大象传媒

This story is by Keith Hinchcliffe

V.E. Day Celebrations at Darton

Through the eyes of a five year old the months leading up to VE day did not seem particularly dark, dangerous or depressing.
Rationing, although of course restricting clothing purchases and treats, didn't bother me unduly, in fact it provided areas of amusement and diversion. I'm sure that eating sticks of rhubarb dipped into half an ounce of sugar, spooned into the corner of a paper bag and running up and down the street sparking newly hobnailed boots was more enjoyable than the expensive pleasures that today's youngsters are persuaded to partake of.
The comparative lack of traffic on our streets and roads meant that we could enjoy a game of football, cricket, rounders, nipsy, kick can etc on the 'stadium'in the middle of our road, with little danger to life or limb.
The preparations for VE day celebrations did, however, cause a fever of excitement that
took our minds off our normal childish pleasures. Each household raided their carefully stored rations to provide sandwiches, cakes and buns. Ingenuity was taxed to the limit to provide street decorations. In our street several lines of clothing and bunting were strung across between each house to represent the Siegried Line. Large Victory V signs were painted on the fronts of the houses. Flags of all descriptions were discovered in attics and festooned all the buildings.
The big day dawned and I think if there had been a camcorder working it would have looked like a Benny Hill show, with all the people scooting in and out of the houses.
Trestle tables had to be set up in the street with suitably patriotic red white and blue coverings. Chairs, benches and stools were brought out and dusted down. There seemed to be enough food arranged on the tables to feed the whole village - not just our street. I remember going with my brother to fetch a wicker clothes-basket filled
with individual trifles each covered with Hundreds and Thousands, and a few dozen marshmallow biscuits, that our local baker had kindly donated.
I think the actual bun fight was a bit of an anti-climax for me, in that, apart from enjoying a
dozen or so potted meat sandwiches, not much else suited my picky tastes.
When we'd finished with all the food and drink, the tables and chairs were removed and to my surprise a musical ensemble appeared in the front garden of one of the houses.
I remember that there was a chap playing a set of drums which I distinctly recall comprised of a big drum, side drums and top hat cymbals. There was also a trombonist, but I can't remember what other instrumentalists were part of the motley orchestra.
All the adults were behaving in a very strange manner, some were dancing up and down the street to the music, others were singing, laughing, cuddling and kissing. I thought the whole world must have gone mad.
To confirm my original impression that madness prevailed, two of the 'plumper' women decided to stage a mud wrestling match, clad in bloomers and vests. I'm not sure how a decision was made as to the winner in the contest because it was almost impossible to see which one was which .
I don't know how long the celebrations went on for, but I guess that I must have retired to bed at the very late hour of 9pm, still unable to understand what all the fuss was about.

漏 Copyright of content contributed to this Archive rests with the author. Find out how you can use this.