VJ Day and Gallipoli Remembered

I write to thank all those who took part in and attended the Town’s VJ Day 70th anniversary commemoration on Saturday 15th August.  The event also commemorated the 100th anniversary of Hadleigh’s blackest day, the 12th August 1915 where 16 Hadleigh men died in battle at Gallipoli.  The ‘Sunset’ ceremony which included readings, poems and music, was a fitting tribute to the memory of those who served.  Guest of Honour was local veteran, Mr Stanley Oxford, who as a young man spent three and half years in india & Burma during WW2.  I would also like to give a special thank you to; the Mayor Councillor Richard Whiting who led the wreath laying and read a poem.  Mr Michael Mann, Councillor’s Sue Monk and Angela Wiltshire for their readings.  The Stowmarket Boys Brigade Buglers, the Hadleigh Sea Scouts and Simon and Val Haines who stepped in at the very last minute to play a musical piece during the wreath laying.  The George (Public House) for the loan of their PA system, Jane Basham for the electricity supply and the Ansell Centre for the chairs.  Finally I would like to thank the Hadleigh & District Branch Committee of the Royal British Legion for their continued support.

Mark Brennan, Chairman, Hadleigh & District Branch, Royal British Legion