Video: British Legion standard bearer observes two-minute silence for VE Day

Sleaford area people are preparing to celebrate and commemorate the end of the Second World War in Europe 75 years ago in a very different way to what was originally planned - due to coronavirus lockdown.

As part of a national initiative, people are joing in ‘Stay at Home Street Parties’ for VE Day and households decorating their homes with red, white and blue, bunting and enjoying a family picnic in the garden, drive or balcony.

Royal British Legion Sleaford branch standard-bearer Brian Harvey stepped out in medals and blazer bearing the flag and lowered it for the two minute silence, with a number of passers-by stopping to join him including a Sleaford policewoman, before receiving a round of applause for his efforts. He will be out again at 9pm with standard on parade for a UK-wide singalong to Vera Lynn’s ‘We’ll Meet Again.

Villagers in Heydour are to join in a sing-along to wartime favourites with vocalists Caroline and Emma while they do their daily exercise between 2.30pm and 3.30pm around the village hall. Some are ordering and collecting takeaway cream teas at the same time.

There is to be a national toast at 3pm and Rural Dean and vicar of Sleaford, Rev Philip Johnson hopes to record a short service of thanksgiving on the church’s YouTube channel.

Sleaford Town Crier John Griffiths will be issuing a proclamation marking the anniversary on his Facebook page just after 2pm.

William Alvey School isstaying open for a ‘socially distanced’ street party in the front car park, with flags and bunting, dressed 1945 style.

Ashdene care home is displaying banners and bunting and enjoying a concert via Facebook with songs from the period performed by the Blighty Belles singers at 1pm. Staff are dressed up in 1940s gear.

RAF College Cranwell will be doing a video broadcast via Facebook at 3pm. The bells within College Hall commemorate the 477 Flight Cadets who lost their lives during the war.

Mrs Smith’s Cottage at Navenby volunteers have organised a Twitter Tea Dance, getting people to send in and share short videos of them doing a 1940s style dance.

○ Send us your VE Day celebration pictures to [email protected] or via Facebook @thesleafordstandard.