2024 marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the largest Naval, Air and land Operation in history. On the 5th and 6th June this year there will be a series of major commemorations in the UK and France to honour the brave personnel who risked their lives for freedom and peace.
D-Day was the successful allied invasion of the beaches of Normandy on 6 June 1944. Codenamed Operation Neptune, the Normandy landings made up the largest seaborne invasion in history and played a crucial role in liberating Western Europe from Nazi occupation.
The heroism of those who landed on the shores of the Normandy beaches represented a beacon of light during a dark period of war and therefore it is fitting that communities across the United Kingdom, Channel Islands, Isle of Man, UK Overseas Territories and those along the shorelines of Normandy, have been invited to light beacons in tribute to the many hundreds of brave men who left their families, many of whom did not sadly return.
Ringwood Town Council is delighted to be participating in this initiative and will be lighting a beacon on the suggested time and date of Thursday 6th June 2024 at 9:15pm in the War Memorial Gardens, Ringwood.
There is an open invitation to all members of the community to join us, where there will be a reading of the International Tribute and music from Ringwood and Burley Band to match the occasion from 8:45pm.
If your organisation is involved in an activity to mark this occasion, please let us know and we will add it to this page.
Fish and chips will play a major part in the D-Day 80 commemorations. They were never rationed during the war and the words were even used as code by British paratroopers dropped behind enemy lines to identify friendly soldiers nearby – one calling out ‘fish’ and hopefully getting the reply ‘chips’. Thanks to the support and involvement of National Fish and Chip Day and the National Federation of Fish Friers, many thousands of fish and chip shops around the United Kingdom will take part in the day’s activities. Schools, pubs, hotels and restaurants etc, are also encouraged to get involved by serving up this great British tradition in tribute to those who gave so much.
We encouarge local shops and restaurants to take place and also to fundraise for our local Ringwood Veteran's Hub. If you are a local fish and chip shop or restaurant please get in touch with charmaine.bennett@ringwood.gov.uk if you would like to get involved.
There will be a wreath laying ceremony in the War Memorial Gardens during the daytime on the 6th June. Further information to follow but this may be a good option for those who are unable to attend the lighting of the beacon.
A special commemorative flag will be raised at 9am on June 6th in the Gateway Square. It will remain on display for 7 days.
Step back in time to learn abut the incredible preparations for the D-Day landings here in the New Forest on the D-Day Discovery Bus. This mobile experience will feature poster displays, short videos, and fascinating oral histories recorded by local residents. Children can immerse themselves in the era by dressing up in period costumes and take part in fun, hands on activities free of charge. The bus will be on Carvers Recreation Ground on Saturday 1st June 10am to 12:30pm.
May
Residents are invited to attend the Annual Town Assembly at Ringwood Gateway on Wednesday 15 May, beginning at 7pm.
Apr
At last night’s Council meeting, certificates were presented to recipients of grant aid awards.
Apr
Saturday 20th April, 10am – 2pm in Gateway Square The event will showcase five new projects and will include refreshments, live music and demonstrations of eco-activities by local schools - all welcome.
