of Guildford, Howard Smith, the Revd Canon Simon Butler, veteran Ian Chatfield, Simon Persin (who played the fanfare and God Save the King) and the Town Crier, David Peters who made the following proclamation:-
Oyez, Oyez, Oyez
Eighty years ago today the United Kingdom and its allies from around the globe celebrated VE Day – the end of the war in Europe.
Today as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.
We remember those we lost, those who were wounded or scarred, those whose lives were forever changed by war. Nobody was immune from the impact of that terrible conflict.
Let us pause to remember their sacrifice.
We reflect too upon the words of our late and glorious Queen, Elizabeth – “Never Give Up, Never Despair”.
And so we offer thanksgiving for the selflessness of those who gave up so much in order that future generations should enjoy the blessings of freedom, democracy and peace.
God Save the King
Suzanne and I next travelled to Cedar Court in Cranleigh where we were welcomed by Michael Gains and Kathryn Thompson, both resplendent in 1940’s dress, as were all their fellow staff members. The sun was shining brightly and all residents and many members of their families were sitting outside at table decked with Union Jacks and bunting overhead. It was so special for Suzanne and myself to be able to spend time hearing their many and varied stories. There was a wonderful celebratory mood, which was a testament to what high regard all the residents hold the management team in and the deep affection that is reciprocated. I read out the proclamation that the town crier had made in Guildford earlier that day.
We then moved on to The Hive in Park Barn in Guildford where there was a very jolly sing-song in progress. Mayor, Howard Smith was also present as we sung songs from the 1940’s and 50’s including My Old Man’s a Dustman and I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles! Suzanne spoke with a lovely gentleman, who showed a photo of his school in Enfield which had been destroyed by a doodle-bug bomb. He had luckily been off school sick that day and the other pupils had safely made it to the air-raid shelter, but sadly one teacher was not so fortunate. I again read out the proclamation the town crier had made at the flag-raising ceremony at the Guildhall in Guildford that morning.
Our final trip visit was to Farnham to participate in the beacon lighting in the evening. Held at Gostrey Meadow, there was a large crowd being regaled by the Alder Valley Brass Band when we arrived. There was a parade made up of the Farnham Royal British Legion, Veterans, Reservists, Uniformed Personnel, Cadet Forces and Uniformed Sections which formed up behind Mayor of Farnham Cllr Brodie Mauluka, the Mayor of Waverley John Ward and his wife, Deputy Lieutenants Bill and Bridget Biddell (also past High Sheriffs) and ourselves. Bill Biddell then read out a Tribute written for the occasion after being introduced by the Town Crier, Michael Stephens.
We sang I Vow to thee my Country and the National Anthem before I was extremely honoured to close the evening by lighting the beacon which connected this event to numerous others around the country. Suzanne and I would like to extend our thanks to Iain Lunch, the town clerk, for escorting us throughout.
It was a joyous day to be a part of; full of happiness, reflection, remembrance and also of hope for the future; as days like this help to bring communities together to share experiences, renew friendships and ensure we never forget.
The Following photos, taken in Farnham have been submitted by Natalia Sharomova – a Farnham based photographer.
