A message from Mrs Chandler, our History Subject Leader:
Dear pupils and families,
When I think about the upcoming VE day (Friday 8th May), I am reminded of the wonderful street party (in the hall!) we held to celebrate the Queen’s 90th Birthday a few years ago; although, sadly, we can’t all be together for this celebration I encourage you to remember fondly the times we have celebrated together and look forward to the times when we will be able to again!
In the meantime, here’s a few ideas for you and your families to celebrate VE day at home:
Your VE Day timetable
Just because we can’t get together and mark VE Day with our extended friends and family, it doesn’t mean there aren’t ways to celebrate within the safe bubbles of our own homes. Dedicated programmes will be broadcast to help you get involved in the celebrations.
- 11am | BBC One | The Nation Remembers BBC One will lead a poignant two-minute silence to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
- 2:45pm | BBC One | The Announcement of Victory Winston Churchill’s historic speech will also be broadcast – providing a fascinating insight into what the public will have heard on that significant day all those years ago.
- 8pm | BBC One | The People’s Celebration Viewers can also tune in to a special programme on VE Day on BBC One, which will see some of the UK’s biggest stars (Katherine Jenkins, Beverley Knight), sing a rendition of the iconic ‘We’ll Meet Again’, by Vera Lynn. Throughout the show, we will hear from the real stars of the night, the people who still remember that historic evening and can tell us what it was like, first hand.
- 9pm | BBC One | The Queen’s speech: The Queen herself will be giving a special address to the nation (her second during the coronavirus pandemic), at 9am on 8th May – which is the exact same time that her father, King George VI, spoke to the UK 75 years ago, on the actual VE Day.
How to host a VE Day street party
Holding a VE day street party in lockdown may mean holding a picnic in your front garden, or on your doorstep, and decorating your home in the national colours. If the weather isn’t kind, you could always host an afternoon tea indoors with your household – and invite extended friends and family to join you on a video call.
On the official VE Day website, Pageantmaster Bruno Peek said that they are still encouraging people to raise a glass to the heroes of WW2 from inside their homes at 3pm on 8th May. He said, “Raise a glass of refreshment of their choice, and undertake the following ‘Toast’ – ‘To those who gave so much, we thank you,’ using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today.”
- Links to home-learning VE day packs:
https://www.plazoom.com/resource/ks2-home-learning-pack-ve-day
https://www.plazoom.com/resource/ks1-home-learning-pack-ve-day
Happy Celebrating,
Mrs Chandler
Please also see the below Picture News resources and a link to some VE Day bunting, kindly provided by William P’s mum!
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1ASiV52ZzLAoXYA8GG7-00q-w171VVrDW
Picture News Special Resource – VE Day 75th Anniversary 2020
