Dear Colleagues,
Despite being in lockdown, celebrations will still go ahead for VE Day this Friday, 8th May and communities across Rotherham are being encouraged to stay safe and celebrate at home.
Nationally the Royal British Legion is calling on people across all generations and communities to take part in a national moment of Remembrance and pause for a two minute silence at 11am to honour the service and sacrifice of the Second World War generation and reflect on the devastating impact Covid-19 has had on so many lives across the world.
A series of scheduled performances and activities have been organised that people can enjoy either in their own homes or gardens or coming together on their door-steps for a collective moment of recognition.
Performances will be streamed on Facebook via the Council’s Events page https://www.facebook.com/RMBCEvents/ and will include the following:
3.00pm National Toast
3.30pm Swing Dancers – a lesson in the Lindy Hop
4.00pm Miss Trixie Holiday – vintage singer
4.30pm Punch and Judy
5.00pm Washboard Resonators – vintage singer and musician
5.40pm Cherie Lawrence – Vintage singer
Later in the day members of the public are encouraged to enjoy a moment of celebration and thanksgiving by taking part in a UK-wide rendition of Dame Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again’ at 9pm.
The Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Jenny Andrews, said: “We had a number of events planned to celebrate VE Day in Rotherham but unfortunately due to the coronavirus outbreak and social distancing measures these had to be cancelled. However, we won’t let that stop us coming up with innovative ways to help communities across the borough commemorate the day.
“As society faces some of the most challenging times since of the Second World War, it is now more important than ever that we unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.
“Our virtual VE Day is full of fun for all the family and allows people to mark the occasion in their own homes and collectively on their streets through a toolkit of activities, performances and online content to help pay tribute to our community of war veterans.”
People across the borough are also being encouraged to get their glad rags on and dress for the occasion while posting images on social media of their 1930s and 1940s fancy dress or their VE decorations.
NOTES:
The RMBC Events page can be found on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/RMBCEvents/
More can be found on the Royal British Legion website herehttps://www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/remembrance/remembrance-events/ve-day-75?seg=WPDW3B