There were conflicting emotions in Surrey on Victory in Europe Day, 8th May 1945.

The moment was a mix of relief, mourning, and celebration.

The atmosphere was filled with a sense of anti-climax as tension and anxiety dissipated across the nation. Yet, there was also worry about the future, as the Russians continued their westward movement and British soldiers remained in combat in the Far East and Pacific regions, with some still held captive in awful conditions in P.O.W. camps.

What was life like in Surrey, England, during this eventful year of achievement and apprehension?

How did Surrey people celebrate their victory?

“...God bless you all. This is your victory. In our long history, we have never seen a greater day than this. Everyone, man or woman, has done their best...”

Anne Tannock, a schoolgirl at Parsons Mead School in Ashtead, created a diary and scrapbook called ‘Victory Week’. She wrote that when headmistress Miss Hopkins announced on 7 May war would be officially over, “we all went mad and danced around the hall and sang.”

The following day, Tannock and her friends attended a Thanksgiving Service in the recreation ground, followed by an “absolutely marvellous” bonfire.

On 9 May, teacher Miss Hopkins took her pupils to London. After waiting about an hour outside Buckingham Palace, they saw the Royal Family on the balcony. On returning to Surrey that same evening, the children enjoyed a fancy dress party in the village hall.

Surrey cinemas remained open on V.E. Day. Dance halls were granted permission to stay open late, and a few shops stayed open on the bank holiday monday so last minute shoppers could buy essential purchases. But there wasn't much to be had! Bonfires lit up village greens and floodlights illuminated the churches in Surrey—at last there would be no more blackouts!

In this impressive slideshow presentation by Neil Mach, the author describes:

• What Surrey audiences viewed at the cinema on V.E. day

• The music that Surrey party-goers danced to on V.E. day

• What Surrey listeners tuned-into on their radio sets on V.E. day

• The party food laid-out for kids at their street party celebrations

The speaker also considers what came next — the aftermath of V.E. day, the dangerous days that followed victory, the return of the evacuees, the first troop de-mobs, and how Surrey gradually got used to peace in Europe.

Prepare to be entertained with memories of vinegar cake & custard, Lord Woolton’s Pie, Mock Banana Sandwiches, and ‘make-do’ bunting during this wonderful talk.

Neil will transport listeners back to the era of Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, and the BBC Light Programme. He’ll take a look at Celia Johnson & Trevor Howard’s Brief Encounter. He'll paint a picture of the hardships faced by many Surrey residents, where everyday life contined to be constrained by shortages, setbacks, and deprivations.

The talk will bring back emotional memories of challenging —yet perhaps more friendly— times.

Depending on audience size & requirements, the speaker will tailor this talk to either 30 or 40 minutes.

The author will also bring souvenirs & artefacts from 1945 to facilitate discussion and aid memory collection.