On the evening of 8th May, 2025, we held our VE Day 80 beacon event to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe.
The beacon was lit as an act of remembrance — and as a symbol of hope and peace for the future.
It was especially poignant that the beacon stood atop an old air raid shelter, just a stone’s throw from where a bonfire beacon was lit 80 years ago on the Mount in Poverest to celebrate the end of the war.
This beacon was being lit at the request of His Majesty The King, as part of a national tribute, with thousands of beacons shining across the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth.
A church service was held at St John’s at 8:00 PM, followed by a “Candlelight” procession to the common, while others gathered directly at the beacon site on Broomhill Common.
- Military artefacts donated by local residents were on display, including a re-enactment group in wartime uniform.
- As part of the ceremony, an all-clear air raid siren sounded — the traditional signal marking the end of danger.
We were honoured to welcome representatives from the Royal British Legion, local churches, and relatives of those who served at the ARP Warden post on Broomhill Common, as we came together to remember the past and celebrate the hope of peace for generations to come.