Chittlehampton gets North Devon’s party started for VE Day 80

Chittlehampton was among those leading the early charge for North Devon’s VE Day 80 events as villagers gathered for an afternoon party on bank holiday Monday (May 5).

The King and a flypast of Buckingham Palace may have officially begin proceedings for the nation, but locally many communities are planning to celebrate this Thursday (May 8) on VE Day itself.

Chittlehampton residents got together a little sooner for a community celebration in their newly-renovated Village Hall while most could enjoy the opportunity of a day off.

Above: Andy Collins and Sue Attrill in suitable VE Day 80 attire for the Chittlehampton festivities.

Residents were invited to bring and share drinks and food, view a display of local press cuttings and memorabilia from World War Two and enjoy a few good old-fashioned wartime songs.

Hall trustee Keith Routledge said: “The occasion was a great opportunity for the community to dress up and come together to not only celebrate but to reflect on and for some remember, those simpler and harder times in the village.”

The hall itself isn’t much older than the date of the original VE Day in 1945, having been built in 1951.

It officially reopened in March following extensive refurbishment made possible thanks to a £264,000 grant from the Community Ownership Fund secured under the previous government.

Renovations included new insulation, a replacement roof, wall cladding, and multi-glazed windows and doors.

An air-source heat pump has been installed, along with upgraded electrics, refurbished toilets, and an automatic fire alarm system.

CLICK HERE for more VE Day events taking place in North Devon and Torridge this week

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