'Stay home': Pupils' video helps Mayor deliver message for VE75 day

Numerous new events and festivals had been planned for tomorrow's new Bank Holiday - with thousands of people expected to head to the coast.

A few months ago it would have been unimaginable for Skegness not to be welcoming visitors - but as the Covid-19 restrictions remain in place, that is exactly what is happening.

And the Richmond School has been busy helping the Mayor of Skegness, Coun Mark Dannatt, to deliver the difficult message that the coast is closed.

Coun Dannatt said: "This Friday, May 8, the Council was due to host a commemoration of the 75th anniversary of VE day.

"Sadly, due to the current lockdown we have had to cancel this.

"I do hope, however, that you will spend a few minutes on Friday to remember and celebrate those who gave their lives to overcome the horror of World War 2. Also, take time to think of the people who lived through such adversity during those years but overcame it.

"We face a crisis again. A very different situation but requiring us all to live in a way we perhaps couldn't have imagined just a few months ago.

"At a time when we long to be with family and friends, when many face financial uncertainty and when we are all desperate to know when this will be over, we need to remember with certainty that better times are ahead.

"To you all I say, just as VE day represented the end of a long period of darkness, be sure that the people of Skegness will see good sunny times again and a time when we can all celebrate together.

"Until then, continue to follow Government guidance to 'Stay at Home, protect the NHS and Save Lives'.

"I would like to thank the pupils of the Richmond School for helping me deliver this message."

HOW YOU CAN CELEBRATE AT HOME

Communities in the Skegness area are still being encouraged to celebrate VE75 even though the official events have been cancelled.

They are being encouraged to join a National Stay Home Street Party, decorating their house in red, white and blue and holding a tea party, dinner and toast in their front gardens.

In Burgh le Marsh, the residents of Elm Crescent are planning a picnic in their front gardens at 3pm, while enjoying the two-meter social distancing rules.

A programme of ways to celebrate has been provided as follows:

11am Two minutes silence on your doorstep

3pm Churchill speech shown on BBC. Then grab your picnic blankets or garden table and head to your front garden for...

4pm: Tea and scones (or coffee and cake)

6pm Dinner and raise your glass to your neighbours

9pm Nationwide sing-a-long to 'We'll Meet Again' with the Royal British Legion after the Queen's address.

How will you be celebrating? Email [email protected] with details and pictures.