Sky News: The UK falls silent to mark the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and the end of the Second World War

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38 minutes ago
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Gloucester Cathedral to stage first-ever Stone Carving Festival
GLOUCESTER Cathedral is hosting its first-ever festival of stone carving. A celebration of traditional craftsmanship and heritage, the event is taking place over the August bank holiday weekend, from Saturday, August 23 to Monday, August 25, from 10am to 3pm. Stonemasons from across the country will gather on Cathedral Green to create carvings inspired by the theme of peace and remembrance, marking the 80th anniversary year of VE Day. Paul Synan, senior stonemason, said: "The Stone Carving Festival is a fantastic opportunity to show people the skill and craftsmanship that goes into carving stone at Gloucester Cathedral. "We are looking forward to welcoming carvers from around the country to try their hand at creating something truly special. "It's an extra privilege to know their work will be sold at auction at the end of the event." Visitors will be able to watch master craftspeople at work, including members of the cathedral's own team, and take part in hands-on activities suitable for all ages. There will also be a selection of food stalls on the Cathedral Green, including Box Kitchen, Smokingly Good BBQ and Mumma's Meals. The event is free to attend, with donations encouraged. Proceeds will support the Cathedral's East Cloister Project, which aims to preserve the 14th-century medieval cloister for future generations. After the festival, the newly carved stones—along with 12 historic stones that once formed part of the cathedral—will be auctioned online. Details on how to take part in the auction will be announced soon. Gloucester Cathedral has extended its thanks to the Cathedrals Workshop Fellowship, the Worshipful Company of Masons, and the Friends of Gloucester Cathedral for their support of the event. Cathedral stonemasons have looked after the Cathedral, a Grade I listed building, since 1089, preserving aspects of it to maintain its condition and adding intricate designs to the famous structure. Its stonemasons' team, historically known as the Workshop of St Peter, is one of only ten attached to Cathedrals in England. The team's work is crucial to ensure the Cathedral remains in the best possible condition for generations to come, and all listed buildings around the Cathedral grounds fall under their care. More information is available on the Gloucester Cathedral website.
Yahoo
41 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Pembrokeshire town's special services to mark VJ Day anniversary
Tenby joined the nation in marking Victory over Japan (VJ) Day yesterday (Friday August 15) to honour the end of World War Two and remember those who served in the Far East campaign. Commemorative events in the town began at 11am with a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tenby war memorial, with town mayor Cllr Dai Morgan amongst the many representative of local groups and organisations paying tribute. VJ Day marks 15 August 1945, the day Japan surrendered and brought World War Two to a close. Tenby Royal British Legionchairman Shane Roberts lays a wreath, watched by the mayor of Tenby. Cllr Dai Morgan. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Piper Graham Phillips played during the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) A large and respectful gathering stood in Tenby's South Parade for the wreath-laying, remembering the sacrifices of thousands of servicemen and women, including those who faced extreme conditions as prisoners of war or served in some of the most challenging theatres of war. Town Crier Erin Morgan proclaimed the start of the war memorial service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) One local resident who served in the Far East is 99-year-old Duncan Hilling of Saundersfoot, who has just been honoured by Wales First Minister, Eluned Morgan. Read more Pembrokeshire war veteran, 99, personally thanked by First Minister Mr Hilling is the senior member of Tenby Male Choir, whose proud fellow choristers said they saluted his service. Dyfed-Powys Police was amongst the organisations represented at the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) The ceremony at the war memorial was followed at midday by a special service of commemoration in St Mary's Church, Tenby conducted by the Rev Steven Brett. Youth organisations joined in the Tenby tribute. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) The chairman of the Tenby branch of the Royal British Legion, Shane Roberts, then led a presentation celebrating the lives of veterans and loved ones connected to the conflict, as well as local organisations affiliated to the Royal British Legion. The mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan, lays a wreath on behalf of the town. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) The beautiful floral cross in the Tenby war memorial grounds. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) Members of Tenby Town Council joined in the service. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) VJ Day 80 marks the end of World War Two in 1945. (Image: Gareth Davies Photography) The mayor of Tenby, Cllr Dai Morgan said: "VJ Day allows us to pay tribute to those whose service and sacrifice in the Far East are too often overlooked. "These commemorations are a chance for our community to come together, to remember, and to ensure that their legacy lives on." Tenby Town Council also acknowledged the ongoing efforts of the Tenby Branch of the Royal British Legion, who continue to ensure the stories of these veterans are remembered and respected.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Garden unveiled in Windermere to honour Holocaust survivor children
A garden of remembrance has been unveiled to mark 80 years since the arrival of 300 holocaust survivor children. The Bud and Blossom: Reflection Garden was opened at The Lakes School, in Windermere, to honour the 300 orphaned Jewish children who arrived in the Lake District in 1945 following the liberation of Nazi concentration camps. The children, later known as the Windermere Children, were resettled on the Calgarth Estate, now the site of The Lakes School. The garden was officially opened by survivors Arek Hersh MBE, Joanna Millan BEM, Harry Olmer MBE, and Jackie Young (Image: The Lakes School) The garden was officially opened by survivors Arek Hersh MBE, Joanna Millan BEM, Harry Olmer MBE, and Jackie Young, who all came to live on the estate after liberation. Luke Brown of The Lakes School said: "This is not just a moment in history we are remembering; it is a lesson for the future. "The Bud and Blossom Garden will stand as a reminder to our students and community of the strength of the human spirit and the importance of compassion." Nearly a decade ago, Sir Ben Helfgott, a fellow survivor and Olympic weightlifter, planted a memorial sapling at the school. The garden honours the 300 orphaned Jewish children who arrived in the Lake District following the liberation of Nazi concentration camps (Image: The Lakes School) That tree now stands as a symbol of growth, remembrance, and the enduring human spirit. The arrival of the children was made possible by philanthropist Leonard Montefiore, who secured Government approval and funding for the resettlement scheme. He believed every child deserved the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their background. The garden was designed by Trinity Catholic School and Trinity Humanities, whose concept won gold at BBC Gardeners' World Live earlier this year. During the ceremony, Mr Brown inducted Arek Hersh MBE as an honorary alumnus of The Lakes School in recognition of his contributions to Holocaust education. The garden was designed by Trinity Catholic School and Trinity Humanities (Image: The Lakes School) The day continued with a gathering at Windermere Library, where Trevor Avery of The Lake District Holocaust Project and Angie Cohen, chair of the 45 Aid Society, reflected on the legacy of the Windermere Children and the ongoing importance of Holocaust remembrance. The story of the children was brought to a wider audience through the BBC and Warner Bros. film The Windermere Children, which depicted their journey to rebuild their lives in the Lake District. The Lakes School says it remains committed to keeping the story of the Windermere Children alive for future generations.