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2 May 2025

VE Day celebrations, NHS style

Patients, staff and visitors will be given an opportunity to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day next week as two Black Country Hospitals commemorate this significant historical event.

VE Day 80th Anniversary

The RWT Charity at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust and Well Wishers charity at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust have worked with their Chaplaincy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion teams and Armed Forces staff to acknowledge the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945.

After years of rationing, blackouts and bombing raids, families were overjoyed to mark the historic moment and four days of celebrations have been organised by the government between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 May for this year’s anniversary

All patients across New Cross, Cannock Chase and Walsall Manor Hospitals will be able to tuck into fish and chips for lunch on Thursday 8 May, while elderly patients will also be offered cake.

Staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) will be able to attend a drop-in event in WMI, Building 11 at New Cross Hospital on Thursday 8 May, from 11.30am to 2pm. They can expect:

  1. Fish and chips available to buy at the Food for Thought Café which will be decorated with bunting (First come, first served as limited amount)
  2. Chaplaincy welcome
  3. Displays of old photos and war memorabilia
  4. Wartime songs performed by the RWT Choir
  5. A chance to speak to SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association) for information on a range of support services including welfare support, mental health assistance and support for families facing challenges such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns and/or financial difficulties

Amanda Winwood, Charity Development Manager at RWT, said: “This is a chance to network and find out about the Armed Forces Staff Network we have at the Trust plus the support available to serving/ex-serving staff and the families of military personnel.

“While this anniversary may resonate most with older generations it gives us all an opportunity to look back in history and learn more about the significance of world events, as well as be thankful for sacrifices made.”

RWT’s celebrations have been boosted by funding from Wolverhampton City Council and £250 from the charity Stepway which supports veterans and their families in civilian life.

Dawn Turner, Stepway’s Chief Executive Officer said: “Your plans to create a memorable and respectful celebration for staff, patients, and veterans – complete with traditional fish and chips, bunting, wartime memorabilia, and even Churchill’s 1945 speech – are incredibly thoughtful and inspiring. It is clear your event will foster pride, reflection, and togetherness across the Trust.”

At Walsall Manor Hospital events will take place on Wednesday 7 May between 11.45am and 2pm in the main atrium. Staff, patients and visitors can expect:

  1. A warm welcome from the Trust’s Chaplaincy Team at 11.45am
  2. A medley of VE day songs from the Willenhall Singers at 12noon
  3. A Well Wishers refreshment stall
  4. A display of war memorabilia from Elephant Antiques
  5. Information from the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network and Preservation of Pelsall Remembrance Service/Veteran Foundation