Libraries to host celebration events for VE Day 80th anniversary
Families are being invited to a series of activities at the county’s libraries to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day.
Victory in Europe Day on Thursday 8 May, marks 80 years since the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, a moment of relief and celebration across Britain and Allied nations.
To mark the event, visitors can enjoy historic talks, crafts and creative writing sessions, exhibits and even a flypast of a Lancaster bomber.
Taking place at Cannock library on Wednesday 30 April, ‘A Family at War’ is a fascinating free talk about WWII and VE Day by Andrew Lound. The talk will run from 2pm to 4pm and tells the story of the Waite family and their experiences during the war, in the Home Guard, the Army, the RAF and the Royal Navy.
At Uttoxeter Library from Wednesday 7 May to Saturday 10 May, from 10.30am to 4pm each day, people can join free watercolour art sessions or brush up on their creative writing at special workshops. The volunteers who look after the garden at the library also have a VE Day theme for the Britain in Bloom judging.
Visitors to Perton library on Saturday 10 May can see a flypast of Lancaster B1 PA474. The bomber, part of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, is one of the only two remaining airworthy Lancaster Bombers out of the 7,377 that were built. The flypast is due around 1.30pm.
Sue Ball (pictured), Libraries and Arts Manager at Staffordshire County Council, said: “It’s great that our libraries are joining in the celebrations, with a whole host of family activities and entertainment.
“This is a significant anniversary that marks the end of World War II in Europe and an opportunity to remember the courage of those who fought and died for our freedom. I do hope people are able to visit their local library and join in the celebrations.”
At Burton Library on Tuesday 6 May from 1pm to 4pm, people are invited to a free VE Day themed tea party. Then on Saturday 10 May, families are invited to a free arts and crats session from 10am to 11.30am.
At Leek library, on Wednesday 7 May 10am-12pm and Newcastle Library, Thursday 8 May 11am-2pm, families can enjoy a themed tea party, with cakes and biscuits, crafts and other activities such as quizzes and music.
At Stone Library on Thursday 8 May at 2.30pm, people can join the ‘Make Do and Mend’ talk from Kath Reynolds. She will be delivering a talk on life during the Second World War, including a discussion on eating chitterlings, pigs’ trotters, tripe, and even how to use a bit of beetroot to enhance lipstick. The event is free but booking is required.
People are being invited to share photos of their celebrations on the VE and VJ Day webpage and across social media using the #VE80 hashtag.
Further details are available on the libraries plans for VE Day celebrations webpage or on their social media pages.
