The West Row Historical Society is organising a 3-day weekend of Celebrations/Commemorations to mark the 80th Anniversary of the end of WWII (V J Day).
Because so many of our boys fought in the Far East, we are recognising them over 15th – 17th August 2025.
Friday 15th is the raising of the VJ Commemoration Flag, reading the Tribute and time of respect and prayer and lighting our Commemorative Beacon. A suitable film will also be shown.
Saturday 16th is our Celebration Day focusing on the grand fete, kicking off with a Pageant Parade to include, fancy dress, ponies, traps, vintage vehicles, decorated bicycles/prams, led by the Caledonian Pipes and Drums.
The parade musters at 10am, Wellington Close, West Row, leading off at 10.30am. We aim to be at the Village Hall ready for the fete approx. 12pm where everyone will have something to amuse and entertain. A Talent Show, skilled Jiving, Shire Horse, Farriering, traditional fete games, Cycle Agility, Birds of Prey, Vintage vehicles, WWII Re-enactment and much more. All around the WWII theme. The evenings entertainment is the Galaxy Big Band along with The Apple Blossoms.
Sunday is the Commemorative Day with opportunity for wreath laying, commemorative crosses, prayer and church service. Also, craft display in the Church Hall followed by an appropriate film
We are encouraging the children to participate in any way possible, ie fancy dress, marching in the parade, talen show, participating in the many fete activities, the most popular being the Great Egg Throwing Competition.
We want to celebrate the fact that World War II ended for which we will party on the Saturday. But alongside, we have many families remaining in the village who endured the heartbreak of their families being affected by those boys not returning, or those who did, were severely affected by their experiences.
For them we will Commemorate on the Sunday.
