VE Day in Upchurch took place on Tuesday May 15th and not on the official day May 8th. A patriotic mass of red, white and blue bunting decorated the village centre, Union Jack flags flew in many parts of the parish and the church bells were rung by the bellringers as the event, directed by Cecil Bishop on behalf of the parish council, progressed through the day.
A decorated trolley which patrolled the village became the main feature of the event for spectators. On the trolley Upchurch resident Joan Latter played tunes on a piano and well-known village characters such as postmaster Teddy Neame appeared with his family in fancy dress. At the same time Messrs Grigg and Higgins made a collection for the Upchurch Welcome Home Fund. In total they collected £14/13/1d from spectators. Later in the day reverend Lightburne conducted a service in the church at which Roy Rogers played the organ and a small orchestra participated. Members of the parish council, the village home guard and the police attended a packed service.
Children’s parties and teas were held in different parts of the parish. About sixty children attended a party in The Three Sisters pub where entertainment with music and games was provided. After this every child received a beaker bearing the flags of the allied nations and the famous V sign. They also received a red, white and blue bag containing sweets and a new sixpence.
In The Street 58 children attended a party at the Infant’s School while in Oak Lane 24 children were served with iced cakes and tea on Mrs Burton’s lawn. After this they participated in races and games held in councillor Ted Tress’s orchard. Finally, all the children were presented with a book, a pencil, a rubber, a shilling and a threepenny piece.
At Gore Bank about 40 children sat down in Mr Boakes’s orchard for tea. After this races took place and a cockerel and eggs were presented to winners. Every child received a token and sweets. Babies received a ball and money, older girls received a china beaker and money while older boys received a knife and money. Mrs Boakes presented the prizes. A bonfire and fireworks followed this to end the day.
At Ham Green a victory tea took place in Mr Hinge’s meadow attended by about 40 children. Messers Hinge, Holloway, Starns and Howland gave gifts and money. Mrs Witherden gave strawberries and Mrs Moon contributed cherries. Meanwhile, Pat Atkinson from Webb’s Cottages organised children’s competitions. After games and races a bonfire with figures of Nazi leaders Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goering placed on top was lit and accompanied by fireworks.
Street parties were held in many parts of the parish where residents sang, ate and drank at decorated tables and danced on the roads to celebrate the end of the war.
War leader Winston Churchill summed up national feelings and jubilation in a patriotic speech when speaking in London on VE Day.
“My dear friends, this is your hour. In all our history, we have never seen a greater day. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s the victory of the great British nation as a whole…”
Hopefully, the 75th anniversary celebrations will still take place in Upchurch as we join in national commemorations and celebrate safely together at home with our families.
At Ham Green a victory tea took place in Mr Hinge’s meadow attended by about 40 children. Messers Hinge, Holloway, Starns and Howland gave gifts and money. Mrs Witherden gave strawberries and Mrs Moon contributed cherries. Meanwhile, Pat Atkinson from Webb’s Cottages organised children’s competitions. After games and races a bonfire with figures of Nazi leaders Adolf Hitler and Hermann Goering placed on top was lit and accompanied by fireworks.
Street parties were held in many parts of the parish where residents sang, ate and drank at decorated tables and danced on the roads to celebrate the end of the war.
War leader Winston Churchill summed up national feelings and jubilation in a patriotic speech when speaking in London on VE Day.
“My dear friends, this is your hour. In all our history, we have never seen a greater day. This is not victory of a party or of any class. It’s the victory of the great British nation as a whole…”
Hopefully, the 75th anniversary celebrations will still take place in Upchurch as we join in national commemorations and celebrate safely together at home with our families.
David Wood
About David
David Wood was born, raised and still lives in Upchurch today. He is able to write from personal experience about village life and the changes that have taken place over the years, making ‘Memories of Upchurch’ a very readable and detailed historical study of the village.
David's book is available from David at david3702001@yahoo.co.uk or from us here at Upchurch Matters. Price £12 + postage and packing.
