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Staff and students gathered in College Square at Weymouth College for a two-minute silence and speeches
Staff and students at Weymouth College and Kingston Maurward College came together today to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with poignant commemorations honouring those who lived, fought, and died during the Second World War.
Tim Shelton of The Veterans’ Hub in Weymouth addresses the gathering
At the Weymouth campus, a two-minute silence was held in College Square, where students and staff paused in quiet reflection. The silence was followed by a talk from Tim Creed of The Veterans’ Hub in Weymouth, who shared powerful insights into the work his charity does to support former service personnel. Refreshments were then served, allowing the college community to come together to mark the occasion.
Peter Vowles, Student Liaison Officer, also spoke at the event, offering a deeply personal reflection on the impact of the war, having been born in Coventry just five years after the conflict ended.
He said: “It’s so important that we never forget the sacrifice made for us 80 years ago, and recognise that our precious way of life is not a given. It’s dependent upon us treating everyone as we ourselves would like to be treated – fairly, tolerantly and with respect at all times.”
The Combined Cadet Force lead the procession at Kingston Maurward
Meanwhile, at the Kingston Maurward camps, near Dorchester, staff and students, led by the college’s Combined Cadet Force, processed to the main house along the oak tree-lined ‘Armistice Walk’, planted in remembrance.
The group gathered at the rear of the main building, where Contingent Commander Lt. (RN) Chris Dooley addressed the assembled students and staff.
He said: “We are here to remember the 25 million military personnel and the 37 million civilians who lost their lives during the 6 years of conflict. We include in that those who continued to fight in the far east until the complete cessation of war on the 2nd of September 1945.
“But we also celebrate, as did the millions of survivors when the peace was declared. People wept for their lost, and wept that they would lose no more. Parties were held and church bells rang, people danced and sang to mark the joy they felt and the sorrow of their losses.
“Through the sacrifice of others, we are able to stand here today, free from oppression, and to give thanks to those who died and celebrate with those that survived.”
Contingent Commander Lt. (RN) Chris Dooley and Cadet Sergeant James Buik, the Lord Lieutenant’s cadet, at Kingston Maurward
Cadet Sergeant James Buik, the Lord Lieutenant’s cadet, read a moving poem before the Last Post was played. A two-minute silence was then observed by all present.
To close the commemorations, a short garden party was held on the terrace overlooking the college grounds – a symbolic celebration of peace, echoing the mix of joy and mourning felt across the country on 8 May 1945.