Oldham VE Day saw a celebration of some of our 'new' soldiers

They came with quiet resolve and resolute hearts to share the 75th anniversary of VE Day across Oldham.

But poignantly, the traditional two-minute silence to reflect and remember the war was transfixed by the Covid-19 epidemic.

Because alongside personal memories and recollections, VE Day 2020 celebrated the nation’s new soldiers - the unsung care workers, doctors and nurses fighting on the front line an enemy that no one can see or hear.

In a stirring speech to underpin the occasion, Ginny Alexander, Oldham’s Mayor, said: “I must thank you, our Oldham veterans and fellow Oldhamers who have made my year so wonderful and happy with their extremely strong attitude to life

“At this moment in time we are also watching our own loved ones survive this awful Covid-19.

"Let us take a leaf out of our forefathers book to keep strong, stand firm, keep well and stay safe.

“Today let us celebrate together in our homes and pay our respects to all those that have fought, fallen and survived to make us free men and women.

“Remember we can still reach for the stars,” she added resolutely.

And although celebrations were restricted by social distancing, streets, villages and country lanes shared bright red white and blue displays of bunting with a party atmosphere, conscious of social distancing, with lip smacking  afternoon teas.

And the air was laced with tunes from the 40s backed by the classic “We’ll meet again”, where in Dobcross a rendition by champion whistler, Dave Morris, went viral after being televised by the BBC.

A touch of nostalgia was added by a convoy of wartime military vehicles which weaved through the community.

At Anchor’s Millfield Care Home in Waterhead, Royal British Legion cadets and delivered a salute through the window to veteran Eric Bradshaw, who at 95 is living insolation after testing positive with the virus.

Eric, a Navy signaller at 18, served in Norway and the Far East, finally helping to repatriate Brits from Japanese PoW camps.

He said: “I hope young ones today can learn from what we went through, and to be tolerant and always use their common sense.

“Hopefully people in the future will never have to go through what we did and make the same sacrifices we made.”

Alison Clowes, the Saddleworth Branch RBL Vice Chairman, Standard Bearer and Poppy Appeal Organiser for the Saddleworth branch of the Royal British Legion, attended with two air cadets from 2200 Oldham Sqn, to salute Mr Bradshaw.

Julie Linke, deputy manager at Millfield, said: "It is important to honour all those who fought in previous wars to thank them for their courage.

"The older people who live with us have set the foundation for future generations and it's thanks to them that we can enjoy the freedoms we have.

"It's a privilege having Eric living with us."

Later, Alison, with RBL’s Lees and District branch's Ian Holland-Boulton, laid wreaths at St Chad's Gardens in Uppermill.

John Whittle from Uppermill Band played the Last Post, Reveille and National Anthem at the ceremony.

He said: “It was an honour to be invited to play.

"As a player with Uppermill Brass Band, it was particularly special to be able to represent the band in uniform.

“May I take this opportunity to send my very best wishes to all brass band musicians in Saddleworth, across the UK, and all over the World.

"Take care and keep well.

"We will meet again."

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