Oakham Town Council Faces Criticism Over VE Day Commemoration Plans

Oakham Town Council Faces Criticism Over VE Day Commemoration Plans

As national VE Day celebrations commence this week, Oakham Town Council is facing criticism over its perceived limited schedule of events, particularly the absence of a traditional morning flag-raising ceremony. Councillor Martin Brookes has publicly voiced his disappointment, detailing frustrated attempts to organise such an event.

At a recent Town Council meeting, Cllr Brookes raised concerns regarding the apparent lack of planned activities to mark the significant national anniversary. According to Cllr Brookes, Mayor Councillor Paul Ainsley responded by suggesting that if Cllr Brookes felt the celebrations were lacking, he should "go away and organise something" himself. Cllr Brookes also reported that Councillor Anna Dowthwaite incorrectly stated during the meeting that VE Day was not a national event, suggesting a lack of awareness regarding the planned nationwide commemorations.

Following the meeting, Cllr Brookes took the initiative to contact local organisations in an effort to arrange a flag-raising ceremony for the morning of VE Day. He initially secured support from both the Mayor and the Armed Forces Champion for Rutland.

However, Cllr Brookes states this support was abruptly withdrawn. He attributes this change of heart to an email sent by a Rutland County Council employee to the Mayor. The email reportedly highlighted that a councillor was attempting to organise a VE Day event and asserted that the RCC employee was responsible for coordinating military events in Rutland. Consequently, both the Mayor and the Armed Forces Champion rescinded their support for the flag-raising. Cllr Brookes mentioned the Armed Forces Champion cited the reason as it having "all become too political," a justification Cllr Brookes found unclear.

"The result will likely be Oakham will probably be the only town in the country that won't hold a flag raising ceremony at the official time," stated a disappointed Cllr Brookes.

While the Town Council may not be holding the traditional morning flag-raising, Rutland County Council is scheduled to host an event later on VE Day morning at Oakham Castle.

Oakham Town Council does have some events planned for VE Day itself. In the evening, the Rutland Morris Dancers are set to perform at 8:30 pm in Cutts Close, followed by a beacon lighting ceremony at 9:30 pm. Cllr Brookes also extended his gratitude to Oakham School, which is arranging a performance on the Cutts Close bandstand just before the beacon lighting. Furthermore, there are overarching plans to mark both VE Day and VJ Day during the town's Armed Forces Day celebrations in Cutts Close later in the year.

The issue has also drawn attention to the town's festive dressing, or lack thereof. Cllr Brookes confirmed that residents have complained about the absence of celebratory bunting and flags in Oakham. He has formally raised these concerns in writing with both Oakham Town Councillors and the Rutland County Councillors who represent the Oakham ward.

Reflecting on the situation, Cllr Brookes added, "In the past Oakham Town Council has organised some very good events for residents. It is very disappointing that they have decided to not organise anything this week. 

Nearby Melton Mowbray like many other towns  have been preparing for VE Day street parties to be held today, by putting out the tables in their town centres.

www.facebook.com/groups/oakhamonline/permalink/955361203178439/

Dear Councillors,

I am writing to express my concern and disappointment regarding the apparent lack of visible commemoration, specifically bunting and flags, (I am told the flags were eaten by mice.) within Oakham for the upcoming Victory in Europe (VE) Day. I have received complaints directly from residents echoing this sentiment, and I understand some of you may have also been contacted by a former Mayor on this matter.

Despite comments made by one of our younger councillors during a recent meeting, which were directed towards me and seemed to downplay the occasion, VE Day remains a significant national event worthy of proper recognition. Indeed, many commemorative events across the country are beginning as soon as tomorrow, Monday, May 5th. As I stated during that meeting, it is disheartening that Oakham does not appear to be embracing the occasion more fully.

Furthermore, I was particularly disappointed by the circumstances that seemingly prevented the planned flag-raising ceremony in Cutts Close from occurring at the officially recognised time on the morning of VE Day itself, Such moments are important symbolic acts of remembrance.

It is also disappointing to learn that the town and county seems to be relying on the future Armed Forces Day event to encompass commemorations for both VE Day and VJ Day. While honouring our armed forces is vital, combining these distinct historical events does a disservice to each. It means VE Day (May 8th) is not given its due focus close to the actual date, having already passed in that context, and VJ Day (August 15th) is marked significantly early.

Oakham has a proud history and a strong community; it is regrettable that our town's public recognition of this important national anniversary appears lacking this year.

Regards,

Cllr Martin Brookes 

Oakham South Ward

Oakham Town Council

Mobile: 07508060962

Address: 13 Willow Crescent, Oakham, Rutland

Website: https://oakhamtowncouncil.gov.uk/  

Editors Note: it was suggested that if there were two flag raising events in the County Town,  that may confuse residents. It's hoped  a donated VE Day flag will appear in Cutts Close on VE Day.