Pembrokeshire Church to mark 80th anniversary of VJ Day
A poppy display has been crafted by volunteers, led by Dorothy Mason from the local British Legion branch.
The poppy, a symbol of remembrance, is a fitting tribute to those who served and sacrificed during the war.
Residents are invited to the church between 2pm and 4pm to view the display and join in the commemorations.
Free tea and cake will be served, offering an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance.
The event is part of nationwide celebrations, with communities across the UK marking this significant milestone in history.
VJ Day, on August 15, 1945, marked the end of the Second World War when Japan surrendered, bringing peace after years of global conflict.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Veteran, 99, says there are ‘not many of us left' ahead of VJ Day anniversary
A 99-year-old Second World War veteran has said ahead of the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) that there are 'not many of us left'. Dougie Shelley, who joined the Royal Navy aged 17, served as a seaman gunner on the Arctic convoys and was later posted to the Pacific and Australia. He said he was out in the Far East at the end of the war and described those who survived to celebrate as 'lucky fellas'. Mr Shelley, who lives in a retirement housing complex in Southend, Essex, said he will turn 100 next month. 'Yep, an old, old sailor of 100 years old,' he said. 'There's not many of us left, mate. We've sailed the seven seas.' He continued: 'At the end of the war we were out in the Far East but we came into Hong Kong, and that's where it was at the end of the war. 'We went into the China Fleet Club. Boy, did we have a lovely time. 'My god, all those lucky fellas.' He served on several ships including the HMS Milne, which he described as 'the biggest ship the Royal Navy ever built' at the time. 'And boy what a ship,' said Mr Shelley. His carer Paul Bennett, who served in the Army and met him at a local veterans club in 2016, said he will watch Friday's VJ Day memorial service on TV with Mr Shelley. Mr Bennett, 77, said he spends two hours with Mr Shelley each day and does his shopping, cleaning, laundry and other tasks for him. 'I do it out of respect for him and his service,' said Mr Bennett. 'He was in the Arctic Convoys in the war. 'He was in the (HMS) Milne and the (HMS) Armada.' Mr Bennett said Mr Shelley 'spent his life as an able seaman, he never got promoted or anything – failed his bosuns exams because he had eye trouble'. 'He tells me he got sunk twice when he was in the Arctic and managed to survive both sinkings,' he said. 'Then he was there on D-Day in the Milne supporting the chaps going off to land in craft ashore in Normandy and he was a gunner keeping the skies clear of enemy aircraft and all that sort of thing. 'So, he's done his bit. 'He always says to me he misses the people he served with. 'The problem of course now is there's none of them left.' Mr Shelley, who has no known surviving family, followed his brother and uncle into the Royal Navy. Mr Bennett said: 'His claim to fame is he lied about his age to join the Navy and got in, and he said it was the best time of his life. 'He left the Navy in 1947, did a few jobs, then went back into the Merchant Navy for some years.' He said Mr Shelley worked on ships taking so-called Ten Pound Poms to Australia and also had jobs in security and as a driver for the Ministry of Defence. One of Mr Shelley's roles on the HMS Milne was as the 'rum bosun', Mr Bennett said, and Mr Shelley would sound a pipe and call 'up spirits' before the daily rum ration was given out.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Delayed grass cutting boosts butterflies at ancient royal hunting forest
Delaying the cutting of grass and wildflowers until later in summer has been credited with boosting the number of butterflies recorded at an ancient royal hunting forest. The National Trust, which looks after Hatfield Forest in Essex, said the number of butterfly species recorded at the reserve has reached a 17-year high. The conservation charity said the reserve is home to 24 butterfly species. It said numbers of marbled-white and small heath butterflies are particularly high, and sightings of the elusive purple emperor are also on the increase. While a hot and dry spring contributed to high numbers, it is thought that a change in the way the landscape is managed has had the biggest impact, the charity said. James Rowland, National Trust operations manager at Hatfield Forest, said: 'Grassland management is an important part of how we manage the landscape. 'Two years ago we decided to make a small change to managing this habitat and since then we've seen numbers soar. 'Each year the grass, including the wildflowers, would be mechanically cut in June, but by delaying this as long as possible, to late July into August, we're allowing flowering species to remain in flower for longer, providing greater benefit to nectar-reliant species. 'Even plants such as thistle and ragwort, which can outcompete other flora species without some level of control, are extremely valuable for butterflies and other pollinators, so we've been allowing them to remain in flower as long as possible and only cutting at the point they turn to seed.' A herd of red poll cattle also play a part in creating the best conditions for wildflowers to grow. 'When cattle graze, not only do they help keep scrub and other dominant plants under control, they help break up the compacted soil,' said Mr Rowland. 'For the last few years we've made the move to retain a small number to graze over the winter months to help suppress the growth of scrub species like bramble. 'We're finding that the presence of the cattle during this period of the year is also helping to prevent a thick thatch of plant matter from smothering next spring's growth of grass and wildflowers.' He continued: 'As our summers get hotter and drought-like conditions become more common, it's more crucial than ever to sustain a nectar source for our pollinators. 'During a peak dry spell, many grassland species quickly start to decline and our hardiest species like thistle and ragwort can be a lifeline to many invertebrates.' Official records at the forest began in 2008 but annual butterfly surveys have been carried out by staff and volunteers for more than 50 years. The National Trust describes Hatfield Forest as the 'most complete example of a medieval royal hunting forest surviving today'. Hatfield Forest was owned by the then King of England, Harold, immediately before the Norman Conquest in 1066. It then passed to William after his victory at the Battle of Hastings and is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086. The royal hunting forest was created by Henry I in about 1100 and royal hunting rights remained until 1446.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
'Pure adrenaline and joy' - Skydive in memory of dad
A skydive in memory of a loved one became an 'unforgettable' tribute. Caine Harrison, 29, from Caerphilly, leapt from a plane in memory of his dad Christopher, who died last year following a cardiac arrest. The skydive raised £590 for Wales Air Ambulance, which was one of the first on the scene during his father's medical emergency. Mr Harrison said: "Wales Air Ambulance responded incredibly quickly when my dad suffered a cardiac arrest. "Although he sadly passed away, I'm deeply grateful for the efforts they made and the compassion they showed during such a difficult time. "Their support didn't end there—the kindness and care they continued to show after we lost dad, through the aftercare service, was truly remarkable. "I wanted to give something back in recognition of everything they did for us." He described the skydive as an 'absolutely incredible' experience, filled with 'pure adrenaline and joy.' Mr Harrison has raised funds for the charity before. Last month, he completed the Gower Peninsula Ultra Challenge, walking 100km in 23 hours alongside his colleague Lucy Roberts. The challenge, which included support from their team at Link Financial, raised more than £5,000 for charity, with funds still coming in. Mr Harrison said: "Many of the team completed either the 100km, 50km, or 25km distances, and the experience was incredibly meaningful to all of us. "I'm incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and colleagues who supported my fundraising journey. "At times, I was overwhelmed by their generosity, their encouragement and donations kept me going and meant the world to me." Christian Sullivan, regional fundraising manager for south Wales, praised Mr Harrison's efforts. Mr Sullivan said: "A huge thank you to Caine for fundraising for our charity. "He set himself the challenge of completing a skydive in memory of his dad, Christopher, which is so heartwarming. "It's incredible to hear of families who go on to raise funds for the charity after a loved one has passed away. "We really appreciate Caine's support and it sounds like he thoroughly enjoyed the experience, whilst honouring his dad."
