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This contribution to WW2 People’s War was received by the Action Desk on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio Norfolk. The story has been written and submitted to the website by Jane Bradbury (Volunteer Story Gatherer) with the full permission and on behalf of Joy Tomkins.

Tuesday (VE day) May 8

We got up at 9 o’clock and had ‘brekker’. Put up flags and watched other people put up theirs.
Had shepherd’s pie and greens for dinner, also cherries (stewed).
This afternoon we went down to Hornsey Town Hall via Archway Road and St. John’s Way. Fountains were playing and so was a band. Went to Alexandra Palace and saw decorations at Muswell Hill. Waited ages for a bus. In the afternoon at 3 o’clock we heard Mr. Churchill’s speech, and the service which followed. The first weather forecast was given out today, the first since 1939. (This is the day I have waited for, for ages. I can’t really believe it yet).
‘Jingle Jangle Jingle’ and ‘In the mood’ two of my favourite tunes were played today. Also Solomn Melody and the Halelulia Chorus. Listened to King’s speech at 9 o’clock. Also heard ‘Winnie’ again. Eisenhower, Monty and some of the other commanders spoke. Went out to meet Dad when he came home.
(We are celebrating but everyone seems sort of dazed. It’s so sudden)
We are just lighting the fairy lamps. It is 10 o’clock now. We had egg and bread and a cup of tea for supper. About 10 o’clock we went to see the illuminations in Archway Road. Several big bonfires could be seen. After that Mum, Dad, Del and I went up and sat on the skylight on the roof and watched the searchlights until 12.15 o’clock. Went to bed at 12.30 o’clock. The sky was a lovely pink from all the fires at night.
(Del was my nickname for my younger brother)

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