A series of events were held across the borough to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe last week. Here are some pictures of the celebrations, which concluded with the lighting of the beacon in Walpole Park.
The evening event, on Thursday 8 May, started with speeches from Ealing Council’s deputy leader Councillor Louise Brett and mayor of Ealing Councillor Yvonne Johnson. This was followed with hymns led by Ealing Choral Society. The beacon was lit by Deputy Lieutenant Richard Kornicki CBE, the King’s representative in the borough.
Scores of residents also attended the event to reflect on the importance of the service given by people in the Second World War. The event was set against the backdrop of Pitzhanger Manor and Gallery, which was specially lit for the occasion.
Councillor Brett said: “The event provided a great opportunity to remember the millions of people who lost their lives during the Second World War. it is also important to celebrate their efforts and the peacetime they brought on Victory in Europe Day, just as people did 80 years ago.”
Blue plaque for George Cross recipient
Earlier in the day a ceremony was held to unveil a blue plaque to commemorate the courageous efforts of Special Operations Executive agent Odette Sansom, in Lawrence Road, South Ealing.
Odette, who was the first woman to be awarded the George Cross, became one of the best-known female agents of the war. She made an extraordinary contribution to the Allied war effort against Nazi Germany, endured unimaginable hardships, and displayed unwavering bravery.
Odette’s family, including her grandchildren and great grandchildren, were in attendance along with Ealing Council leader Peter Mason, cabinet member for thriving communities Councillor Blerina Hashani, and representatives from English Heritage, which runs the blue plaque scheme.
Street parties
Streets across the borough were closed for parties to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. On Sunday 4 and Bank Holiday Monday 5 May, residents in Acton, Ealing, Greenford, Hanwell and Perivale got together to share food, drink and stories to celebrate the special occasion. Here is a selection of pictures from the street parties.
Music and memories
Pupils from St Vincent’s Primary School choir, and their music teacher performed for the celebrations held at Michael Flanders Centre in Acton, where Leonard Pidgley, 97, recalled his experiences of VE day as a 17-year-old.
Mayor of Ealing, Councillor Johnson, opened the event followed by speeches from the council’s cabinet member for healthy, equal lives Councillor Polly Knewstub, and Richard Kornicki CBE, the King’s representative in the borough.
More celebrations
Older residents living in social housing visited Perceval House in Ealing Broadway to mark the 80th anniversary. They enjoyed lunch together, and took part in a VE Day quiz and other activities to give them the chance to share memories.
Thankyou to everyone that sent in their photos.
Local history
Read 2 local history stories that tell how VE Day was experienced locally in 1945 through different people’s eyes.
