Sussex trio marks VE Day 75 with a new song to shine a light on women fighting Covid-19

A West Sussex female vocal trio has released a new song for VE Day 75, with a video featuring key workers, to shine a light on the women fighting the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Inspired by the women of the Second World War, The Charlalas were due to sing Shine (VE Day 75) as part of the celebrations in London to mark the 75th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

The trio, based in Bosham, feel their song is taking on new resonance, as it links the sacrifices of women in wartime with those battling the new coronavirus.

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The main members are Ciara Blacker, Elizabeth McGregor and Sue Dent, with Emma Bryant as dep.

The Charlalas during the D-Day Parade at Goodwood Revival 2019. Picture: James Alexander LyonThe Charlalas during the D-Day Parade at Goodwood Revival 2019. Picture: James Alexander Lyon
The Charlalas during the D-Day Parade at Goodwood Revival 2019. Picture: James Alexander Lyon

Elizabeth said: “We hope the spirit of pride and celebration we feel for the wartime hero generation is not lost amidst the isolation of Covid-19.

“This is why we are sharing our song through social media. Families and young people can download the educational pack we had prepared for schools. They will find learning experiences as well as the Shine music and all the resources need to participate in a performance on VE Day 75.”

Featured on the recording are two NHS key workers, Alex Timmons and Alex Kershaw, who also appear in the video alongside medics from trusts across the UK, including Brighton, London and Leeds.

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Forces darling Dame Vera Lynn said: “I am delighted that The Charlalas and initiatives like Shine are creating awareness of the remarkable things women were capable of achieving during the Second World War, serving the country they loved.

“I understand the power of music and song to unite and inspire a nation.”

The Charlalas have written Shine (VEDAY75) as a song of then and now, of hope and unity. It is available on iTunes and all major streaming services, with proceeds going to NHS Charities Together.

Elizabeth added: “In these uncertain times, caused by Covid-19, there are more parallels to be drawn than we had ever imagined. People have a strong need to stand together, shoulder to shoulder, generation to generation, to get through this difficult, confusing and sometimes heartbreaking time of our lives.

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“If not physically, then certainly in spirit, our communities are uniting to support the vulnerable and with hearts full of gratitude and thanks to NHS and other key workers working on the front line.”

Visit www.thecharlalas.co.uk/shine for more information.

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