Trevor Plenty's Poem
80TH ANNIVERSAY OF V.E.DAY
Trevor's Story
8 Years ago! this June I lost my wife to Cancer. The previous 10 years or so had been difficult with Family health problems on all fronts. A remarkably close friend to myself and family had lost his father, and he helped me. I had suffered a brain injury, being an ex-serviceman, I was invited for a week’s break courtesy of the Royal British Legion to Weston Super Mare and was allowed to take a carer with me. We were well looked after in what I can only describe as four-fifths-star establishment. Whilst there we got to look at many sites many being Military. A passion developed for doing this and over the following years went to many places and Military displays, especially to areas I had served in before.
Having served in the R.A.F. those sites meant a great deal to me and collecting memorabilia about the Wars and aircraft along the way. Up and around Lincolnshire there are many Historic airfields and museums displaying all things military. I was fortunate to spend a day with a Lancaster Bomber and being allowed into the tail gunners position where my Uncle Glen had been during the war. Brilliant to have been inside but not for the faint hearted. I was able also to do a reality flight over the Humber Estuary in the Bomber, which was hard, eventful, and enjoyable. Going to these places really showed how hard things were and the difficulties the service members endured during the war years.
For my 70TH birthday I treated myself to a flight in a Spitfire over the Isle of Wight and the Needles, having control of the aircraft for some 15 minutes. What an experience, never to be forgotten.
During all this time my collection of items and memories was increasing and something came about in the History class I go to on a Thursday at Garth Olwg. Speaking with Lisa Powell we realised that VE Day was on the day of our lessons, and it would be an innovative idea to do something for the class. And so, it was decided that rather than my collection sitting in cupboards I would display them. After lots of military planning to tell the story of the time and present it to the public, all went ahead. The display was over the entire back wall of the classroom with four tables. It turned out to be a wonderful day with many calling to see the display. I discussed the display with people viewing and was thanked for what I had done not only for the display but also the fact I had served my Country. This I found very humbling but also rewarding.
I was pleased with the results and the effort I had put into doing this and felt immensely proud. I had also composed a poem, which I read out, of the day. This went on display in the foyer at Garth Olwg. The afternoon was spent at another event where people were dressed in clothes of the time. some land girls there, but that is another story to be told.
A successful and memorable day
Posted on 17/06/2025