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September
18, 2005
Huge
VE/VJ Day celebration attracts crowds to Burnham-On-Sea
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Berrow
war veteran Richard Flockston, pictured above, was among the large
crowds of people who descended on Burnham-On-Sea on Sunday September
18th for a special event marking the 60th anniversaries of VE/VJ-Day
and the 65th anniversary of the Battle Of Britain.
A
fly-past by a World War II Chipmunk aircraft was among the highlights
of the event at the BASC Sports Ground, which organisers heralded
as a "brilliant day."
 The
event included a parade of military standards, several bands,
numerous displays and demonstrations, plus a jump by The Red Devils
Freefall Parachute Display Team, who 'dropped in' during the afternoon.
The
weather stayed dry throughout the afternoon, much to the relief
of organisers and the scores of stallholders and groups who lined
the main parade ground.
Organiser
Malcolm Hill of the Royal British Legion told Burnham-On-Sea.com:
"So many people have come up to me and said what a fantastic
event it has been. It really has been a brilliant day."
Bobby
Hanscomb, President of Somerset's Royal British Legion, added:
"Full marks to Burnham for putting on such a big event as
this - it's been excellent."
"You
need to have fun on some occasions like this. I'm a firm believer
in remembrance being more than just weeping by the grave."
Several
Mayors and VIPs from across Somerset were in attendence, alongside
Burnham-On-Sea MP David Heathcoat-Amory.
 During
a ceremony at the start of the afternoon, The Last Post was played
and this was followed by two minutes silence.
The
Royal Marine Band from Devon performed the British Legion March
and Beating the Retreat later in the afternoon and they were followed
by the Standard Bearers.
Several
stalls and static displays were set up at the BASC Ground to show
WW2 memorabilia and collectables, plus vintage and classic cars.
There
was also entertainment from Bath Spa Band, a majorettes group
and the Avon Glenn Pipes and Drum group.
 Demonstrations
were held by the Burnham Monarchs gymnastics group, Stardust Majorettes,
Avon and Somerset Fire Rescue, the police and a special display
was put on by Burnham's rescue hovercraft.
The
Spirit Of Lelaina hovercraft was joined by a second, smaller hovercraft
that is currently on trial and a rescue exercise was performed
on the grass by the volunteers of BARB.
The
Royal Marine Association of Bridgwater stewarded the event alongside
Burnham Scouts and Burnham Lions.
Among
the other groups in attendance were The Veterans War Agency, RAF,
Coldstream Guards, The National Austistic Society, St John Ambulance,
Burnham Sea Cadets, St Andrew's Church, Moose International, Burnham
Rotary Club and the Womens Guild.
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