VE and VJ day in Spalding
The VE celebrations in Spalding were reported in the Spalding & District edition of the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury incorporating the Spalding Guardian which was published on 11 May 1945. The report reproduced in full for historical accuracy reflects attitudes of the times and contains terms that some may find offensive.
HOW SPALDING RECEIVED THE GREAT NEWS OF THE WAR’S CONCLUSION
Thanksgiving and Rejoicing The Order of The Day
THE STREETS A RIOTOUS SPECTACLE
THE VICTORY of our armies in Europe. was celebrated in Spalding in a manner well befitting the Metropolis of the Fens” and one in which the townsfolk were able to give thanks to God for the triumph of the Allied cause and to rejoice in any way they chose.
The streets provided a riotous spectacle of red, white and blue and there were singularly few buildings in the town that did not boast a flag. Business premises, especially the shops. provided boldly colourful sights, with their gaily bedecked windows, and the Market-place. with its coloured lights and emblems of the Allied nations bravely borne by the early summer breeze. was a scene of rich variety.
FIREWORKS IN THE MARKET-PLACE
An air of expectancy was evident in the atmosphere throughout the whole of Monday afternoon and the good news broadcast in the evening precipitated the commencement of the celebrations. The twilit Market-place was thronged with young people, and fireworks and a small bonfire were ignited with shrieks of unfeigned delight.
Street lamps lighted the path of many a merry-maker later in the evening and were gazed at with happy wonder by the crowds, who saw them alight for the first time for over five long years.
On the morning of VE-Day, itself large numbers of folk, including many from the country, filled the streets and music relayed from loud-speakers the Urban Council’s electricity department filled the warm sunlit air.
THE PRIME MINISTERS ANNOUNCEMENT
From lunch time on Tuesday onwards a large crowd gathered in the Market-place awaiting the announcement made by the Prime Minister, which was relayed through loud-speakers.
Everyone appeared to have donned their brightest clothes and the colours red, white and blue were noticeable in articles of personal adornment worn by women. The weather was kind. and as the crowd gathered before the Corn Exchange the town was tilled with strains of music and sections of the crowd sang
At the appointed hour, the announcement from the lips of Mr. Churchill was heard and received with a cheers and happy smiles.
UNITED SERVICE
An hour later the Marketplace was the scene of a united religious service, in which representatives of the various denominations took part and for which hymn accompaniments were played by the Spalding Town Band, augmented by other instrumentalists from the Salvation Army band and the Army Cadet Force.
The order of service announced by the Congregational minister (the Rev. H Burn) Responses were led by the Baptist pastor (the Rev. J Scott Thorburn) and Captain Richardson of the Salvation Army, read the lesson. Prayers were said by the Vicar of St. John’s church. Hawthorn Bank, (Canon Lancelot Smith) who also pronounced the Benediction.
The clergy and ministers who included the Rev. C. T. Staden, of the Broad-street Methodist church. were accompanied by the chairman (Coun. D. Frost. J.P.) and the vice-chairman (Coun. H. E. Shotliff) of the Spalding Urban Council. A collection was taken for the Continental Churches restoration fund and over £60 was realised.
MANY SACRIFICES AHEAD
The address was given by the Methodist superintendent minister, the Rev. J. E. Cooper. who said that whilst we were celebrating the end of the war In Europe with a pride in the victory and a sense of relief that hostilities were at an end, there could be no unrestrained rejoicing and jubilation, for Japan was still undefeated and, in consequence, many more would be asked of our Armed Forces before the triumph was complete.
There were many from the locality who were serving in the Far East, also there were many who mourned the loss of loved ones “and in our rejoicing we shall remember them.” said the speaker, adding: “Victory has been purchased at a great price.”
Continuing, he said: “A great and evil thing has been over- thrown, something which if it had not been conquered would have changed the face of the whole life of the world for hundreds of years.”
Fortunately, with God’ s help, we had survived and had been given the chance of making a world we had always longed for, prayed for, and worked for, but had never yet been able to achieve.
THANKFUL FOR DELIVERANCE
Recalling the beginning of war, the minister said that we had entered it, not for our own gain, but tor the oppressed peoples, of Europe, freedom and the common decencies of life. We are thankful for our deliverance.” he said.
After expressing thanks for the way in which we had been saved from the horrors inflicted by the Germans upon their enemies, Mr. Cooper remarked: “We have passed through great perils. How great we may never know – times when our best friends feared for us. Dunkirk, the Battle of Britain – how thin was the margin between us and defeat? The hand of God has been upon us and our first homage and gratitude was to Him”
“We were thankful, also, that Europe was free again, but victory could not restore the loss suffered and the present generation would never recover from the injury it had sustained. There was, however, cause for thanks in that the tyranny had received its fatal blow and never again would the peoples of Europe be brought to bondage.”
THE FALLEN
The minister spoke gratefully of the endeavours of our Armies and our Allies and concluded with a reference to those who had fallen. He said: “We mourn the loss of many gallant young men. The world is poorer through that loss. There is no memorial we can raise to honour them, yet they had honoured us in that they thought us worthy to receive the freedom for which they died. Our truest thanksgiving is that we should be worthy of their trust and build such a world that they did not die in vain.”
During the service, which concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, Blake’s “Jerusalem” was sung by the Gleed senior boys’ school choir. During the afternoon the carillon was played, whilst in the evening the church bells heard.
CHURCH SERVICES
Denominational services of thanksgiving were held in the churches after tea.
At the parish church, the, special service was conducted by the Vicar of Cowbit (the Rev. J. A. Pilling), who also gave the address.
He based remarks on the words – The Lord hath done great things for us already, whereof we rejoice” – and spoke of God’s influence upon our nation— His guidance which made victory possible and His miracles which had brought strength to our arms. He recalled how at the beginning of the war the enemy had considered the war the enemy had considered and had thought that its young men would not fight or young men would not fight or would not be able to stand the strain of total war, “but they were wrong God gave us a generation of whom we must be proud, and to whom we must be eternally grateful.” he said.
Mr Pilling said that a miracle of God had been worked before our eyes, but he reminded his congregation that the war was not yet over and the enemy in the far East had still to be beaten: there was a new peace to be won and a new world to be built up, but all these things could be done through God who called us to His service.
The Vicar referred In his sermon to the greatness of allied leaders and the fine example set by the King and Queen example set by the King in the war years and concluded by calling to the people to lay their lives before the Almighty.
The lesson was read by Capt. G H Armstrong and Mr. Haydyn Chester was at the organ. A collection taken for the Red Cross.
At the Crescent Methodist chapel in the evening a united thanksgiving service was conducted by the Rev. J. E. Cooper, assisted by Captain J. R. Richardson, of the Salvation Army, and the Revs. J. Scott Thorburn and C.T. Staden read the lessons.
Mrs. A. Bates was at the organ and hymns were sung. Mr. J. R. Green conducted the choir in the Hallelujah which was finely rendered.
The offertory was devoted to restoration of churches and Church life on the Continent of Europe.
In his address the Rev. H. Burn, Congregational Pastor, spoke of the great day for which they had gathered together to give thanks to God. The Lord had delivered them from the trials and perils of the great conflict and His work was marvellous in their eyes. They could hardly realise what such victory meant to them, but they could be thankful that there were some amongst them who saw what great tasks lay ahead.
It was fine that right had triumphed and wrong had been worsted. There were a great many problems to be solved in Europe and the magnitude of many tasks was now revealing itself. They could see clearly that the will of the people had stiffened so that they could win a better world. The war had been a people’s war and the speaker could see a people’s determination behind that will to win. A chord of idealism was sounding throughout the country and in this idealism was a great hope for the Gospel. Today they were the conquerors, tomorrow they hoped to be more than conquerors. They could not have won the war without the help and guidance of God and the strength of the Christian Faith. In the pre-war days they had lived by false standards and bogus representations. They should have to be careful not to approach a similar kind of apathy in the years to come. The arch enemies of Christ had reaped their reward. But others who had fought had also reaped their reward, such men as President Roosevelt and countless others who had died before the end had come.
It had been a mixed lot of men and women who had fought together and prevailed, but they thanked God that these men and women had been made strong by their hatred of evil and tyranny and above all their faith in Christ.
The service concluded with the singing of the National Anthem.
ST. JOHN’S CHURCH
At St. John’s, Hawthorn Bank, the thanksgiving service was conducted by the Vicar (Canon Lancelot Smith).
In his address, the Vicar said that after we had fought, suffered and prayed for five and a half years and, now that victory in Europe had been won, our first thought must be that of thanking God. He went on to say that an excellent example to the nation had been set by the King and Queen and Mr. Churchill and not forgetting all the serving men and those who have given their lives.
Canon Smith told the congregation that the time was now ripe to dedicate themselves anew to God, as his servants, and go out and make His influence felt in a world badly tattered by war.
The offertory was equally divided between the fund for the restoration of English churches on the Continent and to fund for the Churches Committee for religious work amongst the Forces. Miss Bennett was at the organ.
A service was also held at St Paul’s church. Fulney, when the Vicar the Rev J.E. Callister officiated and Mrs Callister was at the organ.
VE NIGHT
During the evening large numbers of people congregated in the centre of the town, and in Ayscoughfee gardens, where the Town Band played for old time dancing.
The King’s speech was relayed through the loud speakers and was heard by a large crowd, which at the conclusion sang the National Anthem and cheered vociferously.
At dusk, the coloured lights strung across the Market-place were illuminated and there was dancing in the streets.
The first dance was announced by Regimental Sergeant Major J. Lord and was the “Victory Polka” which he told his listeners he had played many times to his fellow prisoners in a German camp as a means of sustaining their morale.
Bonfires were lit in various parts of the town and effigies of the Nazi leaders were consigned to the flames and fireworks were discharged.
Searchlights played over the town and shop windows, illuminated with red, white and blue bulbs, conspired with the bonfires and other effects to throw a rich glow into the night sky.
YOUNG SIGHTSEERS
Children who for the first time in their young lives were seeing such sights, gazed from their mothers’ arms, or from the height of fathers’ shoulders at something which thrilled and bewildered.
Throughout the morning and evening the public houses were kept full and lively, but with the exception of one or two; the majority did not take advantage of the extension of one and a half hours, and closed their doors at about 10.45 a.m.
The jubilant spirits of the crowd began to ebb close upon 1 a.m. when the celebrations for the day were brought to a close “Land of Hope and Glory” was sung, following which the crowd joined hand and voices in “Auld Lang Syne.”
THE FOLLOWING DAY
Great crowds gathered in the Market-place on Wednesday afternoon to see the children’s fancy dress parade, which was marshalled by Coun. W.A. Start.
The children marched round the town centre and also paraded past the Johnson Hospital for the benefit of the patients.
The characters impersonated in the gaily beflagged procession included a number of striking originality, and representatives of many nations, as well as well-known figures in the nursery world, while appropriately there were representatives of Peace and Victory. One small girl carried an empty whisky bottle, bearing the inscription of “Spirit of things to come”.
The procession was led by the 3rd Spalding Boys’ Brigade band under Lieutenant C. Peck, and band leader Sergeant C. Ferguson, and the Town Band was also in attendance. Besides the fancy dress parade youth organisations were represented, they being Scouts, Cubs Girls’ Life Brigade, St.John Ambulance and Nursing Cadets.
The fancy dresses were judged by members of the W.V.S. who were thanked for their service.
Prizewinners were as follows: Tableaux: 1. First Aid, Spalding Nursing Cadets; 2. Britannia, Girls Life Brigade.
Fancy Dress 4 to 7 years: 1. Mermaid, Elizabeth Houldin; 2. Allies, Helen Mary Shearer; 3. Air Mail, Peter James; Highly commended: Victory Bells, Margaret Abrahams; Sailor Boy, John Barrell.
Decorated cycles 4 to 7 years: 1. Britannia, Janet Stance; 2. Victory, Barbara Clarke; 3. United Nations, Douglas White; Highly commended: Warden, Richard Chandler.
Decorated Prams; 1. Jill Thurlby:2. Margaret Johnson; 3. Wendy Coulson. Highly commended: Rosemary Turner and Marjory Cotten.
Fancy Dress. 8 to 16 years: Box of Paints, Pamela Jenkinson; 2. Well done Russia, Dawn Tyrrell; 3. Wounded Soldier and Nurse, Valerie Jackson and Mary Tippel. Highly commended: Golliwog, Francis Hinds; Rule Britannia, Angela Stockdale.
Decorated cycles 8 to 16 years: 1. Ann Hardy; 2. Jean Scotney; 3. Terence Hayes. Highly commended: Alan Thompson.
Decorated Trucks 8 to 16 years: 1. Mobile Selling Centre, William and Pat Andrew; 2. Victory Boys, John Worthington and Raymond Featherstone; 3. Salvage, Irene Mablethorpe. Highly commended: Brian Rawling.
All the prizewinners will be given a free ticket to the Odeon Theatre on Saturday afternoon.
Following the judging, the children were entertained at the Corn Exchange, the excellent programme being arranged by Mrs A.L. Parsons, assisted by members of the Townswomen’s Guild. The programme included solos and dances by Miss Day’s Young Ladies, and community singing and games. The elder children meanwhile enjoyed a film show at the Regent through the courtesy of Spalding Picture House Ltd.
JOLLIFICATIONS TILL THE MORNING
In the evening the patients at the Mintling House were entertained by members of the Townswomen’s Guild, Mrs. Roberts, Mr. J.H. Worley and others. The audience of about 200 included children.
Entertainment at the Johnson Hospital was provided by the Choral Society, under Mr. Frank White. Thanks to the singers was expressed by the matron.
A huge crowd gathered in the Market-place to enjoy a varied programme, one of the most popular items of which was a boxing display me members of the Youth Club (organised by Inspector J.E.Sibbald). Girls of the Gleed School trained by Miss Hunter and Miss Swift gave a display of dancing.
Community singing followed led by the Town band, and the Townswomen’s Guild Nigger Minstrel Troupe, with Mr. J Worley as M.C.
At 8.30 the drums of the A.C.F. which played by courtesy of Lieut-Col Scott, beat the Retreat.
In the meantime, a victory whist drive was held in the Corn-exchange, with Mr. V.A. Hancock, assisted by Mr.A.E.Holmes as M.C. The “Mayor” (Coun D Frost) distributed the prizes to Mrs H Clarke, Mrs Stennett, Miss P. Dodd, Mr. H. Tyrell, Mr. W. Kemp., Mr. E. Wilkinson, Mrs. A. Taylor, Mr. A. White, Mrs. L. Healey and Mr. A. White. Minitature drive: Mrs Rhodes, Mrs Hall, Mr. H. Tyrell and Mrs E. Brown.
The news headlines were relayed through loud speakers and afterwards there was dancing.
About 10 pm Coun. Frost went to the microphone and expressed the thanks of the townsfolk to those who had worked to make the celebrations such a success, specially mentioning the secretary (Mr. W. H. Waldock), Mr. F. R. C. Roberts (electricity department) for the continuous programme of music, Mr. S. E. Andrew (the M.C.). The Supt. of police and his force (for their wholehearted co-operation) and the organising committee.
A giant bonfire was lit in the Market-place and there were others in various parts of the town. Fireworks, dancing and revelry continued until 1 am when the crowd dispersed after singing ”Land of Hope and Glory”, “Auld Lang Syne” and the National Anthem.
The VJ celebrations in Spalding were reported in the Spalding & District edition of the Lincoln, Rutland & Stamford Mercury incorporating the Spalding Guardian over a number of weeks as they were spread out owing to the importance of the harvest. The reports reproduced in full for historical accuracy reflects attitudes of the times and contains terms that some may find offensive.
Spalding Guardian Friday 17 August 1945
PROGRAMME FOR VJ DAY
Bands, Bells, Bonfires and Street Dancing
In preparation for celebrating VJ day to commemorate the cessation of hostilities with Japan, the chairman of the Spalding Urban Council (Coun D Frost J.P.) called a meeting of townspeople and leaders of various organisations in the Council Chambers on Monday evening.
It was proposed and seconded that Mr Frank Wootten act as secretary for the celebrations. Mr Wootten accepted and agreed to a combined secretaryship with Mr S E Andrew, as suggested by the chairman.
THE FIRST DAY
The first day’s programme was then discussed and Mr Wootten suggested that in view of the fact that on VE day there were many people in town during the morning they should hold the service of thanksgiving in the morning.
Coun. F E Munson thought it would be better to hold it in the afternoon so that people would not have to go home for dinner after the service and then come up to town again. Miss Frost agreed with this and said that an afternoon service would be better from the housewives point of view.
AFTERNOON SERVICE
A vote was taken and it was decided to hold the service at 2.30 in the afternoon.
The Chairman stated that Mr F R C Roberts, electricity manager for the U.D.C. would be willing to help at any time during the celebrations.
Mr Roberts then suggested that if any bonfires were lit they should be placed in a field such as the Black Swan field.
Representing the police, Inspector Stephenson said that they would rather the fires were held on a field than in the streets.
Coun. Munson thought they should be held in front of the Corn exchange as before.
The Chairman remarked that all the Government suggested for the celebrations were bands, bells and bonfires.
It was decided that the bonfires should be held in front of the Corn exchange as before.
DANCING IN MARKET PLACE
The first day’s programme then included the afternoon service (arranged by the Spalding Free Church Federal Council), the broadcast of the King’s speech, the Town Band playing in Ayscoughfee gardens, which would remain open until 9pm and dancing in the Market place and New Road.
Coun. Munson told the meeting that Mrs A L Parsons. Who had had another meeting, had told him she would help in any way necessary.
The secretary then proposed that one of the days should be childrens day.
Mrs Lea said that they should have platforms up and down the Market place for the children to have tea.
On Mr Fisher’s proposal it was decided to hold a tea for the children at a later date.
A FETE, TOO
The question of whether the forthcoming fete to be held on Saturday for the welcome home fund could not be put back a day or two to coincide with the celebrations was put to Mr Sam Brice, a member of the committee. He replied that it would be difficult, but he would put the suggestion in front of his committee. If one of the days for celebrating did fall on the day when the fete was on, it would be so much the better for the fund.
It was proposed that the collections during the two days should be for the bombed out churches fund (that taken during the service) and for the new Spalding maternity home.
This was agreed by a show of hands.
A THOUGHT
Coun. A Bates thought that every penny collected should be for the welcome home fund, for without those men who had been fighting they would not be able to celebrate. The new maternity home would be built and the money found.
The Chairman suggested that for the rest of the celebrations, which could follow closely on the lines of VE day, they should appoint two small sub-committees to sit that evening with executive powers.
This was agreed to and the names of the two sub-committees, including a children’s committee were read out and proposed en-bloc, with the addition of two or three names.
Spalding Guardian Friday 17 August 1945
NO VJ HOLIDAY YET FOR FARMERS
Postponed Until September
The National Farmers’ Union and the N.U.A.W., in the county of Holland, have agreed to recommend that those engaged in agriculture to take their VJ holidays when the corn harvest is finished, probably during the third week in September.
The following is the text of a notice issued to farmers and farm workers and signed by Mr Alex West, Chairman of the Holland War Agricultural Executive Committee, Mr A H Clark, Chairman of the Holland Farmers’ Union, and Mr A E Monks, Organiser of the National Union of Agricultural Workers.
“In view of the urgent necessity of securing this years harvest in consequence of the serious food position in Europe, we the undersigned, have agreed to recommend all engaged in agriculture, NOT to take the two days holiday whilst the harvest operation is in progress. We give an assurance that the holidays allowed shall be given later on dates to be mutually arranged by employer and employee”.
Spalding Guardian Friday 24 August 1945
SPALDING WELCOME HOME FUND FETE
Fur and Feather Show, Sports and Talent Spotting
SATURDAY’S PROGRAMME DRAWS LARGE CROWDS
NOW THAT WAR has ceased throughout the world the Services welcome home funds take on a happy significance. This significance must have been appreciated by the large crowds that gathered in the Black Swan Field. Spalding. on Saturday to support the fete in aid of the Spalding fund. There was a fine programme of attractions, on which the organising committee, under the chairmanship of Mr. F. Holdich are to be heartily congratulated. It included the annual show of the Spalding and District Fanciers’ Society.
For the fur and feather show there were nearly 300 entries. Messrs. J. Pares and J. E. Hosier were joint secretaries and Mesdames Ackhurst, Gardner and J E. Hosier, Messrs. H Moore, Pell. Ackhurst, Gardner, H. D. and A. D. Message and Masters Hurry and Chattell acted as stewards. Awards:-
RABBITS
Chinchilla a.a.: 1 D. Fairbanks, 2 and 3 Hare and Pell.
Argente: 1 J. W Mills. Rex a.c.: C. Courts, 2 and 3 R. Moore.
Fox a.c.: 1 R Sharp, 2 and 3 Hilton Bros.
Beveren a.c. 1 P. Blanchard. 2 and 3 J. Woolley.
A.o.v.: 1 Hilton Bros., 2 and 3 J. Mills.
Fur challenge: 1 P Blanchard, 2 Bros., 3 .J. Woolley.
Gift class: I J. Hosier, Utility: I A. E. Seymour, 2 R Sharp, 3 J Pates.
Fur pairs under 16 weeks: 1 J. W. Mills, 2 Hilton Bros., 3 R Moore.
Polish: 1 G. Smith and Son, 2 A. Hempsall, 3 D. Taylor.
Silver: 1 R Smalley, 2 C Clattall, 3 J.Billitt.
Himalayan: 1 and 2 J Hosier, 3 H D. Message.
Dutch a.c.: 1 and 3 T Nicholls. 2 H. T. Message. Belgian: 1 and 2 H. Moore, 3 R. Smalley. A.o.v. fancy: 1 Mrs Gardner, 2 M. Taylor 3 J. W. Mills.
Fancy, under 5 months: 1 Mrs. Gardner, 2 J.E. Hosier, 3 A. Hempsall.
Fancy challenge: 1 and 2 Mrs. Gardner, 3 R. F. Smalley.
Fancy pairs under 13 weeks: 1 J. W. Mills, 2 J.E. Hosier, 3 R H Bennett.
Grand challenge: 1 and 2 Mrs. Gardner, 3 P. Blanchard.
Cavies: A.v.:1 and 3 H. Blackburn 2 H. E Hurry.
Juveniles. – Fur: 1 Peter Blanchard, 2 D. F. Fairbanks. 3 Roger Moore.
Fancy: 1 M. Taylor, 2 R Woolley, 3 R. H. Bennett.
Challenge: Peter Blanchard, 2 M. Taylor, 3 D. F. Fairbanks.
Cup winners: P Blanchard (juvenile challenge and best fur), Mrs. Gardner (grand challenge and best in show under five months), Parkinson and Message (breeders’ challenge), J. Waltham (old English game) and J. H. Barker (best in show).
FEATHER
Bantams—Old English game cock: 1 J Waltham, 2 L Tooley, 3 M. Taylor.
Old English game hen: 1 G. W. Barker, 2 Parkinson and Message, 3 J. Waltham.
A o.v. cock: 1 A. Cooke, 2 C. W. Coley, 3 Parkinson and Message.
A.o.v. hen: 1 G. W, Barker, 2 Harry Lote, 3 C W. Coley.
1945 cock: 1 C. W. Coley, 2 P. and M. Barnsdale, 3 J. Waltham.
1945 hen: 1 and 2 Parkinson and Message,3 P and M. Barnsdale.
Any variety juvenile bantam:1 L Tooley, 2 and 3 Miss Patricia Jackson.
Large poultry —Ex heavy male: 1 3 J W. Billitt, 2 J. Waltham.
Ex heavy female: 1 and 3. J Billitt, 2 J Waltham.
Utility male: 1. 2 and 3 J W. Billitt. Utility female: 1 and 3 J. W. Billitt, 2 A. Cook.
Best in show: G. W. Barker.
SPECIAL PRIZES
Bantams and poultry: G. W. Barker (best in show), A. Cook, C. W. Coley, Parkinson and Message, L. Tooley and J. W.Billitt.
Rabbits: R. Bennett, Hilton Bros., J. Mills, C. Chattell, Mrs. Gardner, J. Hosier, W A. Crowood and H. D. Message.
Cavies: H. Blackburn and H. E. Hurry. Juveniles: M. Taylor, J. P Blanchard, C. Chattell and R. Moore.
Most entries: H. Moore.
FANCY DRESS PARADE
The fancy dress parade, which opened the afternoon’s proceedings provided just the necessary touch of gaiety and colour that the scene needed, overcast as it was with threatening storm clouds. The parade had assembled at Ayscoughfee Gardens and proceeded behind the Town Band to the Black Swan field, where the judges, Mesdames W and S. Freir, C. Armstrong, F. Roberts J. Balllantine, awaited it in front of the grand stand.
The winners were: Original; 1 Pauline Scott. London-road (foreign correspondent), 2 Sally Silver Stonegate (Miss Sew and Sew)
Vehicles: 1 Pat and William Andrews, Matmoor-gate (bee-keepers), 2 Andrey Watson. Bourne-road (wounded soldier).
Prettiest: 1 Maureen Eyette, Havelock-street (Peace) 2 Elizabeth Bengerfield, Regent-street(Clippie).
Fancy, 1 Doreen Vines. Queen’s-avenue (nurse), 2 Valerie Jackson, Stonegate (cleaner).
Infant’s classes:-
Prettiest: 1 Sheila Miller and Pamela Hunt, (both representing Peace), 2 Jenifer Hardy (sunflower).
Original: 1 Julian Conway (kitchen front), 2 Eva Holdin (Mrs. Mopp).
Girls’ fancy dress:1 Janet Leggett (land girl), 2 Maureen Lightfoot (Queen of Hearts).
Boy’s fancy dress: 1 Terry Brackenberry (Paratrooper) 2 Alan and Winston Taylor( Indian chief and squaw).
Two girls who received special prlzes were Elizabeth Holdin (Mermaid) and Helen Love (Russian girl).
CHILDREN’S SPORTS
There was a large number of entries for the children’s sports, the officials for which were Mrs, M. Hobson and Messrs H. E. Dennis, H. H. Small, F. Monson, R. Perkins, H. Walker, H. Hinson and T. Swallow.
Results were as follows:-
Infants
(25 yards flat), girls: 1 Mary Jameson, 2 Janet Hobday, 3 Jennifer Davis.
boys: 1 R. Wilson. 2 Tony Pates, 3 Terry English.
Five year olds, cat crawl (25 yards), girls: 1 Mary. Jameson, 2 Janet Hobday,.
Ditto boys: 1 Tony English, 2 Trevor Wright.
40 yards (6 years) girls:1 Ruth Blumestock, 2 Rita Fox, 3 Sylvia Block.
Ditto. boys: 1 Douglas Wyles, 2 Philip Spencer, 3 John Kerry.
40 yards skipping, (6 years): 1 Josephine Smith, 2 Ruth Blumestock.
Three-legged (6 years): 1 Noreen Lister and Janet Carr, 2 Mary Shearer and Jessie Smith. Ditto, boys: 1 John Crompton and Robert Brice.
50 yards flat (7 years), girls: 1 Margaret Horrold, 2 Valerie Harrison, 3 Anne Collins.
Ditto, boys: 1 Roy Noble, 2 Robert Brice, 3 Keith Walker.
Three-legged (7 years) girls: 1 BeryI Scotney, 2 Pat Pickard.
Ditto, boys: 1 Robert Wright, 2 Billy Pearce.
Potato race (7 years), boys: 1 Andrew Reden, 2 Leslie Lawson and Alan Thompson.
Juniors.-
50 yards flat (7 years) girls: 1 Frances Hines, 2 June Connington, 3 Joan Higgins.
Ditto (9 years) 1 Iris Colman, 2 Anne Ley, 3 Pat Griffith.
Boys (8 years): 1 Derrick Smith, 2 W. Andrew, 3 Donald Pratt.
Ditto (9 years): 1 David Wright, 2 Trevor Scott, 3 Derrick Bright.
30 yards egg and spoon (8 years), girls: Shirley North, 2 Christine Abrahams, 3 Dorothy Dodd.
Ditto (9 years): 1 Edna Hills, 2. Jean Wilson, 3 Frames Hines.
Ditto (10 years): 1 Hazel Pennington, 2 Maria Whltehouse, 3 Sylvia Taylor.
boys (8 years): 1 Brian Hendry, 2 William Andrew, 3 Derrick Smith.
Ditto (9 years): 1 Geoffrey Smith, 2 Trevor Scott, 3 John Munday.
30 yards potato race, girls: 1 Jean Cunnington, 2 Joan Kirk, 3 Pat Griffith.
Ditto, boys:1 Brian Hendry, 2 William Andrew, 3 Ronald Pratt.
Obstacle (8 years): girls 1 Jean Powell, 2 Jean Fairbanks, 3 Jean Coddington.
Ditto (10 years) 1 Mavis Millhouse, 2 Audrey Collins, 3 Anne Leigh.
boys (8 years) 1 Matthew Dale, 2 William Andrew, 3 James Adams.
Ditto (10 years): 1 Robert Watson, 2 Alan Thompson, 3 John Pile.
Three-legged (8 and 9 years), girls: 1 Edna and Ena Hills, 2 Frances Huggins and companion, 3 Angela Bailey and J. Marshall.
Ditto (10 years): 1 Hazel Pennington and Margaret Ward, 2 Anne Leigh and M. Burk, 3 D. Bowman and P Bates.
Ditto boys (8 years): 1 D. Smith and Brian Hendry, 2 W Andrew and A Fowler. 3 R. Chapman and R. Pratt.
Ditto (9 years) 1 C. Brotherton and B. Frith, R. Black and M. Scott, 3 N. Frith Spendler.
Sack race (8 years), girls: 1 E Hill, 2 F. Hind, 3 Edna Hills.
Ditto (10 years:) Prudence Bates, 2 Mavis Millhouse.
Boys (8 years): 1 Derrick Smith, 2 William Andrew, 3 Ronald Pratt.
Broad Jump (8-9 years), girls: 1 F. Hind, 2 E. Hills, 3 J. Huggins.
Ditto. boys (8-9 years): 1 Derrick Smith. 2 William Andrew, 3 Ronald Pratt.
Seniors.—100 yards, girls: I B. Tomblin, 2 M. White, 3 P. Scott. Boys: 1 Howard Blot, 2 R. Heath.
Three-legged race girls: 1 L. Stevens and Healey, 2 J. Ellison and B. Guthrie, 3M. White and M. Howman. Boys: H. Blot and R. Herd, 2 L. Fowler and J. Pile, 3 H. Wright and T. Denver.
Obstacle,Girls: 1 M. White, 2 J. Walker, 3 N. Goodley. Boys: 1 H. Wright. 2 H. Blot. 3 L. Fowler.
High jump, girls: 1 M. White, 2 B. Tomblin, 3 P. Scott. Boys: 1 H. Greeves, 2 J. Scotney.
Jump, girls; 1 B. Tomblin. 2 M. White, 3 J. J. Walker. Boys: 1 J. Herd and G. Blot (equal.)
Sack race, girls: 1 B. Tomblin, 2 M. White, 3 M. Newman. Boys: 1 H. Blot, 2 T Dennis, 3 H. Wright.
Egg and spoon, girls: I. J. Ellison, 2 M. Goodley, 3 M.Howling. Boys: 1 H. Blot, 2 H. Wright, 3 T. Dennis
100 yards open, girls: 1. J. Cooke, 2 J. Dales. 3 M. Perkins. Boys: 1 T. Grounds, 2 J. Mitchell, 3 M. Clarke and P. Grunnell.
Sack race, open girls: 1 M. White, 2 J. Dales, 3M. Newman. Boys:1 J. Mitchell, 2 Grounds, 3 P. Grunnel.
100 yards men’s race: L. N. Dales.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
Apart from numerous competitions run by some 30 helpers appointed by the committee there were three main stalls. The raffle stall was supervised by Mesdames Clark, Simpson and Hunter, the produce stall by Mrs. Scragg and the mineral booth by Mesdames Brice and Andrews.
Donkey rides were provided with animals lent for the occasion by Mr. E. Boswell, a treasure hunt was conducted by Mr. J. J. Drury, and the auction stall was in charge of Mr. Willis White.
There was a good number of bidders at an auction sale in the evening. The auctioneer’s duties were taken by Mr. Sam Kingston, who disposed of garden produce, articles of furniture and objects of art.
A talent competition drew a large audience, and the amateur turns certainly deserved the enthusiastic reception they received. It was organised by Mrs. A. L. Parsons and judged by Mr. H.H. Small, and winners were:—Girls: 1 Anona Wiles (singer), 2 M. Tindall and N. Summerfield (singers), 3 M. Fowler and J. Fowler (double tap-dancers. Boys: 1 Gordon Shield (singer), 2 Keith Wilson (singer). Adults: 1 Mrs. Welburn (Old Mother Riley), 2 Mr. Grunnell (pianist and singer).
A HIGHLIGHT
The Amy Cadets certainly provided the must inspiring item in the fete when they marched through the town to the field in the evening. They were the 4th Cadet Battalion the Lincolnshire Regiment, and were led by the drums. After dispersing from parade order they gave a fine P.T. display before the many hundreds of people who lined the ropes.
The close of the day bought dancing in the Drill-hall to the music of the Youth Club band until nearly midnight.
Spalding Guardian Friday 24 August 1945
FIREWORK MENACE
Cyril Fellows, 12, Atton avenue, Spalding, was fined for throwing a lighted firework, across the road towards an – elderly woman in charge of a child during the VJ celebrations. Defendant, who did not appear in court, made a statement to the police at the time, saying he was sorry he did it He did not see the elderly woman or the child.
Superintendent Booth said he would like to say that the discharging of fireworks in Spalding was very prevalent and in some cases rather dangerous.
Spalding Guardian Friday 24 August 1945
AGRICULTURAL VJ DAYS
As reported last week, the, Holland Farmers’ Union and the National Union of Agricultural Workers agreed to recommend all those engaged in agriculture to take their V.J holidays in September, when the corn harvest is finished. Now, the two agricultural VJ-Days for Holland agricultural workers have been fixed for 12 and 13 September. An additional 8d. per hour to he paid for – the two days they worked last week (the official VJ-days).
Spalding Guardian Friday 31 August 1945
FIREWORKS IN PENNYGATE
Residents Celebrate Victory
The residents of Pennygate, Spalding, held their VJ Victory ‘celebrations last week, the opening ceremony being performed by Coun. A. Bates. A fancy dress parade followed, judged by Mrs. L. A. Gornall, assisted by Mrs. Rowley, to whom the Shelton twins presented bouquets.
The winners were 1 D. Butler (Pirate), 2 Miss Ridding (Kaffir Girl), 3 Miss Chappell (Gipsy). The remaining entrants received one shilling as consolation prizes.
Nurse Woodham, assisted by Nurse Swallow, judged the baby show and prizes were awarded.
Tea for the children was provided by the ladies’ committee and helpers and was served in the Pennygate Mission, kindly loaned by Mr. Dodson. Each child received tickets for icecream and minerals.
During the afternoon and evening, donkeys and a horse and trap gave free rides to all children and were well patronised.
Children’s sports followed. Mr. Quanbury being the handicapper and Mr. Woodcock the judge. Mr. Bennett judged the ladies’ ankle competition, and this in the evening was followed by a bonfire and fireworks in Carrington road.
The celebrations concluded with a dance in Pennygate when the special floodlighting effects and decorations were provided by Messrs. Woodcock, Cooper and Parker, with the Merry Makers Dance Band in attendance.
With intervals for the auction of dolls and ducks, Pennygate celebrated the return to peace until midnight.
Spalding Guardian Friday 7 September 1945
MORE V-J PARTIES
Cross-street Area Has a Good Time
A greater part to the programme for the peace celebrations of the Cross-street district. Spalding, consisting of the children’s sports, had to be postponed on Thursday owing to the inclement weather, and the celebrations were held in the Drill hall. Nevertheless, a happy time was spent.
The arrangements were made by a committee of residents, who, formed themselves into smaller sub-committees. The district included St Thomas’s-road (Grammar School field to Henrietta -street cross-roads), Henrietta-street, Cross-street, South parade, Havelock-street, Regent street, Priory-road (including Abbey Buildings), Spring-street, Spring-gardens and Haverfield- road.
Although the sports had to be postponed, it is hoped that they will be held in the near future.
CINEMA SHOW
The programme commenced, with a children’s cinema show, in the afternoon at the Regent cinema kindly lent by the Spalding Picture House Co. Ltd.). where the entertainment was vociferously received by the members of the younger generation.
Following this there was an old folks’ tea in the Drill-hall where excellent refreshment was provided for 45 elderly people.
The children’s tea consisted of sandwiches, bread and butter, jellies, cakes and lemonade or tea. About 170 children were present.
Entertainment was provided by Jim Thompson and Professor Nomis, whose magic enthralled the children. They were greatly amused by the latter artist who is also an excellent ventriloquist. During the interval between the acts, the children were served with ice-cream and lemonade.
Souvenirs were given to the oldest members of the audience; Mrs Powell, South-parade, who is aged 85 and Mr Broderick, South-parade, aged 81.
TALENT COMPETITION
In a talent competition great ability was displayed by the entrants, the winners being Shirley Jessop (song), Margaret Perkins (pianoforte solo), Pat Chalkley(song), Keith and Tom Maplethorpe (dualogue), Terence Mason (songs) and Kenneth Dryden (pianoforte solo). Miss Dorothy Sutherland kindly acted as judge.
Dancing competitions for the young folk were judged by Mesdames J W White and Len Seymour , and the winners were: 5 to 12 years: 1, the Misses G Slator and G Baker, 2, the Misses A Darwood and A Butters. 12 to 16 years: 1, the Misses M Cooke and J Addington, 2, the Misses J Cooper and B Wilkinson.
This ended the children’s entertainment, and the hall which was prettily decorated, as also were the tea tables, resounded to their community singing, in which they were led by J Thompson.
The winners of a variety of contests were presented with savings stamps.
The evening concluded with dancing in the Hall for the older people, music being provided by Mrs Vincke’s Accordian Serenaders and the Spalding Music Makers, both bands kindly volunteering their services.
An ankle competition was judged by Messrs Alf Steer and G Campling, and those successful were Mrs F Cooke, Miss Christine Smith and Miss Lewis. For the gentlemen there followed a knobbly knees competition judged by Mesdames Parkinson and Cosford, the winners of which were Mr Jessop, Mr Perkins and Mr Vincke.
COCONUT AUCTIONED
During the dance a coconut which recently arrived from South Africa, was given by Mrs Hornsey, was offered by mock auction by Mr Lewis White and raised £3 7s. 6d.
The happy evening concluded with a vote of thanks to all who had helped in any way proposed by the hon. Secretary, and finally all joined in the singing of “Auld Lang Syne”.
In preparation for the peace celebrations the residents had donated £75 to defray the expenses.
Spalding Guardian Friday 14 September 1945
THREE SPALDING ROADS’ FUN
Small District’s Big Celebrations
One of smallest of the Spalding districts to hold its VJ celebrations yet, the Willow-walk, Hosier-road and Albert-street area, had their fun in grand style on Wednesday.
The programme opened with one of the most colourful and biggest fancy dress parades the town has seen and included both children and adults. The procession made its way to the parish church mission hall, where tea was provided, the main item being an iced victory, cake. provided by public subscription and made by Miss Bolderson.
Sports were held after tea In Mr. Blyth’s field. The day closed with a dance in the mission, when a spot waltz prize was won by Miss Mary Cuppleditch.
Mrs. Beecham and Mrs. Lee collected £15 to cover the expenses of the celebration. Other helpers were Mesdames R. Seton, R. Smith, J Grummit, Stark, J Lee. junr., A. Lee. sen, Beecham, Falkner, Dames, West, Wetherill and Gulson. Mrs Harvey judged the fancy dress.
