PEOPLE in the borough will join the nation in marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
On June 6, 1944, air, sea and land forces of the allied armies carried out what became the biggest sea invasion in military history, when they landed on the beaches of Normandy, France.
Seven thousand ships and landing craft with 195,000 naval personnel from eight allied countries, and nearly 133,000 US,British Commonwealth and allied troops landed on D-Day.
Their efforts would lead to the liberation of Western Europe and ultimately the end of the Second World War.
Events to mark the success and the sacrifices will be taking place at various locations.
Friday, May 31
Wokingham
Wokingham In Need is celebrating with senior residents, who will be able to enjoy afternoon tea, a talk by Kevin Lenton who’s father was at the D-Day landings, and music from The Bailey Dolls and Art Themen.
They will also be able to view a collection of World War II era artefacts.
The event will take place at The Wade Day Centre, Wokingham from 12.30pm until 3.30pm.
Thursday, Jun 6
Crowthorne
Crowthorne Parish Council will mark the anniversary with displays and attractions including a schools art show, World War II aeroplane models, Wildmoor Heath School choir, a treasure hunt, and a fire engine, with refreshments available to buy from Sir Whippy ice cream van.
The event takes place at Morgan Recreation Ground, Crowthorne, with gates open from 3.30pm.
A Royal British Legion beer tent, and food stalls, will be available from 6pm, and at 6.45pm the film Dunkirk (12) will be shown at an outdoor screening.
Finally, the Vintage Belles will sing World War II favourites before a beacon lighting ceremony and an international tribute.
Parking at the recreation ground will be limited to those with health conditions.
Additional parking is available at Edgbarrow School from 5pm.
Finchampstead
Finchampstead Parish Council invites visitors to a commemoration evening held by St James’s Church are invited to bring a chair and a picnic.
There will be live music, a beacon lighting from the church tower, as well as cake and refreshments.
The event takes place at St James’s Church, Finchampstead from 7pm.
Anyone with memories of D-Day is invited to send them to Christine Driver at: [email protected]
Wokingham
The Royal British Legion, in conjunction with Wokingham Town Council and The Barkham Hookers will be holding a special event to commemorate D-Day.
There will be military vehicles on display, a stand from the Wokingham Poppy Appeal and Elusive Brewing will be selling cans of their limited edition D-Day 80 beer, with proceeds going to the Poppy Appeal.
The event will take place in Wokingham Market Place from 9am until 4.30pm.
Woodley
Woodley Town Council is organising an evening of events that will feature a live band, entertainment and refreshment stalls, and the Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire, and Woodley’s town mayor will light a beacon at 9.15pm.
People are invited to bring a picnic to the event which will take place in Woodford Park Memorial Ground, Woodley from 6pm to 10pm.
On Friday, June 7
Twyford
Twyford and District Age Concern Senior Social Club will hold a free afternoon and evening of activities, attended by the Rt Hon Theresa May, member of parliament for Maidenhead.
The event will take place at the Age Concern Social Club, Polehampton Close, Twyford from noon until 3pm.
Saturday, June 8
Arborfield
The Royal British Legion in Arborfield is inviting the community to come and celebrate with them, with an afternoon of family-friendly activities, live music, food, face painting, a bouncy castle, and a barbecue.
The event will take place at The Royal British Legion Club, Eversley Road, Arborfield, from noon.
Family tickets (two adults and two children) cost £20 in advance (£22 on the day), adult tickets cost £7.50 (£8.50 on the day) and child/concession tickets are £5 (£6 on the day).
Cheaper priced Online ticket sales will close on Saturday, June 1, but tickets can still be purchased on the day.
