Watch Willingdon residents commemorate VJ Day

Celebrations were held across the parish on Saturday (August 15) to mark the historical day - which stands for Victory Over Japan Day and commemorates the official ending of conflict in the Second World War.

A parish council spokesperson said the piper, Ian White, played Battle’s O’er.

In attendance was councillors John and Fran Pritchett, Howard Coote and his wife Helen, and John and Sylvia Hemmingway of the Willingdon branch of the Royal British Legion.

Also in attendance was councillor Martin Cooper and assistant clerk Nicola Williamson, who organised the event for the parish.

The spokesperson said many homes in the parish also had front garden tea parties including Oldfield Road residents, who were fortunate to have local man Ray Bennett play the Last Post at 11am for the two minute silence and again during the sunset.

“Thanks to all those who remembered this ‘Forgotten Army’ and commemorated the day,” the spokesperson said.

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