Nostalgia: Youngsters enjoy Victory Day parties

Cakes and ice cream had been the 'longed for luxuries' for these smiling children.

On a sunny day in June 75 years ago they were tasting them again.

War was over and in Tintwistle and Hollingworth youngsters were being invited to Victory Day parties.

Celebrations in Tintwistle had started early with children walking behind the village band through streets decorated with Union Jacks and bunting from the bandroom on New Road to Christ Church Sunday School.

Waiting for them were tables ladened with sandwiches and cakes and an ice cream for every child.

Afterwards everyone went to the war memorial on Old Road for a short service of thanksgiving led by the Rev AP Pirie.

This was followed by sports on the recreation ground where National Savings Certificates were presented to the winners by Cllr Len Ford.

More than 150 children, some brought on a lorry from Woodhead, enjoyed an afternoon of races that included sack races, egg and spoon races and potato races.

Amongst the winners were Alice Rowbottom, Edna Thorley, Maureen Bulger, Brenda Nichols, Mary Davies, David Smith, John Ball, William Thornhill, Alan Sharp and Neville Bagshaw.

The celebrations continued into the next morning, with dancing at the top of New Road until well after midnight.

In Hollingworth more than 120 children attended a party, at which one of the organisers was 14-year-old Joyce Hulme.

PARTY TIME: Hollingworth youngsters around the victory cake.

There were lots of good things to eat, including ice cream and lemonade, plus a huge ‘victory cake’ decorated by Miss E Bowden.

There were games to play and boxing exhibitions refereed by Mr Fletcher.

Before leaving for home each child was given a slice of cake, a shilling and a ticket to a local cinema.

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