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VJ Day service held in Ilkley for 80th anniversary

Tuesday, 19 August 2025 15:12

A Service of Remembrance was held St Margaret’s Parish Church [Photo: YouTube]

A Service of Remembrance was held on Friday 15 August at St Margaret’s Parish Church, Ilkley, on the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (VJ Day).

Organised by Ilkley Town Council, the service was led by Fr Alexander Crawford, vicar of St Margaret’s. Lessons were read by Cllr Jane Gibson, Ilkley Town Mayor, and by Anne Hawksworth, former Bradford District and Ilkley Town Councillor.

Residents had been invited to write down their thoughts and feelings about VJ Day in the weeks prior to the service, and some of these reflections were included in the address given by Fr Alex.

The Ilkley Singers, conducted by Cllr Catherine Cheater, sang the motets Holy is the True Light by William Harris, and For the Fallen by Douglas Guest. The organ was played by Christopher Rathbone, Director of Music at St Margaret’s.

The Act of Remembrance was led by Rev Peter Willox, Vicar of St John’s Parish Church, Ben Rhydding, representing Churches Together in Ilkley. The hymns included O God our help in ages past, Dear Lord and Father of mankind, Eternal God, before whose face we stand and O praise ye the Lord! The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.

The service is available to view on YouTube below.

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