Village celebrates 80 years of Allied victory in Europe

HUNDREDS of people flocked to Sonning playing fields to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day.

The event was a belated celebration held at King George V recreation ground, organised by the parish council last Friday evening.

It was in aid of the Sonning branch of the Royal British Legion, which totalled more than £2,000.

Attractions included a fire engine from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service, a raffle, live music from the Military Wives Choir and Forties hits performed by vintage singer Kitty Mazinsky.

Military vehicles on display included a 1997 WMIK, which was used in Iraq and Afghanistan, which visitors took photos of and sat in and a Second World War Hawker Hurricane plane performed an air display in the early evening.

Community choir Sonning Glee Club were joined by singers from the organisations other groups in Marlow, Twyford and Winnersh to perform a range of traditional pop and choral pieces.

Guests were also served burgers from a van in the field by scout leader Dave Blackmore, cub leader Crispin Bate and scout parent helper Anthony Moore. A lighting of the beacon ceremony was held at 9pm to remember those who fought and commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe.

It was lit by serving RAF commander Guy Lefroy and his daughter Primrose.

Trefor Fisher, who chairs the parish council, said: “We thought VJ day was coming up so we thought we would combine the two. VE Day fell on a Thursday so that’s not the best day to get lots of the kids to come along so we thought a Friday in July, not long before the school broke up for the summer, was the ideal time.

“This is getting the community together, we’ve had some lovely events this year and this is a good summary of that but the main reason is to raise money for the Royal British Legion with support from the parish council.

“Last year, we had [former Prime Minister] Theresa May but this is even better.”

Colin Pierce, 94, from Woodley, has been involved with the Poppy Appeal since 1983 and is a former RAF Group Captain.

He said: “We chose this day because it’s right in the middle of the two endings and we wanted to get all of the families involved.

“I was a child during the Second World War but my father was in the Hurricane 29 Squadron during the war and we moved around a lot.

“I was brought up in the East End of London and moved around with my father but I was put up by my aunt and uncle so I could sit my course and exams to get into grammar school.

“When I left school, I joined the RAF aged 18 and served in various places, including Iraq for nearly two years. When I left the RAF, I joined the Royal British Legion almost immediately. This is about letting people know that this was a really important time. Last year, we did very well raising money for the Poppy Appeal.”

Ewan Farley, six, who attended with his mother, Helen, from the village, said: “It was a very long time ago but we have been learning about it [at school].

“We learned that it was a war against different countries and it is why we have Poppy Day to remember the soldiers who died.”

Rebecca Mole and Sarah Baker, whose children, Eleanor, 10, and Olly, nine, from Sonning Primary School in Liguge Way, performed readings alongside their fellow pupils to commemorate the soldiers who died in the Second World War, were present.

Mrs Mole said: “As part of the Year 6 curriculum, the children have been learning about the First and Second World Wars and things like this really brings this to life to them as well to remember the sacrifice we have as a country and as a community.

“People in Sonning are quite involved in their local community so to see everyone here is really encouraging.”