VE DAY 75: Music video honouring medics and wartime women to raise money for NHS

The tune, Shine, was written ahead of the 75th anniversary commemorations marking the end of the Second World War in Europe, and was set to be performed by Bosham trio The Charlalas on Friday.

But with national events postponed due to Covid-19, the song has now been re-imagined to honour NHS medics from trusts across the UK – including Portsmouth and Chichester – on the pandemic’s front lines.

And among those featured in the new music video Alex Timmons from Chichester and Alex Kershaw from Petersfield.

Elizabeth McGregor, a member of The Charlalas, said: ‘In these uncertain times, caused by Covid-19, there are more parallels to be drawn than we had ever imagined.

‘People have a strong need to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, generation to generation, to get through this difficult, confusing and sometimes heartbreaking time of our lives.

‘If not physically, then certainly in spirit, our communities are uniting to support the vulnerable and with hearts full of gratitude and thanks to NHS and other key workers working on the front line.’

The new tribute has been given the backing of forces darling, Dame Vera Lynn, who sang We’ll Meet Again – a song which became synonymous with the end of the war.

She added: ‘I am delighted that The Charlalas and initiatives like Shine are creating awareness of the remarkable things women were capable of achieving during the Second World War, serving the country they loved. I understand the power of music and song to unite and inspire a nation.’

In excess of six million women joined the UK war effort, abroad and on the home front.

Millions more remained in domestic settings, raising children and caring for the elderly while the Second World War raged on.

Elizabeth added: ‘We hope the spirit of pride and celebration we feel for the wartime hero generation is not lost amidst the isolation of Covid-19.’

The Charlala’s new song is available on iTunes and all major streaming services, with proceeds going to NHS Together. For more details or to hear the song, see www.thecharlalas.co.uk/shine

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