CELEBRATIONS AND VILLAGE EVENTS

Our memories of Special Celebrations

May 1945 -  VE Day

VE Day marked the end of six years of war in Europe . (VE = Victory in Europe ). There were lots of parties that went on through the night with dancing in the street. People hung up Union Jacks and bunting from the lamp posts, there were tables of food and everyone was singing and was happy.  However for Fred who was in the Navy, the war continued. He was in the Pacific and the war there did not end until August 1945 (VJ Day – Victory in Japan ). Although the war in Europe had ended it was a long time before many servicemen came home. Len did not return home until 1946.

 

 

1953 - The Coronation

Queen Elizabeth, our Queen, came to the throne in 1952. She was on holiday in Africa with Prince Philip when her father King George V1 died suddenly. She was crowned the following year on June 2nd at a special ceremony in Westminster Abbey. There were lots of street parties to celebrate and children were given Coronation mugs which are collectable items today. Fred’s son was born a few days after the Coronation on June 7th.

1977 – The Silver Jubilee

There were lots of street parties and celebrations to mark the 25th year of the Queen’s reign. Jack and Fred worked for Mars and the company organised a big party for all the staff at Ascot Racecourse. Brenda remembers having a street party. However unlike the street parties that there had been after the war and for the Coronation they were only allowed to have the party down one side of the street because they had to leave room for the cars.

 

 

2002 – The Golden Jubilee

All the children were given a special golden coin to mark the 50th year of the Queen’s reign.

 

........... and Village Events now 
 

Every July - Burnham Carnival

Burnham Carnival is held in Burnham Park with a fun fair, clowns, stalls and sideshows, candy floss and lots of fun. There is a Parade down the High Street. In 2005 Mr Drawmer, the children’s teacher dressed up as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz and the school won first prize

   

Remembrance Sunday – November

People march down the High Street from the British Legion to the Cenotaph in front of Burnham Park Hall. Lots of people lay poppy wreaths to remember those people who have died in wars. Many local people attend the service including ex servicemen and women like Len who wears his medals. The Scouts and Guides and Girls Brigade and lots of other groups attend and lay wreaths. Connor has been to the Cenotaph with his Mum and Dad. Connor’s great grandfather was in the Army in the second world war.

   

In December – Christmas Fayre – Festival of Light

The High Street shops stay open late. There are lots of stalls selling all sorts of things and plenty to eat and drink. Some of the shops offer people drinks to celebrate Christmas. There is a Lantern Parade when lots of children from local schools march down the High Street with the lanterns they have made and it is very pretty with lots of coloured lights. Connor took part in the Parade and wore a mask.

 

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