- Contributed by听
- British Schools Museum
- People in story:听
- Peter Oakley
- Location of story:听
- Whitwell, Hertfordshire
- Background to story:听
- Civilian
- Article ID:听
- A4522538
- Contributed on:听
- 22 July 2005
Peter Oakley at the front of a VJ Party in the Swan Yard, Whitwell.
In August 1946 we had a Victory Party in Whitwell, south of Hitchin in Hertfordshire. I guess now that we were celebrating the first anniversary of the first "VJ Day", 15th August 1945 when Japan stopped fighting. (2nd September was the day the surrender was signed).
I've still got a cutting from the local newspaper, so I know it was organised by the "Swan Yard" Victory Committee - and that's where the party started, in the Swan Yard in Whitwell High Street.
About 40 of us children and our parents had a tea of pastries, cakes and biscuits, then we all went to the vicarage grounds for a treasure hunt, arranged by the Rev Walter Harvey. Then we went back to the Swan Yard for pears, apples and a mineral drink. And back then to the vicarage for more games.
There were prizes of savings stamps and money. We were all given an ice cream and a savings book with 2 shillings in it.
Then we all stood around a piano and had a sing-song until it was dark. Mr Walter Williams played the piano.
I'm sitting right at the front in the photograph. It was a grand day, but very tiring!
This story submitted by The British Schools Museum, Hitchin, with the permission of Mr P. Oakley.
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