Communities pay tribute to veterans (From Tewkesbury Admag)

Communities pay tribute to veterans

TRIBUTES to war veterans were paid across the Cotswolds to mark the 60th anniversary of VE and VJ Day this weekend.

In Chipping Campden, the town united for a service of remembrance to pay respects to those who died during the war.

The town branches of the Royal Air Forces Association and Royal British Legion united to organise the day. The event also included an exhibition with memorabilia from both world wars at the Town Hall and a multi-denominational Remembrance Service at Chipping Campden's High Street war memorial.

The town's Royal British Legion spokesman, Dennis Hughes helped to organise the town's VJ celebrations together with Keith Mole from the Royal Air Forces Association.

Mr Hughes said: "The celebrations went wonderfully. Around 200 people flocked to the service next to the town hall and watched the laying of the wreaths as we remembered those who fought and died in the war.

"There was also a military art exhibition and people were streaming through the doors all day. All in all it was a great success." Across the rest of the district, Moreton residents were treated to a French market and a memorabilia exhibition was also held in the town.

Crowds also flocked onto the streets of Bourton for a veterans' parade organised by the town's Royal British Legion Club and Branch on Sunday. With banners flying, a parade of more than 100 marched from Bourton Royal British Legion to the war memorial.

Presentations were also given to Bourton Army cadets and Parkend Silver Band from the Forest of Dean for 25 years of service to the parade.