Appledore continued its VE celebrations on Thursday May 10th when in several streets in Appledore, impromptu tea parties were held for the children.

When the children had finished the housewives who organised the occasion sat down to a tea party for themselves. The Vicar of Appledore (Rev H C A S Muller) visited most of the parties taking part in the streets and other places and said a few words, and caused much enjoyment by singing ‘Two Little Girls in Blue’.

In the evening there was more street dancing, the people dancing in the western part of Irsha Street collecting £2 for the Red Cross as their victory thanksgiving.

On Wednesday afternoon, the St Mary’s Church School, held their celebration tea, arranged by Mr T Parsons (headmaster) and a large staff of willing helpers. The Vicar attended and expressed his thanks to all who had assisted.

On Friday evening, schoolchildren, aged 4-16 years, from St Mary’s Church School and Appledore Council School, with their teachers, parents and friends, and members of the Appledore Youth Club, were taken for a trip up the river to Bideford and home again in an LCT. Led by the Rev H C A S Muller, the children enthusiastically showed their thanks to the Royal Navy for taking them for this much enjoyed ‘trip on the river’.

On Saturday a carnival wagon with people in fancy dress came round the streets in Appledore, adding to the festivities of the day. Tea parties continued to take place along with bonfires and dancing, while in Irsha Street, during an interval in the dancing, exact impersonations, causing much amusement, of famous personalities, were made by a sailor from HMS Appledore. Further open air dancing took place in the park.

Although there was a large drain by Bideford on HM Forces stationed at Appledore, the parade held to St Mary’s Church, Appledore, on Sunday May 13th, was, nevertheless, large and representative.

Assembling on Marine Parade, one minute’s silence for the fallen was observed before marching to the Church via the Quay, Irsha Street and Torridge Road, led by the Boys’ Brigade Band.

Organisations present included the Royal Navy, Naval Patrol, representatives of the ships in harbour, Royal Engineers, RAF, Home Guard, Special Constables, Civil Defence, WVS, representatives of Northam Council, Red Cross, Appledore Boys’ Brigade, Girl Guides, etc.

The church was filled to overflowing by the large congregation. The Vicar of Appledore conducted the service assisted by the Revs R W Mould, B Hardy, and A R Richards. The Vicar gave a short but impressive address in which he urged everyone to re-dedicate their lives. Miss Barrington presided at the organ.

PC J E Harris (Appledore) marshalled the parade, assisted by the Vicar.

Victory peals were rung during the day on St Mary’s Church bells.

Gazette article dated 22 May 1945

Gazette letter day 22 May 1945