A poignant ceremony marking 80 years of peace since the end of World War II took place in Farnham on Thursday (8 May).
At 9am, in an act which was repeated in towns and villages across the UK, the Town Crier Michael Stephens read the VE Day proclamation which called upon people to pause and remember the sacrifice of the millions who gave so much to achieve the freedom we enjoy today.
This was followed by the Mayor of Farnham, Councillor Brodie Mauluka raising the VE Day 80 commemorative flag with assistance from local school children.
The ceremony was the first of Farnham’s VE Day 80 events and was attended by Bill Biddell, Deputy Lieutenant of Surrey; members of Farnham Royal British Legion; the 4th Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment; veterans and representatives from the Rotary Club of Farnham; Farnham Lions; the Hedgehogs; The Farnham Society; St Andrew’s Infant School; St Polycarp’s Catholic Primary School; Potters Gate School; The Ridgeway School and members of the public.
Later in the day, there was a simple act of remembrance at the war memorial led by the Royal British Legion, reservists from the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment and the Rt Revd Dr Christopher Herbert. The last post was played by Steve Burgess of Alder Valley Brass and a lament by piper Hamish Donaldson.
As the sun went down, the reflective mood shifted to one of celebration with a parade led by Farnham’s branch of the Royal British Legion which included cadets and veterans as well as scouts, and other community groups who were received by the Mayor of Farnham accompanied by the High Sheriff of Surrey Mr Peter Cluff, Deputy Lieutenants Bill and Bridget Biddell, and Greg Stafford MP.
The commemorative event, attended by over a thousand people, began with live music by Alder Valley Brass. This was followed by a broadcast of Winston Churchill’s Victory speech and the firing of red, white and blue confetti canons as the crowd cheered ‘hip, hip, hooray!’ The party continued with performer Victoria Cluskey singing 1940s tracks and encouraging people to sing along to favourites such as Roll out the Barrel and a Dame Vera Lynn medley.
Councillor Brodie Mauluka said: “Hearing Winston Churchill’s speech was very powerful and moved many people. The terrible war changed the lives of many – nobody was immune to the impact of the conflict. Today was a celebration as well as a time to remember those who gave so much so that we can enjoy freedom, democracy and peace. I felt privileged to have been able to host such an important occasion with our community and would like to thank those who continue to serve in our Armed Forces.”
At 9.30pm Peter Cluff lit the beacon which formed a chain of light across the country connecting Farnham with communities throughout Britain and beyond. The evening concluded with the Farnham community, who hadgathered in Gostrey Meadow, singing a stirring rendition of ‘I Vow to Thee, My country’ and the National Anthem.
