Beech Hall commemorate VE Day

Beech Hall School marked the 80^th anniversary of VE Day with recognition, thanks and respect.

These included conversations with two war veterans and a celebratory street party lunch.

Fostering a sense of community and a theme of thought-provoking reflection, pupils pursued several opportunities to discuss and learn about the landmark date in the UK calendar.  Children of all ages from across the school gathered around the flagpole to listen to excerpts of war speeches, before joining together on the school lawn for a traditional-style street party decked with Union Jack flags and a delectable lunch. Pupils also conversed with war veterans Brian Painter from the Staffordshire Regiment and John Painter from the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, who shared details of their experiences. 

The celebrations were backed with a nostalgic and renowned 1940s melody, featuring classic WWII songs and legendary hits from Dame Vera Lynn. Continuing the theme of the day, video footage of the 1945 VE Day celebrations and the D-Day landings was shared around the school, further reinforcing the significance of the occasion.

Concluding the momentous occasion, the school’s flagpole once again became the epicentre of proceedings as pupils, staff and guests came together to hear recitals of Sir Winston Churchill’s iconic speeches and to observe a two-minute silence.

James Allen, Headmaster at Beech Hall School, commented: “Commemorating the 80^th anniversary of VE Day – a landmark event in history – is of utmost importance here at Beech Hall School, and it was incredible to see such high levels of engagement and willingness to learn about the occasion displayed by our pupils. I would like to thank our staff members, pupils, and Brian and John for their inspiring talks and conversations, who all contributed significantly to a momentous day.”