Peace and Remembrance: VJ Day 80 – Honouring the Past, Building the Future.
Join us on Friday 15th August for a special afternoon and evening marking the 80th anniversary of VJ Day – the final end of the Second World War.
In partnership with Cuckfield Royal British Legion, this free community event held in the Church offers something for all ages:
Family activities afternoon (1-4pm)
Crafts, games, living history, storytelling, and more! Book your free place at the sign-up page here.
Community High Tea (4:30-6:30pm)
Traditional 1940s refreshments, live music, and shared memories. For more details and to book your place, visit the sign-up page here.
Service of Thanksgiving (6:30-7:15pm)
Prayers, readings, and a commitment to peace for future generations.
Including exquisite renditions of:
- ‘Lamento’ and ‘Canto Secondo’ from the Britten Requiem, played on the Cello by Nicholas Cooper
- “When I Am Laid in Earth” (Dido’s Lament) by Henry Purcell, sung by Soprano Evie Pinhey and accompanied by Roger Walkinton on the piano, and Cello Continuo by Nicholas Cooper; and
- Voices from the End: A dramatized reading for five voices adapted from real letters and oral histories of returning Far East prisoners of war, wartime speeches and reflections from the Home front.
The service will end with “Nimrod” from Variations on an Original Theme, Op. 36 (“Enigma Variations”) by Sir Edward Elgar (1857–1934), and will be followed by an Optional Peace Prayer Vigil continuing in the Lady Chapel until 8.30 pm.
All are welcome as we remember, reflect, and look forward with hope, we will be joined by the Lord Lieutenant of Sussex.