PAT Hogben (nee Simmons) attended the Firgrove Road street party in Freemantle.

In the picture my sister, Maureen, and I are seated side by side outside our house. I was seven years old and my sister was four.

That day was one of high excitement as we watched the preparations.

The little ones didn’t quite understand the significance of the occasion, but the slightly older ones did. Some of whom, including myself, had been evacuated for part of the war.

The whole neighbourhood came together and everyone without exception was so happy. The tables were set out in a long line and everyone brought out the chairs from their homes. All the families contributed food.

I remember sandwiches filled with spam, some jam and some mock banana spread (made from boiled mashed parsnips with banana flavouring).

There was homemade ginger beer to drink – I can remember it being made and stored in the cupboard under the stairs and some of it exploding, all great fun to us.

The children’s party came first and the adults joined in later.

There was a stage made from boxes and a piano – I’m not sure who owned that.

The man from the off licence was on the stage singing all the old songs, wearing a waistcoat and a boater hat. I think his name was Mr Ablett.

It was a wonderful sight to see later, as everyone danced and sang to the music and were so happy.

I can still see the bunting, the flags and the tables. I can still feel the closeness between everyone and a real sense of community and joy, that the terrible years of war were finally over.

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