main content 60th anniversary VE day commemorations

After months of preparation and the help of a £20k lottery grant, this week sees the first of a series of events to commemorate the 60th anniversary of both VE Day and VJ Day in the borough. Working together, local veteran organisations and the Council have developed a wide ranging programme as a “thank you” to those who served at home and abroad and those who lost loved ones and suffered on the home front.

Friday 15 April at 1pm - Bromley’s Wartime Memories exhibition opens at Bromley Museum in Orpington, revealing the memories of local people who lived through this period. Open to the public Sunday-Friday, 1-5pm, and Saturdays 10am-5pm, until early October.

Friday 29 April at 2.30pm - A matinee ‘patriotic’ performance at the Churchill Theatre by the West Wickham Operatic Society, aimed at veterans and/or their spouses, families and friends.

Tuesday 3 May 2-5pm - An indoor street party in the Great Hall at the Civic Centre for 50 local residents from residential homes and day centres. The Mayor, Leader of the Council, Chief Executive, Councillors and a number of veterans will be attending.

Sunday 8 May – VE Day 2pm - An afternoon Drum Head Service in Norman Park. A vehicle parade starting at the Civic Centre, will join a march parade led by the Foresters Highlanders Pipe Band from Ravensbourne School, and meet in Norman Park. The service, led by the Bishop of Tonbridge, The Rt Rev Dr Brian Castle, will begin an afternoon of activities that will include musical entertainment of the period and the opportunity for old comrades to meet up. Twelve ambassadors from allied nations of the Second World War have been invited to attend.

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

• 2005 sees the 60th anniversaries of both Victory in Europe (VE Day) on 8 May, and Victory over Japan (VJ Day) on 15 August, which together saw the end of World War II. September will also mark the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, in which RAF pilots at Biggin Hill played a major role.
• National commemorations, led by HM The Queen, will take place on 10th July. For further information go to www.mod.uk.
• Other VE/VJ Day commemorative events in Bromley include:
• Early May - poppy planting and talks by veterans in schools.
• 15 August - VJ Day Service of Thanksgiving, reception and entertainment in the grounds of the Civic Centre for Far East veterans; invitation only.
• 3 September - Service of Thanksgiving at St George’s RAF Chapel, Biggin Hill, in the presence of representatives of the nations who had pilots flying from Biggin Hill. This will be followed by a marquee reception at Biggin Hill Air Fair.
• 13 November - Dedication of plaques commemorating members of the armed forces killed in conflicts/peace missions since the Second World War. These will be affixed to all the Borough’s public war memorials and will be dedicated during normal Remembrance Sunday wreath laying ceremonies.

For further information about the above please contact Barry Holroyd, VE/VJ Coordinator on 020 8313 4513 or barry.holroyd@bromley.gov.uk.