Newark: Caythorpe villagers take part in delayed VE75 day celebrations

Villagers have taken part in a series of delayed VE75 day celebrations.

Ahead of the event, residents of Caythorpe (Notts) were asked for their second world war memories for a display at the War Memorial Hall.

The exhibition was due to be held last summer to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day, but it was postponed due to covid.

Geoff Firmin, an organiser, said: “We were so grateful to everyone who responded. We had some fascinating and often moving replies.

“Some came from older residents who were children and teenagers during the war and have vivid memories of what life was like.

“Others were from younger villagers who had family members who served on land air and sea and in vital work on the Home Front.

“Putting the exhibition together, we were amazed at the variety of experiences found in our small village.

“We were delighted by the reaction to the exhibition and because of the delay we were so pleased to be able also to celebrate and commemorate VJ75, which ended the war.”

There was also a trail and quiz highlighting how properties looked during the war, and a village picnic.

Every child was given a commemorative mug, commissioned by the parish council and made by the Olde Mill Pottery in the village.

A series of booklets were sold to record the village war time memories, the village trail, and the war time diary of former Caythorpe resident Robert Baker, who managed to keep a journal even when captured by the Japanese.

Proceeds were donated to SSAFA the Armed Forces charity.