‘The war’s over!’
Those words, shouted in Irsha Street, Appledore, a couple of minutes after the Prime Minister had announced the good news on Tuesday, were typical of the jubilation – and relief – that was felt in Appledore and indeed all over the country. Those who heard the announcement soon woke those who had not – windows were pushed up and the news shouted to each other, etc. – and in an abnormally short time Appledore was ‘alive’.
The St Mary’s Church bells were probably the first in the district to ring – only several minutes after the Prime Minister’s news – and their victory message carried all over the town. They also range during the day.
Processions were formed and marched around Appledore, laughing and singing, and fireworks were set off by the dozen. Crowds of people gathered around a big bonfire lit on the Quay, and although it was such a late hour and pouring with rain, they found an outlet for their excitement by singing songs.
On Wednesday, Appledorians all were busily putting up flags, bunting, etc., a special ‘masterpiece’ being the archway of foliage, etc., lit by lights, erected in Irsha Street.
In the evening, fairly lights, dancing, bonfires, flares, rockets and fireworks were to be seen everywhere. A united service of thanksgiving was held at St Mary’s Church on Wednesday evening, conducted by Mr A C Saunders, Lay Reader (in the unavoidable absence of the Vicar of Appledore Rev H C A S Muller), assisted by the Rev A R Richards (Seamens Mission). The Revs R W Mould and B Hardy were also unavoidably absent.
A service was held in the Congregational Church on Thursday evening, conducted by Free Church ministers.
Thursday was indeed a red letter day for Appledore children and youths. A full programme from 10.30am to 11.30pm was organised by Mr S V Ford (headmaster of the Council School) assisted by an excellent committee of workers including Capt L A Ford (of Sir W R Smith and Sons of Cardiff), Capt A E Ford (Ministry of War Transport), Mr J T Payne (headmaster Sidmouth School) and Councillor H Ford. A trip on an LCT in the morning arranged through the good offices of Commander Ommanney, proved most popular and enjoyable. Over 900 including grown ups shared in the pleasure – Marines provide music and there was dancing in the well deck.
The afternoon programme was deleted owing to unfavourable weather conditions but a welcome break in the clouds gave the organiser encouragement and it was decided to carry on and the evening proved bright and clear.
Tea for all school children – visiting children and youths was provided at the Appledore Senior Council School and the Church Junior School.
The Council School tea was arranged y Mrs S V Ford and a willing band of helpers, the Council Infants by Miss F E Parkhouse and her helpers and at the Church School by Mrs T G Parson who deputised for the headmaster Mr T G Parsons.
After tea sports for all were enjoyed in a field kindly loaned by Mr Hillman and the Hon Denys Scott. A well laid out course was marked off and fenced in and a very large crowd witnessed the keen competition of the events. The juniors in particular showed exceptional interest. Special events were run for visiting children. Swings were provided for the use of the little ones. Rope, etc. the property of Sir W R Smith & Sons was put at the Committee’s disposal by Capt L Ford. The officers for the events were: Capt A Ford; Mr Smith; Messrs G Slade, J Beara and P Reed; Mr J T Payne; Capt R Slade; Mr G Raymond; Marine Farnell; Councillor Green and Rev R W Mould.
At 8pm the party adjourned to the Park, which had impromptu lighting, for dancing and firework display. A very large crowd assembled and merrymaking was indulged in until 11.30pm, when the singing of the National Anthem brought a memorable celebration to a close. A radio van was in attendance all day.
‘Point’ continued its celebrations on Friday with a street tea in the afternoon and a dance in the same street in the evening. There was also music by loud speaker at West Appledore.
Gazette article dated 21 August 1945