St Benet’s MAT News

At St Mary’s Junior Academy in Long Stratton, the school and local community joined hands to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day. Forget the usual schoolyard sounds; instead, the grounds echoed with the lively tunes of the 1940s, the hushed reverence for wartime memories, and the thrilling roar of vintage aircraft overhead. It was a day where generations connected, stepping back in time to honour the sacrifices and celebrate the hard-won peace of 1945.

The heart of the celebration lay in the community event held on the school grounds. Classrooms were transformed into mini-museums, showcasing a fascinating collection of memorabilia from the 1940s. Ration books, gas masks, and yellowed photographs offered tangible links to a bygone era, sparking conversations between young and old. Children, wide-eyed with curiosity, listened intently as local residents shared personal anecdotes of wartime life, bringing history vividly to life.

Adding to the nostalgic atmosphere were captivating performances from Year 3 and 5 that transported attendees straight to the dance halls and air raid shelters of the 1940s. A beautiful and brave duet was performed by Martha (Y3) and Violet (Y5) evoking memories from some of visitors from the local care home. Pupils, dressed in period attire, sang wartime classics with gusto, their youthful voices carrying the poignant melodies across the school field.

However, the undisputed highlight of the day was the spectacular air show orchestrated in partnership with nearby Tibenham airfield. As the afternoon went on, the unmistakable drone of vintage engines filled the air. A magnificent array of World War II aircraft, each a testament to engineering prowess and wartime history, soared gracefully above the school. Aeroplanes danced across the sky in elegant formations, their iconic silhouettes evoking images of courage and resilience. A Lancaster bomber, its powerful presence commanding attention, made several passes, a poignant reminder of the strategic air campaigns that helped secure victory. The collective gasp of awe from the crowd, young and old alike, spoke volumes about the enduring fascination and respect for these historic machines.

The event at St Mary’s was more than just a commemoration; it was a powerful educational experience. By immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and stories of the 1940s, the children gained a deeper understanding of the sacrifices made and the profound significance of VE Day. The presence of local veterans, sharing their firsthand experiences, added an invaluable personal dimension to the learning.

The success of the day was a testament to the strong community spirit surrounding St Mary’s Junior Academy. Volunteers worked tirelessly to transform the school grounds, local residents generously loaned their treasured wartime artifacts, and Tibenham airfield went above and beyond to deliver a truly unforgettable airshow. The event served as a beautiful reminder of the importance of remembering the past, celebrating peace, and fostering connections between generations. As the last of the vintage aircraft disappeared into the horizon, leaving a lingering echo of history in their wake, the smiles on the faces of the St Mary’s community spoke of a day well spent, honouring the past and celebrating a brighter future.

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Harleston Sancroft Academy Primary Phase welcomed Pat Ballenger, a 99 year old member of their local community, to share her WW2 lived experiences.  Pat was actually underneath the balcony, listening to Winston Churchill give his most famous speech, ‘We shall fight them on the beaches’.  She was also at Buckingham Palace, in the crowds at the same time as the then Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret, on VE Day itself in 1945.  She remembers dancing the day away with soldiers and sailors swinging from the lampposts and everyone lining arms in jubilation.

They celebrated those who fought for freedom and remembered those who didn’t come home.  The Primary Choir, along with Lucy from the Secondary Phase, honoured Pat – a wartime nurse – with her favourite wartime song, The White Cliffs of Dover.

Harleston Town Crier, Norman Steer, lit the Peace Candle, a symbol that is being recognised all over the country, and led a 2-minute silence.

This was followed with the wonderful voices of Janine and Shannon who led the children in song, whilst the children ‘partied’ and ‘picnicked’ all lunchtime.  They closed their celebration with the whole school singing ‘The Pipes of Peace.

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At the schools of Beacon Federation – Dickleburgh and Harleston Primary Academies – VE Day street parties took place, which included the Dickleburgh Pre-School, who made their own bunting.

The children had a great time listening to some of the music from the 1940s as they ate. The playgrounds were decorated with bunting.

The work carried out by the pupils at Garboldisham Primary was then used to decorate the Village Hall for their celebrations; a wonderful example of school and community working together.