Formby holds 80th Day Anniversary Community Picnic in the Park
Report by Linda Trollope

WHAT a splendid way to while away a warm and sunny late spring afternoon! On Sunday, 11 May 2025, in Jubilee Park, on:- Lonsdale Road, Formby, adjoining the Formby Theatre, a Community Picnic In The Park style gathering was held, to mark the 80th Anniversary of VE Day (Victory in Europe), This was mainly courtesy of Formby Parish Council, who we are told funded most of this event. Assistance was given by Formby Civic Society, who provided memorabilia and photographs and such. The prime purpose of course, was to commemorate the cessation of hostilities in Europe, after 5 years of bitter war and also to acknowledge once more, the awful price paid by many; death or life changing injuries, both physical and mental. Many of these people were in the Armed Forces or Merchant Navy, but we must not forget the sacrifices the of those within the general population who kept Britain ticking, working hard, often on top their own reserved occupations, roles such as:- Home Guards, Air Raid Wardens, Auxiliary Fire Services, Ambulance Drives and many other roles, including:- farming, and transport. Along with the brave people who worked within the munitions factories. And of course those who faced with fear, but great fortitude, the Blitzes and other assaults on dally living.

Sitting within the park was such a contrast and probably reminded our older citizens of the great relief and jubilation expressed by those 1945 celebrators. Mine was of eating a small jelly whist remembering eating my much prized jelly, on VE Day with my named spoon.

However the war was not over. Japan had not yet capitulated and the dreadful events within the far East continued, until it seemed inevitable that the nightmare hat was Nuclear War was unleashed, A salutary reminder for today of the cost of conflict.

2025's event gave us a chance to just relax from today's stresses and anxieties in a simple un hurried event; no rush and no frenetic activities. People seemed happy and the community had a chance to meet up, and even the chance of new friendships occurred as people intermingled. The Park was an excellent venue, smaller than the Village's main park, more compact and with a comfortable feel. It was also fun to see that some people had taken time to dress up in period garments. Many small flags were in evidence to be waved enthusiastically during the singing.

Listening to the entertainers was a delight. Unfortunately, I only caught the last moments of the first contributors as I walked along the perimeter path, but the people within the Park were evidently enjoying it. The live entertainment by DJ Dapper Dan, The Viking Skiffle Group, Formby Little Theatre and Golden Age Songbirds

The following entertainer was a very capable and dynamic performer, who sang songs from the 1940's and 1950's. Some only half remembered by the audience, as was evident in their participation, lusty for the for the first few lines then la, la, la-ing. But, it was all very enjoyable.

Inside the Little Theatre not only could you find tea and coffee, but also a licensed bar... But the highlight inside was a fantastic display of wartime memorabilia.

Our singer was followed by the Formby Viking's Skiffle Group, who soon had our feet tapping and eventually people got up to dance. The group reminded us of the hopes and aspirations of the 1950's of a better World to come.

This event was valuable, coming at a time when Formby is expanding rapidly, and losing its Village Feel. it reminded us of community identity which seems to be fast disappearing. When asked would we like more such events of this nature, there was an enthusiastic response... A chance to acknowledge VJ Day (Victory in Japan) in August?

Such events however depend on the dedications and downright hard work of all concerned with its planning an execution. Those responsible this time have done us well and have cause to be proud. Thank You...

More photographs from this event can also be seen on the following page within this edition. If you attended this event, what are your about it? Please do let us know by email our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter. Please do let us know as we love to hear your views....