VE 80 events across Surrey

Surrey has hosted events across the county to celebrate the 80^th anniversary of VE Day

Beacons were lit across the county including the Lord-Lieutenant lighting at St Anns Hill in Chertsey, Deputy Lieutenant Robert Napier in Cranleigh, Deputy Lieutenant’s Bill & Bridget Biddell in Farnham.

Celebrations across Surrey:

Brockham held a VE Street Party, with War Horse by Sculptor Andy Curtis, and an exhibition of Brockham residents and The 2nd World War, by Tony Hines, a local historian.

West Horsley Place hosted a superb beacon lighting, lit by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Mary Creswell, with upwards of 1000 people attending, Swing dancing classes in the barn, a wonderful jazz band, the Horsley Choral Society, vintage WWII vehicles, as well as wonderful food and drinks. Mary commented ‘A superb community event uniting everyone in gratitude and hope’

Hundreds of local people enjoyed the 80th anniversary of VE Day celebrations at Epsom Downs including performances by The Show Choir, Epsom & Ewell Silver Band, Laine Theatre Arts, Nescot College and Epsom Male Voice Choir. Organised by Epsom &, Ewell Borough Council, The Royal British Legion, Go Epsom and The Jockey Club, the evening ended with moving speeches by the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell Councillor Steve Bridger and Armed Forces Champion Councillor Graham Jones MBE followed by the spectacular beacon lighting.

Flag raising ceremonies were held countywide including at the Guildhall in Guildford, attended by the Rector of Holy Trinity Church Simon Butler, the Mayor of Guildford, Town Cryer, Colonel Patrick Crowley DL, and the High Sheriff, followed in the evening by a Beacon lighting at Stoke Park.

Deputy Lieutenant, Colonel Anthony Ward presented the oldest man in Britain (110) and our oldest Veteran, with his Regiments Capbadge – The Queen’s Royal Regiment ( West Surrey) for The One Show – see link: https://youtu.be/FHufrzwIfiY

At Brooklands, Chairman, Mark Seligman DL and CEO Alex Patterson held a two-minute silence, with around 100 volunteers, staff and visitors, which was marked by a Second World War air raid siren at the beginning and at the end. Standing in front of the memorial to the 88 people killed at Brooklands in September 1940 during a German bombing raid. Brooklands was the biggest aircraft factory in Europe in its day, producing the Wellington bomber right up to the fuselage for the Concorde. There are examples of both on display at the museum. Mark’s father was awarded the Military Cross for his bravery and accomplishments after landing at Sword Beach on D-Day, 6 June 1944 attached as lead gunner to Lord Lovat’s Special Service Brigade.

In Woking there was a VE celebration at the Shah Jahan Mosque and Peace Garden attended by the Lord-Lieutenant and Minister of Faiths

Deputy Lieutenant’s Jim Babbington and Chris Howard attended the VE tea party in Shamley Green.

In Dunsfold, Deputy Lieutenant, Jim Babbington, joined 99 year old Dunsfold resident Pat, who stood in for 100 year old Henry Rice, a Second World War Royal Navy veteran, and Jeremy Hunt MP at the opening of Dunsfold Village Fete, a very sunny and well supported event.   

Deputy Lieutenant Michael Hayman joined The Lord Bridges of Headley, the Friends of Headley Heath and the National Trust to open The Military Trail – a lasting legacy bringing the remarkable stories to life of the Canadian forces who trained on Headley Heath. The new trail has been funded by a bequest from Tessa and Robert Bridges, who were both keen members of the Friends of Headley Heath. Following a reception attended by many local residents to open the trail there was then a guided walk led by local historian Peter Denyer.

At the Royal Alexandra and Albert School Founders Day event, attended by Deputy Lieutenant Dr Julie Llewellyn, the head teacher’s speech discussed how the school had marked the 80th Anniversary of VE day. He told how the first solder to die in WW2 was a pupil at the school and he died on his 21st birthday. The school has a long tradition of working with MOD families and has over 100 pupils from MOD families today.

The weekend culminated in a County Service of Thanksgiving at Guildford on Sunday afternoon – attended by over 500 people, including, military personnel and cadets from all Services, The Lieutenancy, Surrey MPs and Mayors.  

A selection of photos from the Service and the tea party afterwards. Photos courtesy of Canon Chris Hollingshurst and Karen Taylor.