World War Two evacuees will be amongst those celebrating the 75th anniversary of VE Day this Friday in Woodstock, as residents come up with a way of joining together while social distancing.
Victory in Europe Day, known as VE Day, celebrates the formal acceptance by the WW2 allies of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces on Tuesday, 8 May 1945.
“May this help us all to appreciate the world we live in, even during the current pandemic, and to know that this war too will come to an end,” WW2 evacuees Ann and Ian Leck
Woodstock’s VE Day celebrations are therefore taking place on Friday May 8 and aim to remember the people who made sacrifices then, and now.
Caroline Parkes from We Love Woodstock said: “Churchill was born right here in Woodstock at Blenheim Palace, so it felt right right that we made a special effort to celebrate VE Day in the town.
“Woodstock Live is broadcasting music that the whole town can enjoy together, as well as a special speech and clap for veterans and carers.
“And we are encouraging the town to hold social distancing front garden tea parties.
“It’s a lovely way to bring our community together and to remember the sacrifices that our residents have made in the past, as well as today.”
Elderly residents Ann (82) and Ian Leck (89) who both grew up during World War Two and were evacuees said: “It’s lovely that next Friday our community will be remembering the sacrifices that people made in WW2, and the joy we experienced 75 years ago on May 8.
“May this help us all to appreciate the world we live in, even during the current pandemic, and to know that this war too will come to an end.”
Their schedule begins at 11am with a two minute silence on doorsteps (at a distance from neighbours). At 2.55pm Woodstock Live will be playing the poignant Last Post & Reveille music via a network of speakers throughout the town.
This will be followed by a speech via the broadcast and a clap for the town’s veterans and today’s carers and key workers.
As the nation is being encouraged to throw a front garden tea party in the afternoon, Woodstock is following suit with cream teas and drinks planned throughout in front or back gardens or balconies, although organisers stress that this is not a street party or to be conducted in any public spaces. Woodstock Live will be broadcasting wartime music as an accompaniment to the celebrations.
At 9pm tune into the BBC and listen to a special address from The Queen, broadcast at exactly the same time that her father George V spoke to the nation as captured so eloquently in The King’s Speech, which will be followed by a nationwide singalong to “We’ll Meet Again”.
Residents are also being encouraged to dress up for the occasion and decorate gardens and windows with bunting and Union Jacks.
