Online service will mark VE Day in Malpas

Malpas and District will mark VE Day this weekend as community leaders share important messages

Canon Ian Davenport and Reverend Helen Molesworth of Malpas, Threapwood and Bickerton Churches will share an online address and service to mark the occasion.

The message will reflect how the value of courage, patience, mutual support and endurance experienced during the Second World War – is just as important in today’s unprecedented times.

Malpas’ original VE75 commemorations and celebrations planned for the village have been postponed.

However, the Malpas VE75 committee hope the occasion will be marked in the community by the residents decorating their homes in red, white and blue and joining in national celebrations.

At 11am there will be National Remembrance Two Minute Silence.

At 3pm is the nation’s toast to the heroes of the Second World War, when residents will be able to stand up and raise a glass to say thank you to those who gave so much.

At 9pm Her Majesty The Queen will address the nation – the exact moment her father King George VI gave a radio address 75 years ago this Friday, and national moment of celebration will followed by and it is hoped local residents will join in a national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn’s We’ll Meet Again.

As Lindy Hopping dance is being encouraged nationally, Malpas celebrity and dance star, Chloe Hewitt, hopes her aspiring dance pupils will take up the challenge to boost morale during lockdown and practice Second World War dance moves in their gardens.

“Dancing boosted morale during the Second World War,” said Chloe.

“keeping active is still so important and I hope those who put themselves forward to dance for VE75 Weekend will have fun showing their families the dance techniques we have started.”

Chris Whitehurst, secretary to Malpas VE75 Committee, added: “Given the pledges of support and planning that has already gone into Malpas VE75 Commemorations, the Committee are committed to stage many of the scheduled activities in a major village victory celebration when the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.”