Tuttington residents gathered in the church on VE80 day for a cuppa, a cake, and a chat to mark an important date in world history: the end of the second world war in Europe. Tables and chairs were set out in the form of a street party – canteen style – with traditional afternoon tea finery. The church was bedecked with red, white and blue bunting and spring flowers from garden and hedgerow (that is, the ones that the recent early verge cutters had left). The porch with Union Flag and a waterfall of red and white poppies hand-made by village volunteers completed the church VE80 décor.
A more solemn reminder that the end of the war in Europe had cost the country dear in its fallen soldiers and civilians was placed next to the Tuttington War Memorial. The ‘Tommy’ statue was purchased from the British Legion. A contribution of £220 towards the cost of the statue and the event itself was generously provided by a Broadland District Council VE Day grant obtained by the Burgh and Tuttington Parish Council.
The tea party itself was attended by at least 40 local residents who greatly enjoyed the tea and a wide selection of cakes. Fascinating wartime memorabilia was brought along to the event and proud residents remembered their own family wartime and post-war stories.
Events such as VE80 are essential so that we always remember the huge sacrifices made by that wartime generation. This is never more important today as we face a fragile and uncertain world.
Thanks go to all those local volunteers who helped create such a successful and memorable occasion.