IN true Brit style, the beginning of the end of World War Two was celebrated with a Great Big Bit of a D-Day Do at Com-munity 2000 in Straits, Portland.

Wartime food, music, service uniforms and memories were all part of the occasion on, organised by Community 2000 co-ordinator Wilma Butler and helped by an army of volunteers.

Not many people were present who had actually seen service during the war but there were a few including Mrs Greta Coltart who served in the Women’s Royal Air Force in the barrage balloon section.

Mrs Coltart of Weston was an 18-year-old barrage balloon operator in the East End of London at the time. While work had speeded up for them they weren’t aware that Operation Overlord was imminent. Life went on and she was delighted to be part of the June 6 celebrations.

Arthur Copus was a 15-month-old baby at the time and learned everything about D-Day from his parents and school.

He said: “Today’s commemoration has been superb and has grown from an idea of the little acorn and Wilma Butler has turned it into a large oak tree. It has been a great effort from a small community.”

Sandy Logan, who for the past three years has been a member of the Poor Bloody Infantry re-enactment society said: “The Second World War is our favourite period for re-enactment, portraying the infantrymen.

“Today’s celebrations throw a different light on events. We have thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere which I am sure was not like that of the original D-Day.”

The Poior Bloody Infantry re-enactment society can be contacted via their website.

Highlights of the day were the presence of Privates Sandy Logan and Andy Kneale from the Poor Bloody Infantry Re-enactment Group and the Spitfire displayed by Chris Hornby from the Chesil Model Aircraft Club.