EVESHAM commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a programme of events that began in quiet reflection and ended in a jolly 1940’s sing-along.
The day began with a service at the Abbey Park War Memorial conducted by the Rev Andy Green.
This was attended by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Worcestershire, Nicholas Wentworth-Stanley, the outgoing Mayor and Mayoress of Evesham, Councillors Robert Raphael and Marion Griffiths, the then Deputy Mayor Coun John Clatworthy, and town clerk, Jo Adams, accompanied by a large number of councillors.
Also present were several ex-service veterans and members of the Evesham Royal British Legion and the Royal Air Force Association and standard bearers Adam Willett and Calvin Barnett.
Cadets from 233 Squadron Air Cadets, Pershore andTewkesbury Sea Cadet Unit also took part.
This was followed a mayor’s address and proclamation in Market Square, delivered by the town council mace bearer Gary Hale, who took on the role of town crier for the day.
People packed into the town hall during the afternoon to reminisce and look at a display of Evesham wartime photos curated by Coun Stan Brotherton, a member of the Vale of Evesham History Society.
The day rounded off with plenty of bonhomie and a 1940s piano sing-along at Wallace House Community Centre.
Classics like Daisy Daisy and We’ll Meet Again were enthusiastically sung by a large audience including the retiring mayor Councillor Robert Raphael who slaked their thirst with copious amounts of tea and homemade cake.
Phillip Rowne-Speed, Evesham & District branch chairman of the Royal British Legion, said: “The day went brilliantly. The support from the town council and schools was absolutely fantastic, and regarding turnout, we couldn’t have wished for anything more on a Thursday.
“It’s important that we continue to recognise what people went through to understand how we got to the peace we enjoy in the present day.
“We are very grateful to everyone who came and showed their support.”
Pictures by Peter Stewart and Lise Evans
