At sunset on May 8 Revd Amber Beresford and the choir of St Peter’s Church in Ropley led a VE Day 80 tribute to all those who sacrificed so much in the Second World War.

The event was held at Ropley recreation ground, where Revd Amber said: “It’s such a privilege to lead this event, but it’s a very deep and moving moment, and it makes us all think and reflect upon how we’re going to live today by the inspiration of what that generation went through with so much worry and trauma.

“It’s a real moment to never forget what the Allied forces did and what a whole generation did to bring peace to Europe and victory in Europe.”

Around 100 people were there, and accompanied by the choir, a flute, a clarinet and a French horn, they sang God Is Our Strength And Refuge, to the tune of the Dambusters March, and I Vow To Thee My Country.

Revd Amber read a tribute, there were prayers read out by young people, and the singing of the National Anthem.

During the silence, those present were encouraged to remember “those who gave their lives at home and abroad; those who came home wounded, physically and mentally; the families that lost husbands, wives, sons, daughters; those in reserved occupations and the brave people who kept everyone safe on the home front”.

This reflection was organised by the Ropley Fayre committee with much support from other villagers.

The day began with a Union Flag raising ceremony in St Peter’s churchyard. Later people aged from nine months to 99 years old shared tea, cake and wartime stories while 1940s newsreels played in the background. More than £250 was raised for Help for Heroes.

In a talk, retired Royal Navy Commander Bill Dawson reminded the gathering of the worldwide work of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, preserving the memory of those who fell by following its motto ‘Every Story, For Evermore’.

Ropley men buried in the churchyard include Captain Richard Minnards, of Southfields, Monkwood, who won the Military Cross in north Africa, Lance Bombardier Francis Hurst, groom and whip at the Hampshire Hunt, Sergeant Sidney Wilks, farm labourer of South Street, and Petty Officer Stoker Harry Neale, post boy and groom of Station Cottages.

At 6.30pm the Ropley Bellringers joined the national call to ring in celebration of peace before joining more than 130 neighbours to enjoy a fish and chip supper remembering the fishermen who fed the nation and the land girls who grew the potatoes.

Lighting Ropley’s remembrance lantern was 88-year-old Humphrey Carr. He said: “My father was in the RAF, but I was away at school by 1945. I was there on VE Day; we celebrated with a nice tea.

“The fact that people have come here today to remember is important and we want people to go on remembering, so that these awful things don’t happen again.”

The evening was ended by the lighting of the lantern, to represent the light of peace after the darkness of war.