Military vehicles and Spitfire flypast in Uckfield
on Saturday to commemorate VE/VJ Day
Wealden District and Uckfield Town Councils hope you will join the VE/VJ commemoration day events at Luxford Field and the Civic Centre, Uckfield on Saturday 20th. Thanks to a successful bid for funding from the Big Lottery Home Front Recall Fund, there will be no charge for admission.
Events in and around the Field start mid-morning with a Veterans Parade and wreath-laying at the War Memorial in the Holy Cross churchyard at 11.00am immediately before the formal opening of the event.
On the Field itself, you can expect to see up to 30 military vehicles ranging from a Chieftain and a Centurion tank to an Alvis Stalwart, a Scammell Amazon and a Humber Pig. There will be a varied programme of entertainment with a ‘Dad’s Army’ re-enactment, music by the Eddie Bryan Big Band and a Scottish Piper.
At the Sussex Air Ambulance stall a book of war time memories will be created. People who now live in Wealden will be asked to recount their war time memories, wherever they may have been during that period.
Children will receive a booklet Remembering the Second World War in Wealden and adults will be able to collect a free copy of the District Council’s acclaimed publication Wealden Walks. This fascinating pictorial and information guide to the District was also produced with funding from the Lottery Fund.
Vice-Chairman of Wealden District Council, Cllr Pat Kennedy, speaking of the event said
”I shall find it a great privilege to show respect and appreciation for the enormous contribution that so many people made during the difficult years from 1939 to 1945. I hope people attending these events on Saturday will take away a better understanding of all that we owe to earlier generations.”
The events of August 20 will end with a VJ Day Party for Peace at the Civic Centre Uckfield, organised by Uckfield Town Council. Dancing will be to the music of the Ian James Big Band and 1940s dress is optional. It will run from 8.00–11.30pm and there is no charge for tickets. Benefits include a free buffet and a copy of the District Council’s publication Wealden Walks.
Tickets for the Party are available in advance from the Box Office on 01825 769694, or on the door.
