Celebrating 80 Years of ✨Victory in Europe Day✨ at the VSC

Yesterday, the VSC came alive as 110 members and guests gathered to commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day, reflecting on the historic moment when Europe experienced peace after 5 long years of war.

The event opened with a moving two-minute national silence, a powerful moment mirrored across the country in honour of those who sacrificed so much during the Second World War.

After the silence, Club Secretary and CEO, Colin Francis CBE, welcomed everyone with a heartfelt introduction, setting the tone for an afternoon filled with reflection and celebration. This was followed by a special screening of the key message from Sir Winston Churchill’s historic address to the nation on 8th May 1945 – a stirring reminder of the courage and resilience that defined the era.

As the day unfolded, the VSC transformed into a vibrant street party, with members singing along to wartime classics and dancing together, capturing the joyful spirit of the era.

A particularly special guest joined the festivities later in the day – 100-year-old WWII veteran Betty Withers. Betty, who served as a Royal Navy cook on the South coast during the lead-up to the D-Day invasion, had just returned from the national VE Day 80 commemorations at Westminster Abbey, where she had the honour of personally meeting the King and Queen.

Thank you to everyone who made this day so special. Together, we keep the legacy of the Greatest Generation alive. And keep an eye out – the official VE80 Day photographs are still being processed and will be added to our gallery soon.

We are so pleased that so many of our members could join us for this unforgettable day, creating lasting memories together. If you haven’t attended a VSC event like this, please do check out our social diary page at www.vsc.co.uk/social-diary

There are still some places available for our VJ Day 80 celebrations on 15th August 2025.