VJ Day remembered

A ceremony at the Gyratory Garden on 15th August commemorated the 80th anniversary of VJ Day and remembered those who had fallen, were held captive and endured unimaginable hardship in the Far East.

After a moving citation by the Royal British Legion President, and a reflective service by Revd Sarah Edmonds, wreaths were laid by the Mayor of Shipston, the Royal British Legion and the High Sheriff of Warwickshire.

Karen Lynch, the 691st High Sheriff of Warwickshire (pictured right, below), said: ‘The service was beautiful and so well attended – my thanks to the Royal British Legion and their volunteers for making it possible.’

She went on afterwards to visit the Museum’s special exhibition and hear the remarkable story of Cyril Mace, former Shipston resident and WWII veteran, from Cyril’s daughter Barbara Harris.

Cyril was a local postie who survived the sinking of the ship Lisbon Maru and spent three months on an island, being protected by Chinese fishermen. You can find out more about his incredible story at the Shipston Museum until the end of September.