Honouring the legacy of VE Day, students from New Hall School played an active role in community celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

On Saturday 3 May, New Hall dancers performed at a local VE Day event, hosted by the Chelmsford Garden Community Council in Beaulieu. The well-attended event featured music, dance, and displays of World War II memorabilia. New Hall’s dance performances included a moving routine titled ‘Heroes’ and a tribute to Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing, whose medical advances have left a lasting legacy and helped train generations of nurses who saved the lives of those who served in the war.

Commemorations continued on Monday in Chelmsford city centre, at an event hosted by Chelmsford For You and sponsored by Chelmsford City Council. A variety of live acts took to the main stage, including the Salvation Army performing The Last Post, interviews with veterans, a poem recital by New Hall’s Year 7 students, and a speech by the Mayor of Chelmsford. Visitors also enjoyed a large exhibition of wartime memorabilia along Chelmsford High Street.

Mrs Suzanna Minnis, Assistant Principal of New Hall School, supported students at Chelmsford’s VE Day event. “During the Second World War, New Hall School became a 270-bed emergency hospital, and its historic Tudor building was targeted and bombed in May 1943. At the VE Day anniversary, eleven of New Hall’s Year 7 students recited ‘A Time to Remember’, a specially written poem reflecting on Chelmsford’s role in the war effort, New Hall’s wartime experiences, and the enduring importance of remembrance through the eyes of a younger generation. This was a unique opportunity for students to take part in a meaningful local tribute – connecting the past with the present through the power of performance,” Mrs Minnis remarked.

The School honours its wartime history with pictures and memorabilia displays in its Heritage Room, as well as annual Remembrance Day and VE Day commemorations. While the School Library provided excellent book recommendations in a festive display this week, celebratory decorations awaited guests of the New Hall Voluntary Service, some of whom reminisced about the first VE Day celebrations.

Over 100 elderly guests attend weekly lunches with New Hall’s students and adult volunteers, helping to combat loneliness and bring generations together. Our guests were treated to a heartwarming programme featuring era-specific music, poetry readings, and songs lovingly performed by our students. The atmosphere was filled with joy, gratitude, and a deep sense of respect as we came together across generations to reflect on the past. It was a truly memorable week—one that not only celebrated a pivotal moment in history, but also beautifully showcased the spirit of community, remembrance, and intergenerational connection that defines the NHVS. Through their service to the guests, students are reminded of the importance of commemorating our past and honouring those who fought to provide a prosperous future.