Betteshanger Social Club will celebrate VE Day with a 1940’s history event for families.

The club in Circular Road will celebrate the 70th anniversary of the end of the Second World War in Europe on Saturday, May 9, with a show of wartime vehicles including steamers, tractors as well as a searchlight and organ.

The vehicles will be on display all around the club, stretching onto land owned by Hadlow College, who members say are always very accommodating.

Club member Ewan Taylor said: “The idea is to re-live, remind and educate all generations especially the young, of the sacrifices made by so many for the freedoms we enjoy today.”

His father, Will Taylor, who was born and bred in Betteshanger and who’s mother Flo Taylor, 89, is the oldest resident in the village, said: “We’ve always been interested in marking history here. We want families to come along.

'It is a remembrance but also a celebration of 70 years.' - Will Taylor

"It is a remembrance but also a celebration of 70 years.

"A lot of children don’t understand it. When they come they can ask us questions.”

Following the club’s successful D-Day spectacular last year, the family-friendly club was keen to organise something else. They started planning this in October.

The free show will begin at 10am. Special guests the Deal Air Cadet Band will be making an appearance. There is also a play park for children.

Parking is available and the number 13 and 14 buses stop in the circle hourly, plus refreshments will be on offer inside the club.

In the evening, the social club will continue to celebrate with entertainment from the Victory Wartime Band and a 1940’s dance group KC’s Dancers.

Tickets cost £5 in advance and £6 on the night and includes a buffet. People are encouraged to wear 40’s style dress.

Any profits will go towards the club, which is used by many local groups including Brownies, line dancing, karate and darts teams.

Bar manager Dawn Ashman said: “The club has been so isolated that people just don’t realise it’s here.”

Mr Taylor added: “The atmosphere is just fantastic. We’re trying to do as many events as we can to get it back on the map.”

• For more information or tickets call bar manager Dawn Ashman on 07772 622839.