Avon House was honoured to join the nationwide celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE Day)—a momentous occasion in British and world history. The entire day was filled with vibrant activities and learning opportunities designed to bring the spirit and culture of the 1940s alive for our pupils.
The celebrations began with a special assembly, where the children reflected on the significance of VE Day and the events that led to peace in Europe in 1945. Together, we sang two poignant songs to mark the anniversary and set the tone for the day of remembrance and celebration ahead. Throughout break time and the school day, pupils enthusiastically took part in a variety of traditional 1940s games, including hopscotch, skipping, card games, marbles, jacks and pick-up sticks. It was a wonderful reminder that many of these simple yet timeless games are still enjoyed today.
A highlight for many was our very own VE Day Street party at lunchtime. Children were treated to fish and chips served in cones, followed by delicious ice cream from our local ice cream van. The school grounds were filled with the nostalgic sounds of 1940s music, creating an immersive and joyful atmosphere.
We were honoured to welcome a very special guest, Hilary, who visited Avon House to share her personal memories of growing up during World War II. Her captivating story brought history to life for the children as she recalled both the challenges and cherished moments of her childhood. Hilary spoke about a family holiday that was meant to last just two weeks—but due to the dangers of war, she ended up staying much longer as it was too unsafe to return home. She fondly remembered spending many hours in an Air raid shelter, where she developed a deep love of reading to pass the time.
She also shared how she kept busy with hobbies such as embroidery and knitting, both of which she became very skilled at. One of the most memorable parts of her story was hearing about the end of the war. Hilary described the atmosphere of celebration at Trafalgar Square, where she joined her mother to mark the end of the conflict. She vividly recalled hearing Winston Churchill’s speech, and seeing the royal family waving from the balcony of Buckingham Palace, greeted by jubilant crowds below.
Hilary’s visit gave our pupils a meaningful and personal insight into life during wartime. We are incredibly grateful for her time and generosity in sharing such powerful memories. It was truly a privilege to hear her story.
Adding to the festive spirit, everyone came dressed in coordinated red, white, and blue, proudly showing their unity and appreciation for this historic day. The colours were a vibrant tribute to the nation’s pride and resilience. We were thrilled to be part of this national commemoration and are incredibly proud of how our school community embraced the occasion. It was a truly memorable day, filled with learning, laughter, and a deep sense of reflection.
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