Bishop’s Stortford marks VE Day 80with solemnity and celebration
Bishop’s Stortford marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day with equal measures of solemnity and celebration.
Hundreds of residents, from every generation, gathered around the war memorial in Castle Park as a Peal for Peace rang out from St Michael’s Church in Windhill at 10.40am.
The service of commemoration began at 11am with a welcome from John Robinson, president of the Bishop’s Stortford branch of the Royal British Legion.
The Legion branch’s padre, the Rev Tim Weeks, said: “Today, as we come together to commemorate what came to be known as VE Day, our thoughts turn to thanksgiving and remembrance of those millions that gave so much to achieve the freedom we all enjoy today.”
Mr Robinson, a former RAF squadron leader, led the tribute: “Let us remember those who gave their lives at home and abroad, whose sacrifice enables us to all enjoy the peace we have today.
“Let us remember those who came home, wounded physically and mentally, and the friends and family who cared for them.
“Let us remember those who returned to restore their relationships and rebuild their working and family lives after years of conflict and turmoil.
“Let us remember the servicemen and women of other nationalities and faiths from the Commonwealth and Allied countries who fought, suffered and died during six years of war.
“Let us remember those in reserved occupations and the brave people who kept us safe on the Home Front – the doctors, nurses who cared for the wounded, the men and women who toiled in the fields, the fishermen who fished the seas, those who worked in the factories and the air raid wardens, police officers, firemen, ambulance drivers and the young people of the Scouts and Guides who played such a vital role in the war effort at home too.”
As Legion members, veterans, cadets and a host of dignitaries, including MP Josh Dean and East Herts Council vice-chair Cllr Martin Adams looked on, youngsters from Stortford and Sawbridgeworth played their part.
Hockerill Anglo-European College’s Combined Cadet Force, secondary students from The Bishop’s Stortford High School and Leventhorpe School and primary pupils from Northgate, St Joseph’s, St Michael’s, Thorn Grove and Windhil21 schools used heartfelt verse, poignant prose and 1940s music to pay tribute.
Their presentation included an account of the first VE Day celebrations in the town, recorded by the Herts and Essex Observer.
On May 8, 1945, a giant bonfire was lit in the Meads, fireworks were launched as the blackout was banished with a vengeance and 1,200 children enjoyed a party.
The youngsters’ contribution on Thursday was co-ordinated by Thorn Grove teacher Kathy Canavan, who said it was vital to keep understanding the history and legacy of the Second World War.
The patriotic hymn, I Vow To Thee My Country, was sung before Mr Robinson recited the Kohima Epitaph.
The service ended with the national anthem and cries of “God Save the King”.
All pictures by Gerred Gilronan.
