May 1995 - VE Day Commemorations
The Seavington News - May, 95
V.E. DAY COMMEMORATIONS
Almost everyone in the village gathered together at the playing field on Saturday, May 6th, for the Fun Day, organised by the New Village Hall Committee and the St Michael’s Church Fabric Fund. In glorious weather, the event opened with a short service taken by Canon David Bollom. From that point onwards it was fun all the way, with particular emphasis on the children. After an exciting Scavenger Hunt, which was won by Hollie Wills and Benjamin James, the children were served with as much as they could eat at the VE tea party and then played on the Bouncy Castle or toured the other attractions.
A presentation ‘Down Memory Lane’ proved a popular venue reminding the, older members of the audience of their experiences during the war and fascinating those who were too young to remember that period in our history with its glimpse into wartime Britain - of food and clothes rationing, shortages, black-outs, evacuees and seemingly incredibly low prices compared with those of today.
Continuous nostalgic background music of the war years which was greatly appreciated by those who remembered it all so well. The Ilminster Town Band played a medley of pieces which were thoroughly enjoyed by all ages.
The fortune teller’s tent had a constant queue of folk hoping to be told they would win the National Lottery, the Fire Engine was an attraction which was appreciated by adults and children.
All the village organisations were involved in the events and sideshows. The Stitchers competition was won by Mrs Elaine Edwards, the official car boot sale run by the church committee did turn in a good profit, The `Sweets in the Jar’ competition was won by Peter Ash, Seavington Playing Field Association organised the bottle stall - doing such a brisk sale that it was soon sold out. The Ladies’ Club ran the cake stall, church members kept up a continual supply of tea and cakes for the crowd. The skittles competition, run by the Seavingtons’ Football and Cricket clubs was won by Anthony Smith, second Stephen Bird. A ‘white elephant stall’ was the contribution of the Gardening Club and a member of the Football Club ran a successful draw. The barbecue, which supplied hot dogs and beefburgers until closing time was organised and manned by the New Village Hall Committee.
All the many visitors to the fun day voted it a highly successful, entertaining day. A day to remember in the life of the village.
The joint committees for the Village Hall and Church, would like to thank very sincerely all those who worked so hard to make the day a success. Particular thanks are expressed to those who lent their very precious photographs, medals and other irreplaceable souvenirs of their war time experiences to make the `Down memory Lane’ exhibition so very evocative. The committees felt that the Ilminster Fire Brigade deserve a special mention for their patience in explaining The Seavingtons News - May, 95
their role to all questioners and finally, many thanks to all those who gave items for the car boot sale, the proceeds from which helped to sell the profits for the day. As long as there are articles given, Barbara Moizer will continue to take them to the car boot sales in the area so would be pleased to hear from anyone who would like to donate items - telephone 241209.
Members of the church committee would like to say a special thank you to Bob Ash for all his work in co-ordinating the event and making this joint venture so successful.
Winners of the raffle were Pauline Parsons, Jennifer Phillips, Chris Waddingham, Pauline Woodward, Alison Fryer, Simon Madge, Ken Ash, Joyce White, Mrs Pearce (Chard), May Harrison, Mrs Fantarrow and Andrew Whitfield.
At the time of going to press, the treasurer had not yet received the final monies and accounts, but from his reckonings is sure that the profits, to be shared between the Village Hall Fund and the Church Fabric Fund, will be about £900.