GROUPS throughout the borough will be hosting VE Day Remembrance events as they mark 80 years since the end of World War II in Europe.
The news that war had ended with the formal surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945 was met with widespread relief and joy by millions of people on that day.
Events and street parties commemorating the end to the fighting can be joined at various locations in the borough:
In Finchampstead
There will be a Lighting of The Beacon ceremony, music from a live band, celebration cake and bubbly.
People are invited to bring their own picnic to the celebrations which will take place at St James Church, on Thursday, May 8, from 7pm until 9pm. For information, call: 0118 973 0133.
In Wokingham
The Wokingham Poppy Appeal, the Barkham Hookers crafting group, and Elusive Brewing beer makers will be in the town’s Market Place, along with military vehicles, and limited edition VE Day and poppy pin badges.
A special edition Elusive Brew beer created for the event will also be available.
At 11am, the Town Mayor, Cllr Rob Comber, will lay a wreath at the war memorial inside the Town Hall.
People are invited to attend and pay their respects between 10.30am and 2pm.
The VE Day celebrations will take place in the Market Place, on Thursday, May 8, from 9am until 5pm.
In Shinfield
The parish council is inviting residents to begin celebrations at the war memorial on School Green, where a wreath laying and a short service of thanksgiving will take place on Thursday, May 8, from 8.30pm.
The Reading Scottish Pipe Band will then lead a procession to the beacon, which will be lit at 9.30pm.
In Riseley
Celebrations will take place at the village recreation ground with a range of activities to celebrate VE Day.
There will be face painting, a cake competition, craft stalls, live music, tug of war, a barbecue and tombola.
Entry is free, with people invited to bring their own picnics, gazebos and seating to the event, which will take place at the village recreation ground, from noon through to 6pm on Saturday, May 10.
And in Wargrave
A special service of remembrance, in collaboration with the Royal British Legion, will be held at St Mary’s Church, on Thursday 8 May, from 6pm to 7pm.
For a link to all the borough’s parish and town council websites, visit: wokingham.moderngov.co.uk
