Decision details

The purpose of this report is to advise members of the proposals for commemorating the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day in May 2020.

In May 2020 the early May Day Bank Holiday has been moved from Monday 4 May to Friday 8 May to mark the 75^th anniversary of VE Day.  There is a planned series of national events over three days from Friday 8 through to Sunday 10 May.

Fareham has a history of recognising significant dates relating to WW1 and WW2.  As such officers have been asked to explore an appropriate way for the Council to mark V E Day.

Officers have identified two proposals as stated below:

(i)            For a new, appropriately designed commemorative seat to be installed at a location to be determined within the Borough.

(ii)          For the Council to provide a level of financial support to enable Lee Flying Association and Regional City Airports (RCA), to subsidise pre-1955 aircraft visiting Solent Airport on Saturday 9 and Sunday 10 May.

RESOLVED that the Executive agrees:

(a)  that a commemorative seat to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of VE Day be designed and installed at a location to be determined;

(b)  that once officers have researched options for where the seat can be located, delegated authority is given to the Executive Leader to determine the seat’s final location;

(c)  to provide some financial support to enable Lee Flying Association and RCA to welcome aircraft pre-dating 1955 to visit Solent Airport over the VE weekend; and

(d)  that the project will be funded from existing budgets, to the sum of £12,000.