THE 80TH anniversary of VE Day in Droitwich Spa began with a flag-raising at St Richard’s House.
A special VE Day 80 flag was raised in a ceremony attended by the Mayor of Droitwich, Coun Alex Sinton, Town Crier Edgar Harwood and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Dr The Hon Gilbert Greenall CBE.
VE Day Flag Raising 4
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2025007MMR4
A short service was led by Rev Laura Handy.
Picture by Marcus Mingins 2025007MMR5
There was also a service at the war memorial in Victoria Square with the Royal British Legion.
Then in the afternoon and evening, there was a traditional 1940s Punch and Judy show at the Heritage and Information Centre, the Droitwich Air Cadets paraded and a singer performed classic wartime songs.
In the evening there was a beacon lighting.
Picture by Paul Jones. s
The Droitwich Salvation Army Brass Band performed before the beacon was lit and prayers were said by Rev Handy.
Picture by Paul Jones. s
Droitwich MP, Nigel Huddleston, who attended the beacon lighting, said: “It was a really nice, poignant event in very picturesque surroundings.
“It is also a beautifully designed beacon.
“VE Day 80 has brought people together on such an important occasion and shows we will never forget.”
He added that he had been impressed with shop window displays that, as well as the usual Union Flags, also incorporated personal elements about relatives who had fought for their country.
“The Second World War touched all our families in different ways and these displays show that.”
Picture by Tristan Harris.
Rev Laura Handy added: “It was really moving – Droitwich is really good at making these occasions special.
“It was wonderful to see so so many people of different ages and backgrounds come together and the Salvation Army Band perfectly captured the moment and emotion of the day.”
Droitwich Spa deputy town clerk Katy Prew said it was great to see the community come together to mark 80 years of peace.
“It was special to be joined by the Vice Lord Lieutenant, followed by the Memorial Service in Victoria Square.
“As always, a huge thank you to the community groups for donating their time, such as the (Droitwich) Squadron Air Cadets, the Droitwich Salvation Army Band, and the Droitwich Troop ACF (Army Cadets Force).
“Thank you for joining us on such an important and poignant day, we hope that you enjoyed the 1940s entertainment and the Droitwich at War exhibition.”
