Preparations underway for Second World War commemorations

Ellesmere Town Council is working in partnership with the Royal British Legion, St Mary’s parish church, Ellesmere Library and local schools to commemorate VE Day and VJ Day.

The bells of St Mary’s church will ring out for peace, and a special service will be held on the evening of May 8 - the day the Allies accepted the Nazis’ unconditional surrender in 1945, after almost six years of war across Europe.

Civic leaders will lay wreaths at the town’s war memorial and the service will be followed by the lighting of a beacon outside the church to coincide with beacons being lit all around the UK.

More celebrations will be held in Ellesmere on national Armed Forces Day Saturday, June 28. 

The event will encompass the VE anniversary and the surrender of Japan which came in August 1945, after more than three years of war in the Far East.

Royal British Legion volunteers are organising a programme of activities that will include a display of vintage vehicles by a military re-enactment group, and a concert at the town hall featuring The Ronnies, a Shropshire vocal harmony group who specialise in songs from the 1940s.

Oswestry actor and playwright Shaun Higgins will give a presentation called ‘An Airman’s Tale’, and a wartime-style afternoon tea will be served.

Staff and volunteers at Ellesmere Library are working on a programme which will include an exhibition, reading recommendations and Lego modelling for children.

Pupils from local schools, including Ellesmere primary and Lakelands Academy  are being encouraged to take part in the commemorations with their own own contributions.

Organisers said more details will be announced as the plans are developed.

Ellesmere’s deputy mayor, Councillor Liz Woodbridge is chairing a joint events committee, which is co-ordinating the preparations.

She said: “This is a unique opportunity for everyone in Ellesmere to celebrate this historic anniversary and honour all those who served in the Second World War, especially those who gave their lives in the cause of peace and freedom. It also gives us a chance to thank the surviving veterans. They matter as much today as they did then and it may be our last chance to thank them.”

Legion branch chairman Bob McBride added: “The veterans of our Second World War generation  from across the UK, Commonwealth and all Allied nations will be at the very heart of all commemorations and celebrations  All of us have a connection to those who served in the armed forces or who provided support in so many other ways.

“The Legion will be thanking surviving veterans and honouring the memory of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice with their lives.  Without them, the way of life we enjoy today would not have been possible.”

The Vicar of Ellesmere, the Rev Pat Hawkins said: “St Mary’s is delighted to be able to help in marking this commemoration. As well as remembering those who made victory in 1945 possible, this is a good opportunity to thank them by renewing our commitment to their legacy.”

Anyone interested in the 40s concert on June 28 can e-mail carolineford1@btinternet.com