D-Day triumph 80 years on

A memorial service, a fundraising coffee morning, a special peal of bells, and to top it all a huge beacon – Shipston and the surrounding villages truly paid tribute to all those involved in the Second World War’s crucial turning point 80 years ago.

The lunchtime service in the Gyratory Memorial Garden was led by Sarah Bourne, chaplain to the Shipston Branch of the Royal British Legion. Branch President David Kernohan laid a wreath. Proceedings both here and at the beacon-lighting were accompanied by Alex Bloomfield on the cornet, Tom Lear playing the bagpipes and Connor Begley parading the standard, while Town Crier Marion Lowe and Mayor John Dinnie made addresses on both occasions.

Alex Black, chairman of the Shipston RBL, said: “We are grateful to everyone who came out on a glorious summer’s day for their kind donations and purchases to help the Poppy Appeal and the First Responders, and to Clare Cuthbert who raised £100 through the Low Furlong coffee morning. Thanks also go to the beacon builders led by beacon master Ron Scobie Edmunds, the Town Clerk for top organisation, to the Withers family for their generous hosting and to Keith Lane for providing the 1940s music and PA system.”

He added his thanks to other organisations involved such as the Shipston firefighters, the community First Responders, the Safer Neighbourhood team and the St Edmund’s bellringers.