Our community is gearing up to mark 80 years since the end of World War Two with the Royal British Legion (RBL) club leading efforts to mark the occasion here in H&I. Lucy Callington tells more.
To mark Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) the RBL on Saffron Road is hosting an afternoon tea party, including children’s crafts and games. The club is inviting members of the public of all ages to join in celebrating VE Day 80, as they plan to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Second World War generation.
Dave Blakesley of Histon RBL said: “We’re so excited for this special national celebration. Coming along to a VE Day Tea Party is a wonderful way to come together with family, friends, and community to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day and a year of commemorations marking 80 years since the end of WWII. It also supports the Royal British Legion, and helps make a real difference for those who have served”.
The tea party on 5 May is free to attend, and scones and refreshments will be available at no cost, although the RBL is welcoming donations to the Poppy Appeal.
The Royal British Legion will also hold a short service at the Peace Memorial on Water Lane at 6.15pm on VE Day, Thursday 8 May, as well as on Victory over Japan Day (VJ) Day on 15 August.
80 years on
Victory in Europe Day commemorates the official surrender of all German military operations in World War Two on 8 May, 1945.
However, the original VE day in Histon and Impington was not celebrated quite as fervently as in some other parts of the country because so many Cambridgeshire men were captured at Singapore by the Japanese. The H&I Village Society does however have some records of events that took place here at the end of the war.
A photo, donated by Margo Tolliday to the society, shows a street party in Saffron Road, Histon in June, 1945. It took place a month after VE day to allow time for planning, and featured fancy dress costumes for the children. Ongoing food rationing at the time meant the food available had to be carefully planned. There was also a parade through the centre of the Village.
H&I residents are planning their own celebrations including a similar street party, organised for residents of Park Avenue, Histon in the afternoon on Sunday 4 May, where organisers say, “bunting and scones are encouraged”.
Boost for pubs
Nationally, pub goers will be able to enjoy an extra two hours on Thursday 8 May to raise a toast to veterans to celebrate this historic anniversary as venues with a usual closing time of 11pm will be able to keep their doors open till 1am. This echoes what happened on VE Day, 80 years ago.
While it’s unclear at the moment if any of H&I pubs will offer their patrons longer hours, Susie at the King Bill is planning to get into the commemorative spirit by hanging bunting and painting a commemorative display on the window panes of the pub.
Visit Royal British Legion | Armed Forces Charity and VE Day Celebrations 1945 — Histon and Impington Village Society for more information.