Hurst’s VE Day commemorations drew at least 240 people to its ancient heart by St Nicholas Church.
Pippa Boyd from the New Hurst Village Society which co-ordinated the event said: “Our vicar Hugh Thomas did a really moving and lovely short thanksgiving prayer. And then we sang the hymn I vow to the my country.
Haines Hill Estate and Hurst Parish Council organised the beacon lighting. There were flower displays in the church and a trail round the churchyard’s war graves.
Music ranged from Colleen Scott’s bagpipes to church bells and Hurst Morris People’s band which played for their dancing. Aldbrickham Step and Clog dancers also performed. The Licorice Allsorts clarinets played wartime songs.
The Castle Inn sold over 160 fish and chips portions. NHVS had made wartime recipe cakes to try and the village horticultural society sold seeds to raise money for charity. About 40 people had a go at bellringing and many tried out bowling at the Hurst Bowling Club.
