Virtual singalong to commemorate women war volunteers
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AS the country marks the 75th Anniversary of VE Day tomorrow, Royal Voluntary Service will reflect and remember the ‘Women in Green’; the women who stepped forward to give the gift of volunteering to support their communities during World War II.
Originally founded in 1938 as the Women’s Voluntary Services for Air Raid Precautions (WVS), Royal Voluntary Service is the largest volunteering organisation in British history, and the charity’s volunteers continue to support communities across Britain today.
To mark the occasion, the charity will also be hosting a day of VE Day celebrations at the Virtual Village Hall (royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/VVH), a new programme of online activities to join in with at home. The day includes a live singalong of wartime songs just after 3pm, a jive dance class and a 1940s hairstyle tutorial.
The Virtual Village Hall is supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and features themed video sessions led by expert tutors, TV and radio personalities, and Royal Voluntary Service activity co-ordinators and volunteers. Live and pre-recorded sessions take place daily and include exercise, music and dance, relaxation and meditation, arts and crafts, cooking and baking, and technology skills.
This is available via the Royal Voluntary Service website and all sessions are available to access on demand on the Virtual Village Hall YouTube channel.
Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service, said: “Our charity was founded in extraordinary times and a million women came to support the war effort at home.
"Today we face a very different challenge and once again, our volunteers have risen to the task in hand, working hard to help people in need in local communities and to support the NHS. The Virtual Village Hall is a wonderful way to bring joy and connection into people’s lives while many are feeling isolated at home.
"We hope as many people as possible will join in with our VE Day celebrations.”
Royal Voluntary Service is one of Britain’s largest volunteering charities with volunteers supporting thousands of people in hospitals and in the community. The charity is also one of the largest retailers in the NHS with its network of cafes and shops providing a valued haven in hospitals.
To find out more about the Virtual Village Hall, visit www.royalvoluntaryservice.org.uk/VVH
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