MEMBERS of the Pershore and District Royal Naval Association (RNA) and Royal British Legion (RBL), threw a special party to commemorate the 70th anniversary of VJ Day.
A ceremony of remembrance where poppy wreaths were laid at the War Memorial in Pershore Abbey by RNA honorary secretary Trudy Burge – and on the Commemorative Garden in Abbey Park by RNA Vice Chairman Arthur Young – began the day on Saturday (August 15).
Mr Young then represented the RNA at the annual VJ Day service at the Burma Star Memorial in Evesham, before a 1940’s themed VJ70 party took place in the evening at Pershore Naval Social Club.
The event – held in aid of the Pershore Poppy Appeal – was organised by Mrs Burge, and saw 90 members of the RNA, RBL and Women’s Section join together to be entertained by talented Cotswolds vocalist Ruby Lamont.
There was, however, a time of quiet reflection when Mrs Burge read a poem about the war and made a special toast to the 54million people killed throughout the conflict, as well as to those who survived and had to live with the horror of wartime experiences.
“It was an emotional event for my Mum and I to organise as it’s the first party we’ve attended since my Dad died,” Mrs Burge said.
“However, life has to carry on and it was a truly wonderful evening from start to finish with so many attending and joining in the festivities, not to mention the enormous generosity of our supporters which has seen us raise just under £300 for the Poppy Appeal.
“Special thanks must go to Pershore’s ASDA who generously donated £25 worth of raffle prizes and to all our members who not only donated prizes too, but then were so generous in buying draw tickets to raise £210 on the raffle alone.
“In addition, I managed to sell 42 VJ70 poppy pins to bring in a further £84 for the appeal.
“The event has been hailed a great success all round and to see so many people genuinely enjoying themselves and raising so much for the Poppy Appeal was worth the hard work,” she added.
