WELLS Branch Royal British Legion is marking the 80th anniversary of D-Day with a special event at Wells Town Hall on Saturday, June 8, starting at 10.30am.
History Day – Somerset at War will tell the story of how the Second World War affected the county, and Wells in particular.
Visitors will be able to read personal accounts of life in the war and see memorabilia from the period that has been donated for display by members of the public.
“Lots of locals have told me about their family links to the Second World War, and there are some amazing stories,” said organiser Maria Gregg, a Wells Legion committee member.
“Sometimes there are tears when you hear how they were affected by the war, and sometimes laughter.”
There will also be 1940s’ entertainment featuring live music from The Berkeley Bluebirds at 2pm.
Entry to the event is free.
Brian Bastable from Street Men’s Shed is lending two model tanks to join the items being exhibited at the Town Hall.
He is also making the silhouette of a soldier that will be shown along with two other silhouettes, that represent the fallen.
D-Day – June 6, 1944 – was the day on which the Allied invasion of Normandy was launched.
Beacons are being lit around the country on June 6 this year to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings.
Locally, a beacon will be lit at Horrington Primary School, West Horrington on Thursday, June 6, at 9.15pm. Just before it is lit there will be a reading of the International Tribute. The event is a partnership between the school and St Cuthbert Out Parish Council.
Wells Town Crier Len Sweales will be joining town criers worldwide in making The D-Day 80 Proclamation on June 6, that urges everyone to “use this Commemoration to pay our tribute to those who gave so much to secure the freedom we all enjoy today”. Len will be reading the Proclamation from the balcony of Wells Town Hall at 12pm.