Annesley Woodhouse Community Partnership Library

Celebrations began on Thursday 8 May with community-focused events at local libraries around the county. At Stapleford Library, a street party-style afternoon tea took place from 12pm to 5pm, made possible by funding from Stapleford Town Council. The event featured a heritage exhibition of local newspaper articles and images from Stapleford and across Nottinghamshire. At 3pm, the Stapleford and District Local History Society delivered a special talk about local men who served in the Second World War. Complimentary refreshments were had throughout the afternoon, and visitors were able to view and contribute to a community memory wall featuring personal stories of VE Day celebrations through the years. Book displays for all ages encouraged further exploration of the day’s significance, and families enjoyed craft activities free of charge. Those who missed celebrations on the day can still enjoy reading contributions to the memory wall, which will remain on display at the library throughout May.

At Carlton Library, a fascinating talk took place by local historian Martin Kerry. Titled From D-Day to VE Day: The Sherwood Rangers Story, the session explored the remarkable contribution of the Sherwood Rangers during the final months of the war. Visitors also enjoyed tea and coffee at the event, while having the chance to discuss their memories of VE Days gone by.

Inspire is pleased to be showcasing two online collections, both curated by Nottinghamshire Archives: VE Day Community and VE Day Armed Forces. These digital exhibitions feature historic and contemporary images, preserving powerful memories of VE Day and the Second World War. The two collections have been curated from historic images digitised from Inspire’s heritage collections, as well as those contributed by members of the public to the Inspire Picture Archive. VE Day Armed Forces displays images of those who served in the military during the War, while VE Day Community showcases contemporary images of VE/VJ Day celebrations in both 1945 and subsequent years, as well as community life on the Home Front during the Second World War. Inspire are urging members of the public to share their own images of how they marked the 80th anniversary by uploading them to the Inspire Picture Archive where they will be preserved for generations to come.

The future holds exciting and informative events for Inspire libraries. As part of the anniversary programme, a new exhibition titled Victory Nottinghamshire has been commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council and will tour selected locations, including libraries, throughout the county. This mobile exhibition delves into Nottinghamshire’s pivotal role during World War Two, recognising the efforts of local industries, armed forces, civil defence groups, and the wider community. Visitors will learn about contributions from local institutions such as Boots, Women’s Land Army and The Bevin Boys, and Rolls Royce. The exhibition also shines a spotlight on the Home Guard, and Nottinghamshire’s important status as an evacuation zone for more than 5,000 schoolchildren. The exhibition will be on display at Mansfield Central Library from Wednesday 11 June to Friday 20 June, and at Worksop Library from Saturday 19 July to Thursday 7 August, as well as visiting Beeston and West Bridgford Libraries later this year (dates to be announced).

Inspire will also continue the commemorative theme later in the month with its annual Hands On Heritage Day at Mansfield Central Library on Saturday 17 May. This free, family-friendly event will include a range of activities and exhibitions themed around the Second World War. Visitors can enjoy live 1940s music performed by the Red Hot Band, take part in virtual and augmented reality experiences, and embark on a short sticker trail to enter a giveaway for a £25 Amazon gift voucher. A wide range of local heritage organisations will be represented on the day, showcasing pop-up museums, historical displays, and hands-on craft activities for all ages.

Nottinghamshire Archives will be present at the annual celebration, bringing their interactive wall to allow curious minds to explore the history of the county digitally, a book binding demonstration led by a member of their conservation team, and an opportunity to digitise images to donate to the Inspire Picture Archive; donors will also be provided with their own digital copy, allowing them to share and preserve their own memory beyond the physical photograph. This offering is only a slice of what’s on offer at Nottinghamshire Archives, where over five million historic documents are preserved, ranging from parchment deeds and rolls to maps and plans, from parish registers and wills to letters and diaries, from posters to photographs and films. If VE Day celebrations have ignited a spark of curiosity, Nottinghamshire Archives is the perfect place to kickstart research into military ancestors too with records from the army, navy, and air force to explore.

These events and resources form part of Inspire’s ongoing commitment to preserving and celebrating Nottinghamshire’s rich cultural and historical heritage. As communities gather to mark this milestone anniversary, Inspire invites residents of all ages to come together, reflect on the past, and share in the stories that have shaped the county.

The online exhibitions VE Day Community and VE Armed Forces can be found on the Inspire Picture Archive, a free-to-access resource for preserving photographs.