Celebrate VE Anniversary with Vintage and Valour!

April 1, 2015 by Joanna Harrison

Celebrate VE anniversary with Vintage and Valour

Wednesday 1st April 2015

Turn back the pages of history in Priory Park, Southend on Saturday 10th May for special free anniversary events.

The park is hosting a commemoration marking 100 years since the first Zeppelin raid on Southend and 70 years since victory was declared at the end of the Second World War.

As a result, there will be World War themed entertainment and activities throughout this unique Vintage and Valour afternoon from 2pm until 5pm.

Popular jazz/swing combo, the Daisy Bowlers will be delivering well-loved songs of yesteryear on the Bandstand in Priory Park from 3pm until 5pm.

Living History enthusiast, Ian Houghton will be there clad in First World War army uniform, mingling with residents and visitors to introduce people to the life and times of a Great War soldier.

Also on hand will be the Council’s Roll of Honour Outreach Officer, Chris Langdon, who is researching the histories of those from Southend who fell in the First World War.

From 2pm in the Visitor Centre at Prittlewell Priory Museum, he will be giving talks about the Zeppelin raids in Southend and describing the history of Southend during the Great War.

Meanwhile, local author Dee Gordon will be introducing her new book called Essex Land Girls, about the young women who undertook vital farm work in place of men called up to fight in the Second World War.

To make the Vintage and Valour afternoon even more memorable, those who attend are invited to bring picnics or host their own fund-raising Poppy Picnic in aid of the Royal British Legion.

For more details about how to do this, please visit: www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved/poppy-picnic

Members of the Council’s parks team will also be holding a plant sale during the afternoon.

The Council’s Corporate Director for Place, Andrew Lewis said: “We hope this fun free event will be thoroughly entertaining and informative for all ages.
“In a direct and lively way, it will help bring the fascinating history of our borough to life – especially by retelling dramatic episodes of both world wars and recreating the atmosphere through music too.
“It also coincides with a series of national events taking place over the same weekend to mark the anniversary of VE Day.”