The historic Hampshire village of Enham Alamein will come together on Saturday, 10 May 2025, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day with a special community picnic and celebration filled with nostalgia, live music, and heartfelt remembrance.
Organised by Cllr Leslie Francis, who is not only Chair of the Parish Council but also the village’s Postmistress, the event will honour the village’s unique wartime role and long-standing connection to the Armed Forces.
Enham Alamein’s roots run deep with World War II history. Originally named Enham, the village was renamed following the Battle of El Alamein, after injured servicemen were treated at the village’s recovery centre. In 1945, a generous £250,000 donation was made in recognition of the bravery of British forces, enabling the development of a centre for disabled ex-servicemen. As a tribute, the village proudly added “Alamein” to its name.
As VE Day approaches on Thursday, 8 May, Enham Alamein will be festooned with commemorative decorations, including a VE Day post box topper and patriotic bunting. The main event on Saturday, 10 May, will include:
- A community picnic
- Live music and entertainment
- Old-fashioned games like hopscotch
- A celebration cake to mark the day
Reflecting on the village’s strong military connections, Leslie said:
“This will be a wonderful opportunity for the whole community to gather together for a celebration picnic and to enjoy each other’s company whilst listening to live music. We can remember our village’s unique WW2 history and the Allied victory with Germany’s unconditional surrender on 8 May 1945.”
The celebration also symbolises the resilience of the Enham Alamein community. Five years ago, plans for the 75th anniversary were disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, prompting residents to celebrate from their doorsteps with flags and a socially-distanced wartime tribute performance. This year, the village is ready to embrace the spirit of VE Day fully, together.
Today, the village continues its proud legacy of supporting others through Enham Trust, now part of the Aster Group, which provides vital housing, care, and support for disabled individuals. Aster is investing in nearly 300 homes and community facilities, including plans for a new community garden.
With its long-standing tradition of charity, service, and community spirit, Enham Alamein remains a beacon of remembrance and resilience, making this VE Day 80th anniversary a particularly poignant and celebratory occasion.