大象传媒

My name is Brian Darch, I am 8 years old and I notice that there is an air of excitement in my house and out in the street. My parents explain that the terrible war in Europe is over.
Everyone is talking that a celebration is being organised to celebrate the end of the War.Myself and the older children decide that we will build a bonfire around the Maypole,the Maypole is located on an area of playing field between Brynview Ave. and the Upper half of Brynmynach Ave.
We live adjacent to the countryside where there is an abundance of wood and with the Car tyres the bonfire soon reaches giant proposions.
The members of the Auxiliary Fire Service which my father Jack Darch is a member off as well as fight the fires during the war
organise any events or celebrations.
I'm told that they wish to organise a street party and dancing in the street.
The road outside numbers 36 to 40 is in poor condition and not suitable for dancing so Caerphilly Council was contacted and they agreed to lay a new area of roadway which would be suitable for dancing.
So to date Bonfire, new road,Party and Dancing had been organised, my father who had an Ultra Radio and a His Masters Voice pickup suitable for playing 78 rpm records was asked to provide the music, which he had done on many occasions in the past.
We are all very excited as the big day has arrived and the weather is good, the bonfire is looking good and the first event the street party is in full swing with most of the street in attendance. The good selection of food is on display considering we are on rations , I tuck into spam and paste sandwiches followed by Jelly and blancmange, everyone is impressed with the spread.
Suitably fed we are now preparing for the evening bonfire and dancing. Torches are prepared and around 8-30pm we gather at the back of the houses to light torches lased with Parafin and the signal is given and as one we walk swiftly to light the bonfire it quickly lights and in no time the flames are leaping 30ft into the air, its time to move back as its very hot and the sparks are dangerously close. Its dark now and my father is setting up the Radio and Pickup in the window of no.35, the system has tested ok and people are now gathering for the dancing. The first record played is a Harry Roy and his band number followed by Gracie Fields and Reg Dixon at the Organ.
The temporary lights and the glow of the remnants of the bonfire make it a memorable day.
Dancing goes on late into the night and everyone has a very enjoyable day.
As for myself I'm very tired and way passed my bedtime and will be very tired for school tomorrow. I help my father to collect the records etc. and its off to bed where I fall asleep as my head touches the pillow.
Brian Darch

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