South East Communities Host VJ Day Commemorations

5.15.36pm GMT Tue 9th Aug 2005

As the 60th Anniversary of VJ Day approaches, veterans and young people across the South East are joining together to celebrate the ending of the Second World War with events including dramatic performances, historical adventures, and touring exhibitions funded by Home Front Recall, a multi-million pound lottery funding scheme.

The £22.3 million Home Front Recall scheme, a joint initiative from Lottery good cause distributors the Big Lottery Fund and the Heritage Lottery Fund, supports activities commemorating the part played by those on the home front during the war years six decades ago - fire fighters, auxiliary services, nurses, Bevin Boys, dock workers, ex-service clubs and people in many other roles are organising activities.

Lottery grants worth £1,833,935, announced today brings the total number of projects in the region being awarded funding to 345, for a diverse range of events including, WWII exhibitions, remembrance services, parades, street parties, tea dances, special WWII celebrations and history projects.

Both the Heroes Return and Home Front Recall schemes are now closed for applications. However, trips and events already funded will continue until the end of 2005.

Among those in the region receiving Home Front Recall grants this month are Hiltingbury Community Association from Eastleigh in Hampshire.

Hiltingbury Community Association (HCA) will use a £19,700 grant to undertake an oral history project, with children and young people as interviewers, so that memories of life on the Home Front during World War II are not forgotten. The outcome will be recorded for future generations. HCA is organising a launch party, to coincide with the 60th Anniversary of the end of the war on August 21 and a spectacular showcase event later in December. Invitations will be sent to all 4000 households in Hiltingbury. Project leader, Chris Vine, is keen to hear from any local residents who may have war time memories from the Home Front they'd like to share. For more information call 023 8090 8862 or email social@hiltingbury.com.

Chris Vine, project co-ordinator, said: "This grant will make a huge difference to the success of the project. The oral history and subsequent videoed re-enactments can now be much more ambitious, and will enable us to help future generations to appreciate the hardships of war and thus the benefits of peace."