Picnics, flags raised and beacons lit will help to mark VE Day

THIS year marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe Day) on May 8. It is an opportunity for the nation to come together to honour and pay tribute to the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through a series of events and activities. Here are some being held in the Mid Devon area.

- by SUE KEMP

TIVERTON

At 9am on Thursday, May 8, the chair of the Mid Devon District Council and the Royal British Legion (RBL) will be hosting a VE Day 80 flag raising ceremony outside Phoenix House. It is at this time of day to mark the start of a day of celebrations.

Those attending include the mayor of Tiverton, a Deputy Lieutenant for Devon, forces representatives including local cadets, elected members from all layers of local government, honorary aldermen, school children and of course the public.

At 11am the RBL is inviting anybody who wishes to attend a wreath laying ceremony at Peoples Park, Tiverton. After that district councillors are attending their own local community celebrations.

HEMYOCK

The unique VE Day 80 flag will be raised at the parish church tower at 9am on Thursday, May 8, by the RBL local co-ordinator for the upper Culm Valley, David Bawler, who is organising the day.

A coffee morning will be held at the church between 10am and 12noon, with afternoon teas served from 2pm to 4pm. The bells of St Marys will ring out the Celebration of Peace at 6.30pm.