Why Sheffield businesses in Chapeltown are coming together this weekend for VJ day
A Sheffield woman is bringing local businesses together this Saturday, to honour the Gurkha who saved her dad’s life, raise money for charity, and increase awareness of VJ day.
Diane Round, was inspired to create the event by her father, George Bush, who fought in Burma - now called Myanmar - during the Second World War.
After seeing people celebrate VE day with street parties in May, she wanted people to celebrate VJ day in the same way, especially as this year marks the 75th anniversary.
Diane, aged 54, said: “My Dad would have been 102 now. A Gurkha saved his life.”
She explained how the VJ celebrations are not just about remembering her father and the ‘forgotten army’.
Diane added: “It is bringing businesses and customers together at a difficult time.”
Being a florist herself, she hopes that as well as raising money for charity, the event will also be a chance for people to support local businesses.
Diane told how businesses on and around Station Road, Chapeltown ‘have really got behind this’ - many will join forces this Saturday, August 15 for a socially distanced VJ celebration.
A local pensioner has made bunting, the hairdressers will be creating war inspired hairdos and the cafe will be holding a bun stall.
There will also be a singer, fancy dress, a tombola stall, a raffle and child friendly tattoos available, amongst other activities.
Diane realised that ‘people are fed up’ and especially wanted the event to appeal to young people.
She said: “It’s just a bit of fun, getting kids back out.”
All proceeds from the event will be going to SSAFA and Gurkha welfare - two charities that support members of the armed forces community.
Although her father passed away aged 62, he grew up in Rotherham and worked in the steel industry after the war.
Diane, told how she had spoken to other people whose family were in the armed forces who had similar experiences in Burma.
She has been surprised - even by people of her own age - that people do not know much about that part of history, which is one of the reasons behind wanting to start her own VJ event.
Diane explained: “In the last couple of years, the forces have been a bit forgotten about. It’s raising awareness of VJ day.”
The event will take place outside along Station Road from 9am until 2pm.