Sileby resident Sheila Breed, has been chosen to light the beacon in Queen’s Park, Loughborough, as part of the 80th anniversary commemorations for Victory in Europe (VE) Day.
Sheila’s connection to Charnwood dates back to 1 September 1939, when she arrived as a five-year-old evacuee from Sheffield at the outbreak of the Second World War. Taken in by a family in Cossington, she has called Charnwood home ever since, later settling between Rothley and Sileby with her husband, Terry.
Picture credit: Charnwood Borough Council
The couple have shared 71 years together, raising four children, and now enjoy life surrounded by their seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. For the past 43 years, they have lived in Sileby.
Sheila was selected through a competition run by Charnwood Borough Council to light the commemorative beacon on Thursday, 8 May – exactly 80 years after VE Day marked the end of WWII in Europe.
“It’s a real honour to be chosen for such an important moment in our nation’s history,” said Mrs Breed. “Over my 90 years, I’ve watched Charnwood grow and thrive. Being given the chance to light the beacon feels like a meaningful way to thank the community that has given me such a wonderful home.”
The Mayor of Charnwood, Councillor Dr Julie Bradshaw MBE, selected Sheila from a number of heartfelt entries.
“I’m delighted to be joining Sheila for this special occasion in Queen’s Park,” said the Mayor. “Charnwood has a strong military heritage, and this promises to be a moving evening as beacons are lit across the UK to mark this significant anniversary. I’d like to thank everyone who entered – it was a joy to read their stories.”
Residents are invited to attend the event, which begins at 8.30pm in Queen’s Park. There will be a range of community stalls, including the Army Reserve, Loughborough Sea Cadets, Royal British Legion, Loughborough Wellbeing Centre, and the Loughborough Library Local Studies Group.
The beacon lighting is scheduled for around 9.30pm and will be one of thousands across the country marking 80 years since the end of the Second World War in Europe.
