Bramshott & Liphook Parish Council organised an 80th anniversary D-Day evening with help from the Royal British Legion (RBL).

Parish clerk Jane Sawyer hosted and the evening began with year four children from Liphook Junior School Year singing wartime songs. They were followed by year six ambassadors reading the ‘Poem for Schools’.

Parish council chairman Jeanette Kirby, then planted a memorial tree on the Village Green to remember all those who lost their lives in war and in peacetime.

Including Private Frederick George Envis, 8th Battalion the Royal Scots and Private Daniel Polland, 1st Battalion Hampshire Regiment. Both were from Liphook and took part in D-Day and lost their lives and their names are now engraved on a plaque next to the memorial tree. 

More than 400 residents were entertained by Stephanie Belle who got everyone singing to classic wartime songs and learned about the village’s role in D-Day in an informative display. Brigadier Sean Brady RM then led the crowd through the commemoration, where a one-minute silence was held and the reading of the International Tribute.

The Council were joined by members of the RBL and the lighting of the beacon was given to Roy Bicknall. A 99 year-old Liphook resident who served in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, from 1943 to 1947 and was involved in D-Day operations.  

The Scouts and Guides provided refreshments throughout the evening, and donated all of their proceeds to the RBL. White’s Joinery made a beautiful plinth for the memorial tree plaque.