Oulder Hill hosts community street party to mark VE Day anniversary

Thursday, 8 May 2025 16:42

By David Murphy

Oulder Hill Leadership Academy in Rochdale marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe, VE Day with a community street party, today, Thursday 8 May.

The event took place between 2.30pm and 4pm in the sports hall and was attended by invited guests including the Deputy Lieutenants for Rochdale, the Mayor and Consort of Rochdale, the Deputy Mayor, veterans from the Royal British Legion, residents from a local care home, and pupils from nearby primary schools, one being St Vincent's RC Primary School.

Cadets and members of youth uniformed groups attended in uniform, helping to serve refreshments and speak with guests. Pupils from Oulder Hill were also allowed to bring a parent or grandparent to the event.

The school’s choir provided musical performances, and guests were served afternoon tea. The occasion was also used to raise funds for Springhill Hospice.

Among the guests was Betty, a resident of Half Acre House care home in Rochdale and originally from Littleborough, who celebrated her 95th birthday yesterday. She said: “It’s really lovely to be invited to something like this. The children are so polite and helpful, it brings back a lot of memories.”

Year 10 pupil Ellie also reflected on the importance of the event. She said: “It reminds us how brave and fearless the soldiers were, putting our lives first. It’s brought everyone a lot closer, different generations and backgrounds, and it’s important to do things like this.”

Oulder Hill has previously received national awards for its work on commemorating the First World War and has a longstanding affiliation with the Royal British Legion through its Remembrance activities. Staff at the academy said they were keen to organise a community focused event to mark the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe.