VE DAY 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

Thursday, May 8th, 2025

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The 80th anniversary of VE Day could not go unnoticed so we arranged a special night of song and good food for around 40 members and guests. Many thanks to David Trewin for the photographs whilst the secretary was otherwise engaged performing on his accordion.

The evening was conceived by Kenneth Wright who, in addition to being the Chair of Social Committee, was also the founder of the original "Trench Raiders" WW1 / WW2 concert party who raised many thousands of £ for war charities over a 10 year period.

Kenneth (resplendent in his "Union Jack" waistcoat) and his wife Annabelle had worked tirelessly to organise the evening - the programme, the production of specific song sheets and the format for the entire event.

In his introduction, he paid tribute to Paul Thatcher (the original lead singer) who sadly passed away 3 years ago - his widow, Elaine had kindly sent us a welcoming "good luck" card. Also a mention of John Harris who was in the original line-up.

The original remaining Trench Raiders of Secretary Alan Roden (accordion), Rob Hill (vocals and guitar) and Kenneth were joined by Mike Abraham (more recent line-up) and Godfrey Partridge - Rob's duo partner (guitars and vocals). We are indebted to everybody for enabling us to create, for one night only, the "Trench Raiders Revival" and for their time in the practice sessions we held prior to the event.

We were delighted that several people came dressed in period costume and that the President Arnold Homer and past Presidents Clive Bowen-Davies (nicknamed Clive of India for the evening) and Mike Aston proudly displayed their various genuine service medals as can be seen in the photos.

Even our steward and ace chef Tim appeared in a British bulldog shirt amid the various posters. Betty Banks brought along a uniform to display - from an RAF serviceman whose parachute landed in a tree in occupied territory before he cut it away to escape and managed to break both his legs in the process before being captured - a real true story with original evidence.

The evening got off to a swing with Kenneth leading the attendees in a rousing "Da-Da-Da" rendition of the Dam Busters March.

He then went onto introduce the various songs including Pack up your troubles, Tipperary, Keep the home fires burning, Flanagan and Allen and George Formby selections , party songs and many more, culminating with a patriotic selection and Vera Lyn medley (White Cliffs of Dover, Nightingale Sang in Berkley Square and the mandatory We'll Meet Again).

A tasty and varied buffet also including wartime surprises such as spam fritters and Woolton pie prepared by Tim was served in the Memorial Room.

It was an extra special night inasmuch as it was also the President's 90th birthday. To mark the occasion, Tim had made a magnificent "bombe" dessert which was presented to the President to the singing of "Happy Birthday to you" and then duly served to all the attendees.

Everyone energetically joined in the singing led by the Trench Raiders Revival and making full use of the voluminous song sheet book which Annabelle had painstakingly created. Kenneth Wright made various worthy contributions dressed as Winston Churchill and relating his famous speeches.

The evening concluded with President Arnold thanking everyone for coming and all those who made the evening possible - with special mention of Tim and Tracey and their staff, Trench Raiders revival and all who had helped the preparations.