‘Last minute’ VE Day 80 party for Bradworthy is a big hit

There were a host of events at Bradworthy to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day but no big community get-together – so with just 10 days to go, one resident set out to change that.

St Paul’s Church at Bradworthy had a busy and varied programme of events inside the church and Bradworthy History Society had put together an amazing display of memories and memorabilia, but Denise Radmore thought the village should have a party in the Square too.

With 10 days to go, a meeting was called, a working team was formed and with a great team effort the result was a busy day of 80th VE celebrations with the church events during the day, followed by a tea party and barbecue in the Square with singing, dancing and entertainment, with the church bells pealing out to end the day.

Above: St Paul’s Church at Bradworthy hosted a variety of VE Day 80 events. 

St Paul’s Church began proceedings with a VE Day Café offering wartime style food and drink plus live 1940s music.

A two minute silence was observed at 11am and a candle was lit at the front of the church, symbolising the light of peace rising from the darkness of war.

There was a Life on the Home Front Exhibition presented by Bradworthy History Society, giving the chance to explore a fascinating display of artefacts including ration books, gas masks, uniforms parts and more.

The History Society also created a VE Day display in the Memorial Hall foyer, with pictures and memories from events and celebrations in Bradworthy during the VE Day party on May 8, 1945 when World War Two ended in Europe.

Above: In the afternoon on May 8, the focus moved to Bradworthy Square with a short service led by Rev Mark James before a tea party and barbecue.

At 3pm events moved to the Square, with a VE Day service led by Reverend Mark James, followed by the afternoon and evening festivities.

There were performances from Jess’s Bradworthy Dance Academy, the Singing for Fun Group and the Godspell Singers, then at 7pm the ‘bells of peace’ rang out from the church, simultaneously with church bells across the UK.