Communities come together to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War 2

Events as part of the community run programme so far have included a pop-up 1940s inspired cafe, tea dances, and Dig for Victory community gardens. Over 400 people turned out for the Godmanchester Bomber Command Veterans Day in May, which featured exhibits from local museums alongside WW2 re-enactors. In Littleport the Adams Heritage Centre hosted three well attended community days which featured a recreated NAAFI canteen, made using set from a recent WW2 film that had been shot at the site.

Cambridgeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader and Chairman of the Cambridgeshire Community Covenant (Military) Board, Councillor Mac McGuire said “It is wonderful to see communities come together to mark this commemorative year. There are so many events taking place across the county, with activities spanning the generations. I’d encourage people to get involved and find out what’s taking place in their local community.”

Georgina Corley the Coordinator from St Neots TimeBank, which held a VE day commemorative event in May said: “We were delighted with the day, which brought together around 100 local people of all ages. Our 1940s themed singing, dancing and menu brought back memories for many people, and taught younger attendees about this important point in history. The event reached out to more isolated members of the community, bringing new faces together, and promoting the brilliant work that the TimeBank does in building a supportive and active community.”

The Home Front programme of events is in full Swing, with upcoming events including 1940s themed village fetes, Swing Dance classes, and historical accounts delivered by WW2 Veterans taking place in the coming weeks. Visit www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/WW2 to find out about events taking place in your local community.

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