Commemorative benches installed in Selston to remember Second World War fallen

The benches are for use after the coronavirus social distancing lock down is lifted, and are part of the Ashfield District Council’s Victory in Europe Day celebrations.

They are being put in place at Selston Country Park and off Plainspot Road. The one at Selston Country Park was unveiled by Deputy Chairman of Ashfield District Council Councillor Arnie Hankin and Councillor David Martin.

The wrought iron seats mark 75th Anniversary of Victory in Europe Day, on May 8. Victory in Europe Day, which is generally known as VE Day. It celebrates the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender of its armed forces on May 8, 1945.

This year, the early May Bank Holiday was moved from its usual position on a Monday, to Friday, May 8, and there are celebrations planned across the UK.

Cllr David Martin, Cabinet Member for Streets, Parks and Town Centres said: “We are very proud to take delivery of this bench, it not only marks VE Day but will also serve as an ongoing reminder of those that lost their lives during WW2.

“We hope that visitors to our parish will enjoy the benches for many years to come. They are beautifully made out of wrought iron and I hope these distinctive benches will bring a lot of joy to local residents and visitors to our parish.

“This is an excellent way of remembering those who gave so much for our freedoms.

“Councillors Andy Gascoyne, Arnie Hankin and I have had loads of messages from local people who have already spotted the benches on their daily exercise. We are confident that they will be popular with visitors too once lock down restrictions are lifted.”

Further details on how the council will be celebrating VE Day will be released in the coming days.