Inverness Royal British Legion Scotland branch marks 80th anniversary of VE Day with tea party
Music from the 1940s evoked the wartime spirit for guests at a tea party to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
The event, at the British Legion Club in Inverness, concluded a series of commemorations in the area which also included a service of remembrance.
• Service of remembrance to mark 80th anniversary of VE Day
• VE Day 80th anniversary marked by Highland residents and visitors
• Fort George kirk poppy cascade marks VE Day’s 80th anniversary
The tea party, organised by the Inverness branch of the Royal British Legion Scotland (RBLS), was the first time it had run such an event.
Musician Ronnie Shaw entertained guests by playing a varied selection from the 1940s onwards on the organ, accordion and saxophone.
Music by the popular wartime singer and entertainer, Vera Lynn, was also played.
Guests also put their knowledge to the test with a special themed quiz.
Bart Lucas, chairman of the Inverness Branch of the RBLS, reflected on the importance of marking the anniversary of VE Day which in 1945 was declared a public holiday in the UK as World War II drew to a close.
He was encouraged to hear that most local schools included VE day in the subjects taught this year.
“Having previously lived in Portsmouth - one of the areas which was a target for enemy bombers due to the naval dockyard and was also involved in the build up to D-Day - I feel it is very important that we remember the sacrifices made, as much by the survivors as those that did not return from active service,” Mr Lucas said.
“I feel that Inverness may have been semi-remote from WWII but it was a transit hub for troops training for it and also had its casualties.”
