VE Day celebrations cancelled by Stone Town Council

The three-day event, which was due to take place in early May, was set to include a street party and procession to mark the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.

Stone Town Council revealed detailed plans for events across the Bank Holiday weekend earlier this month.

Speaking in early March, Councillor Jill Hood said “Although fully aware of the threat of coronavirus we are adopting the 1939 slogan ‘Keep calm and carry on’.

"We are taking advice from the public health authority and realise things can change quickly with the result that we may have to cancel the celebrations last minute.

“In the meantime we have organised a weekend that really captures the spirit of VE Day with something for the whole family to enjoy.

"Residents are also invited to dress in 1940s costume to really get into the spirit. We look forward to hopefully celebrating this momentous occasion."

But in recent days, as more and more measures have been announced by the Government in a bid to delay Covid-19’s spread, the town council has reluctantly decided to cancel a number of events in the High Street due to be held in the coming weeks – including the VE Day commemoration – to protect the health of residents, councillors and staff.

The town council was also due to hold its annual meeting in April, as well as an event celebrating St George’s Day.

Stone Station Community Centre and the Frank Jordan Centre – two venues run by the town council – have been closed until further notice. And the town's Mayor has withdrawn from attending public events for the time being.

Council meetings are being kept to the minimum amount needed to keep running and the Station Road office has closed for the present. Tuesday’s physical meeting was cancelled and replaced by a “virtual” meeting of members to allow council business to take place – including the consideration of plans to set up a helpline to support the work of volunteers and community groups helping other residents during the pandemic.

Allotments will continue to be available however, and market stalls selling food and groceries are able to continue trading if stallholders wish to do so. Anyone who needs to contact the town council should email clerk@stonetowncouncil.gov.uk or call a councillor.

Councillor Rob Kenney, chairman of the general purposes committee, said: “Whilst I am reluctant to curtail any of the council’s activities, the health and wellbeing of Stone residents must take priority.

"The council will keep this current crisis under review, and return to full activity as soon as the situation allows.”