The Preparations Begin - VEday75 -1

Plenty of social media traffic and discussion around tomorrow's bank holiday. Yes, it's a bank holiday in the UK although whilst in lockdown, it will probably feel like any other day. But it is VE day and the 75th anniversary is gradually gaining speed with folk putting up flags and bunting outside their houses, including over the road.

It reminds me a little of the Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977. Our Northampton street entered the local 'best decorated street' competition in June organised by the local newspaper. Each house going to town with red, white and blue adorning fences and windows and even bunting hanging between the lamp-posts. Ever creative, my dad decided that we would have a garden sculpture and put together two soldiers standing guard either side of a large silver 'ER'  all of which he made out of wood and decorated (I think the 'ER' was covered in tin foil). Red, white and blue decorations adorned our window and a large union flag and heraldic lion were attached to the outside wall of the bungalow. I remember the street looked fantastic and all the residents were duly proud of their collaborative decorating skills. Now all we had to do was wait for the judging.

Which was fine only when the day arrived, the weather was awful. Windy weather meant problems for the bunting and garden decorations. People were outside attempting to keep everything together, reattaching bunting, with men up ladders, string and more string at the ready to keep everything in one piece so the street looked its best. So imagine how ecstatic we all were when we heard we that we had been awarded second place! The community effort and hard work had paid off. As a twelve year old, the street decorations were one thing but the main celebration was the street party with an abundance of food and music, which continued well into the evening for the adults who had their own jolly with a wee tipple or two. Fun times.

So tomorrow we will have our own lockdown celebrations, deckchairs in the back garden, a bit of Glenn Miller and our own 'stay at home' street party. Plans are afoot for the food and we may crack open the Pimms. A great distraction from the current situation but also an opportunity to reflect on this significant anniversary. So don't forget to charge your glass, join in with Dame Vera and remember what this anniversary is all about. Becasue on the 15th August we can really celebrate the 75th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.