July 2025
VJ Day 80
The Shipston Branch of the Royal British Legion will hold a commemorative ceremony at 11:45am on Friday, 15th August at the Gyratory Gardens, to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day).
This solemn occasion will honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of all those who contributed to the end of the Second World War in the Pacific.
The nationwide two minute silence will be observed at 12 noon, paying tribute to those who gave so much for peace.
All are welcome to attend and stand in remembrance.
Shipston Museum will be open 12-4pm on the same day, featuring the courageous local story of Sgt Major Cyril Mace (RA) who was a Japanese PoW.
Swimming Record
Arthur Lowe, Master Swimmer and husband of Town Crier Marion, competed in a regional gala on 31st May at Birmingham University in his new age group of 90-94 years. He entered five races, came first in all five and won five British records!
Arthur is now the fastest 90-year-old male in Britain to swim 50, 100 and 200 metres freestyle and the 50, 100 metres backstroke.
A few weeks later, Marion was also competing, this time representing Shipston in the Ancient and Honourable Guild of Town Criers national championship in Bromsgrove.
Although she was not placed - ‘It’s hard to compete against a big chesty male with a loud voice!’ – Marion, as one of only four women criers, was complimented on her precision and diction as she took on the challenge of a cry of 120 words on the topic of Why Visit Museums, while ringing the auctioneer’s bell currently on display at the museum.