AS plans take shape to mark 75 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe it is a chance to look back at celebrations through the generations.

Ardleigh historian Jill Hamblin has shared these images and memories from the village as it prepares for a major event in May when an entire weekend is to be set aside to mark the occasion with a flower festival each day, a fish and chip supper as part of the National Toast to Peace, a vintage vehicle show followed by a parade and a fete on the Millennium Gree and Recreation ground.

Jill explains Ardleigh, in common with many villages in the area, is keeping up a long tradition of marking an occasion.

She says the earliest in the archives is this image of a tea party at New Hall in 1912 while there are also memories of a historial pageant in 1936 and the parade and village games which took place in 1995 in honour of the 50th anniversary of VE Day.

She says : “We’ve celebrated the Queen’s birthdays and the end of WWI as well as having village ‘birthday parties’ for the Village Hall and Millennium Green.

"One of the earliest party photographs in the village records is of a tea party in 1912 at New Hall; this seems above all to have been for the elderly, whereas the 1936 pageant involved villagers of all ages."

The 75th Anniversary events, following official guidelines, will take place from May 8 to 10 and also include an appearance by the Boxted Methodist Silver Band.

“We celebrated the 50th anniversary in style, with a parade and games in the Recreation Ground. The 75th anniversary will include far more and last longer.

“It should also generate funds for ‘Help for Heroes’ as well celebrating the contributions of all who served in whatever capacity during the Second World War,” adds Jill.