A ceremonial VE Day 80 flag was raised at 9am on Thursday 8th May in Ringwood Gateway Square by the Town Mayor, Cllr Rae Frederick.
As part of the national tribute, Ringwood Town Council lit a beacon at 9:30 PM in the War Memorial Gardens to mark this historic occasion. The beacon symbolizes the light of peace that emerged from the darkness of war and was one of many shining across the UK. The Ringwood Town Beacon was specially made for VE Day 2024 and has now been permanently located in the War Memorial Gardens as a lasting tribute.
The evening started at 9pm with music from Ringwood and Burley Band. The beacon was lit at 9:30pm when the Global Tribute was read by the Mayor of Ringwood. Following the lighting all present joined the nation in singing "I Vow to Thee My Country".
We were proud to be working in partnership with Greyfriars Community Centre and the Veterans Hub to ensure a meaningful and respectful commemoration.
Just as they did on 8th May 1945 to celebrate the end of the war, on Thursday, 8th May 2025, the bells of St Peter and St Paul’s Church in Ringwood rang out at 6:30 pm as part of the nationwide ‘Together We Chime’ initiative. This special event marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day, honoring those who sacrificed for our freedom.
A ceremony for the 81st Anniversary of D-Day was held at the Normandy Veterans Memorial in the Parish Church Grounds on Friday 6th June 2025 at 11am.
The 80th anniversary of VJ Day (Victory over Japan) took place on Friday 15 August 2025, commemorating the end of the Second World War. Ringwood Town Council marked this anniversary with a service at the War Memorial Gardens at 11am.
Remove VE Day - Band
VE Day - Mayor reading tribute
VE Day - Hymn
VE Day - Memorial with wreaths
VE Day - Mayor with Wreath
VE Day - Terry Robers
Remove VE Day - Evening Crowd
VE Day - Crowd
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Remove VE Day - Lit Beacon
May
More than 100 residents attended Ringwood’s Annual Town Assembly, where the Mayor presented the Council’s Annual Report alongside updates, community discussions and a celebration of the town’s 800-year heritage. The evening also saw Greyfriars Community Minibus Service and Ringwood Good Neighbours recognised with a Community Award for their outstanding support to local residents.
May
At the Full Council meeting on 29 April 2026, representatives from two local organisations were invited to collect a certificate of grant aid, in recognition of the grants that had been awarded by the Council.
Apr
Our latest newsletter includes information on the Council’s Strategy, the Annual Town Assembly, an update on activities at Carvers Clubhouse and more. Click on the image above to read it.
