A SPECIAL weekend packed with events has been held in a Herefordshire border town to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of World War Two.
Hay 75, in Hay-on-Wye, was postponed in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic, but was held last weekend – coinciding with the Royal British Legion's centenary.
The South East Wales and Herefordshire Regions of the RBL, which work to support servicemen and women, veterans and their families, came together for the events and were joined by Association Standards from as far away as Berkshire.
Despite last minute cancellations from some of the participants due to Covid-19, the three days of exhibits, organised events and commemoration, were a great success, organisers said.
Donations were made to the military charity Change Step, which offers effective support for veterans, their families and carers in Wales. Enabling them to access vital support services and tackle serious stress and related issues.
Other events that day included a talk on 'The Burney Brothers, Hay’s War Heroes' by authors Hugh Purcell and Margaret Percy, and 40’s singer Jayne Darling providing period entertainment at the Black Lion Inn.
On Saturday, a short Service of Remembrance at the Commonwealth War Graves, predominantly of German and Italian Prisoners of War, was held. A poignant touch was provided by a volley of rifle shots from a group of German soldier re-enactors.
This was followed by a short remembrance by the Women’s Land Army re-enactors at the grave of a former Land Army “Girl”, Pat Jenkins. Later in the day the WLA made a presentation of a Land Army badge, WW2 Certificate and bouquet of flowers to Irene Gwynne, a member of the Women’s Land Army in the 1940s.
A concert at St Mary’s Parish Church included a performance by Lauren Elizabeth Williams, a vocal student at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, accompanied by the Surrey Police Band.
More than £2,000 was raised here in aid of Fisher House, which offers a home away from home for injured military personnel, many of whom served in Iraq and Afghanistan and continue to return to the hospital for more surgery, and personnel who are receiving treatment for illness – including cancer care and transplants.
The Kilvert Hotel hosted a Tea Dance, with music provided by the Little Ashby Big Band and Jayne Darling, and period dancing and lessons provided by the Steve and Sue Mace and the Cindy Dolloway Dancers of Hereford.
While all of this was taking place, the CaeMawr field played host to re-enactors from around the UK – Women’s Land Army, German Army units, British Medical units, Military Vehicle Trust groups, all providing a glimpse into life during wartime.
An exhibition Spitfire, a tank present on D-Day, Anderson shelters, and agricultural vehicles were all enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
There was also a parade led by RBL bikers’ groups, military vehicles, Swansea City Pipe Band and Shirley Pipe Band. As well as a fly-past from a Dakota aeroplane and a speech from 'Winston Churchill'.
The culmination of the weekend on Sunday was a Service of Remembrance, where wreaths were laid.
County, town and parish councillors, family members of the fallen and members of the public were then invited to make their personal tribute in the form of a wreath or red rose. Donations were collected to benefit the RBL Poppy Appeal.
County Councillor, William Powell, said: "The whole event was a phenomenal success and I pay tribute to Kelvyn Jenkins and everyone associated with the Royal British Legion in Hay on Wye
"Alongside colleagues in Herefordshire, they worked so hard to make it possible, drawing on veterans, supporters and dignitaries".
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