V E Day Anniversary Celebrations

On Bank Holiday Monday, 5 May, the Parish Council and the Scouts—celebrating their 70th year—joined
forces to host a lively Picnic in the Park, bringing the community together to mark eight decades since Victory in Europe Day.

The Newbold Verdon Parish Archive Group showcased historical archives generously contributed by local residents. The display featured recollections and memories of VE Day in Newbold Verdon and Heath, alongside wartime propaganda, Women at War, Dig for Victory, rationing, and wartime recipes. The blustery weather kept things interesting, as pieces had to be repeatedly secured to prevent them from taking flight!

On Thursday, 8 May, St James’ Church held an upbeat service, followed by a flag waving procession to the War Memorial, honouring those who made the ultimate sacrifice during World War II. As part of the commemoration, the Archive Group reinstated the Remembrance Board—a lasting tribute to those we must always remember.

The following Saturday, 10 May, the Newbold Verdon Parish Archive Group held a follow-up event at Newbold Verdon Library. This time, the display included medals awarded to local heroes who played vital roles on the Home Front, as well as an impressive collection of wartime documents. Among them were a pilot’s Log Book, a gas mask, a bugle, ration books, identity cards, accounts of families who sheltered evacuees, and stories of wartime marriages and recollections.

Families and children engaged with activity sheets, and the Archive Group received numerous questions about its mission to preserve the village’s rich history. In fact, several new documents were brought in that morning, soon to be added to the catalogue! A heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part in these commemorations. Your involvement made this historic anniversary truly special.