A fundraising coffee morning, 1940's-era dressing up, sharing memories and stories, bell ringing, beacon lighting and sounds of swing!
VE80 Day Events at All Saints' Melbourn began with a coffee morning at the back of the church, raising funds for the Royal British Legion. At around 10:30, the church was filled with people wearing 1940s-era clothing or dressed in red, white, and blue. Attendees shared memories and stories about the war era, including accounts passed down from parents and grandparents regarding their experiences during the six years before Victory in Europe. The church was lively with conversations and the sounds of people enjoying tea.
During their coffee morning, Meldreth Primary School children planted VE80 flags between the church and community hall. These flags illustrate their understanding of the Second World War and the events of May 8, 1945.
At 5.45pm, nearly 200 people attended a Service of Commemoration. Rev'd Andrew Birks (VIcar, All Saints' Melbourn & Holy Trinity Meldreth), Fr Philip (Roman Catholic Church), Rev'd Sue (United Reformed Church) and Pat Smith (LLM, All Saints' Melbourn & Holy Trinity Meldreth Benefice) led readings, hymns, and prayers. An Act of Remembrance included a 2-minute Silence for those who lost their lives in the Second World War, acknowledging the sacrifices, broken families and communities. After the Silence, attendees committed to continuing the fight for peace. The service ended with the sound of church bells ringing as they gathered outside on the warm evening, listening to the Bells Ringing for Peace as part of the National VE80 program.
The bell ringing also signaled the start of a VE80 Social Event, which was highlighted by the Shades of Swing Band and Thomas Huttlestone leading them through some of the best sounds of swing. Rev'd Andrew received lots of positive comments on how good the band was, how good it sounded in the church, and that the church was being used for such an event!
The party paused at 9.30pm as revellers joined the nation in lighting the Peace Beacon, and from that beacon, lighting a Peace Candle which Rev'd Andrew then placed in front of the War Memorial in All Saints’ Church.
A final note from Rev'd Andrew... "The 8th May 2025 was a fantastic day made possible by a dedicated team of people and by the support of the many people who attended and supported the parish. But let us never forget that as we partied and enjoyed ourselves, we could only do so, because for our tomorrow they gave their today."