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Shire Services Commemorates 80 Years of VE Day

On Thursday, 8 May, Shire Services proudly marked the 80th anniversary of VE Day, paying tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of those who served during the Second World War.

Schools across Shropshire, Worcestershire, Herefordshire, North Wales, and the West Midlands, supported by Shire Services, took part, ensuring this historic occasion was celebrated with respect and enthusiasm. Two schools in particular hosted distinguished guests for the occasion.

Special Guests at The Meadows Primary School, Oswestry

At The Meadows Primary School in Oswestry, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner, and her husband, Jonathon, were warmly welcomed by Headteacher Mrs Morris, alongside Shire Services representatives, Lauren Moore (Area Manager), Claire Downing (Contract Manager), and Victoria Jones (Marketing Manager).

The Lieutenancy has a long and significant history, dating back to its establishment by Henry VIII in 1540. While originally overseen by the Lord-Lieutenant of Wales, Shropshire has had its own Lord-Lieutenant since the Restoration.

During the visit, the guests was given a tour of the school and spoke with several pupils in their classrooms. The Lord-Lieutenant was met with great enthusiasm, as pupils eagerly shared stories of their great-grandfathers and other relatives who had been involved in the war, along with their knowledge of wartime history and the military.

The visitors then joined pupils in the playground for a two-minute silence, honouring the sacrifices of those who served. Following this, the Lord-Lieutenant and her husband queued up alongside pupils and visitors in the dining hall to enjoy a special VE Day lunch featuring battered fish fillet with chips, bread and butter, mushy peas and sweetcorn, followed by VE Day Anniversary Cupcakes or jelly pots with sprinkles. She sat with guests and pupils to enjoy the commemorative meal together.

Anna Turner expressed her appreciation for the day, stating, “Thank you for organising yesterday, both Jonathon and I thoroughly enjoyed our visit. It is a very nice school with such well-mannered and lovely children.”

Julia Buckley MP Visits Mount Pleasant Primary School, Shrewsbury

At Mount Pleasant Primary School in Shrewsbury, Julia Buckley MP and her colleague, Joe Dean, were welcomed by Headteacher Mrs Benj, along with Shire Services staff, Susan Vuli (General Manager), Becky White (Contract Manager), Kate Bevan Wood (Special Projects  - Menu Planning Co-ordinator), and Liz Flack (Marketing Assistant).

During the tour, Julia Buckley and Mrs Benj discussed various educational topics, including SEN provision. They then joined pupils for the same celebratory VE Day lunch served at The Meadows.

Excited by the presence of their special guest, pupils eagerly asked Julia Buckley for her autograph, which she signed on newsletters she had brought with her. She also took a photo beside her official portrait as local MP.

Julia Buckley shared her thoughts on the event, saying: "It was a pleasure to meet the children and their teachers during my visit. They had made a huge effort to decorate and celebrate VE Day together, and it was great fun to share the occasion with the school community."

Shire Services’ Role in the Celebrations

Both schools extended a warm welcome, and Shire Services’ kitchen teams and school staff went above and beyond, beautifully decorating the dining halls and preparing a delicious VE Day lunch.

Shire Services expresses its gratitude to all involved, especially the pupils, whose energy and enthusiasm made the commemoration truly memorable.