CHARD TO HONOUR VE DAY WITH MUSIC, HISTORY AND COMMUNITY SPIRIT - 🇬🇧
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Chard will mark Victory in Europe (VE) Day this May with a series of poignant and celebratory events designed to bring the town together in remembrance and community spirit.
Chard Town Council confirmed that commemorations will take place on Thursday, 8th May, starting with a traditional proclamation by the town crier from the Guildhall balcony at 8.00am. This will be followed by the ceremonial raising of the official VE flag at 9.00am.
Evening festivities will begin at 7.00pm at the town’s beacon site, with a special performance from local veteran and harmonica player, John Gudge.
The beacon will be lit at approximately 8.15pm, providing a symbolic moment of reflection and unity. Either side of this, vocalist and music school teacher Bethany Brown will perform special live music sets, aiming to create a memorable close to the day's programme, which is expected to finish around 9.30pm.
Local community groups will be visible throughout the evening, offering exhibitions and activities. These will include contributions from the Royal British Legion, Chard Museum, Chard Army Cadets, Chard Girl Guides, the Chard Helmstedt Society, and Chard Hospital League of Friends.
The celebrations continue on Sunday, 11th May with Chard Fair, a newly located version of the town's former ‘Chard Fete’, now set at the Guildhall rather than Stringfellow Park. South Somerset community groups will again be involved, alongside performances from local entertainers including acoustic duo Rise Acoustix - made up of 14-year-olds Robbie Hope and Sienna Courtney - Blackdown Morris, Chaffcombe Reservoir Dogs, and singer-songwriter Stevie Nicole Brown.
Later that afternoon, a special VE Day service will be held at St Mary’s Church at 3.00pm. Following the service, a nostalgic Tea Dance will take place from 4.00pm to 6.00pm at the Guildhall, organised by The Inner Wheel of Chard. Guests are invited to dress in 1940s-style attire to enhance the atmosphere. Although the event is free, tickets must be collected in advance from Jenny’s Café & Bistro or Eleos Café.
The final act of the day will be a vibrant display from Chard Evolution Majorettes, expected shortly after 6.00pm. Their performance promises to end the day with colour, music and energy.
These VE Day celebrations form part of a wider set of springtime events organised by Chard Town Council, including the popular St George’s Day parade and service.
Speaking ahead of the commemorations, Reverend Nick Jerrett, who will conduct the service at St Mary's, said: “This year's celebration of England's patron saint promises to be a wonderful occasion at St Mary's Church. As we join in the events across the town, we'll welcome the Manor Court School choir, and internationally known local poet Clive Sanders to help us tell the legendary story of St George, and think about how it relates to us today, here in Chard.”
Summing up the importance of VE Day, local organisers hope that the events will “not only commemorate the sacrifices of the past but also bring together the people of Chard in a spirit of togetherness and reflection”.
( Images supplied by Chard Town Council 📸 )