Darlington woman to host VE Day party for 80th anniversary
Catherine Stevens is hosting a VE Day party at the Albert Hill Working Mens Club & Institute in Darlington on Monday, May 5. The party and celebration will take place between 7pm and 11pm.
Explaining why she started hosting street parties 40 years ago, Catherine said: “I was not born when victory in Europe was announced in the Second World War. But I saw a picture of my mam at a street party at the end of the war.
“My mam was very patriotic, and every time one of the Royals got married, I dressed mannequins up and had them in my street. I have also had the Mayor and Mayoress at the street parties over the years, so it just went from there.”
This yearis the first time Catherine’s party will be held in the Albert Hill club and not on her street, which is usually closed off on the day.
Explaining why she decided to make a change this year, she said: “I just thought it would be nice to do something, because there doesn’t seem to be an awful lot of people doing things in Darlington.”
Catherine’s parties are a highlight for the people in the community, and she is encouraging people to dress up for the celebration. However, she did not know if she would host a party this year.
She said: “My sister is 93 this month and said to do something for the 80th anniversary. Everyone wanted me to do something, and I couldn’t let them down.
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“There are a lot of people coming, and the hall where the party is taking place is going to be decorated with Union Jack flags and bunting. I have got posters of the Second World War too, which will be put up around the hall.”
Catherine said that throwing a bigger party allows for entertainment and music to be performed at the celebration.
She also added: “With this year also being the 80th anniversary of VE Day, having a big celebration and commemoration is important.
“We will all be thinking of the many people who lost their lives in the Second World War.”