It's rock and roll time as VE bash gets cash (From Tewkesbury Admag)

It's rock and roll time as VE bash gets cash

PLANS to mark the 60th anniversary of VE day in Chipping Norton are off to a flying start with a £16,328 lottery grant.

The money will help the town put on a packed week of events including talks, competitions, dances, parades, markets, fashion shows and a firework display.

The organisers have even created a special website to keep the community up to date with all the plans.

Lyn Sinclair-Parry, chairman of the organising committee said: "The funding received today from the Big Lottery Fund will allow the people of Chipping Norton and its surrounding villages the opportunity to share knowledge and experiences in ways which otherwise would not have been possible.

"We feel very strongly that our sense of community will be greatly enhanced by this event and we're keen that as many people as possible can attend and enjoy the day. We encourage people from all over the country to come to Chippy on May 1.

"It will most certainly be a day to remember the past and cherish it for the future."

Preparations have already started for the event, with a series of jive classes being held at the town hall. The next opportunity to get in the mood for the planned 'hangar dance' will be on Monday from 7pm.

An appeal has been launched for people to share their memories of the historic occasion. Post boxes have been placed in shops throughout the town for townsfolk to let everyone know what they were up to when peace was declared.

A call has also gone out for men to sign up to a Dads' Army and play a part in the celebrations.

Mrs Sinclair-Parry said she hoped the whole community would get involved. "As you can imagine, we need help to make these celebrations a day to remember and we want everybody in Chipping Norton to be part of this historic event."

Town mayor Don Davidson said he was delighted that the plans to mark the anniversary had been progressing so well. "I'm so pleased that all the hard work and effort seems to be bearing fruit and we're all looking forward to a wonderful day."

Tickets for the Victory Dance are available from the town council offices and The Bookshop.

For more information about the events visit the event website at www.chippingnortonVEday.co.uk.