Don’t miss next week’s celebration of the borough’s COVID-19 heroes
The borough’s COVID-19 heroes will be celebrated for their acts of kindness during the pandemic as part of Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week.
As part of a project launched by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, Love Basingstoke and Basingstoke Voluntary Action, people of all ages across the borough were asked to send in their messages of thanks to local heroes who have gone above and beyond throughout the pandemic.
Almost 400 personal messages were received thanking residents, groups and businesses for their work to support vulnerable people in the community and carrying out acts of kindness.
Examples of this fantastic work will be showcased during Basingstoke and Deane’s Big Thank You Week, from Monday 10 August to Friday 14 August. Throughout the week of celebration, there will be a spotlight on:
• Unsung heroes on 10 August on Love Basingstoke’s social media channels
• Volunteer organisations, community hubs and community associations on 11 August on Love Basingstoke’s social media channels
• The business community with two categories – community support and adapting operations on 12 August on Business in Basingstoke’s social media channels
• Local artists, art organisations and the heritage sector on 13 August on Basingstoke Festival’s social media channels
• Key and essential workers on 14 August on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s social media channels.
Residents, groups and businesses will be encouraged to continue sharing their thanks to anyone who is going out of their way to help people in need via the website. For more information visit https://www.thebigbdthankyou.co.uk
Other non-COVID-19 council news
Mayor’s online tribute to mark 75th anniversary of VJ Day
The Mayor is inviting borough residents to join her in commemorating the 75th anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day on Saturday 15 August.
Cllr Diane Taylor, whose father served in Burma during the Second World War, will mark the national remembrance with an online tribute to be broadcast on the day, in line with government guidance on COVID-19.
VJ Day recognises both the surrender of Japan and the end of the Second World War and the Mayor will pay her respects to the many thousands of Armed Forces personnel who fought in the Far East and the Pacific. Her chaplain, Dr Andy Taylor, will also take part in the online service with a speech and prayers.
A two minute silence at 11am will follow the Mayor’s virtual message (on Facebook @BasingstokeMayor and on Twitter @BasingMayor) and borough residents will be encouraged to take part by remembering the service and sacrifice made by the Second World War generation.
There are plenty of ways for the public to get involved with the VJ Day 75 national commemorations. Visit the government’s website https://ve-vjday75.gov.uk/get-involved/
The Royal British Legion will also be marking the 75th anniversary of VJ Day with shared stories and tributes online at VJ Day | Remembrance Events | Royal British Legion