Leader of the Council's column - Sutton Scene - VE Day 75, 8 May 2020

We're all waiting to hear from the Government about their plans to start to relax some of the COVID-19 restrictions and we understand that it will have to be a gradual process to ensure the infection rate stays low. We'll have to be patient a while longer so we don't run the risk of a second surge.

In the meantime, many of us are using online platforms to work and also to keep in touch with our family and friends. Celebrations and anniversaries have been put on hold and we're finding new ways of showing that great community spirit that makes our borough so very special.

Tomorrow is the 75th anniversary of VE Day and many parts of the borough had planned to hold street parties to celebrate the end of the war in Europe and the hope of an end to the war worldwide. Instead, we are all coming up with different ways to remember this important milestone and the sacrifice of so many. Some homes will be decorated in red, white and blue and there will be an online toast to the heroes of World War II. There are more details in this newsletter.

As we continue to live through this terrible pandemic, it seems fitting to commemorate that moment in history. Then - as now - the outpouring of community spirit and willingness to help our neighbours and those in need was inspiring and gave us hope for the future.