World War 2 tank in South Molton as town marks VE Day anniversary on 9th May 2015

BARNSTAPLE, U.K. - May 1, 2015 - PRLog -- South Molton will be celebrating the 70^th anniversary of VE Day in style on Saturday 9^th May.  The celebrations will be based around the town’s historic Country Pannier Market, where a bustling market will take place, with traders joined by local groups with military links. The town has been loaned a World War Two tank for the day, and this will be parked within the market itself.

“There will be more than 70 stallholders in the market, and we are expecting a great atmosphere in the town on the day,” said Matt Ray, Market and Property Services Manager for South Molton Country Pannier Market. “We hope this will be a very special day for South Molton.”

As well as a huge array of foods, crafts and gifts, local groups connected to the Armed Services will also be bringing wartime memorabilia and carrying out demonstrations, including the South Molton Army Cadet Force, the South Molton branch of the Royal British Legion and the Friends of the Assault Training Centre based at Woolacombe.

“We are really excited to have a World War Two tank for the day which I am sure will prove a huge attraction for everyone,” added Matt. “We want to thank Cobbaton Combat for lending us the tank, a 1945 Sexton Self-Propelled Gun (SPG), and local haulier M. Way and Son Transport who will be delivering the tank to us. VE Day in 1945 was all about the community celebrating together and we hope that our anniversary celebrations will also reflect that community spirit, while at the same time honouring the role played in the war by so many people from North Devon.”

To mark the occasion, South Molton town centre will be decorated with patriotic bunting and a number of shops will have special window displays.   Some of the market traders will also be dressing up in 1940s clothing, including John Wilkinson who runs The Book Stall. “VE Day is something worth remembering and celebrating and I am looking forward to being part of it.  I will certainly be doing my best to look the part and to decorate my stall and I have put together a good selection of books for sale related to World War Two. I think it will be a good day for the town.”

Editors’ notes

1.       Photo available – Tank to be used as part of South Molton’s VE Day celebrations. ‘1945 Sexton Self-Propelled Gun (SPG)’ Please credit ‘Cobbaton Combat’ if using this photo. Please contact info@ndmedia.co.uk if you would like a copy of this photo.

2.      More information about South Molton’s VE Day celebrations are available from Matt Ray, Market and Property Services Manager, South Molton Country Pannier Market.  07549 177104. Email: matt.ray@northdevon.gov.uk

3.       Press release issued by www.ndmedia.co.uk