Scarborough Marks VE Day Anniversary

Thursday, 8 May 2025 18:06

By Matthew Pells

Members of the Royal British Legion were joined by the town's MP to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Scarborough and Whitby MP Alison Hume was among those payer her respects to the nation’s servicemen and women by laying a wreath at an event to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day.

Ms Hume took part in the ceremony at Alma Square, Scarborough, alongside members of the Royal British Legion (RBL), military cadets and other local dignitaries before visiting Childhaven Community Nursery School in the town to attend their celebration of the date.

The RBL’s commemoration included a parade of regimental standards, historical reflections and other acts of remembrance.

These included the recital of an extract from Sir Winston Churchill’s VE Day speech.

A spokesperson from the Scarborough branch of the RBL said:

"In a moving tribute, our community stood united in remembrance and gratitude.

With the proud presence of our veterans, standard bearers, cadets, St Peter’s School, the Women’s Institute, and a great community including some of its representatives, we honoured those who served and sacrificed for our freedom.

It was great to see a centenarian present as well as others of great age with a tale or two; you are wonderful.

Ms Hume said:

“I was honoured and proud to be able to lay a wreath at what was such a moving ceremony.

“The turnout, for our finest generation, was wonderful, fitting and deserved.

“To be in the company of so many people who have served, or who have family members who have served, was very humbling.

“Eighty years ago, the freedoms we enjoy today were defended by our remarkable Second World War generation.”

At Childhaven, a school which specialises in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Ms Hume took part in a VE Day themed tea party.

Residents from the nearby Normanby House Nursing Home were also invited, enjoying tea, scones and entertainment from a local musician.

Staff, including head teacher Kathryn Firth, gave Ms Hume a tour of the premises on Belgrave Crescent where many children sported Union Jack themed face paint and waved flags.

Ms Hume said:

“It was wonderful to visit Childhaven and see the children entertain everyone there.

“It is such a special setting that makes caring for and educating children with a variety of different needs look deceptively easy.”

The Government commemorated VE Day by launching a new UK-wide veteran support system called VALOUR, which aims to ensure veterans have easier access to essential care and support.

Backed by £50m of funding, VALOUR aims to build a new network of recognised support centres across the country to help unleash veterans’ full potential.

VALOUR will work with health, employment and housing charities to shape better tailored local support veterans in need of help and support.

Ms Hume said:

“This move is a vital step forward for veterans in Scarborough and Whitby.

“For most service personnel, a career in the Armed Forces sets them up for success and can be a great tool for social mobility.

“VALOUR aims to help unlock veterans’ full potential and foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities.

“And where veterans have complex needs, VALOUR will help ensure the support on offer is data driven and better tailored to suit their need.”

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