On 8 May, Southwark Pensioners’ Centre (SPC) hosted a commemorative celebration for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE80) at St Peter’s Church, Walworth, uniting veterans, local residents, and community leaders in a celebration of peace, remembrance and resilience.
VE Day marks the end of World War II in Europe, when Allied forces accepted Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945. This year’s 80th anniversary offered a poignant opportunity to honour those who lived through the war, remember the sacrifices made and to reflect on the importance of peace in today’s world.
After a busy morning of preparations by SPC volunteers, the event was opened by Councillor Naima Ali, Mayor of Southwark, who paid tribute to the sacrifices made by veterans across the country. She also underscored the importance of cherishing world peace and recognising its enduring fragility.
As the celebration began in earnest, a lunch buffet of homemade sandwiches, cakes and scones was served to the attendees, alongside mugs of tea and coffee. The church hall was abuzz with conversation, reminiscence and laughter, as Southwark’s community came together to commemorate this historic anniversary.
After lunch, the afternoon’s first performance began, with the Camberwell Recorder Players, a local community musical group, performing lively selections including Loth to Depart by Giles Farnaby and an Allegro by Mozart.
The group meets for practice every Thursday at 11am – 12pm at Southwark Pensioners’ Centre. For more information, please contact Bobbi at 020 7708 4556 or email info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk.
Following the recorder performance, Reg O’Donoghue, former Trustee of Southwark Pensioners Centre, united Southwark’s elders with a poignant poem reflecting on the London of days gone by.
John Turpin remembered his experience of growing up in Plymouth, a city devastated by German bombing after 1940. He recalled his experience 80 years ago, when Plymothians joined in a spontaneous party in one of Plymouth’s dry docks.
Connecting memory with music, he remembered a song played at the party, ‘Mairzy Doats’ by Milton Drake, Al Hoffman and Jerry Livingston – a number one hit in 1944. Despite its novelty and seemingly meaningless lyrics, John reflected on how the song lifted spirits in a time of hardship, capturing the resilience and joy that endured even amidst the ruins. Inviting attendees to join him in song, he revived that moment of shared joy, reminding everyone of music’s power to heal, unite and remember.
This was followed by a series of musical numbers performed by Southwark Pensioners’ Centre’s very own, the Welcome Singers – a beloved local choir known for their uplifting harmonies and community spirit. Their set included wartime favourites and nostalgic classics such as ‘There Will Always Be An England’ by Ross Parker and Hughie Charles and ‘Run Rabbit Run’ by Noel Gay and Ralph Butler, which had many in the audience singing along and swaying to the rhythm.
The group meets for practice every Wednesday at 2pm – 4pm at Southwark Pensioners’ Centre. For more information, please contact Bobbi at 020 7708 4556 or email info@southwarkpensioners.org.uk.
Next, attendees joined in a spirited Vera Lynn sing-along, followed by a light-hearted, competition-style tribute celebrating the beloved wartime singer. Prizes were awarded to the most convincing impersonators, judged on both voice and appearance – well done to Rodney, Esmerell, Ann and our very own Denzil. Later, Peter, Del and Kathy were recognised for Best Costume, having impressed with their authentic and meticulously detailed 1940s outfits.
Performing a lively and varied repertoire, Darren, Gordon and Andy – who previously entertained crowds at the annual SPC Christmas Party once again lit up the room. Their set, spanning classics from Elvis to Bob Marley, had Southwark’s pensioners up on their feet, dancing, singing and laughing together. Their infectious energy turned the gathering into a celebration of music, memory and community.
Closing the afternoon with a vote of thanks, Cathy Deplessis, Director of the Centre passed on Councillor Charlie Smith’s (Chair) gratitude to all who contributed to the day’s success.
The VE80 celebration served not only as a tribute to the sacrifices of wartime, but also as a vibrant affirmation of the resilience, warmth and enduring community spirit that define Southwark today.
Reflecting on the day, Cathy Deplessis, Director of Southwark Pensioners’ Centre, said, “It was important to remember and give thanks to those who sacrificed their tomorrow for our today, giving us all the chance to live in this wonderful country free from the tyranny that others live with daily. We were grateful to commemorate them and celebrate the peace we now enjoy.”
To become a member of Southwark Pensioners’ Centre or to offer your support as a volunteer for future events, please follow this link for further information.
Article and photos by Matthew Pellow.
