Having joined in the nation’s bell ringing on the evening of 8th May, St Cynllo’s then played host to Llangunllo’s celebration on Sunday 11th. The church was decked out in appropriate festive colours, and images and memorabilia captured the atmosphere.
The hymns were chosen from the ones that were sung in Westminster Abbey and various readings told the story of that day in 1945. These included a six years old boy’s memory of his rather tipsy Mum being brought home in a wheel barrow.
The fabulous Luggettes gave us a selection of wartime songs whose words reflected the progress from marching off at the start to the final happy reunion. Music played an important role in maintaining morale and Trevor and his trombone (aka The Glen Miller Orchestra) certainly brought this home with a couple of lively pieces that involved the congregation as the rhythm section.
Many did their war service on the home front and Rebecca told us of her Quaker grandfather’s experience – ironically put to work in a munitions factory, he later returned to Cadbury’s, making chocolate – still a pretty important contribution to the war effort, I think!!
VE Day was a day of contrasting feelings, with some not able to join in carefree celebrations. We were reminded of those mixed emotions in our prayers but the symbolic flame of the Easter Candle represented thankfulness, peace and hope for us.
Finally, just before our tea, the cheery strains of ‘Who do you think you’re kidding, Mr Hitler’ caused grins all round!
Many thanks to everyone for making it such a lovely get together.
Words: Pam Livingstone-Lawn Photos: Michael Brown