Spotlight on Heritage – Marking VE Day with the Oadby History Society
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In this episode of Spotlight on Heritage, we joined members of the Leicester and Rutland Family History Society and the Oadby Remembering the Past group as they hosted a VE Day event at the Oadby Granville Tennis Club. The day was more than a commemoration – it was a conversation starter, bringing together local people to share memories, photos, and stories that reveal the personal and community impact of the Second World War.
From wartime street parties to stories of service, loss, and return, the episode captures a rich tapestry of voices. Sue Leicester talked us through how local memory is kept alive, not just through exhibitions but through the sharing of photographs, documents, and lived experience. She reflected on the origins of the tennis club itself, founded in the spirit of post-war optimism and community cohesion, and described how local efforts to mark both VE and VJ Days provide opportunities to understand the complexity of life in Oadby during and after the war.
We also heard from Sue Shaw, who shared the remarkable story of her father’s wartime service and his survival as a prisoner of war. She reflected on the legacy of silence and memory in her family, and how recovering personal records and visiting sites of historical significance helped her piece together his journey. Her insights show how family history is not just about the past – it’s about making meaningful connections in the present.
A recurring theme throughout the episode is the need to go beyond the myths of wartime unity and simple victory. Listeners are invited to consider how stories from this period continue to shape family identities, social attitudes, and the way we think about national memory. Whether it’s through conversations at home, joining a local history group, or starting research with the help of experienced volunteers, this episode highlights how anyone can begin to explore the forgotten or untold stories that shape their family and neighbourhood.
If you’re curious to find out more about your own family history or the history of your area, the Leicester and Rutland Family History Society can offer guidance on accessing service records, understanding local archives, and using online resources. Oadby Remembering the Past also welcomes contributions and enquiries, particularly from those with family connections to the area.
Family history research can be a powerful act of remembrance – not just for those who served, but for those who stayed behind, built community, and shaped the world we’ve inherited.
Tune in to the episode to hear these moving stories in full and consider what hidden histories you might uncover in your own family.
