As we commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, we thought you may want to look back at past VE Day celebrations in Fawkham.
8th May 1945
A VE Day Grant of £22 was received from Dartford Rural District Council to celebrate.
The Parish Council Minutes say: “The Chairman said that the Parish Council had granted £10 to the Entertainments Committee on V.E. Day and that the children and grown-ups had apparently had a very happy day. Lady Shaw said that it was a well-planned day with the Service on the Green in the morning, sports and tea after lunch and a dance in the evening. There still remained £12 to be discussed. Mr Martin said that there had also been a bonfire on V.E night. Mr Martin presented the account of the expenditure for the V.E. day:
Cheque from Council to come £10.0.0
Takings from side shows and refreshments £11.15.0
£21.15.0
Accounts paid out:
Rising Sun £4.19.0 1/2
Prizes for races £2.8.0
Foster Horton Kirby £1.10.0
Hicks Longfield £1.10.0
Chase Fawkham 7.6
Band for Dance £12.0.0
Rent for Hall 7.9
Paid Out £23.2.0 1/2
Takings £21.15.0
Paid out of reserve £ 1.7.0 1/2
The Chairman pronounced this very satisfactory. Miss Hilbert said £12 seemed a lot for a band. The Clerk said that as it was V.E. Day the price was doubled. Miss Hilbert said she wondered if we could keep the £12 till Japan was beat and Lady Shaw said that if it were not spent it must go back”.
VE Day 50,1995
It was not thought possible to have a street party, but a horse chestnut tree was planted and dedicated in the church meadow. A plaque was added to this tree in 2020.
VE Day 75, 2020
Plans for celebration in 2020 were altered due to the pandemic. A rock painting competition was held, judge by the vicar. The winner is shown here.
A cobnut tree was planted in churchyard, with a plaque describing it. This tree is shown here in 2025.
We also raised a flag by the war memorial.