David Morgan, Lord Lieutenant Michael Dooley, Sir Christopher and Lady Christo Chope, councillor Sue Spittle and BCP chairman councillor Lesley Dedman Picture: Christchurch Town Council

VE Day 80 marked with poignant wreath-laying ceremony in Christchurch

Tait ap EllisMay 10, 20250 Comment0

A SOLEMN commemoration of the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day took place in Christchurch last Thursday (May 8).

Wreaths were laid at the Bailey Bridge Memorial on Barrack Road at an event led by the vice-chairman of the Royal British Legion Christchurch branch, David Morgan.

The event honoured those who served and sacrificed during the Second World War, bringing together members of the community, civic leaders, and veterans’ representatives.

The ceremony included the Exhortation, the poignant sound of the Last Post, a minute’s silence, and the Reveille.

The RBL Standard Bearer stood alongside Mr Morgan and the bugler throughout the ceremony, reflecting the dignity and solemnity of the occasion.

Mr Morgan recited the Kohima Epitaph before speeches were delivered. The Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, LVO, DL, addressed attendees with words of remembrance and reflection, emphasising the enduring gratitude owed to those who gave so much in the cause of peace.

He was followed by councillor Sue Spittle, former Mayor of Christchurch, who said: “We must never forget the cost of peace, nor the lives lost and changed forever during those dark years.

Picture: Christchurch Town Council

“As we mark 80 years since VE Day, may we remember not only the past but also our ongoing responsibility to cherish and protect the freedoms hard won by others.”

Wreaths were then laid by the Lord Lieutenant, Mr Morgan, councillor Spittle, and BCP Council chairman Lesley Dedman.

As part of this year’s commemorations, Christchurch Town Council used legacy funding to restore the Bailey Bridge Memorial, an enduring symbol of remembrance in the community.

A Christchurch Town Council spokesperson said: “The memorial now stands renewed, enhanced with carefully chosen planting to reflect the spirit of peace and renewal that VE Day represents.

“These improvements ensure that the site continues to serve as a place of reflection, beauty, and civic pride for generations to come.

“Christchurch’s current mayor, councillor Paul Hilliard, and deputy mayor, councillor Viv Charrett, sent their regards from Saint-Lô—Christchurch’s twin town in France—where they are attending VE Day events as part of a self-funded visit to mark this historic anniversary and reinforce international bonds of remembrance.”