World War Two - VE & VJ Day 50th Commemorations
During 1995 celebrations were taking placed to honour and remember those who had fought in the Second World War. May 8th 1995 was the 50th anniversary when victory in Europe was declared, now known as V.E. Day. Later that year close to the 50th anniversary of the cessation of war with Japan in August a similar celebration took place.
In the past Croxley Green has recorded national events such as coronations by planting an oak tree on The Green. However, as many residents had fond memories of Stone's Orchard and a restoration program of the remaining land was being implemented the Parish Council decided to go ahead with a request from a resident to plant a walnut tree close by to the entrance, replacing one known to have grown but no longer existed. Over 200 residents gathered on a sunny afternoon to join in a short service to mark the planting of the walnut tree. Father Haines led the service that was also attended by the Royal British Legion, Wing Commander Samuel Hatton, Chairman CGPC Cllr John Hedges and their wives together with the young and old of Croxley Green.
In the past Croxley Green has recorded national events such as coronations by planting an oak tree on The Green. However, as many residents had fond memories of Stone's Orchard and a restoration program of the remaining land was being implemented the Parish Council decided to go ahead with a request from a resident to plant a walnut tree close by to the entrance, replacing one known to have grown but no longer existed. Over 200 residents gathered on a sunny afternoon to join in a short service to mark the planting of the walnut tree. Father Haines led the service that was also attended by the Royal British Legion, Wing Commander Samuel Hatton, Chairman CGPC Cllr John Hedges and their wives together with the young and old of Croxley Green.
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Father Haines as he conducts the short service
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) The prepared site for planting the tree
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Cllr John Hedges addresses the crowd
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Wing Commander Samuel Hatton addresses the crowd
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Wing Commander Samuel Hatton plants the walnut tree
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) An attentive crowd and Father Haines
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Were you there - do you recognise anyone?
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) The local Royal British Legion was also in attendance
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On the 20th August to mark the 50th anniversary of the cessation of the war with Japan another service was held and a seat was unveiled close by. This was performed by Mr. George Newstead President of the local Royal British Legion who received a framed scroll to mark the occasion. The Chairman of Three Rivers District Council, Councillor Alan Littlejohn and his wife and Croxley Green Parish Council Chairman, Councillor John Hedges and his wife led the way to the memorial on The Green.
A short service took place and the laying of a wreath by Mr. George Newstead. All Saints Church was chosen to hold an Ecumenical service conducted by Father Haines and Cllr John Hedges. Norma Stubbington reading an appropriate lesson. This was followed by tea and light refreshments in the church hall.
A short service took place and the laying of a wreath by Mr. George Newstead. All Saints Church was chosen to hold an Ecumenical service conducted by Father Haines and Cllr John Hedges. Norma Stubbington reading an appropriate lesson. This was followed by tea and light refreshments in the church hall.
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) The seat draped ready for the unveiling
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Mr George Newstead, Cllr Alan Littlejohn, his wife, Cllr John Hedges, George Newstead's wife looks on
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) The memorial seat in Stone's Orchard
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Cllr Alan Littlejohn, his wife and members of The Red Cross
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Mr. George Newstead and Cllr John Hedges Chairman of Croxley Green
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) At the war memorial
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Mr George Newstead read his address whilst his wife looks
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Farther Haines conducts the service by the memorial on The Green
(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Mr. George Newstead and Father Haines at the war memorial
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Other residents join the remembrance day
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) Members of The Red Cross at the memorial
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(© loaned by Margaret Pomfret) The Croxley Green war memorial
