Circus instructor Nick Cook in his new 9ft stilt-walking military uniform with the VE Day chalk drawing his son madeCircus instructor Nick Cook in his new 9ft stilt-walking military uniform with the VE Day chalk drawing his son made
Circus instructor Nick Cook in his new 9ft stilt-walking military uniform with the VE Day chalk drawing his son made

In pictures: Worthing celebrates VE Day

Worthing High School was open for the bank holiday on May 8 and students marked VE Day by cooking cakes and digging for victory. Pan Panayiotou, head teacher, said: “It has been a great opportunity for us to commemorate the 75th anniversary and to take the time to reflect on the sacrifices that were made during the Second World War. It also has been important not to forget the unprecedented situation we are all living through.” Residents and staff at Abbeyfield Ferring enjoyed a celebratory tea and a drive by from relatives and friends, who they had not seen for nine weeks. Jacqueline Swindells, chief operating officer, said: “It was very emotional for them all but so worthwhile.”

Singer Kim Bonsor gave a live VE Day performance from her front garden in St Andrew’s Road, Worthing. She said: “It was a very special afternoon, lots of my neighbours came out of their houses to sing along and wave flags. Lots of us decorated our houses with flags and bunting. It was a beautiful day and everybody enjoyed it. I have managed to raise some money for Age UK as well, which is great as they are under strain and the elderly need our support at the moment.” Circus instructor Nick Cook wore his new 9ft stilt-walking military uniform and was pictured beside the VE Day chalk drawing his son Wynter made. He was outside Care for Veterans, in Boundary Road, Worthing, for the Spitfire flypast on Friday, too. Nick said: “I have been stilt walking for 10 years and it was an absolute honour to be able to support the amazing and inspiring veterans and it was brilliant to be able to debut my new uniform with them. The staff at Care for Veterans are phenomenal, they all worked exceptionally hard to make this day truly special while keeping them safe. Being able to pay tribute to our country’s heroes with our local heroes is a memory I will always treasure.” Nick had been due to debut his costume in Lee-on-Solent over the VE Day weekend, before the coronavirus hit.

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