The flags were flying and the old much-loved victory war songs were sung at a special VE Day celebration at the Javea Players Studio!
Nearly 60 U3A members, wearing red, white & blue with some dressed for the occasion in old wartime uniforms and commemorative T-shirts, turned up to relive the nostalgia of the end of the Second World War in Europe.
The celebration was organised by Angela Chantry and our thanks go to her for putting on another fabulous event.
The afternoon began with a cava reception and continued with a buffet and a singalong to all the old wartime favourites featuring on screen movie clips and the voice of the Forces’ Favourite, Vera Lynn.
What followed was an excellent presentation by Angela recalling VE Day celebrations, the challenges for post-war Britain, accompanied by memories and stories from some of our own U3A members.
One of the most moving episodes was a tribute to the “unsung heroes” of the conflict, including the “Last of the Few”, Group Captain John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, who flew numerous sorties during those testing times. Paddy died at the age of 105, birthday.
His son’s touching song, “Hymn for a Humble Hero”, written as a testimonial to the sacrifices of all the war heroes – brought a tear to most of the guests at our get-together.
Angela presented thank you gifts to Ally O’Brien and Brenda Bates for their help in setting up the event, and to Penny Grant and Gerald Joy for manning the bar. Also, a special cheer for the star of the show, Stuart Sayer with Sue!
And a big thank you from Angela Chantry to Ian Rogerson for his report and photos, to Tom Miller for his video and photos on the Javea U3A Facebook page, and to all of the Javea U3A members who joined in the fun and made it such a great atmosphere!
