County marks end of conflict

CARMARTHENSHIRE has commemorated the 80th anniversary of VE Day with a number of events.

- IAN LEWIS

While communities across the county marked the occasion, Carmarthen and Llanelli saw people come together to remember the end of the Second World War and light beacons.

In Llanelli, an event was held ahead of VE Day by Dafen Forum on May 4, starting at Dafen Memorial Garden, where crowds gathered to hear Second World War music and a lone bag piper played.

A prayer was said at the garden and church bells rung, as a parade walked into Dafen Park led by the sound of bagpipes.

In the park itself there was a two-minute silence and a VE Day 80th anniversary flag raised. This was followed by pupils from Dafen School performing old wartime songs, while dressed as evacuees.

On VE Day itself, Llanelli's Royal British Legion branch held a special evening service at St Elli Parish Church followed by the lighting of a peace lamp at the church entrance.

The evening started with bell ringing and a service, ending with the peace lamp being lit at 9.30pm in the church grounds as night fell.

The event was a joint venture between Llanelli Royal British Legion and St Elli Parish Church.

The bell ringers, order of service, the lamp and donated food were all organised by the church.