02/05/2025
VE Day 80 Remembrance Service, Ashbourne, takes place on Saturday 10 May, 2025 at 1300hrs, starting Ashbourne War Memorial with a prayer by the Rev’d Jane Legh, followed by a reflection of VE Day read by Simon Mahoney.
The names of Ashbournian Second World War fallen is planned ahead of a wreath-laying ceremony.
The President of Ashbourne RBL, Brell Ewart MBE DL, will read the Exhortation from Binyon’s ‘Poem to the Fallen’ and the Last Post will then mark the start of a two-minute silence.
Reveille will be followed by the Kohima Inscription, read by the President and a blessing from the Rev’d Legh.
The commemorations will then move into Ashbourne’s Memorial Recreation Ground for the presentation of Memorial Benches.
Laying wreaths will be:
Brell Ewart MBE DL Ashbourne Branch President RBL – on behalf of HMK and HMLL,
Paula Holt MBE DL President of Derbyshire RBL – on behalf of the RBL,
Brigadier Adam Fraser-Hitchen DL – on behalf of the Armed Forces,
Cllr Peter Slack, Civic Chair Derbyshire Dales District Council – on behalf of DDDC,
Cllr Sandra Spencer – Ashbourne Town Mayor –on behalf of Ashbourne Town Council.
Chairman of Ashbourne RBL, Captain Sam Vause, will lead the second part of the event, which will see seats unveiled by Paula Holt MBE DL and Cllr Peter Slack (DDDC).
Members of the public are welcome to join this special service marking the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Parking is at Shaw Croft and early arrival is recommended.
