Capel St Mary Parish Council’s plans and proposals for VJ Day celebrations on Saturday, 15 August and Sunday, 16 August as known in early July are listed below.
A return of Lockdown could mean fewer events. New, fewer restrictions could mean more events. Leaflets, posters, the Parish Council web-site, e-mails and social media will report any additions or changes by 14 August.
Capel’s celebrations are aimed at following the Pageant Master’s nation-wide guidance.
On 15 August, the War Memorial site will be enclosed and reserved for those leading the day’s celebrations:
5.47am – Lone bagpiper (Councillor William Dimond) will play the Battle’s O’er.
10.57am – The Last Post will be played.
11.00am – The two-minute silence followed by Reveille by a lone bugler, or trumpeter, or cornet player. (If there are any of these musicians in the village, please volunteer to play).
11.10am (approx) – Town Crier for the Day, Griff Johns, will read The Cry for Peace Around the World. (This new poem is to be read around the world).
11.15am (approx) – Wreaths will be laid led by Parish Council Chair, Councillor Brian Rogers, (on behalf of the village) and War Memorial Trust Chair, Group Captain Gary Bunkell, (to honour the men who died for the village).
11.25am (approx) – The enclosure will be opened for other wreaths from groups and individual villagers to be laid and inspected.
3.00pm onwards – It is hoped that families will repeat the VE Day garden tea parties enhanced for VJ Day with their bubble-permitted friends. One wartime military vehicle and probably two or three more, will tour the village.
8.18pm – Sunset will be sounded by a lone bugler, or other musician.
The Lockdown easing allows people to meet in each others’ gardens. We hope that there will be many garden tea parties that match, or more, the wonderful number of household-only ones on VE Day. It may be possible to hold in several places socially distant tea parties for small numbers outside.
On August 16, The Rev Andrew Sankey, the Methodist Minister, with Capel’s other churches and church communities, will hold a service at the War Memorial. The site will be enclosed and reserved for those taking part. Full details are being circulated throughout the village by 14 August.
Where possible, please dress homes with flags and bunting, the Union Flag, St George’s Flag and/or the Suffolk Flag.
Above all stay safe and follow whatever Government guidance is in force at the time.
It is intended to produce in newspaper form a lasting record of VE Day and VJ Day. The newspaper will be distributed free of charge to all homes, businesses and public record offices. Please photograph your and other events. Details of where and how to send them is being included on a leaflet being distributed around the village.
We are looking forward to learning about any individual or group celebrations. Please get in touch with: Councillor William Dimond, Telephone 07802 315597, or e-mail dimond_william@yahoo.com.
Capel Parish Council VE DAY / VJ DAY Working Party Chairman. Councillor David Thompson, telephone 01473 314185 or e-mail davidf.thompson@btinternet.com.