A momentous week as we mark VE Day anniversary

A momentous week as we mark VE Day anniversary

This week is important not only for our borough but for the entire nation as we mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

Unfortunately, due to the ongoing situation we find ourselves in with the response to COVID-19, we will not be able to enjoy the celebrations in the way we had planned to do.

We had been looking forward to the borough being the focal point for the anniversary across the North West.

But just because many of us will have had to scale back our grand plans does not make the fact we are marking such an important date any less significant.

We will still be remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country. And we will still be acknowledging the selfless efforts of those who have served, or continue to serve, our Armed Forces.

Our commemorations this weekend may be different to what we had originally envisaged, but they will be just as important.

Wigan Council has been producing a number of resources that everyone can use to help them celebrate while keeping in line with social distancing guidelines.

Whether it’s producing bunting and decorating your homes like it is 1945, or cooking up some ration recipes of wartime favourites, there’s plenty of tips available on our website and social media channels.

We really want to see the entire borough turn red, white and blue over the Bank Holiday weekend and create a street party atmosphere, but within the boundaries of our own homes, of course.

Wigan Borough Armed Forces HQ also plans to mark the day with a 24-hour celebration challenge at the HQ base in line with social distancing measures.

A host of events that the public can virtually be involved with will be held between 9am on Friday 8th May – 9am on Saturday 9th May to raise money, which will fund the vital support for veterans provided by the HQ.

In my previous column I outlined some of the achievements we have made in implementing our five-point plan in response to COVID-19.

I’m pleased to say we have continued to make significant progress with our seven community hubs and central logistics hub based at Armed Forces HQ pressing on with providing support across the borough.

Although many of us will have found that being in lockdown has brought many challenges, it is clear that it is having an impact.

However, this is not the time to relax – we are certainly not out of it yet and we must keep sticking to the public health guidelines.

Like many organisations we have started to look at our long-term plans and strategies for post-COVID-19 and more details of that work will be made available in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, please keep displaying the community spirit that has helped us so far this year and I hope everyone makes this weekend one to remember.

To follow Wigan Borough’s VE Day celebrations, follow Wigan Council on Facebook and Twitter.

Wigan Borough Armed Forces HQ are aiming to raise £20,000 to support the VE day celebration. You can make a donation on their Just Giving page (External link).

You can also read our special VE Day anniversary edition of Borough Life, which includes ration recipes and features providing an insight into life in the borough during the war years.