Wishford marks VE 80

It was a beautiful day for it, and outside, the bunting fluttered lazily in the breeze on the wall of the churchyard.  Inside the church, the Café serving table was heaving with cakes galore, many with VE Day themed decoration.

The other tables, decorated with union jacks, were fully occupied, so there was standing room only.  Huge thanks to the team of Café helpers who set the scene and provided the perfect music.

The day was made even more special by the presence of a remarkable guest - 99 year-old Henryk Trybus.  Polish by birth, he fought for the Allies in a Polish Sherman tank regiment and was present at the German surrender, the day the war in Europe ended 80 years ago.  He had long been reticent about his experiences, but gradually his story took shape in conversations with his neighbour David, whom he told of the loss of his war medals.  A replica set was procured and formally presented to him that afternoon by Stephen Szalay, ex-forces, who summarised Henryk’s war time experience by describing what each medal stood for.

An amazing total of over £200 was raised in support of the charity SSAFA - the Soldiers, Sailors and Air Force Association.