Memorabilia call for 80th anniversary of VE Day

Celebration organisers have appealed for wartime memorabilia to help mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

Wellington in Shropshire has planned a celebration which starts on 8 May with a proclamation and a piper along with a day of music, singing and dancing in the town square on 10 May.

Sally Themans, from Love Wellington, said organisers were looking for old photographs of the town on the original VE Day at the end of World War Two in 1945.

It was the day the European phase of the war ended with the unconditional surrender of all Nazi German forces to the Allies.

Wartime memorabilia could include any old photographs or objects, including pictures of relatives celebrating on the historic day, Ms Themans said.

"We'd really love to have copies of photos and do some kind of display."

She said her own mother-in-law had lived in Wellington throughout the war and the family had been farmers.

Her mother-in-law could remember VE Day very clearly, the American troops stationed in and around the town - and the party atmosphere, because everyone was "so relieved" when the war was over.

Entertainment on 10 May will include a 1940s singer and Lindy Hop dancers along with the Wellington Brass Band.

"Needless to say, the market square in the centre of Wellington will be bedecked with red, white and blue bunting and ribbons," Ms Themans said.

Complimentary flags, cupcakes and chips will be on hand and commemorative pin badges and coins will be given to children in the town and some of the older people as well.

Anyone with memorabilia can contact Wellington Town Council.

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