6th June 2024 marked the 80th Anniversary of the D-Day landings a time to remember and honour the brave people who risked their lives for freedom and peace.
Several events were organised to mark the occasion in Winscombe throughout the anniversary week.
The Flags and Festivals group organised the flying of D-Day 80 flags and Union Jacks throughout the village and several shops had special displays.
D-Day Coffee Morning
About 50 people gathered for a special Coffee Morning at the Church Centre on Tuesday morning. The tables were decorated on a patriotic theme and several people enjoyed sharing memories of wartime including photographs with others. Music from the World War 2 era accompanied the morning. One attendee even brought along his own ration book!
Beacon Lighting on Millennium Green
On Thursday 6th June, the anniversary of D-Day the village was proud to be part of the National Beacon Lighting event.
About 300 people gathered on the Green at dusk for the event, some of whom had attended a documentary fils show at the Church Centre.
A parade of members the Royal British Legion, Girl Guiding, the Scout Association and the Fire Service signalled the start of the event.
Before the lighting of the beacon, Lois Brenchley, Chair of the Millennium Green Trust, spoke about life in Winscombe at the time of D-Day and Scout Leader, Mark Caddy outlined the role that cubs and scouts played in the local community during wartime. Reverend Andrew Hiscox read ‘The International Tribute’ which was followed by the lighting of the beacon by Archie Forbes, Chair of the Parish Council, and the singing of the National Anthem.
Nostalgia Night
On Saturday 8th June the St James’s Events team held a sell out ‘Nostalgia Night’ at the Church Centre. Many of those attending chose to come along dressed to represent the World War 2 era which added greatly to the atmosphere of the evening.
Entertainment was provided by the trio, Harmonic Motion, and by Nigel Carson from Winscombe Folk Club. The music had a largely nostalgic flavour and included the opportunity for community singing of sing-along favourites.
The supper of ‘Rations’ included spam sandwiches and bread pudding and was surprisingly enjoyable!
Although the evening was generally lighter in mood than the official events of the week, time was also taken to reflect on what D-Day meant for a serving soldier through a reading of eye-witness diary extracts.
