Caerphilly County Borough marks 80th anniversary of VE Day

Members of Trethomas Over 50s Club with their VE Day celebrations

People across Caerphilly County Borough have been marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day with celebrations and memorial services.

Members of Trethomas Over 50s Club, which meet on Wednesdays at Navigation Street’s Clwb Ruperra, got all dressed up in 1940s costumes and enjoyed a period-themed lunch.

The club has only been going for ten weeks, but has already amassed a following of more than 60 people, who regularly attend.

One of those is Carolyn Bale, who proudly brought in pictures and memorabilia of her mother and father as part of a World War II display.

Carolyn’s father Derick Parsons, a Royal Marine, was part of the Allies’ successful invasion of Westkapelle in the Netherlands in November 1944. Part of Operation Infatuate, the mission focussed on opening and securing the port of Antwerp for vital supplies and logistics in the battle for Europe.

Her mother Hazel served in the Wrens – the Women’s Royal Naval Service.

Elizabeth Tilley, one of the organisers of the Over 50s Club

As well as the fancy dress, flags, and historic displays, the club also ran a wartime raffle with items such as butter, which was then rationed, as prizes.

Elizabeth Tilley, who helped start the club, said anyone over 50 was welcome to join them on Wednesdays between 1pm and 4pm.

Pictures from Trethomas courtesy of Hannah Louisa Nicklin from Nutty Pear

Glyngaer Primary School marked VE Day with the opening of a memorial garden attended by Caerphilly Senedd Member Hefin David.

Year 6 pupils talked visitors through how they planned and funded the garden, with the support of
headteacher Mrs Cushion and Gelligaer Community Council.

Children also provided entertainment in the form of dancing and singing and guests enjoyed a cream tea to celebrate.

MS Dr David gave a speech at the opening and laid a wreath to mark the occasion.

He said: “The opening of the memorial garden was a huge success and that is thanks to the hard work of the staff and children at Glyngaer Primary, local trades, and the funding from Gelligaer Community Council.

“It was wonderfully poignant to open the garden on the 80th anniversary of VE day, allowing us to share an opportunity to remember the sacrifices made by people at that time.”