Howard Bailey of Chard Museum reports on Chard’s VJ Day event

It took place at a VJ Day commemoration event held at Chard Museum, organised with support from the town council and community groups.

The day honoured those who fought in the Far East and included a memorial meeting led by deputy mayoress Tricia O’Brien.

Cllr Craig Hussey, a museum trustee, said: “It was a wonderful day of celebration and remembrance and something for everyone, entertainment in the paddock and the wonderful diary and talks taking place in the museum and barn and all the great stalls.

“It really was a community event and I was very proud to be a part of it.”

The ceremony concluded with a reading of Clive Sanders’ poem VJ Day 2025, and more than 50 candles were lit in a moment of reflection.

Visitors praised the exhibition and the efforts of the organisers.

One attendee described it as “a brilliant exhibition of artefacts and a reminder of what benefit we’ve inherited from the brave and heroic men and women who served in this war.”

The event also featured live music in the museum’s paddock, with performances by Keith Miller, Charles Sugden, and military veteran John Gudge.

Guests enjoyed refreshments and cider, thanks to the Somerset Inn.