Town to commemorate VE Day 75 despite lockdown

Despite the cancellation of large scale VE Day 75th anniversary commemorations, Leek Town Council is marking the day with a display of special commemorative banners at memorial sites around the town.

Leek Town Councillor, and Chair of  the Friends of The Nicholson War Memorial, Richard Benefer has collaborated with fellow Friends’ committee member Dave Swarbrook, local graphic designer Alleyne Parry and sign-maker Dan Allen from Leek-based Supersport,  to design, produce and install the banners , proclaiming ‘VE Day 8th May, Leek Remembers’. The banners will be placed alongside the four war memorial sites located within the town: St Edwards Church; Ball Haye Green Recreation Ground; Leekbrook and the Nicholson War Memorial.

Councillor Benefer said: “It is naturally disappointing that the planned VE day events have had to be cancelled due to the corona virus pandemic. However, as a town council we felt that it was still important to do something to mark the 75th anniversary of the ending of the war in Europe and honour the sacrifice of the local servicemen and women who made this possible.

“We are also encouraging all Leek residents to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on the 8th May, from the safety of their own home by standing up to raise a glass of refreshment of their choice and undertake the toast – ‘To those who gave so much, we thank you’. A 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.”

In addition to the banners, the Royal British Legion will be flying flags from the flagpoles of the Nicholson War Memorial as a further act of remembrance.