We are delighted to announce that we are planning a special celebratory evening at the Old Thornley School, 6.30pm – 9.30pm on Thursday 8th May, to mark the historic 80th Anniversary of Victory in EuropeDay.
Families and communities across our great nation will be coming together to unite and celebrate 80 years of peace since the end of Word War II in Europe and we are proud to reveal that the school, our unique and very special little rural archive, is playing its part in this truly historic occasion.
At 6.30pm Ringing the School Bell – the nation will be called upon to ‘Ring Out Bells’ in united celebration and Old Thornley School will be joining in this momentous occasion by ringing our Old School Bell. It is truly remarkable that our bell has survived all these years since 1880. We have it on good authority from an ex pupil’s mother that the last time the bell was rung out it was to celebrate peace at the end of World War II, 80 years ago, so you can imagine how special the 8th May is going to be when our little old bell, which has hung silently for 80 years, is rung out loud and proud across our beautiful countryside once again.
At 7pm a lone Piper will play the Bagpipes within the Thornley School Grounds which is sure to be a stunning moment.
At 9.30pm whilst the nation is lighting beacons and lamplights to symbolise the ‘light of peace’ that emerged from the dreadful darkness of war, our community will join in lighting two special lamplights which will shine out from the school symbolising love and hope for a peaceful future.
Please feel free to “Pop in” on passing or join us from 6.30pm for the full evening. As usual there will be Tea and Cakes available or bring your own “drinks” to celebrate the together.
All donations on the night go to the Thornley Community Space Charity to run the Old Thornley School as a meeting place.