SETTING plans in motion to organise VE Day 75th anniversary celebrations in Holsworthy, town councillors discussed what options were available to them during the full council meeting on October 2.

Mayor Cllr Jo Heaven said: “We had a VE Day meeting where we discussed different ideas. We want to look at holding an event, a street party was spoken about and I have a pub tool kit which gives some more ideas.

“I also think it would be nice for some of us to go along to the old peoples’ homes in the town and speak to residence and ask for their stories.”

The town clerk Vanessa Saunders said there were some protocols they would need to follow but those details would be discussed at a future meeting. She confirmed the date of the event would be the May Bank Holiday 8, 9 and 10, 2020, adding: “They have moved the May Day Bank Holiday to coincide with the VE Day weekend.”

Mrs Saunders said: “We’ve been in contact with the museum and they have quite a few photographs and items from that time period which could make a really nice addition to the event. Hopefully we can make it a good event. We will have another meeting soon, the suggestion is to coordinate with other groups in the town.”

Mrs Saunders said any other suggestions from the council would be welcomed.

Cllr Nigel Keneally said he had an exciting proposition in the works: “Joe Louis, the boxer, refereed a match here during the war. We are looking to put on an exhibition boxing match and Bideford Boxing Club are keen. A ring would cost around £1,000 to hire.”

The councillors though this sounded like a very interesting idea and one worth pursuing.

Mrs Saunders concluded by asking for the council’s permission to begin looking into grant funding to subsidise the town’s VE Day celebrations, whatever form they take. The council was unanimous in its support support.Meanwhile Camelford Town Council councillors voted to book live band Company B to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day (VE Day) for May next year at a recent meeting.After Cllrs Stephen Bond and Andy Shaw briefly discussed how they thought that Company B’s asking price of £1,250 for a live set on May 8 was too expensive, Cllr Aaron Scawn thought otherwise.Cllr Scawn said: “This is going to be the last significant milestone where people who were alive then, will probably be alive.Cllr Alan Burgis agreed, saying: “I think Aaron has hit the nail on the head, I’d be happy to second it.The proposal was then accepted with five in favour and Cllrs Bond and Shaw abstaining.