VE Day 80 commemoration
Students, staff, volunteers and visitors from the wider community gathered to commemorate VE Day 80 by highlighting the contributions of those who cared for others during the conflict.
The Faculty of Health, Medicine and Society (FHMS) Historical Society hosted the event at the University of Chester’s Wheeler Building to reflect on the experiences of those who served as doctors, nurses and other health and social care professions during the Second World War. These hidden stories were narrated by speakers including students Ella Burke, Ellis Eccleston and Maddie Sarkar, University staff and volunteers from the FHMS Historical Society. Many of those attending the event had worked in health and social care throughout their careers or had relatives who had served in other capacities during the Second World War. The readings provided insights into what that generation experienced during wartime and had so had particular resonance for the audience.
The event was compered by Nick Fry and the University of Chester choir, led by Director of Music Matt Baker, provided a lively musical interlude featuring a collection of well-known songs from the time.
Dr Claire Chatterton, Visiting Professor in Nursing History, who co-ordinated the event said: “We wanted to pay tribute to all those who lived through the second world war, recognising the enormous impact it had on their lives and the many sacrifices they made. Many of the health and social care staff we focussed on worked tirelessly to relieve suffering, often at great risk to themselves. For example, we remembered Nurse Sheila Gillen, who at the age of only 25 died in a bombing raid on the hospital where she worked, just outside Chester on the Barrowmore Estate.”
Dr Elizabeth Mason Whitehead, Professor Emerita of Health and Social Care, said: “We would like to thank everyone involved with the organisation of this event in so many different ways. Especially, the student, staff and volunteer readers, Nick Fry, Matt Baker and the University Choir, the student photographer Tanya Birch, the volunteers who provided the decorations, historical displays and refreshments, the FHMS administration team and facilities staff. It was a real team effort to bring everyone together to share in this landmark anniversary and we were delighted to welcome so many to join us on this occasion.”