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, scouts of the 3rd Ashton Scout Group were asked to make Red, White and Blues pennants to decorate the church both requests were fulfilled and on the day the church was decorated along with other patriotic items to give the church a truly patriotic ambience.

The service took place on the evening of the 8th May and was conducted by the Reverand Paul Monk to a congregation of adult members of the church which included 3rd Ashton Scouts their Leaders and local Councillors.  The service commenced with the Ringing of the Peace Bell by Mark Howarth, the Reverand 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 WWII were read out, the service then closed with the ringing of the Peace Bell.

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.