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06
May 2020
VE Day: How the Harrogate district will mark the 75th anniversary under lockdown
The planned commemorations may not be possible, but across the Harrogate district, communities are preparing to ensure that the 75th anniversary of VE Day is marked.
Bunting, music and afternoon tea will be the order of the day on Friday - all carried out in line with social distancing guidance.
Nationally, the Royal British Legion is encouraging people to join with a two-minute silence at 11am and a UK-wide sing-along of Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again at 9pm.
Locally, towns and villages are organising acts of remembrance to be carried out together from a distance. Groups of neighbours are also planning socially-distanced street parties through the day.
North Yorkshire County Council chairman Jim Clark, who represents Harrogate Harlow division, said: “This anniversary was never just about looking back at something that happened 75 years ago, and the situation in which we find ourselves today makes that even more pertinent.
“Then, as now, it is about community spirit. The theme of Holocaust Day this year was Stand Together. While we can’t do that physically, we can in spirit. We can stand together in remembrance and thanksgiving, against hatred and prejudice and for building stronger communities.
“I encourage people in towns and villages across North Yorkshire to take time to reflect and to remember in their own way.”
Harrogate
In the town centre, displays of vintage vehicles, a parade by the Army Foundation College and a Spitfire on show by the war memorial have all had to be cancelled, along with a concert at the Royal Hall. Instead, community groups are helping to make the day special for people at home.
Oatlands Community Group is encouraging people to raise a cup of tea at their doors or windows at 4pm to mark VE Day together. Other events and commemorations include:
- a photographic slideshow trail on Harrogate Library's Facebook page
- afternoon tea for one being delivered to vulnerable people supported by Oatlands Community Centre, along with a postcard reproduction of a wartime scene drawn by schoolboy Will Robinson, printed on the back with the lyrics of We'll Meet Again
- activity packs available to be downloaded free or can be delivered by post at a cost of £1.75 from MyLifePool community enterprise
- Yarn Etc on Knaresborough Road is encouraging people to make and keep knitted or crocheted bunting ready for a community project at a later date
- HG Community Lockdown Festival will be a weekend of events to bring people together virtually for activities and entertainment
Knaresborough
The Knaresborough Royal British Legion is encouraging people to mark the occasion from home. As well as joining local and national activities, they want people to share photographs on social media of how they have marked the day.
Branch vice-chair Dave Houlgate said: "As we face some of the most challenging times since the end of the Second World War, now more than ever it is important to unite in recognition of service to the nation, just as communities did 75 years ago.
"There are many parallels between the struggles of the Second World War and what we are going through today. We look to our Second World War generation to learn from their experiences. The Legion continues its work to protect them from the threat we currently face."
The branch's planned refurbishment and re-dedication of the VE/VJ seat in the castle grounds will be rescheduled for VJ Day in August. Meanwhile, on Friday:
- Knaresborough Delivers will be bringing afternoon tea to households in the morning, supplied by local businesses including Six Poor Folk, McQueen's Cafe, Number Thirteen and Hirst's Bakery. (Pre-order by 2pm on Thursday.)
- 11am - two minutes' silence
- 4pm - town-wide clap for veterans
- 4pm - sing-along to We'll Meet Again
Ripon
Ripon Cathedral was preparing to host the county's official commemorative service. Social distancing may have stopped the service from going ahead in the building, but it will proceed online.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson, will lead the service. The Archbishop of York, the Most Rev Rt Hon Dr John Sentamu, will speak, while the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Mrs Jo Ropner, and Coun Jim Clark will also give readings. Dishforth Military Wives Choir and the Black Dyke Band will also take part, and assistant organist Tom Coxhead will conclude the service with William Walton's Spitfire Prelude. Watch online via the cathedral’s website.
Ripon library will showcase Newby Hall Archive on its Facebook page, in partnership with West Yorkshire Archive Service, along with newspaper articles from the time. Residents are also being encouraged to decorate their windows in red, white and blue, while Union flag bunting has been strung across Princess Road.
- 11am - broadcast on YouTube of virtual service from Ripon Cathedral
- 3pm - city-wide clap to mark the time when Winston Churchill announced the end of the war in Europe
Boroughbridge
A planned town-centre celebration, including a ceremony at the war memorial followed by community activities, has had to be called off. However, the united parish of Aldborough, Boroughbridge, Dunsforth, Minskip and Roecliffe are at the heart of the newly-planned commemorations.
- 10.30am - community singing in gardens (lyrics on the churches' website)
- 10.50am - online prayers led by the Rev Karen Gardiner
- 11am - national anthem and blessing
Pateley Bridge
Residents are being encouraged to dress their windows in red, white and blue, while bunting is going up in Greenwood Avenue ready for the commemorations.
- 11am - The Last Post played through loud speakers across town, followed by a two-minute silence and Reveille
- 11.02am - playing of I Vow to Thee, My Country (lyrics on the St Cuthbert's Church Facebook page)
- after - everyone is encouraged to enjoy picnics in their gardens
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