Party time for VE Day

TRADITIONAL street parties may have been strictly off the table but Hyndburn still got in the party mood to celebrate the 75th anniversary of VE Day.

A two-minute silence was observed across the nation at 11am on Bank Holiday Friday, May 8 as the commemorations got under way.

The day was, of course, particularly poignant for our elderly residents.

Some of the residents of Woodlands Home in Clayton-le-Moors shared their VE stories for the listeners tuning into Radio Lancashire.

Residents and staff at the home also dressed up in some 1940s attire and enjoyed a socially distanced street party, complete with afternoon tea. An armoured car and a Jeep from the 1940s also made an appearance, while packs containing Union flag bunting, flags and balloons were specially made up for residents to acknowledge the day.

Registered manager Gina Lone said she was very proud of everyone, and said the staff have been “amazing” throughout the pandemic.

She added: “Staff are keeping everyone’s spirits up by keeping residents entertained going above and beyond every day.”

The sun was also definitely shining for the residents and staff at Clayton’s Hope house care home.

A band played on the grass outside the home, there was a BBQ and Union Jack cake.

Kathleen Blakeley, 101, said she had the best day, and Phillip Nuttall said he was glad that he got to celebrate the occasion.

More of your VE Day pictures on p12.