It’s around 150 miles from Bordon to the Normandy beaches where the Allied forces landed on June 6, 1944.

That journey was remembered last week as the town turned up in force to mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day, and the bravery and courage of those who changed the course of history.

Whitehill & Bordon did itself proud with a near-week of events being held to commemorate the milestone.

Visitors to The Phoenix listened to D-Day stories told by veterans on headphones, while the venue and Whitehill village hall both held exhibitions full of memorabilia and photos.

Last Thursday was bookended with morning and evening events: figures from the town council, Royal British Legion, REME and the Bordon District Air Cadets gathered at the Forest Community Centre for an 8am proclamation and raising of the Union Flag, with a beacon lighting taking place in Whitehill at 9.15pm.

A D-Day event sponsored by Taylor Wimpey was also held at the town park over the weekend, with funds raised over the week going to Scotty’s Little Soldiers. 

Highlights including stalls, live wartime music and an “immersive D-Day experience” using silent disco technology.

The event organised by Whitehill Town Council brought together multiple local groups and community organisations: The Whitehill and Bordon Town Partnership, Whitehill & Bordon Regeneration Group, Whitehill Village Hall and the Phoenix Theatre.

“Whitehill Town Council has been honoured to bring some of these organisations together to put these events on for residents to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day and remember all those who fought and died in the battle to free Europe,” said a spokesperson for WTC.