Portsmouth Cathedral calls on families to join Big Picnic for Hope to mark VE Day
FAMILIES are being invited to join a virtual get-together to honour the selfless heroes both past and present to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day.
Portsmouth Cathedral is uniting with other cathedrals across England – including Chichester’s – to stage the Big Picnic for Hope on Friday, May 8.
People across the area are encouraged to take to social media and share their picnic ideas and snapshots of their celebrations from the safety of their homes.
Organisers hope thousands of people will join in with the virtual fun, which is honouring all those who fought during the Second World War as well as those on the frontlines dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.
The call comes after The News issued a rallying cry to people across the area to deck their homes in the red, white and blue of the Union Flag to commemorate the occasion.
Speaking of the Big Picnic for Hope, The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, Dean of Portsmouth Cathedral, said: ‘VE day is both about celebrating peace after years of war, and giving thanks for the dedication, courage and selflessness of not only our own nation, but also of allies and friends from across the world.
‘Now, during an international pandemic, we have seen once again the power of mutual support and good neighbourliness, and have a different set of “front-line” people to give thanks for: not only NHS staff, but also those continuing to work in social care, supermarkets and our schools.’
The project asks people to stay at home, to picnic indoors or in their gardens, and to join friends and families virtually.
As well as celebrating VE Day, the initiative is also seeking to raise money to help families struggling during the lockdown.
In Portsmouth, it’s hoped £500 can be raised for the Roberts Centre, in Landport, which helps families in desperate need.
The dean added: ‘I love the idea of the ‘Big Picnic for Hope’ in celebration of both what was achieved in the past, and what is being achieved right now, all the while raising money for the Roberts Centre which continues to do incredible work in this time of particular need.’
To share picnic ideas, use the hashtag #bigpicnicforhope of social media. To join in with the Big Picnic for Hope, find out more, or share your ideas and photos see: bigpicnicforhope.com also see the Portsmouth Cathedral social media @portsmouthcathedral).
To donate to the Roberts Centre, see: https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/PortsmouthCathedral1