Patients, staff and visitors will be given an opportunity to mark the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day next week as two Black Country Hospitals commemorate this significant historical event.

Well Wishers charity at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust and the RWT Charity at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust have worked with its Chaplaincy and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion teams and Armed Forces staff to acknowledge the end of World War II in Europe on 8 May 1945.

After years of rationing, blackouts and bombing raids, families were overjoyed to mark the historic moment and four days of celebrations have been organised by the government between Monday 5 and Thursday 8 May for this year’s anniversary

All patients across Walsall Manor Hospital and New Cross and Cannock Chase Hospitals will be able to tuck into fish and chips for lunch on Thursday 8 May, while patients will also be offered cake. 

At Walsall Manor Hospital events will take place on Wednesday 7 May between 11.45am and 2pm in the main atrium.

Staff, patients and visitors can expect:

• A warm welcome from the Trust’s Chaplaincy Team at 11.45am
• A medley of VE Day songs from the Willenhall Singers at 12noon
• A Well Wishers refreshment stall
• A display of war memorabilia from Elephant Antiques
• Information from the Trust’s Armed Forces Community Network and Preservation of Pelsall Remembrance Service/Veteran Foundation

Georgie Westley, Fundraising Manager at Walsall Healthcare, said: “We appreciate that this is an important anniversary, particularly for our elderly patients many of whom will be able to recall their own memories of that time, or the immediate years that followed.

“But it’s also important for younger generations to reflect on what people went through and learn more about that time. We’re proud to support VE Day and the charity has also ensured patients at Goscote Hospice and Hollybank House can enjoy cake too as part of their events.”

Staff at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust (RWT) will be able to attend a drop-in event in WMI, Building 11 at New Cross Hospital on Thursday 8 May, from 11.30am to 2pm. They can expect:

• Fish and chips available to buy at the Food for Thought Café which will be decorated with bunting (First come, first served as limited amount)
• Chaplaincy welcome
• Displays of old photos and war memorabilia
• Wartime songs performed by the RWT Choir
• A chance to speak to SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association) for information on a range of support services including welfare support, mental health assistance and support for families facing challenges such as bereavement, relationship breakdowns and/or financial difficulties