Seil to celebrate 75th anniversary of VE Day
The Royal British Legion has announced plans to commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE day on Seil Island.
The Easdale branch of the British Legion has a variety of events already booked in the diary for the weekend of May 8 to 10.
VE day marks the victory of the allies in the Second World War, after the long and brutal battle waged in Europe and further afield from 1939-1945.
This May marks three quarters of a century since this victory in Europe and the anniversary will be celebrated across the UK.
Branch celebrations kick off with a toast to Second World War heroes at Ellenabeich on Friday May 8, followed by a VE Day dance later that evening at Seil Island Community Hall, with entertainment from Dick Lee’s Swingtet.
Celebrations continue on Saturday May 9 with a community street party lunch and the weekend will be wrapped up with a service of commemoration and celebration on the Sunday.
The commemorations are no small undertaking and events administrator Lorraine Reynolds has thanked local businesses, as well as national companies, for their support.
She said: ‘We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of companies and organisations which have supported our endeavour so far.’
Support continues into prizes for the ‘grand raffle’ which have been kindly donated by Balvicar Eggs, the Fisherman’s Kitchen and Highland Fasteners, with a day’s fishing for two donated by the Oban and Lorn Angling Club.
All profits from May’s events will be shared between armed forces charities including SSAFA, Erskine and Combat Stress.
The Easdale branch of the British Legion holds fundraising events throughout the year, including its annual book sale on Seil, which was held on Saturday March 7 at the community hall.
The book sale raised more than £556, an increase of £52 on last year’s total, despite bad weather on the day which initially led to fears attendance numbers would be down.
Easdale branch secretary Jean Alexander praised the community for its continued support.