St. James' VE80 Celebration and Remembrance Service

A service of Celebration and Remembrance for VE80 was held in St. James' Church on Thursday 8th of May 2025.

In the run up to the event, it was decided it was only right and proper to hold it on the day the announcement of the surrender by Germany to the Allies took place 80 years ago. 

Requests were sent out for St. James’ School pupils to make 25 named lanterns to remember the men of the Parish who went forth and didn’t return. Meanwhile, Scouts of the 3rd Ashton Scout Group were asked to make red, white and blue pennants to decorate the church.

Both requests were fulfilled, and on the day, the church was decorated with the pennants, lanterns, and other items to give the building a truly patriotic ambience.

The service took place on the evening of  May 8 and was conducted by the Reverend Paul Monk to a congregation of adult members of the church, which included 3rd Ashton Scouts, their leaders and local councillors.  

The service began with the Ringing of the Peace Bell by Mark Howarth. 

The Reverend Paul Monk then guided the congregation through the VE80 Celebration and Act of Remembrance.

During the service, the names of the 25 men who fell during World War Two were read out. It then closed with the ringing of the Peace Bell.

At this point, the congregation was invited to take part in free refreshments which included jam tarts made to a 1945 recipe.

Everyone who came to the Celebration and Act of Remembrance Service said it was thoroughly enjoyable and a successful event, and were glad they had been part of it. 

At this point the congregation were invited to take part in free refreshments which included Jam tarts made to a 1945 recipe.

Everyone who came to the Celebration and Act of Remembrance Service said it was thoroughly enjoyable and successful event and were glad they had been part of it.