Churches across the Diocese of York will be ringing their bells to mark the 70th Anniversary of VE Day on Saturday 9th May, as part of a weekend of events across the country. Churches rang their bells to celebrate VE Day in 1945, and are ringing 70 years later to mark the anniversary and give thanks for all who sacrificed so much in the Second World War.

At St John the Baptist and All Saints, Easingwold, one of the people ringing will be Arthur Rogers, who also rang the bells to celebrate VE Day in 1945 when he was 13 years old, at St Mary's, Elland. The bells at Easingwold will be rung at 3:15pm on Saturday 9th May.

All Saints, Barmston will be ringing their bells at 11am on Saturday 9th May, and will also be holding a service at 6pm to celebrate the anniversary and to commemorate and remember all those who gave their lives or who served during the war. This service will be attended by various military organisations in the area including the British Legion, who will be bringing their banners to display. After the service there will be a procession to the Village Hall for an exhibition of WW2 related memorabilia and supper.

Other churches ringing their bells at 11am on Saturday 9th May include:

On Sunday 10th May at 4pm, St Leonard’s Loftus, in partnership with Loftus Town Council, Loftus Community Special Events Group and other community groups, will be hosting a special Service of Thanksgiving for Peace in Western Europe on the 70th Anniversary of VE Day. The Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire will be attending the Service of Thanksgiving and the Sermon will be delivered by the Rt Revd Gordon Bates, Honorary Assistant Bishop in the Diocese of York and previously Bishop of Whitby.