A pub in the Bradford district will mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day today.

The Cricketers Arms, on Kirkgate, Shipley, has a number of activities planned to commemorate armed forces personnel on the 80th anniversary of the landings in Normandy, France.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Landlord Andy Tucker, right, of the Cricketers Arms pub in Shipley is celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with 4 Para veteran Tony GrimshawLandlord Andy Tucker, right, of the Cricketers Arms pub in Shipley is celebrating the 80th anniversary of D-Day with 4 Para veteran Tony Grimshaw (Image: Newsquest)

 

“Thursday is dedicated to D-Day - this day should never be forgotten,” said Andy Tucker, landlord of The Cricketers Arms, paying tribute to men who served and lost their lives in the battle. “Without them, we wouldn’t be here.”

The 80th anniversary of D-Day and Remembrance Day celebrations are particularly poignant for Mr Tucker, whose dad died while serving for the Royal Engineers at Steamer Point, Little Aden, in the Middle East in 1965.

"I was born a RAF hospital in Saudi Arabia in 1965, just six weeks before he died.

"My dad was only 28 years old when he got killed by a hand grenade while chasing a group of terrorists."

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Andy Tucker, landlord of the Cricketers Arms, says a free pint will on offer in exchange for old currency as part of D-Day celebrations tomorrowAndy Tucker, landlord of the Cricketers Arms, says a free pint will on offer in exchange for old currency as part of D-Day celebrations tomorrow (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Tucker said the Cricketers Arms will hold a two-minute silence to commemorate D-Day outside at 11am. He said the chimes of Big Ben and the Last Post will be heard outside and after the silence is observed, songs from Vera Lynn such as “We’ll Meet Again” will be played.

Punters will have a chance to do karaoke in the afternoon and Mr Tucker said the pub will be doing a special offer on the day to get a free pint.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Andy Tucker, landlord of the Cricketers Arms, says a free pint will on offer in exchange for old currency as part of D-Day celebrations tomorrowAndy Tucker, landlord of the Cricketers Arms, says a free pint will on offer in exchange for old currency as part of D-Day celebrations tomorrow (Image: Newsquest)

He said: “Any old currency such as Tanner (Sixpence) which is not used anymore can be exchanged for a free pint”.

Mr Tucker also spoke with pride about re-opening The Cricketers Arms just three years ago, nearly 20 years after it had to close in 2002.

He said: "We're like to phoenix risen from the ashes when we re-opened three years ago."