Frome is continuing its VE Day 80th anniversary commemorations with a series of community events on Thursday 8th May, marking the end of fighting in Europe during the Second World War.
On Thursday, residents are invited to a host of activities including a 1940s-themed ‘Songs and Scones’ event, a parade to St John’s Church re-enacting the historic procession of 8th May 1945, and a thanksgiving service using the original Victory Order of Service.
VE Day – Thursday 8th May Schedule
At 2.45pm, gather at the Frome Memorial Theatre where local resident Michael Knight, whose father served in the Second World War, will showcase his World War II Jeep.
At 3pm, a recording of Winston Churchill’s 1945 VE Day speech will be played, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial. The tribute will conclude with King George VI’s speech to the nation.
At 3.15pm, the ‘Songs and Scones’ event will take place in either the Memorial Garden or Assembly Rooms, weather depending. “1940s-style dress is optional, but encouraged!” said organiser Jane Norris.
At 5pm, residents are invited to gather once again at the war memorial for a short parade to St John’s Church, re-enacting the 1945 procession. The parade will be led by Michael Knight’s Jeep.
At 5.30pm, a thanksgiving service will be held at St John’s Church on Bath Street, following the original Victory Order of Service used on 8th May 1945.
At 6.30pm, the bells of St John’s – along with church bells across the country – will ring out in commemoration.
The day will end with a national beacon lighting at 9.30pm, taking place at locations across the UK, including Wells, Taunton and Shepton Mallet.
VJ Day events in August
The commemorations will continue on VJ Day (Victory over Japan Day) on Thursday 15th August, which marks the day Japan surrendered to the Allied forces in 1945, officially bringing the Second World War to an end.
Events will include a 1940s dance at the Cheese and Grain on Saturday 10th August, with music from the South West’s Jivin’ Miss Daisy and a DJ playing 1940s swing and jazz. On VJ Day itself, there will be a community picnic at the bandstand in Victoria Park from 12 noon to 4pm.
Residents are also encouraged to get involved by making red, white and blue bunting, which can be dropped off at Frome Town Hall between 10am and 3pm until August.
Pictured: Kevin Ross (who was involved with script writing for forthcoming Frome Remembrance event); Jane Norris, RBL Remembrance coordinator; Alan Cambell, veteran and audio/visual recorder; David Lassman, Frome Society for Local Study chair and Frome historian and author
