Scouthead, Austerlands and Diggle celebrate VE Day anniversary in style

The US Army Jeep crew enjoy their picnic!

More than 100 people joined Scouthead and Austerlands Community Group on Monday (May 5) for a picnic in Dawson’s Field, Scouthead to celebrate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

The start of the Picnic was marked by the raising of the Union Flag by the Mayor of Austerlands, Paul Sykes, on the new flagpole installed on the Field.

Locals brought food, drinks and blankets and enjoyed listening to 1940s music and were also entertained by Sam Foster on guitar and singers from a local choir.

Despite the cool wind, many came dressed for the occasion in red, white and blue or in 1940s outfits including a 1940s US Army Jeep complete with driver and crew in US Army uniform of the period.

Community Group Chair Robert Cragg said: “It was wonderful to see so many people of all ages come together to celebrate this important occasion. 

"We were especially pleased that a small number of guests who had lived through the Second World War were able to join us and to share their memories.

"We were very grateful for a generous donation from Saddleworth Rotary which helped us to put on the event and to the Royal British Legion for their help with the flag ceremony.”

Meanwhile, tiny Kilngreen Church in Diggle also joined the spirit of VE day today (Thursday) with a poignant display of poppies made by the Brownies.

As well as the cascade on the side of the church (pictured above) there were individual poppies and bunting in the church garden.

Janet Iles, who worships at Kilngreen, said: "We owe a great deal to all those who fought for our freedom in WW2 and this display is our small thank you to their bravery."

Additional reporting by Ken Bennett.

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