VE DAY 80 Celebrations. May 2025. Ewhurst Parish

Thursday May 8th 2025 is the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII in Europe. This is possibly the last time a major celebration of this momentous period in Britains and World History will have veterans attending. 

Ewhurst Parish are planning various events involving the community. It will acknowledge the ultimate sacrifice of the Nine Young Men from our Parish who didn't make it home and many more who were badly injured, plus local families who supported the war effort in many ways, serving in the  Armed Forces, supporting the fight for freedom, volunteering in the Observer Corps, the Home Guard & Land Army. 

The least we can do is celebrate their lives and remember that without them and others throughout the World we might not have the families and lives we have today.

At 11am there will be a short Remembrance Service at Staplecross War Memorial. Local school children will be taking part dressed in period outfits.

At 2 o'clock the children will sing a selection of WW2 songs at the Village Hall, followed by refreshments for all. Everyone is welcome. There will also be an exhibition of Military and period artefacts.

The film "Goodnight Mr Tom' will be shown from 3.45pm lasting about 1.5hrs. The exhibition and the Village Hall will close at 9pm. Everyone is welcome.

At 9.30pm Ewhurst Parish will light the Beacon in Celebration & Honour of all. 

Assisted by Ewhurst & Staplecross Bonfire Society a Torchlit Procession will leave the War Memorial at around 9.15pm and proceed to Staplecross Beacon for a V.E Day Tribute. We hope this will be followed by a cascade of fireworks to end the evening.

Friday 9th will see a themed Quiz Night at Staplecross Social Club where it is hoped we will raise funds for Service Charities. Keep an eye on local noticeboards 

Saturday 10th May.   The celebrations will culminate at Ewhurst & Staplecross Village Hall in a 1940s themed evening of entertainment with "Miss Holiday & The Swingtones" singing and dancing into the night. They are a nationally acclaimed group having performed at Rye Jazz Festival and other major events. A big thanks to Guy and Janice Black of local vintage aircraft restoration company "Retrotec" for helping to sponsor the event. Please keep an eye on notice boards and social media for details of the free tickets. Unfortunately these are limited and must go initially to local residents and people with a strong connection to the Parish.

It is important that the youngsters in our community understand the past and appreciate the sacrifice that the previous generation made, so that they can hopefully follow these examples. Please support us and the Community.

Any money raised during these celebrations will go to Service Charities, one of which will be Scotty's Little Soldiers, who provide relief from the effects of bereavement to children who have suffered the loss of a parent who served with the Armed Forces of the Crown.

Your donations of any amount will help us achieve these goals. 

If you would like to help in any way please get in touch.  

Thank You.       

John Lederer   07748483823

                                                        "Lest We Forget"