Romford Pictures: Community celebrates 70th anniversary of VE Day

Pupils Grace Patten, nine, Karis Wilkes, nine, Reagan Thomas, eight, Albie Rentan, nine, Andrew Porter, eight and Amy Trinder, eight, at Drapers' Brookside Junior School in Harold Hill, taking part in the VE Day 70th anniversary celebrations (Image: Archant)

Pupils came together on Friday for the 70th anniversary of VE (Victory in Europe) Day, which marked the end of the Second World War.

Broadford Primary School, in Faringdon Avenue, Harold Hill, hosted street parties, with classes singing songs and reading Sir Winston Churchill’s victory speech.

Assistant headteacher Georgina Barron called it a “fantastic opportunity” for pupils to “step back in time”, while headteacher Malcolm Drakes said it is “right to reflect” on that generation’s sacrifices.

Drapers’ Academy, in Settle Road, Harold Hill, was visited by veteran Eric Thurston, 95, and pupils at Drapers’ Brookside Junior School, in Dagnam Park Drive, cooked traditional British meals and dressed in Union Jack colours.

Lin Reynolds, a member of the Elm Park Royal British Legion, dressed as a Land Army girl at the branch's VE Day anniversary celebrations. Picture: Cllr Barry Mugglestone (Image: Archant)

The junior school’s executive principal, Angela Winch, called the day a “fantastic occasion”.

The academy’s principal Darren Luckhurst, whose grandfather fought in the Second World War, said he feels it is important to “ensure that the sacrifices made by so many are never forgotten by the younger generations”.

The Elm Park Royal British Legion laid on music, with members dressing in wartime clothes, while Queen’s Hospital held a service, played music and put up bunting.

To see our special VE Day supplement, pick up a copy of last week’s paper or visit the e-edition section on our website.

Ex-serviceman Paul Warner enjoying the VE Day 70th anniversary celebrations at Queen's Hospital, Romford. Picture: Queen's Hospital (Image: Archant)