The country may still be in lockdown, but the 75th anniversary of VE Day is still set to be marked across Waveney.
Although the traditional commemorative ceremonies, street parties, parades and services that mark the end of the Second World War will not be going ahead due to the continuing coronavirus crisis, there are still plenty of ways communities can get involved to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for victory in Europe.
People across Waveney are being encouraged to commemorate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day this Friday, May 8.
Lowestoft Town Council had planned a large community event in Sparrows Nest, which would have featured the full Norwich Pipe Band, military band, swing band and a Spitfire flypast as people joined together to commemorate 75 years since the guns fell silent at the end of the war in Europe.
A town council spokesman said: “Clearly, all this had to be cancelled.
“We were extremely disappointed to have to make this decision as it would have been a free event for all the people of Lowestoft with the chance to commemorate and celebrate.
“Sadly it is not possible for an organised event but we are keen that the people of the town celebrate in their own and safe ways and in line with all the current government guidelines.”
Examples include tea parties, flying flags, decorating your homes with red, white and blue bunting or listening and watching clips from 75 years ago.
On the Lowestoft Town Council Facebook page and on YouTube at 10.55am you can watch the Mayor of Lowestoft, Alice Taylor, lead the commemorations before two minutes’ silence is observed with the Last Post being played by bugler Gemma Eglington.
The town council spokesman said: “At 3pm everyone should raise a glass or cup of tea with the toast ‘For those that gave so much, we thank you.”
The town council is keen to receive photographs of what townspeople do – safely and within government guidelines – and these can be submitted to admin@lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk
Members and supporters of the RAF Association, Beccles and Southwold area will also be toasting those who gave their lives in the Second World War at 3pm on Friday.
In Pebble Close, Lowestoft a VE street party is being held on Friday, May 8 from 11am to 2pm. Neighbours will be uniting for a picnic lunch street party complete with bingo, wartime music and plenty of decorations.
A spokesman for the organisers said: “We are a small cul-de-sac with a mixture of residents who are elderly, young families, key workers and some who are socially distancing for 12 weeks.”
Residents at Harleston House, a specialist dementia care home in Lowestoft, will be opening their windows at 8pm on Friday to join Dame Vera Lynn in singing ‘We’ll Meet Again.’
The home also plans to hold an indoor street party so all residents can help celebrate the 75th VE Day anniversary.
An extensive range of events had also been planned in Bungay – including a planned fly-past of a Second World War Hurricane – but these have been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
At 3pm on Friday people in Bungay are instead being urged to join in with the nation’s toast. There will then be a live Facebook event with the Town Reeve and Town Mayor also making a toast, accompanied by the official VE 75 years music.
The Earsham Street cafe has also published a recipe for Wartime Shortbread.
If you are marking this special occasion, or you’re planning to hold a street party or celebration in Waveney, send us your photos and details to mark.boggis@archant.co.uk
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