The event will collate stories, photos, posters and memorabilia from the second world war era
THE curator of an exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day in Whitchurch is appealing for people to come forward with their memories.
‘VE Day in Whitchurch’, which will be on display at Whitchurch Library Hub from April 28 until May 10, will showcase a selection of photographs, posters and information about how the end of WW2 was celebrated.
“People forget history at their peril because history does repeat itself,” said Ceri Stennett, the curator of the exhibition.
“I think, now more than ever, it’s important because clearly we’re now living in a very dangerous world over this last three or four years.
“People shouldn’t ever take for granted the right to live peacefully. Being able to focus on the second world war and the great sense of celebration that there was in May 1945 when Germany finally capitulated is very timely.”
Mr Stennett wants people across Whitchurch, Llandaff North, Rhiwbina, Tongwynlais, Birchgrove and Gabalfa to get in touch with their stories.
“If we don’t do it now, the living link will be broken, with people who have memories of the day,” he said.
‘Lovely little nuggets of stories’
Mr Stennett has collated a selection of photos of street parties from the likes of Kyle Crescent in Whitchurch, West Road in Llandaff North and a fancy dress party in Radyr – all of which will be displayed as part of the exhibition.
One of the stories from that day which will be featured comes from 91-year-old Dorothy Chamberlain.
“She has a remarkable memory – she was able to remember what the weather was like, the people that she sat by,” Mr Stennett said.
“All those lovely little nuggets of stories.”
Mrs Chamberlain’s photo shows VE Day celebrations taking place on a large area of open land in Whitchurch, formerly known as Flay’s Fields (now Heol Gabriel Street).
Whitchurch residents set out trestle tables across the field rather than having a street party, and feasted on fishpaste sandwiches, blancmange and jelly, alongside gallons of orange squash and tea.
What is VE Day?
On May 7, 1945, after nearly six years of war, the announcement of the end of the conflict in Europe was broadcast to radio sets across Britain.
May 8, 1945 was declared a national holiday: Victory in Europe Day.
“Throughout the length and breadth of the land in 1945, there were street parties everywhere to allow people to let their hair down,” said Mr Stennett.
“The day itself was very joyous, everybody was taking the opportunity to party, to drink a lot, get up to all sorts of things which probably they shouldn’t have done.
“For many people of course, it was tinged with sadness because they lost a loved one who had perhaps either been killed, very badly wounded or perhaps was a prisoner of war.”
Alongside memories about the history of the day, the exhibition will show what life was like for Britons on the home front.
Information about Whitchurch will be highlighted, such as the role it played in welcoming refugees from London suburbs.
During the second world war, evacuated children arrived at a reception centre at Ararat Baptist Church.
“Families from Llandaff North and Whitchurch went along and picked kids out and said, ‘I’ll have him or I’ll have you, or I can take two’, if there were a brother and a sister. And many of those children ended up staying here for perhaps two or three years. Which, when you think about it, it is quite remarkable,” said Mr Stennett.
An interactive exhibit… with plenty of cups of tea
On the final day of the event, the library hub will be turned into an interactive exhibit.
Guests will be able to see propaganda posters, original ration books and memorabilia such as gas masks and a gas rattle used by ARP wardens.
The community room will be adorned with Union Jack bunting, flags from the RAF, Royal Navy and Merchant Navy and popular music from the period, such as the likes of The Glenn Miller Orchestra and The Tommy Dorsey Orchestra.
Mr Stennett said there will, of course, be plenty of cups of tea. He is hopeful the exhibition will be a success and that it can help “jog a few more people’s memories” of what life was like in Whitchurch during WW2.
‘VE Day in Whitchurch’, is open in Whitchurch Library Hub from April 28 until May 10, and is being run by AWEN, friends and neighbours of the library, as part of their 10th anniversary celebrations.
The library opening hours can be found on their website.
If you have any memories, stories, photos or information please contact ceristennett@gmail.com.
