EVENTS will be taking place in Keynsham and Saltford this month to honour the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
The day marks the end of fighting against Nazi Germany in Europe during the Second World War II. It was celebrated on May 8, 1945, the day after Germany surrendered.
At St John’s Church in Keynsham, a community art installation of peace doves will be on display from May 5 to 16. Card doves with handwritten messages of peace will fill the church rafters, while knitted doves will adorn the churchyard.
This community outreach exhibition is part of the national touring project ‘Peace Doves’ by artist and sculptor Peter Walker. More information can be found at www.peterwalkersculptor.com
A pattern for making knitted doves can be found at www.keynshamparish.org.uk, while paper doves will be available at the church from May 5.
On Thursday May 8, Keynsham Royal British Legion will host a free lunchtime buffet in the club’s lounge bar from 12pm-2pm, providing a space for remembrance and community connection in a relaxed setting.
The buffet will reflect as close as possible the fare available back in 1945, and 1940s dress is optional. Everyone is welcome.
Also on May 8, St John’s Church will join a nationwide initiative led by the Central Council of Church Bellringers called ‘Ring Out in Celebrations’. St John’s bellringers will begin ringing the church bells at 6.30pm in recognition of this historic occasion.
Finally, on Saturday May 10, Keynsham Town Council will present a VE Day bandstand performance in the Memorial Park from 2pm to 4pm.
Thornbury Swing Band will play classics from the 1940s, and local memories of VE Day will be shared.
Residents are invited to bring family, friends and a picnic to enjoy this special afternoon of live music and remembrance.
In Saltford, all residents are invited to a free afternoon tea with entertainment on Saturday May 10 at Saltford Hall – hopefully outside on the grass, weather permitting.
The event, organised by Saltford Community Association with help from local WI members, runs from 2.30pm to 5pm and will include dancers performing to wartime music at 3pm and 4pm.
Saltford Environment Group will put on a slide show and display of wartime items inside the hall. The bar will be open.
Pictured above, peace doves in flight outside St John’s Church
Information about Keynsham’s war memorials can be found by clicking here
