Garden Centers OPEN: Customers will be back next week as closure eases



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Garden centers may reopen next week under Boris Johnson’s plans to ease the shutdown.

They can allow customers to visit again starting Wednesday, provided strict social distancing and hygiene measures are applied, government sources said.

Cleaners and merchants, such as plumbers working inside people’s homes, will also be urged to return to work.

The blockade has already been released for cleaners and babysitters as Boris Johnson prepares to reveal his coronavirus ‘exit strategy’ on Sunday amid signs that the UK’s united front is crumbling.

The guide released earlier this week states that domestic workers “can continue to work” in people’s homes, “as long as they are well and symptom free.” It also confirms that merchants can perform maintenance.

Although Downing Street has been frantically downplaying the scale of the changes, Johnson will also go further when addressing the nation by abandoning the “stay home” catchphrase that many believe has been too successful to bring the economy to a head. . stop.

It is also likely to emulate the steps announced by Wales today, where limits on outdoor exercise are removed and plans are made to reopen garden centers and libraries.

Garden centers can allow customers to visit again starting Wednesday, provided strict social distancing and hygiene measures are applied, government sources said.

Garden centers can allow customers to visit again starting Wednesday, provided strict social distancing and hygiene measures are applied, government sources said.

The Queen paid tribute to Britain's blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, in which she said that the heroes of World War II would admire the nation's response to the pandemic.

The Queen paid tribute to Britain’s blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, in which she said that the heroes of World War II would admire the nation’s response to the pandemic.

The Welsh government announced yesterday that garden centers in Wales will be able to reopen starting Monday.

However, Scottish Prime Minister Nicola Sturgeon gave no indication that the Scottish ban will be eased.

The prime minister will use a televised address to the nation tomorrow night to warn that many restrictions will have to remain in place for several more weeks while the coronavirus is controlled.

Ministers will finalize a 40-page “road map” that will establish a closure exit plan before their declaration.

This is expected to include tips for using “facial coatings” in confined spaces where social distancing is difficult, such as on public transportation and in stores.

Downing Street said yesterday that Johnson would move with “utmost caution” to ease the blockage to avoid a second deadly wave of infection.

But he will drop the motto “Stay Home” in favor of a slightly less restrictive one.

And he is expected to announce a series of “easements” to the blocking rules.

This will include ending the restriction of daily outdoor exercise and lifting the ban on sunbathing in the parks, as long as people keep a safe distance from each other.

Garden center operators have warned that they will face ruin if they cannot change their stocks.

Starting Wednesday, they will be allowed to open across England, but tearooms, playgrounds and soft play areas should remain closed.

A government source said: ‘We have heard calls from garden centers, which are in a very difficult position due to the nature of their businesses.

Mac is back, to drive a snack

Fast food supermarkets should be reopened because they are perfect for maintaining social distance, a minister said yesterday.

McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King have begun resuming service at their kiosks on a pilot basis in anticipation of a reduced lockdown.

George Eustice, the Secretary of the Environment, said: ‘A McDonald’s tour has probably been made for the situation of social distancing, in the sense that people do not leave their car. These places may very well reopen and reopen safely. We never demanded that they be closed. “

When asked in daily briefing # 10 if fast food outlets could have remained open, Eustice said: “While clearly restaurants and pubs had to close, we were very interested in maintaining that ability to make food to carry out”.

McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King have begun resuming service at their kiosks on a pilot basis in anticipation of relief from the blockade [File photo]

McDonald’s, KFC and Burger King have begun resuming service at their kiosks on a pilot basis in anticipation of relief from the blockade [File photo]

“The fact that they are largely open-air spaces means that the risk of transmission is relatively low, as long as people follow the rules.”

They are the first “nonessential” outlets that can reopen.

The Prime Minister is also expected to encourage sectors not directly affected by the blockade to resume operations. This will include construction companies and those that work in other people’s homes, such as cleaners, plumbers, and carpet dwellers.

New tips will be issued to you to operate safely. This will include keeping the internal doors open, staying within two meters of the owners, and accepting electronic payments instead of cash.

Ministers are also discussing with railway companies about the increase in services starting May 18 as more people return to work. But office workers will be asked to continue working from home indefinitely.

And the Prime Minister is not expected to make any immediate changes to bans on social gatherings or the closing of pubs, shops and restaurants.

Speaking at the Downing Street press conference last night, Environment Secretary George Eustice said: “There will be no dramatic change overnight.” We must be very cautious, we are not yet out of the woods yet. “

The ministers are also considering increasing fines for people who break the rules and introducing a 14-day quarantine for those arriving from abroad. The Prime Minister wants to continue a focus across the UK. But yesterday there were signs that this was beginning to fracture.

Education Secretary Gavin Williamson expects some children to return to school after half a semester later this month, although he has not set a firm date. But Welsh Prime Minister Mark Drakeford said schools in Wales would not return in early June. And Miss Sturgeon said her government was only easing the rule of exercise once a day.

Meanwhile, the government was on the verge of reaching its virus test target of 100,000 a day for the first time this week, carrying out 97,029 on Thursday.

Progress has been slowed by “technical difficulties” at one of the leading testing labs.

Johnson has set a goal to increase capacity to 200,000 tests per day by the end of this month.

The Prime Minister is also expected to encourage sectors not directly affected by the blockade to resume operations. This will include construction companies and those that work in other people's homes, such as cleaners, plumbers, and carpet dwellers.

The Prime Minister is also expected to encourage sectors not directly affected by the blockade to resume operations. This will include construction companies and those that work in other people’s homes, such as cleaners, plumbers, and carpet dwellers.

‘Never give up, never despair’: the Queen says the VE Day generation would still recognize the British nation in an electrifying speech, exactly 75 years after her father marked the end of World War II in Europ

The Queen paid tribute to Britain’s blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, in which she said that the heroes of World War II would admire the nation’s response to the pandemic.

The 94-year-old monarch, who was 13 when the war broke out in 1939, added: “It may seem difficult that we cannot celebrate this special anniversary as we would like.” Instead, we remember our homes and our doors.

‘But our streets are not empty; they are full of the love and care that we have for each other.

“And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support each other, I am proud to say that we are still a nation that those brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen would recognize and admire.”

She added: “Never give up, never despair, that was the message of VE Day.”

His words were delivered just as his father, George VI, delivered his VE Day speech 75 years ago.

The Queen’s speech was filmed in the Windsor White Room last week, where she and her husband, Philip, 98, who served with distinction in the Royal Navy during the war, are isolated.

The Queen paid tribute to Britain's blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, in which she said that the heroes of World War II would admire the nation's response to the pandemic.

The Queen paid tribute to Britain’s blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day, in which she said that the heroes of World War II would admire the nation’s response to the pandemic.

The Queen's speech was delivered the same instant that her father, George VI, delivered his VE Day speech 75 years ago.

The Queen’s speech was delivered the same instant that her father, George VI, delivered his VE Day speech 75 years ago.

As the Queen spoke of the jubilant celebrations that 'some of us experience first-hand', she was no doubt remembering her own VE Day adventures as a 19-year-old princess, as she danced for joy outside Buckingham Palace

As the Queen spoke of the jubilant celebrations that ‘some of us experience first-hand’, she was no doubt remembering her own VE Day adventures as a 19-year-old princess, dancing with joy outside Buckingham Palace

King George VI salutes from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as he stands with Queen Elizabeth and her two children, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, on Victory in Europe Day to mark the end of the war in Europe.

King George VI salutes from the balcony of Buckingham Palace as he stands with Queen Elizabeth and her two children, Princess Elizabeth and Princess Margaret, on Victory in Europe Day to mark the end of the war in Europe.

Queen’s message will resonate in public amid pandemic, experts say

The Queen’s message to the nation as part of the VE Day anniversary celebrations will resonate with the public amid the coronavirus pandemic, a royal expert said.

Joe Little, editor-in-chief of Majesty magazine, said of the speech: “This is as relevant today as it is for the occasion that it commemorates 75 years ago.”

“It resonates a lot with the situation we are in now,” Little said.

“There are some remarkable similarities, where the Queen says ‘Never give up, never despair.’

“That was VE Day’s message, but that message really can be applied today.”

The royal commentator highlighted the fact that 25 years ago the Queen was on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her mother, Queen Mother, and sister, Princess Margaret, for the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe.

“Imagine that your thoughts must be going back to that and clearly the same day in 1945,” Little said.

After the broadcast, the nation was invited to open doors and windows and participate in Forces ‘war hymn’ Sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn We Meet Meet Again, during the BBC’s VE Day 75 program.

The Queen’s words were her second televised speech during the coronavirus crisis, and they followed her speech in the country on April 5, when she said that if Britain remained resolute, “we will get through it.”

A photo of her father George VI, who became king after his brother Edward VIII abdicated to marry divorced Wallis Simpson, stood by the Queen at her desk while speaking to the nation. His address with black-and-white images of his father’s war speech.

On VE May 8, 1945, George said: ‘Let us remember the men of all services and the women in all the services that have given their lives.

“We have reached the end of our tribulation and are not with us at the time of our rejoicing.”

Speaking about the beginning of the war, the Queen, then the schoolgirl Princess Elizabeth, said: ‘The outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain. But we kept the faith that the cause was correct, and this belief, as my father pointed out in his broadcast, helped us move forward. ”

‘Never give up, never despair, that was the message of VE Day. I vividly remember the joyous scenes that my sister and I witnessed with our parents and Winston Churchill from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, ” he said.

“The feeling of joy in the crowds that gathered outside and across the country was profound, although as we celebrated the victory in Europe, we knew there would be more sacrifices.”

Princess Elizabeth learning vehicle maintenance in an Austin 10 light utility vehicle while serving with No 1 MTTC in Surrey

Princess Elizabeth learning vehicle maintenance in an Austin 10 light utility vehicle while serving with No 1 MTTC in Surrey

A pair of Auxiliary Territorial Service overalls and a cap worn by the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace

A pair of Auxiliary Territorial Service overalls and a cap worn by the Queen, then Princess Elizabeth, at Buckingham Palace

During the Queen’s speech, black-and-white images were shown of the famous balcony of Buckingham Palace where the Queen, her family, and Sir Winston Churchill recognized the crowds.

There were scenes of revelers congregating through the streets, other ballroom dancing in celebration, and street parties organized with tables full of food since May 8, 1945.

Even the Queen ventured with a group of friends, including her sister, Princess Margaret, to experience the excitement, with the events that form the basis of the movie A Royal Night Out.

The monarch went on to say in his broadcast, projected at the end of VE Day 75, a music and memoir program: “It was not until August that fighting in the Far East ceased and the war finally ended.”

‘Many people gave their lives in that terrible conflict. They fought so that we could live in peace, at home and abroad. They died so that we could live as free people in a world of free nations.

Winston Churchill’s grandson Nicholas Soames, who served as a deputy for 37 years, paid a brief tribute to the Queen after her VE Day message, simply tweeting: ‘THE QUEEN’.

Health Secretary Matt Hancock said: “A striking speech tonight by Her Majesty the Queen for VE Day on honoring and remembering all who fought for us, and on the importance of never giving up.”

Labor leader Sir Keir Starmer has praised the Queen’s “powerful and moving” speech to the nation.

He tweeted: ‘Never give up. Never despair. “ Powerful and heartwarming words from the Queen as we share our thanks to those who sacrificed and sacrificed themselves now to keep us safe. ”

British audiences tuned in to watch the Queen's Day anniversary speech, including Caroline Hogan, 65, in London.

British audiences tuned in to watch the Queen’s Day anniversary speech, including Caroline Hogan, 65, in London.

On VE Day 2020, during the coronavirus crisis, people celebrated at home. The public has flocked to watch the Queen's poignant speech from Windsor Castle to the crisis-affected nation this afternoon.

On VE Day 2020, during the coronavirus crisis, people celebrated at home. The public has flocked to watch the Queen’s poignant speech from Windsor Castle to the crisis-affected nation this afternoon.

‘Never give up, never despair’: the queen’s speech

The Queen paid an emotional tribute to Britain's blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

The Queen paid an emotional tribute to Britain’s blocking spirit tonight with an electrifying speech on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Today I speak to you at the same time as my father, exactly 75 years ago.

His message then was a salute to the men and women at home and abroad who had sacrificed so much in pursuit of what he rightly called a “great deliverance.”

The war had been a total war; it had affected everyone, and no one was immune to its impact.

Whether they are men and women called to serve; families separated from each other; Or the people who were asked to take on new roles and skills to support the war effort all had a role to play.

At first, the outlook seemed bleak, the end distant, the outcome uncertain.

But we maintained faith that the cause was correct, and this belief, as my father noted in its transmission, helped us.

Never give up, never despair – that was VE Day’s message.

I vividly recall the joyous scenes that my sister and I witnessed with our parents and Winston Churchill from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

The feeling of joy in the crowds that gathered outside and across the country was profound, although as we celebrated the victory in Europe, we knew that there would be more sacrifices.

It was not until August that fighting in the Far East ceased and the war finally ended.

Many people gave their lives in that terrible conflict.

They fought so that we could live in peace, at home and abroad.

They died so that we could live as free people in a world of free nations.

They risked everything so that our families and neighborhoods could be safe.

We should and we will remember them.

As I reflect on my father’s words and joyous celebrations, which some of us experience first hand, I am grateful for the strength and courage shown by the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and all of our allies.

The war generation knew that the best way to honor those who did not return from the war was to ensure that it did not happen again.

The greatest tribute to their sacrifice is that the countries that were once sworn enemies are now friends, working side by side for the peace, health and prosperity of all of us.

Today it may seem difficult that we cannot celebrate this special anniversary as we would like.

Instead, we remember our homes and our doors.

But our streets are not empty; they are full of the love and care that we have for each other.

And when I look at our country today, and see what we are willing to do to protect and support each other, I am proud to say that we are still a nation that those brave soldiers, sailors, and airmen would recognize and admire.

I send my best wishes to all of you.

Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, of Balmoral, led a moving crown-laying service and a two-minute silence.

The Prince of Wales bowed his head as he led Balmoral's two-minute silence at 11 am on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

The Prince of Wales bowed his head as he led Balmoral’s two-minute silence at 11 am on the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

In a heartfelt message to the nation this morning, Boris Johnson, in the photo observing a two-minute silence, said

In a heartfelt message to the nation this morning, Boris Johnson, in the photo observing a two-minute silence, said “our gratitude will be eternal” to the “soldiers, sailors and airmen who fought against the Nazis with courage, ingenuity and stubborn resistance ‘.

Members of the Inveraray Royal British Legion lead a short service while observing a two-minute silence on Friday

Members of the Inveraray Royal British Legion lead a short service while observing a two-minute silence on Friday

Officers and soldiers of the Household Division observe the social distancing while participating in a two-minute silence.

Officers and soldiers of the Household Division observe the social distancing while participating in a two-minute silence.

A man and a woman celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a UK themed party outside their home in Worthing, Sussex

A man and a woman celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day with a UK themed party outside their home in Worthing, Sussex

Jane and Toby Lyde from Tooting in South West London have pulled out of all the stops to decorate their home for VE Day

Jane and Toby Lyde from Tooting in South West London have pulled out of all the stops to decorate their home for VE Day

Ian and Anna Jones of Launton, Oxfordshire, celebrating VE Day, and observing the running of the bulls, in style with Hector the Hound

Ian and Anna Jones of Launton, Oxfordshire, celebrating VE Day, and observing the running of the bulls, in style with Hector the Hound

Residents at Park Street in Windsor are having a street party to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day today

Residents at Park Street in Windsor are having a street party to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day today

Residents at Park Street in Windsor are having a street party to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day today

Residents at Park Street in Windsor are having a street party to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day today

Graham watches as his wife Sue Gillson untangles a flag on the roof of their Hartley Wintney, Hampshire home

Graham watches as his wife Sue Gillson untangles a flag on the roof of their Hartley Wintney, Hampshire home

The Red Arrows treated spectators with a spectacular display as they flew over London before returning to RAF Scampton

The Red Arrows treated spectators with a spectacular display as they flew over London before returning to RAF Scampton

The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, fly over the Queen Victoria Memorial

The Red Arrows, officially known as the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, fly over the Queen Victoria Memorial

The Red Arrows flew a spectacular flight over London and Buckingham Palace, on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

The Red Arrows flew a spectacular flight over London and Buckingham Palace, on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Residents of Cambrian Road in Chester dress up in 1945 clothing and have a tea party to commemorate the 75th anniversary

Residents of Cambrian Road in Chester dress up in 1945 clothing and have a tea party to commemorate the 75th anniversary

Miniature Schnauzer Jack, 13, with his Union Jack scarf

Ringo Richardson shows off his VE themed bandana

Miniature schnauzers Jack, 13 (left) and Ringo, five (right), joined their owners in their garden in Emsworth, Hampshire, this morning for two-minute silence, proudly showcasing their attractive Union scarves Jack.

Stella, an adorable Gateshead cat, wears a Union Jack bow tie for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in the Northeast

Stella, an adorable Gateshead cat, wears a Union Jack bow tie for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in the Northeast

La reina está rodeada de recuerdos personales durante la guerra durante el discurso del Día VE, incluidos los broches que le dio su padre y el gorro de su tiempo en el Servicio Territorial Auxiliar en 1945.

La reina estaba rodeada de recuerdos personales históricos.

La reina estaba rodeada de recuerdos personales históricos.

Por Jack Wright para MailOnline

La Reina estuvo rodeada de recuerdos personales históricos de los años de guerra cuando rindió homenaje emocional a la generación en tiempos de guerra en un discurso electrizante en el 75 aniversario del Día VE.

Sus broches de aguamarina y clip de diamantes fueron un regalo de cumpleaños número 18 de su padre Jorge VI en 1944, poco más de un año antes del final del conflicto en Europa.

Las dos piezas de estilo art decó, que la Reina usaba por separado, fueron hechas por Boucheron de baguette, diamantes ovalados y redondos y aguamarinas.

También eligió usar las joyas preciosas durante su discurso televisado del Jubileo de Diamante en 2012, su única otra dirección televisada que marca un aniversario.

En el escritorio frente a ella estaba su gorra con visera de color caqui del Servicio Territorial Auxiliar, parte de su uniforme cuando realizó el Servicio Nacional en 1945.

También en el escritorio del salón blanco en el Castillo de Windsor había una foto enmarcada de su padre Jorge VI con aspecto serio pero compuesto con su uniforme de Almirante de la Flota con Alas de la RAF. La fotografía en blanco y negro fue tomada en 1943 en medio del conflicto por el famoso fotógrafo Yousuf Karsh.

La primera ministra de Irlanda del Norte, Arlene Foster, elogió el “maravilloso” discurso de la Reina, tuiteando: “Qué privilegiados somos de vivir a través de la gran edad isabelina”.

Buenos días, la británica Susanna Reid ha alabado la “fuerza y ​​comodidad” de la reina. Su copresentador, Piers Morgan, tuiteó: “Una vez más, la Reina lo clava”.

Hoy marca la rendición oficial de Alemania a las fuerzas aliadas en 1945, poniendo fin a la guerra en Europa.

Y aunque los eventos públicos a gran escala no podían seguir adelante, los vecinos patrióticos lucharon, aprovechando al máximo la situación mientras decoraban sus calles y celebraban fiestas de té mientras observaban el distanciamiento social.

Muchos saludaron desde sus balcones y jardines mientras la RAF organizaba vuelos aéreos, con las Flechas Rojas volando sobre el Palacio de Buckingham y los aviones de combate London Eye y Typhoon volando sobre Edimburgo, Cardiff y Belfast.

Boris Johnson instó a Gran Bretaña a inspirarse en la generación que ganó la guerra mundial cuando rindió homenaje en un video del Día VE, y agregó: “les debemos todo”.

Los veteranos y los miembros del público, incapaces de reunirse en sus memoriales de guerra locales, reflexionaron en silencio en sus propios hogares mientras los veteranos de todo el país lideraban el camino para presentar sus respetos a los caídos.

El Primer Ministro también ha escrito a los veteranos, asegurándoles que sus esfuerzos “siempre serán recordados”.

En un mensaje sincero a la nación esta mañana, Johnson dijo que “nuestra gratitud será eterna” a los “soldados, marineros y aviadores que lucharon contra los nazis con coraje, ingenio y resistencia terca”.

A las 6 p.m., Katherine Jenkins lideró a la nación en un coro de canciones de Dame Vera Lynn en tiempos de guerra en el Royal Albert Hall durante 30 minutos a puerta cerrada por primera vez en la historia de 150 años del lugar,

El pájaro cantor galés interpretó canciones como We I’ll Meet Again y The White Cliffs of Dover, mientras que incluso hizo un dueto a la novia de las tropas de 103 años, Dame Vera, cuando era una mujer joven.

En Balmoral, el Príncipe Carlos llevó un silencio de dos minutos a las 11 de la mañana para recordar a los militares que habían muerto luchando por la libertad de Gran Bretaña, su Imperio y los territorios que se convirtieron en la Commonwealth.

El Príncipe de Gales, acompañado de su esposa, la duquesa de Cornualles, vestía un vestido Highland Day, una falda escocesa de Hunting Stewart, así como medallas.

El mensaje de Charles con su homenaje floral decía: “En un recuerdo eterno”. Camilla left a note with her bouquet in memory of her father Major Bruce Shand, who served with the 12th Lancers during the war.

General Sir Nick Carter, Chief of the Defence Staff, this morning urged the public to ‘spare a thought’ for those stuck at home at a time of celebration as he said the lockdown made it ‘tough’ on veterans.

VE Day is a ‘very special’ occasion, the beloved 100-year-old veteran Captain Tom Moore has said, as he remembered his comrades from the Second World War.

The Yorkshireman, who was 20 when he was conscripted, said ‘we all need to be very happy’ during celebrations. He walked 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday, raising more than £32million for the NHS.

Katherine Jenkins duetted virtually with troops sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn in an empty Royal Albert Hall on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Katherine Jenkins duetted virtually with troops sweetheart Dame Vera Lynn in an empty Royal Albert Hall on the 75th anniversary of VE Day

Katherine Jenkins has led the nation in a chorus of wartime songs by Dame Vera Lynn in an empty Royal Albert Hall today, and even duetted virtually with Dame Vera, as defiant Brits commemorate the 75th anniversary of VE Day

An officer plays The Last Post on the trumpet during the two minute silence at St James's Park in London on Friday

An officer plays The Last Post on the trumpet during the two minute silence at St James’s Park in London on Friday

Members of the Armed Forces are seen during a service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall to pay tribute to the wartime generation

Members of the Armed Forces are seen during a service at the Cenotaph, Whitehall to pay tribute to the wartime generation

Veterans sit outside the Care for Veterans site in Worthing, Sussex, to watch a spitfire flypast to mark the VE Day anniversary

Veterans sit outside the Care for Veterans site in Worthing, Sussex, to watch a spitfire flypast to mark the VE Day anniversary

World War II veteran Len Gibbon, 96, watches a Spitfire in the distance as it flies over the Care for Veterans site in Worthing

World War II veteran Len Gibbon, 96, watches a Spitfire in the distance as it flies over the Care for Veterans site in Worthing

Britons across the nation are commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the official surrender of Germany to the Allies in 1945 (pictured, children celebrating holding paper planes outside their houses in Altrincham)

Britons across the nation are commemorating the 75th anniversary of VE Day, which marks the official surrender of Germany to the Allies in 1945 (pictured, children celebrating holding paper planes outside their houses in Altrincham)

Joanna, aged four, waves a Union Jack flag as Royal Navy veteran, Charles Medhurst, 95, walks along his street for a victory parade and his neighbours cheer and clap for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in Greenwich, London

Joanna, aged four, waves a Union Jack flag as Royal Navy veteran, Charles Medhurst, 95, walks along his street for a victory parade and his neighbours cheer and clap for the 75th anniversary of VE Day in Greenwich, London

Dame Joan Collins, whose childhood home was destroyed in the Blitz as she slept in a Tube station, leads the Nation's Toast

Dame Joan Collins, whose childhood home was destroyed in the Blitz as she slept in a Tube station, leads the Nation’s Toast

Veterans sit outside the Care for Veterans site in Worthing, Sussex, to watch a spitfire flypast to mark the 75th anniversary

Veterans sit outside the Care for Veterans site in Worthing, Sussex, to watch a spitfire flypast to mark the 75th anniversary

Laura Jeffrey, seven, with her face painted in the colours of the Union Jack and eating an ice lolly at a socially-distanced street party in Trevis Road, Southsea, to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day

Laura Jeffrey, seven, with her face painted in the colours of the Union Jack and eating an ice lolly at a socially-distanced street party in Trevis Road, Southsea, to mark the 75th Anniversary of VE Day

Families sit outside during a socially-distanced street party in Newcastle-under-Lyme on the 75th VE Day anniversary

Families sit outside during a socially-distanced street party in Newcastle-under-Lyme on the 75th VE Day anniversary

After he joined the Duke of Wellington’s Regiment in 1940, he was posted to India before moving to Burma. He had just returned from Asia and was at an army camp in Bovington, when news of Germany’s surrender came through.

But despite the war ending in Europe, Captain Tom has bittersweet memories of VE Day, having returned to the UK to work as a tank instructor while his friends were still fighting in Asia.

It was another three months until Japan’s surrender on August 15, 1945. He told ITV’s Good Morning Britain: ‘At the time I was very concerned that all my comrades I had left in Burma were still fighting.’

Captain Tom previously said he would be celebrating by having a ‘very peaceful, quiet day, rejoicing the very fact that this did happen so long ago and with so much benefit to everybody’.

The veteran, who was made an honorary colonel to mark his fundraising efforts, added that it is ‘rather sad’ that people will not be able to celebrate the occasion in groups together because of the lockdown.

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