The 80th anniversary of victory in Europe has been and gone with little in the way of commemoration in Wrington.
Many residents have found the lack of VE Day celebrations both disappointing and disrespectful, with many believing that today should have been a national holiday.
Many residents are veterans themselves, and had family members that served during the Second World War.
Some took to village FaceBook group Wrington Matters to voice their annoyance, with some villagers placing blame with the parish council, who they believe was responsible for organising an event.
Some disagree and pointed out that there was nothing to stop neighbours, families and friends organising their own street parties, like they did for the Queen’s Jubilee.
There was some bunting on display but it seems that the majority were happy enough to watch proceedings on the TV in a state of quiet commemoration, rather than celebration.
Wrington on VE Day
Wrington, like many cities, towns and villages celebrated the end of a hard 6-year war with street parties, bunting and music.
A local paper published this piece on 26 May 1945:
“Wrington goes gay for victory and for Whitsun. The local Fire Brigade took a hand in setting alight Wrington’s victory bonfire, which as soon as darkness fell on VE-Day, was fired on the quarry site by Captain G.W. Anson. The holiday spirit being in the air all day, there had been music and singing and good fun for the children provided by Mr. Alfred Crook. With the bonfire blazing merrily, the dancing was seen in full swing in the Plough Inn yard, the flames and the floodlights on the neighbouring premises lighting up the scene.”
We recently interviewed Wrington resident Veronica Thorne about her memories of VE Day and what life was like then. You can read the full interview here.
*Picture and excerpt taken from the archives at wringtonsomerset.org.uk