A DORSET village that was awarded the title of ‘Bravest Village’ due to the high number of young men who risked their lives in the First World War is set to mark VJ80 day in style.
2025 marks 80 years since the end of the Second World War following Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945.
Events are planned throughout the country to honour the service and sacrifice of those who fought in the Far East and Pacific- and Shillingstone residents will not be missing out, as a special event has been organised.
The day will begin with a family-friendly open mic afternoon with Dan Baker from 1.30pm to 5.30pm on Saturday, August 16 at the Old Ox Inn on Blandford Road.
There will be activities for children, as well as the chance to win a special Second World War-themed cake baked by Kim Suter, who has baked cakes before to raise funds for the village.
Donations from the open mic and money raised from the cake raffle will be going towards maintaining Shillingstone’s War Memorial.
The landlords of the Old Ox Inn, Shaun and Marcia Hannam, will also be selling burgers from their popular BBQ stand from 12.30pm.
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The bar will be open, serving all the usual array of refreshments that their friendly, community-spirited village pub has to offer.
Shillingstone Parish Council chairperson Rachel McNamara said: “Everyone is welcome to share the day with us, whether you are a local or not, as the Second World War affected everyone’s family in one way or another.
“If you have memories of the war or have been entrusted with memories from loved ones, please feel free to come and share. We would love to hear them. Let us make some happy memories together.”
Inscriptions on the memorial Picture: Gary Ridout
Councillor Kay Ridout has explained more about Shillingstone’s ties to both world wars.
“Shillingstone’s village hut – which was the hub of the village’s social life before the new village hall was built in 1956, was used by the Home Guard before being requisitioned for billeting purposes in 1939,” she said.
“The hut committee was paid the grand sum of £39 for the inconvenience. The hut was eventually handed back to the village in 1941, and in February of that year, a dance was held to ‘see the Northumberland Fusiliers on their way’. More than 230 members of the armed forces attended.
“As the war raged on, the hut continued to ‘do its bit’. The committee held dances to raise money to purchase gas masks, and numerous donations were sent to various charities, including ‘Mine Sweepers Wool Fund’ and ‘The Empire Air Raid Distress Fund’.
“More than £100 was raised in 1942 for these and other wartime-related charities.
“Dances were reinstated and held twice a week. As televisions were not yet popular or affordable in the 1940s, these dances were much-needed social events to lift the morale of the community while they awaited news of their brave loved ones.
“It is also probable that many romances started and flourished as the music played.
“Sadly, there are only a few residents left who can recall memories of that dark and worrying time. One resident who was a young child in 1945 was Cyril Allen, who said ‘I remember VJ Day very well, as it meant that my father, Hector, could finally come home after being away for a very long time’.
“So in honour of all those who gathered together on VJ Day with music, cake and bunting, not only to celebrate the end of the war but also to remember those who never made it home, we will also share music, cake and bunting as we take a moment to contemplate all the sacrifices made by everyone who lived through the Second World War.”
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