VE DAY 75 – THE NATION’S TOAST ON THE DOORSTEP!

VE DAY 75 – THE NATION’S TOAST ON THE DOORSTEP!

You may recall, preparations were in hand to celebrate May Day & Victory in Europe with various events at The Cricket Field in Waddesdon on Friday 8th May.

The current pandemic emergency has put paid to any gathering, however……

We are encouraging residents who would have taken part to undertake the ‘Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2’ at 3pm on the 8th May from the safety of your own home by standing up and raising a glass of refreshment of your choice. Along with thousands of communities across the UK we can undertake the following ‘Toast’ – “To those who gave so much, we thank you“.

Let us use this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today even in these challenging times. It is also a celebration of the beginning of peace across Europe.

Some of you are joining in with street parties from the safety of your front gardens and we would love to see photos of your red, white and blue decorations. You could join our BBC Local Radio station initiative in making your own VE Day Great British Bunting. Download everything you need at bbc.co.uk/makeadifference

The BBC will broadcast special programmes to mark this VE Day milestone occasion, with the monarch’s address to the nation to be aired on BBC One at 9 pm.

An evening programme will feature Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins, actor Adrian Lester and singer Beverley Knight, who will be performing some well-known songs from the 1930s and 40s.

It will culminate in the nation being invited to sing along to a rendition of We’ll Meet Again.

The BBC will also air a pre-recorded video message from Prince Charles, who will read an extract from his grandfather King George VI’s diary from VE Day. Extracts of Sir Winston Churchill’s famous victory speech to the nation announcing the end of the war in Europe will also be broadcast.