Bassetlaw District Council alongside the Worksop and Retford branches of the Royal British Legion have come together to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE day.
Dignitaries, veterans and other invited guests gathered at Retford Town Hall on Thursday 8th May to mark 80 years since Victory in Europe Day, when the Second World War came to an end in Europe in 1945 as we both celebrate victory and also remember those who lost their lives.
Bassetlaw resident, Sgt Ken Hoddy, from the Rifle Brigade describes the celebrations 80 years ago: “The music was coming from a van with two horns on by the Town Hall, putting dance music on and we were dancing round the memorial.
“One of the highlights was the paving of the memorial was flint, it was like a cobbled flint and, as we were dancing there were sparks flying out of our ammo boots on the flint and everybody was watching us dance and the sparks flying out of our boots.”
The VE Day event included a welcome from Cllr Susan Shaw, Chair of the Council, an address from the Royal British Legion and entertainment provided by 1940s and wartime singer tribute act, Jayne Darling.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said: “It was a privilege to come together with some of our veterans, their families and members of the Royal British Legion to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day.
“It remains very important that we come together to celebrate the anniversary of the victory while also recognising the sacrifice made by so very many of those who lost their lives during the Second World War.”
Last Updated on Friday, May 9, 2025