Community Matters: Commemorate VE Day with your Neighbours

Thursday, 8 May marks 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, a momentous occasion marking the end of World War II in Europe.

To honour this historic milestone, a range of commemorative events will take place across the Bay, including a vibrant parade in Brixham and a community picnic at Paignton Library.

The Torquay Central Conservative Club, Torquay, 226 Union Street, warmly invites you to an afternoon of live music, singalongs, and a lively quiz (2pm to 4pm). Entry is free, and all are welcome – come along in your best red, white and blue attire to mark the occasion in patriotic spirit.

On Thursday, 8 May, from 10am to 12pm, join the Torquay Coastal Volunteers at Beacon Cove for a community clean-up. Help maintain the beautiful coastal path and gardens for everyone to enjoy and reward your efforts with a well-earned slice of cake.

Later that evening, the Royal Torbay Yacht Club, located on Beacon Hill, invites you to continue the celebrations with an evening of live music starting at 7pm. Entry is free, and everyone is welcome.

While VE Day marks the end of conflict in Europe, this victory was only made possible by the brave Allied invasion of northern Europe the previous year.

To reflect this, the Royal British Legion’s annual D-Day service on June 6th will be preceded by the unveiling of two new information boards at Torquay Harbour, overlooking the original D-Day embarkation ramps.

This commemorative project was conceived by Grenville Stewart Fletcher, a local resident and founding member of Torquay Coastal Volunteers.

The boards feature remarkable images taken from rare US military footage shot in June 1944 – just three days before D-Day – depicting American troops assembling in front of the Hotel Regina, marching to the harbour ramps, and boarding landing craft bound for the Normandy coast.

Thanks to a successful grant application from the Torbay Local Heritage Grant Scheme and the support of local councillors, this vision has become a reality.

Unveiling and Embarkation Service – Friday, 6 June

10:30am - Unveiling ceremony by the Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, at the ramp opposite the D-Day Memorial, Beacon Quay

11:00am - Embarkation Service at the D-Day Memorial, including the laying of wreaths

We look forward to welcoming you to these heartfelt tributes and celebrations. But if you prefer to mark the occasion from the comfort of home, why not invite a neighbour over and enjoy watching the commemorations together on television?

For more information about these events or other activities in Torquay, please contact me on 07931567885 or email cerisilk@torbaycdt.org.uk.