The Voice of Spalding and South Holland
Socially distanced commemorations to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two were held across the region.
Friday, August 15 was Victory over Japan Day or VJ Day, marking the surrender of the Japanese forces. Much like the VE Day events, due to social distancing they had to be largely low key affairs.
* On Saturday various local veterans groups came together to lay wreaths at the war memorial in Ayscoughfee Gardens.
On ceremony was the Standard Bearer from the Royal British Legion Graham Hewitt and Steve Wand who played the bugle.
A homage was read by Colin Jackman and prayer led by the Vicar of Spalding Parish Church, Rev John Bennett alongside the laying of wreaths and a minute’s silence.
* A special weekend involving war memorabilia and vintage cars was held at the Anglia Motel in Fleet.
Organiser Harold Payne raised £960 thanks to donations from those in attendence to go towards providing staff at Holbeach Hospital with Christmas meal. Morrison’s also donated a £70 voucher for the staff to purchase items.
There was also £606 raised for floral tributes to be laid on organiser Harold Payne’s next trip to Normandy with veterans.
He said: “It was a good event and nice to recognise those who served in the Far East.”
* A small service was held in Long Sutton when Town Crier Charles Moore did Cry for Peace, Father Jonathan Sibley did a small sermon and prayers, Shona Sibley played The Last Post and the chairman of Long Sutton Parish Council Coun John Clarey made a commemoration address.
* Tydd St Mary Parish Council donated planters to Tydd St Mary and Tydd Gote to mark 75th VE Day and VJ Day anniversaries.
