Community Groups from across the Island have come together, remotely, to put together a film celebrating and commemorating the 75th Anniversary of VE Day.
The film, produced by the Isle of Wight Film Club, includes contributions from the Island’s Lord Lieutenant, Archdeacon and President of the Island’s Royal British Legion and previously unseen footage of earlier celebrations and local memories.
The Island’s Lord Lieutenant Mrs Susie Sheldon JP said:
“At this most difficult of times, it is important to take a moment to reflect on the events of 75 years ago and, as best we can safely, pay tribute and mark the occasion – and, I hope, in some small way this helps respect the anniversary, as well as recognises the challenges faced by the community at this time”.
Archdeacon, the Venerable Peter Leonard added:
“We can only gather virtually, but still joyfully, as those that gathered on that first VE Day, glad of each other and grateful for laughter and love that follows times of sadness and loss”.
The 18-minute film includes a reading of the ‘Cry For Peace’, the last post, a performance of ‘We’ll Meet Again’, and some historic footage of the events of 8th May 1945 and the 50th Anniversary events of 1995; and pictures of commemorative mugs designed by students of local primary schools (Bay CE, Gatten & Lake, St Helens, Wroxall, Newchurch, and Broadlea) planned to be mark this year’s events.
IW RBL President Ian Ward BEM concluded:
“Whilst events planned for this year can’t proceed, but in different ways, we can still remember the sacrifices made 75 years ago; take time today to take part, in some safe way, in this national occasion; and think forward to when we will be able to meet up again and share the memories of what this day means to us all”.
Celebrations are all very well but who is the absolute tool in Clarendon Road, Shanklin who thinks it perfectly okay to blast music out at full blast to anyone within a half mile radius.
That isn’t about celebrating VE day – it is just about attention seeking by the person doing it.
So anyone trying to get on with their lockdown has to listen to all that.