Catherine Fookes MP Marks 80th Anniversary of VE Day with Visits Across Monmouthshire

Catherine Fookes, Member of Parliament for Monmouthshire, marked the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day with a series of commemorative visits across the county – paying tribute to local veterans, armed forces personnel, and the vital work of Royal British Legion branches.

On Thursday, Catherine joined the Abergavenny community for a special VE Day ceremony organised by Peter Farthing and the local Royal British Legion. The service featured the unveiling of a new commemorative veterans’ bench - created by Black Mountain Gates and Key2Shoes - and a wreath-laying ceremony at the Cenotaph.

“It was a real privilege to attend this moving ceremony,” said Catherine. “It was particularly special to see D-Day veteran Mel Hughes there, a true local hero who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.”

Catherine also paid tribute to local resident Wendy from the Abergavenny Library Knit and Natter group, who single-handedly created a commemorative crochet display for the occasion.

Later in the day, Catherine visited Rogiet for another ceremony with veterans and local councillors, before concluding the evening at St Mary’s Church to attend a Quarter Peal Bell Ringing service.

On the weekend, she will also join residents at a VE Day Street Party at Chepstow Drill Hall.

Speaking in Parliament earlier in the week, Catherine honoured Monmouthshire’s veterans and reflected on the county’s military history. She spoke about the service of David Edwards and Tom Griffiths—both of whom have a school named after them in Mondrainville, France - and marked the 110th anniversary of the Second Battle of Ypres, where the 3rd Battalion of the Monmouthshire Regiment suffered nearly 700 casualties.

“I also took the opportunity to recognise our vibrant Royal British Legion branches in Abergavenny, Caldicot, Chepstow, Monmouth, and Usk, and to thank individuals like Peter Farthing, who works tirelessly for Monmouthshire’s veterans.” she said.

“I want to thank Monmouthshire County Council and their Armed Forces Champion Peter Strong for organising. These events gave us all a chance to pause and reflect -  we owe a huge debt of gratitude to all those who have served and who continue to serve our great country and who allow us to live in peace.”