A drummer from Wistaston helped lead the 75th anniversary of Victory in Japan Day (VJ Day) in Nantwich town centre, writes Jonathan White.
Victory in Japan Day was the moment that the Allies (Britain, the US and other countries fighting together) marked victory over Japan.
Rob Richardson, from Wistaston, is a member of the Royal Welsh Regiment Corps of Drums Association.
Rob stood on Nantwich town square with his side drum and played “Drummers Call” to gain the townspeople’s attention.
He then gave a fine display of drumming leading up to 11am.
When the clock struck, Rob saluted the War Memorial, and the two-minute silence was impeccably observed by the gathered crowd on the square.
The drumming and two-minute silence were followed by a resounding round of applause.
VJ Day 75th anniversary celebrations also included a national moment of remembrance and pause for a two-minute silence.
Rob said: “Thank you to Liz Parkin and Nantwich Town Council for allowing me to do this to mark VJ Day, which is often forgotten.
“The fact that the packed Nantwich town square stopped and stood up at 11am for the national 2 minute silence – which was impeccably observed – was a testament to the town.
“It was also extra special to perform in front my Dad, as he is a wheelchair user, and rarely gets the chance to see me play.
“It was an honour to represent the Royal Welsh Corps of Drums Association, thanks to Ian Simon who gave me permission to perform on their behalf.”
Liz Parkin, community engagement consultant from inNantwich, said: “I am grateful to Rob for being able to mark VJ Day for Nantwich.
“It is the day that celebrates the official end to the WW2 but strangely has never been quite as big an occasion as VE Day.”
(Photos by Craig Bennett of RedShift Online)
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