The Rayne Celebration Group invited residents to deck their homes with bunting and flags and hold picnics in their front gardens.

Dunmow Broadcast: VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing.VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing. (Image: Archant)

Rayne Celebration Group has started planning a huge village party to mark the VE anniversary when it is safe for everyone to meet again.

Meanwhile, a look back to this year’s VE Day earlier this month.

On May 8, Takeley and Little Canfield residents celebrated VE Day with street parties while maintaining social distancing. There were also photographs and a display of medals and memorabilia from the First and Second World Wars with a 1936 Austin Riley on display.

The Rayne Celebration Group invited to residents to deck their homes with bunting and flags and hold picnics in their front gardens.

Dunmow Broadcast: VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing.VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing. (Image: Archant)

Through social media, villagers saw a ceremony with a welcome from Rayne Parish Council chairman, Councillor Ann Hooks read the names of those from the village who lost their lives in the Second World War.

Prayers were said by the Rev Beth Bendrey of All Saints Church and the Last Post and Reveille were played by Charlie Hooks and Claire Scales.

Villager Martyn Phillips read a Tribute to the Millions and Mike Eldred, Rayne’s Town Crier, gave a toast to the nation and A Cry for Peace.

The ceremony ended with wartime songs by Rayne’s singing group The La Las.

Dunmow Broadcast: VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing.VE anniversary celebration in Takely included a vintage car, a display of photographs and medals and some sociable distancing. (Image: Archant)

The sunny weather encouraged villagers to hold tea parties in their front gardens and sing and wartime favourites.

VE Day: Newly formed 1st Thaxted Rangers provide bunting, cakes, cards to care home residents. Click here.

Dunmow Broadcast: The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home.The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home. (Image: Archant)

VE Day: Dunmow Broadcast reader’s photograph of historic and significant flags on display in Stebbing.

Dunmow Broadcast: The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home.The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home. (Image: Archant)

Dunmow Broadcast: The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home.The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home. (Image: Archant)

Dunmow Broadcast: The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home.The flags were out in Rayne and a figure of Captain Tom was created, the veteran in the Cotswolds who has raised over £32million for the NHS by walking round his home. (Image: Archant)