Westbury will come together to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day next month with a series of community events celebrating the end of World War II in Europe.
Westbury
Westbury will come together on Thursday 8th May to mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day. A day of remembrance is planned, with events taking place at both the War Memorial and Bratton Camp.
The day will begin at 9am with the raising of the VE Day flag at the War Memorial. The mayor will deliver a formal proclamation to honour those who served and sacrificed during the war.
The Town Council would like to invite any members of the public who own WWII-era vehicles to get in touch, as they are aiming to create a special display at Soisy Gardens for everyone to enjoy, alongside hay bales and wartime music.
If you have a vehicle that you would be happy to have on display, please call 01373 822232.
The day of reflection and celebration will conclude with a special beacon lighting ceremony at Winkland Down, Bratton Camp, starting at 9.30pm, as part of a nationwide tribute.
Other Westbury activities
Tea, cake and company:
All Saints Church will host a social afternoon on Tuesday 6th May from 3pm to 4pm. All are invited to reflect and enjoy tea, coffee and cake. Children and vulnerable adults must be accompanied by a parent, family member or carer. No booking required – just come along.
Westbury Library:
On Thursday 8th May, from 2pm to 5pm, people are invited to drop in for tea and cake, and for children to make peace lanterns and medals.
In addition, local historians David Jenkins and Julie Davis will be at the library on Tuesday 13th May between 2pm and 4pm to share and discuss wartime memories.
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 to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Bratton
On Thursday 8th May, Bratton will join communities across the UK in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The day’s events include:
9am: Raising of the official VE Day 80 Flag on the flagpole at The Duke, remaining until Sunday 11th May.
10am: VE Day Coffee Morning at the Bratton Church Institute, with refreshments, wartime era music, and a specially baked commemorative cake provided by the Women’s Institute.
11.45am: Formal act of remembrance at the War Memorial, led by the Royal British Legion.
6.30pm: Bells of St James’s Church will ring out for the ‘Ringing Out for Peace’ initiative.
7pm: VE Day themed fish and chip supper at The Duke, featuring 1940s music recreating the atmosphere of street parties held across Britain in May 1945.
Dilton Marsh
In Dilton Marsh, jazz singer Sandy Ince will perform at the Dilton Marsh Memorial Hall on Sunday 18th May from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.
Tickets cost £12.50 and include afternoon tea. There will also be a prize for the best outfit, a raffle, and a licensed bar.
For tickets, contact Kathy on 01373 301656 or 07708 351323.
