Staff and volunteers at Ellesmere Library are inviting people to step back to the 1940s and sample a “taste of wartime.”.
A special event is being held on Saturday, May 10 as part of the town’s celebrations to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day, which saw the end of the 2nd World War in Europe with the surrender of Nazi Germany.
“This will be an afternoon that you won’t forget,” said library manager Sheila Williams.“We’re inviting members of the community to join us for an afternoon focusing on life in the home in the midst of wartime.”
Volunteers Peter Smith and Janet Courtney, supported by library assistant Sally Poynton, have been researching how Britain coped with wartime food shortages. The 90 minute session will begin with Peter taking a look inside a wartime pantry and explaining how the rationing system worked.
This will be followed by Janet and Sally, dressed in period costume, turning the clock back to 1942 for a look at ‘Life in Charlotte Row,’ where Mrs C and her neighbours gather around the kitchen table to discuss ‘their lot’ in the war, food rationing and the latest gossip.
The event begins at 2pm on May 10th, with tickets priced at £3 to include tea and wartime fare. Seating is limited to 30, and bookings must be made in advance by cash only. For more information, please contact Ellesmere library on 01743 258555 or email ellesmere.library@shropshire.gov.uk
Meanwhile, preparations are underway for a special V.E Day service at Ellesmere parish church on Thursday evening, May 8, beginning at 7.30. The town council and Ellesmere branch of the Royal British Legion are organising a civic wreath-laying ceremony at the war memorial ahead of the service and a beacon will be lit outside the church at 9.30 pm as part of nationwide beacon chain. Pupils from Ellesmere primary school and Lakelands Academy will be taking part in the service, together with the Porthywaen Silver Band.
The Royal British Legion will be holding a 40s Quiz on the following evening , May 9, at Ellesmere Comrades Club, starting at 7.30pm.
