GOOSTREY COMMEMORATES THE 80TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE D-DAY LANDINGS

Thursday the 6^th of June saw the 80^th Anniversary of the D-Day landings and the Goostrey Parish Council rose to the occasion to commemorate the event.

Like the country as a whole, Goostrey played its part in the war effort which saw the arrival of RAF Cranage by transforming farmland in Byley, almost overnight, into a strategic airfield and production line for building Wellington bombers.  Therefore, it was felt to be particularly fitting that the village should commentate this important date in our collective history.

The Scout and Youth Centre was used as a base to display a beautifully curated historical exhibition and an array of military vehicles- three of which saw action on the beaches in Normandy on the 6^th of June 1944.

However, the main attraction was a flyover by a Spitfire, expertly piloted by former RAF pilot, Neil Parkinson.  Neil put the plane through its paces giving the eager crowd a glimpse of why this majestic piece of aeronautical engineering was so successful during WW2.

In addition, Olivia Hamblyn entertained the crowds with a medley of popular 1940s songs and members of Goostry and Jodrell Side WI’s donned wartime dress and served delicious homemade cakes, tea and coffee.

All proceeds of this fabulous event, which totalled over £3,000, have been donated to the Royal British Legion.

Goostrey parish councillor Paddy Fagan, who along with a team of volunteers, organised the event, said: “This was a marvellous example of Goostrey coming together to mark a particularly important occasion in our national history.”

“I would like to thank a multitude of people from the many who prepared the field, erected and dismantled the stalls, marshals, car parkers, sponsors and both WI groups who made and sold a wonderful array of cakes.”

“To pick out a few special mentions – Terence Rathbone, Sarah Bowers, Caroline Goodchild and David Giles, photographer John Horsley and our wonderful singer, Olivia Hamblyn.”

ASHBROOK, a local plant, access and agricultural machinery hire company, were one of the local businesses that kindly sponsored the event.

James Ashbrook, Managing Director commented, “it was a pleasure to help by sponsoring this event, ensuring that costs were covered and all the money raised could go towards the important work done by the Royal British Legion.”

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