Crowthorne and Sandhurst

A colourful Japanese event will be taking place to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the end of the second world war and to recognise VJ day.

With funding from the Imperial War Museum and the Big Lottery Fund, Bracknell Forest Borough Council and Sandhurst Town Council are running a Japanese themed Memory Tree event, which follows two second world war reminiscence events in local libraries.

Workshops are being run with a specialist artist, where visitors can try the tradional Japanese art of writing haikus - short poems. The poems will be on the theme of the second world war memories.

Sandhurst Residents can also come along and try their hand at Japanese lantern making in workshops running throughout the day.

And to relax, visitors will be able listen to a japanese story teller telling traditional tales from Japan.

Finally a tree in the park will be dressed with the poems and lanterns that have been created during the day as a tribute to VJ day.

The theme of the poetry and the day will be reminiscences of the war, which have been collected from previous reminiscence events organised by the Council.

But residents of all ages are encouraged to attend the event, which is aimed at young and old alike.

In keeping with the tree theme, the Mayor of Sandhurst will also plant a new tree in the park as a commeration of the anniversary.

Cllr Mrs Dorothy Hayes, Heritage Champion said: "This is a truly unique event, which will be of interest to people of all ages, and should be a fantastic experience!"

Cllr Iain McCracken, Executive Member for Leisure and Public Services, said: "Its great that the Council is working in partnership with Sandhurst Town Council, The Big Lottery Fund and the Imperial War Museum to provide such an unusual event.

"I hope that people from across the Borough can attend and enjoy this very different cultural experience."

The free memory tree event takes place at Sandhurst Memorial Park and Hall on Saturday November 26 from 11am to 4pm.

It is open to all, but poetry workshops sessions need to be booked in advance as places are limited.

Poetry workshops run at 11.30pm, 1pm and 2.30pm.

Bracknell Forest Borough Council ~ 11 November 2005