Victory in Europe anniversary marked by Portgordon community

PortgordonBacking from the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation is set to make a Moray village swing when it celebrates the anniversary of VE Day next month.

The square in Portgordon is set to be decked out in red, white and blue for a weekend of celebration on May 8 and May 9.

Girl Guides, primary school pupils and the community church youth group are already busy preparing garlands and wreaths that will decorate the village for a memorial service on the Friday evening followed by further celebrations the following day.

The weekend is being organised by the Portgordon Post community newsletter. Chairperson Pringle George said: “On Friday 8 May at the Square, Portgordon at 7pm we will be holding our memorial service. Music by Keith and District Silver Band.

“There will be representatives from RAF and the Army and the service will be conducted by Salvation Army special envoy Colin Hanover, the Rev Brian Bain and Pastor Willie Aitken. Afterwards there will be light refreshments in the Lampie Hoose.

“We continue the VE Day celebrations on May 9 – in the afternoon at Portgordon Bowling Club there will be a challenge tournament with teams of two beginners with a bowler. Entry fee for that will be £1.

“For the young people the entertainment will include a bouncy castle, a mini assault course, diving for ducks and face painting.”

That evening a VE Gala Concert is being held thanks to sponsorship from the Baxter Foundation, featuring music by Mario Janetta and the Big Band Sound – tickets for the show are priced at £8.

Pringle George added: “All profits from these events will go to Erskine Care Homes and Poppyscotland welfare at Inverness.

“Last year we reached a total of £1300 for these charities and will like to raise £1000. Already we have received donations for Erskine and at Tesco Buckie where a collection last week raised £190.

“We are hoping everyone will support these events – for further details they can phone 01542 832924 to book their tickets for the Gala Evening or email portgordon-post@hotmail.com.”

Ahead of the big weekend a clean-up of the square in Portgordon is being held this Sunday at 2pm.

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