A HOST of events will be taking place across Redditch to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The activities have been organised by the Redditch Mission Area Churches.
Events – Thursday, May 8
There will be a service at 10.30am at St Peter’s Church in Crabbs Cross.
Then at 1pm at St Laurence’s Church in Alvechurch, there will be lunch at The Ark at 1pm. The bells will ring out there at 6.30pm and then, after the bells, there will be a community event at the cricket club until 9.30pm.
At St Peter’s Church in Ipsley, there will be open church from 2pm to 7pm and bells ringing out at 6.30pm.
At St John the Baptist Church in Feckenham, a quarter peal of bells will be rung between 6.15pm and 7pm
At 7.30pm at St Philip’s Church Community Hall in Webheath, the Ladies Circle will host a Bring and Share Supper.
There will be an outdoor prayer station by the First World War and Second World War commemoration plaques for private prayer and interaction.
The Redditch Branch of the Royal British Legion will hold a flag raising at the town hall at 9.45am and a service and wreath laying at the Plymouth Road memorial – 11.45am for 12pm. The service will be led by Rev Canon Paul Lawlor.
Saturday, May 10
There will be afternoon tea for residents and older people at St Peter’s Church in Crabbs Cross.
There will be a parade at the Palace Theatre at 2.30pm to St Stephen’s Memorial where there will be a short service by Rev Canon Lawlor (organised by him and the Redditch Royal British Legion).
‘Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice’
The occasion will provide opportunities for the community to reflect on the significance of this historic day, remember those who sacrificed for peace and celebrate the enduring spirit of hope and reconciliation.
Rev Canon Lawlor, Redditch Mission Area Leader, said: “VE day 1945, a day of relief and thanks but also an awareness that there was still work to be done.
“As we remember those times of sadness and thankfulness, let’s commit to keep working for peace and freedom across the world.”
