Thousands flock to Lions Club of New Milton & District’s major event marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day
THERE was vintage entertainment and a moment to reflect at New Milton’s major event marking 80 years since the Second World War ended in Europe.
Thousands flocked to the recreation ground, which was a hive of activity for the Lions Club of New Milton & District’s VE80 commemoration on Sunday.
Over 60 commercial and community stalls from across the New Forest and beyond were complemented by a packed programme of music acts.
The line-up on the green’s performance pavilion kicked off with the popular Fifinellas’ famous wartime tunes.
More music of the 1940s and beyond was provided by the Three Military Wives Choirs from Marchwood, Bovington and Portsmouth; and the Wessex Military Band.
There was a brief period of remembrance in line with national commemorations.
Piper Lyndon Hall was accompanied by town freeman Goff Beck, who carried the standard of the New Milton branch of the Royal British Legion.
Mayor Cllr Alvin Reid, together with Lions Club president Alan Watson, also led the small commemoration party.
However, the main headliner was Jim Justice, a 99-year-old D-Day veteran who was the Lions Club guest of honour.
He was greeted with bouts of impromptu applause as he went among the crowds and the stalls afterwards.
The ceremony ended with the lighting of a beacon.
Community groups and efforts that benefited from the event included the New Milton & Barton-on-Sea RNLI which collected more than £750 in donations.
New Milton Men’s Shed, which contributes handmade items and combats loneliness, overtook that figure.
New Milton Residents’ Association signed a number of new members. The New Milton Community Garden’s volunteers also grew in the lead-up to the long-awaited official opening of the project on Fawcett’s Field on 8th June.
Celebrating a successful event, Mr Watson pointed said it would hold special significance for many locals who lost loved ones to the war.
“During this VE80 event, we did remember them, as we will again when we come to the 80th anniversary of the end of all of the Second World War conflicts, with our VJ80 event on 6th September,” he told the A&T.
“Sunday’s event echoed the extreme joy and happiness that was felt back in 1945 that at least the war in Europe had come to an end after six hard years of conflict.
“It was great to see the community come together at this very special community event and I am so proud of the Lions team that planned and executed this magnificent event for the community.”
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