Westbury is continuing its VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations with a series of community events this week, marking the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War.
In Westbury, the day will begin on Thursday 8th May at 9am with the raising of the VE Day flag at the War Memorial and conclude at 9.30pm with a special beacon lighting ceremony at Winkland Down, Bratton Camp.
At Westbury Library, local historians David Jenkins and Julie Davis will be present on Tuesday 13th May, between 2pm and 4pm, to share and discuss wartime memories as part of the commemorations.
In Westbury Leigh, The Hollies Inn and Laura Raisey will host a ‘Brew & Bake’ fundraiser for veterans’ charity Combat Stress on Thursday 8th May from 10am to 4pm.
In Bratton, commemorations on Thursday 8th May will begin at 9am with the raising of the official VE Day 80 Flag at The Duke. A coffee morning follows at 10am at Bratton Church Institute, featuring refreshments and wartime-era music. At 11.45am, a formal act of remembrance will take place at the War Memorial, led by the Royal British Legion. The bells of St James’s Church will ring out at 6.30pm for the national ‘Ringing Out for Peace’ initiative, and the day will end with a VE Day-themed fish and chip supper at The Duke at 7pm, with 1940s music recreating the spirit of 1945 street parties.
In Dilton Marsh, jazz singer Sandy Ince will perform at Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall on Sunday 18th May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm to mark VE Day. Tickets cost £12.50 and include afternoon tea. There will also be a prize for the best outfit, a raffle, and a licensed bar. To book, contact Kathy on 01373 301656 or 07708 351323.
Pictured: The beacon lighting for the 70th anniversary of VE Day in Westbury in 2015
