One of our homeowners, reflects on a significant period of celebration and reflection….
We set up a core group of Homeowners, dubbed ‘G7,’ who got together to devise and implement ways in which to honour this landmark anniversary. No inter-governmental forum this but of equally serious intent, from the official countdown period in mid-February to the four-day national programme leading to May 8th.
We gathered a moving collection of memorabilia provided by Homeowners. Family letters, photographs, ration books, poems, portraits. It was all there. And we made replica ration books containing vouchers to be date-stamped at our two planned events. We researched wartime songs. And garnered quantities of decorations.
On the Bank Holiday weekend preceding VE Day 80 we spent two days decorating the village inside and out – bunting, banners, flags; beribboned columns; red, white and blue VE Day 80 balloons. Showing anyone visiting or passing that we were playing our part.
May 8th dawned. Our resident Salvation Army Band member, in uniform, played . Reveille and Rouse on the cornet; a flag was raised; the official Proclamation read. Then, with date-stamped ‘ration books,’ we had tea, coffee and the official WI Orange and Ginger Celebration Cake, made by Homeowners.. And a wartime singsong, accompanied by musician John Howard, who waived any fee in favour of donations for Alzheimer’s Dementia Support. £350 were raised. CEO Karl Hallows surely deserved a Strictly-style ‘10’ when corralled to do The Lambeth Walk!
In the evening a Victory Dinner, using wartime recipes from Marguerite Patten’s Victory Cookbook, in our restaurant, which looked beautiful. Small flags and tealights on tables, chairs backed with red, white or blue organza bows. ‘Ration books’ stamped again! The ‘G7’ co-leads in turn thanked all helpers and participants and read the official Tribute. The latter with the main lights turned off and re-lit to emulate ‘Light a Lamp for Peace,’ as on the VE Day 80 website. The Silence; singing I Vow to Thee, My Country and the National Anthem; and The Last Post on the cornet.
All rounded off by a collection of wartime-like tins and packets of food for Windsor Foodshare, one of a number of charities supported by Castle View.
Both events were attended by over 50 Homeowners and guests. A very successful day, mounted entirely by our dynamic and vibrant community. Karl Hallows said: “The generosity, support and willingness of all at Castle View continue to astonish me. You should be proud.” Very kind words. But it wasn’t about us.
It was to commemorate immense bravery and dedication and the freedom won.
‘LEST WE FORGET …‘
Penned by homeowner, Patricia.
