The overwhelming feedback from those who attended the Rushlake Green VE 80 commemoration is that it was an incredibly enjoyable, thought-provoking and inspiring community event, filled with pathos and enchantment. Every one of the performers who took part, many of them very young, demonstrated a stunning level of skill, self-confidence and artistic flair.
.
VE 80 day on the Green was a Warbleton Parish Council event. So full marks to the WPC for giving their full backing to this excellent community initiative. The project was the brainchild of Cllr Katy Waterman, with strong support from the WPC Chair, Cllr Andy Long. Katy designed and organised the event, and achieved a miraculous feat in gaining the involvement from an impressive array of talented performers and contributors on the day.
In order of appearance . . . .
Electra Star Dance
Church Bell Ringing by Warbleton Parish Bell Ringers
Prayer by Rev. Marc Lloyd
Hastings Coastal Twirlers
Ark Alexandra Academy combined Cadet Force Hastings
T.S. Eastbourne Sea Cadet Corps
Accompanied by The Drumskullz, Hastings
Heathfield Community College students Olivia Gordon, Shylah Samuel, Megan Stutt, Kayleigh Holt, Honor Sparks.
Warbleton Brass Band
Mayfield School choir and dancers
Live musicians Julia Bennett and Stu Hyson
Fireworks coordinator Jack Vockins
Of course the smooth-running of such an ambitious undertaking would not have been possible without a host of dedicated supporting contributors.
Katy is eager to thank the WPC clerk Jeanne Peterson for sorting all the paperwork behind the scenes and the other councillors for supporting the ideas and helping pull it together on the day. Andy Long was heavily involved in the logistical side, and also in the planning and creation of the Beacon. The Beacon basket itself was magnificently crafted by Dan Tester – who pulled out all the stops to get it made on time. Everyone agrees he did a superb job. Andy then made and fitted a foundation sleeve in the ground for the beacon steel post – which he also manufactured – and put the whole thing together for the event. Andy also cut out and painted and assembled the poppy silhouette and made the “VE 80” letters. And of course he was very active throughout the day, including bringing his Centurion ARV – we expect no less.
Dozens of volunteers helped out on the day but particular thanks to Jonathan Austin who provided all the sound and PA tech throughout the event. No one will forget the gritty determination with which Jonathan kept the sound and lighting systems working despite an incalcitrant generator’s determination to spoil things by cutting out. In Katy’s words “Jonathan was an absolute champion and gave lots of advice in the run-up, and arranged for Chris Roche to do the floodlights.” Thanks also to Buster, for the Trailer on which all the talent performed and to Chris Wells for his pivotal role in the installation of the Beacon. And Kay Nicholls of Coffee and Company for tirelessly organising the tea and coffee stand. Thanks also to the Horse and Groom team for supplying refreshments and food throughout the evening and also to Tony and the Village Stores team who, at 9.30pm, were still reviving weary revellers with coffees and pies as they made their way home. And of course a huge thank you to Herstmonceux scouts, who did a grand job in helping people put poppies on the silhouette and selling the raffle tickets. We have it on good authority that over £500 was raised for the Royal British Legion, so Katy wants to extend a big thank you to all those who donated on the evening.
In addition to thanking all the performer coordinators – Laura Farley (Electra Star Dance), Justine Davis (Head of Dance, Heathfield Community College), Captain Nick Burchell, Commanding Officer Abbie Wheeler, Teresa Briggs (Hastings Coastal Twirlers), Dr Matthew Ward and Caroline Petty (both Mayfield School) – Katy wants also to thank all those who got a special mention on the back of the programme so here’s a reminder:
Here are a few photos that capture just some of the moments on the day. More to follow soon.
In the meantime, if you have any great photos of the VE80 day on Rushlake Green, and you’re a happy for us to publish them on the Village Leaf, please send them (max 3!) to rushlakegreenvillage@gmail.com. Images should be at least 500Mb.
Recent Comments