🇬🇧 The Atkinson Salutes the Armed Forces
Armed Forces Day is an annual opportunity to show our appreciation for the dedication and service of the Armed Forces community, and to learn more about life in the military.
Join us at The Atkinson as we commemorate this important day with special displays, themed talks, a fashion show, family-friendly activities and delicious food from A Great Little Place café. This year’s celebrations will focus on the 80th anniversary of VE Day, honouring a pivotal moment in history.
We encourage visitors to come dressed in vintage period uniform or civilian dress. We would love to see your style! Let’s come together to celebrate, remember, and learn.
✌️ Schedule of events -
📍 Location: Outside The Atkinson.
10:30am - 10.45am: Drumhead Service - The day begins with the Drumhead multi-faith military church service. This poignant service will bring together people from all walks of life to pay tribute to the sacrifices made by our service members.
10am - 4pm: The Military Vehicle Trust - Dedicated to ‘keeping our mechanical veterans alive’, the trust illustrates how historic vehicles have contributed to our military heritage.
10am - 4pm: Meet the Home Guard - Interactive stands will showcase different aspects of the Home Guard during 1943-44. Find out about recruitment, personal kit and weaponry, medical equipment and communication tools.
10am - 4pm: Spitfire Craft Activity - James Clare will show you how to make your own paper aeroplane to take away. Sponsored by RBL.
📍 Location: Foyer. Ground Floor.
10am – 4pm: Armed Forces Charities - Displays from military charities and groups including Forces Employment, Veterans in Sefton, The Block, Bee Ethical and Ukraine United.
10am – 4pm: Fireplace Tribute - June The Florist will decorate the fireplace in tribute to our Armed Forces. Founded in 1925, the florist is one of Southport’s oldest family businesses.
10am – 4pm: A Great Little Place - The award-winning café will be serving up delicious fresh food and refreshments all day.
📍 Location: Studio. First Floor.
10:15am: Performance - The Ukrainian United Choir.
11am: Talk - ‘My Accidental Life’ by Harry Kessler – The Incredible story of a Jewish Holocaust Survivor.
12pm: Talk – ‘Who Knew Halina?’ by Dagmara Wojciechowicz
1pm: Talk - 'I shouldn't be here' by Kris Wojtek
2pm: Talk - ‘Yanks by the Seaside’ by Euan Withersby
3pm: WW2 Fashion Show – Angela Brown’s vintage clothing collection is modelled by cadets from 611 squadron
📍 Location: Art Gallery. First Floor.
10am – 4pm: Mini displays telling incredible stories from World War II:
Dagmara Wojciechowicz shares her grandma’s story as a member of the Polish Resistance during WW2.
Andy Dziegiel’s father was part of Bomber Command, his aircraft was shot down and he became a prisoner of war.
Members of the Polish Community Blackpool/Fylde/Wyre share items that tell the story of the Polish contribution to WW2.
Pete Tipping & Euan Wethersby demonstrate the influence of the Americans in the UK during WW2.
Angela & Frank Brown share their extensive collection of WW2 militaria and fashion.
11am – 3pm: Family friendly craft workshop in the Art Box.
https://theatkinson.co.uk/events/spt-armed-forces-day/
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