As some of you will remember, in the days before lockdown, we had plans to celebrate VE Day75 this Friday(8^th May) in true Titchmarsh style with a thanksgiving service in the church followed by a bring & share lunch, Thrapston Town Band and finishing with the Last Post and a Loyal Toast. Sadly, this is not now possible but we are Titchmarshians and not ones to lightly let something like Covid-19 stop us, so let’s salvage what we can and make the day as special as possible.

Please feel free to decorate your house with bunting or fly flags – to be enjoyed by those on their socially distanced run/walk/cycle! If you want to make your own paper bunting (and keep the kids occupied) then follow this link:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4TrqYDyf4PMdLypxzyTwGDg/great-british-bunting

Friday 8^th May 2020 – 75^th anniversary of VE Day

10:00 there will be a virtual church service of thanksgiving. If you would like to join in, please e-mail Stephen Barber stephen.barber1956@outlook.com to get an invitation. We have run several virtual church services already, so we are well practised. (If it’s your first time please join early so we can sort out any technical glitches.)

11:00 there will be a national two minutes silence to commemorate those who died in the second world war.

11:02 Last Post & Reveille – played by Nick Compton-Marriott and streamed through Facebook in the same way as on Thursday evenings, after the clap for the NHS.

Lunchtime – why not set up a virtual picnic and/or drinks with friends (the weather forecast is good). Why not get out of the jammies and dress up?

Don’t forget:
15:00 Nation’s Toast to the Heroes of WW2.  “To those who gave so much, we thank you.”

Please remember to take photos. We have a gallery of photos from previous celebrations but this one is going to be something completely different!

A Prayer for VE Day:

Lord God our Father,
we pledge ourselves to serve you and all humankind, in the cause of peace,
for the relief of want and suffering,
and for the praise of your name.
Guide us by your Spirit;
give us wisdom;
give us courage;
give us hope;
and keep us faithful now and always.
Amen.