Sutton will be taking a step back in time for the next two weeks as an exhibition comes to town.

Victory Nottinghamshire, the VE/VJ 80th anniversary exhibition, will be at Academy Transformation Trust Further Education’s (ATTFE) Community Venue on Low Street, and will be open to the public at various times.

From the darkest days of the Nottingham Blitz to playing its part in training the aviators of Bomber Command, Victory Nottinghamshire tells the story of the people and county of Nottinghamshire and how they helped the Allies achieve victory in the second world war.

Specially commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council, Victory Nottinghamshire tells the story of the unique Home Guards Patrol Boats, the bravery of the Boots George medal winner, as well as the efforts of locally-based American Paratroopers and Bevin Boys.

Since the touring exhibition launched earlier this year, this is the first time it has visited Ashfield.

Liz Barrett, principal at ATFFE College, said: “Were very excited and proud to have the exhibition in the local community for people to view and see the story of Nottinghamshire and its armed services in the war. It’s a powerful reminder and tribute to those who fought for the freedom we all enjoy today and the resilience and unity that have defined our country ever since.”

Throughout the war many Nottinghamshire residents found themselves training and working to support their communities in roles they had not even considered.

The exhibition tells of how many undertook civil defence roles or worked on the land as members of the Women’s Land Army, as well as helping evacuees as members of the Scout movement or supporting the war effort in the county’s heavy industries in Newark and Nottingham.

Neil Bettison, Armed Forces Covenant lead for Nottinghamshire, said: “I’m so happy for the display to reach as many people as possible, it’s such a great place to show it at ATTFE’s In the Community Venue for the public and community of Ashfield.”

Designed and curated by Nottinghamshire veteran and communicator Ben Skipper, Victory Nottinghamshire is displayed as six specially-themed totems featuring 18 unique panels. Each panel shares carefully-researched facts about Nottinghamshire during the second world war as well as featuring original photographs and artwork.

The exhibition would not have been brought to life, if not for its supporters at Via East Midlands, Experian, Arc Partnership, Inspire Nottinghamshire Libraries and the VE VJ Day Steering Group.

The exhibition is one not to be missed, it’s open to the public, free of charge at ATTFE in the Community Venue, 9-11 Low Street, Sutton NG17 1DH.

Time of opening are:
Thursday, 3rd July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm.
Friday, 4th July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm.
Saturday, 5th July, 10am to 2pm.
Sunday, 6th July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm
Saturday, 12th July, 10am to 2pm.
Monday, 14th July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm.
Tuesday, 15th July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm.
Thursday, 17th July, 10am to 12noon; 1pm to 3pm.