Hello Everyone, I hope that you are all well and managing to stay positive and happy.
This week something very exciting is happening on Friday 8th May… have you heard of VE Day? It stands for Victory in Europe and marks the day where, 75 years ago, the Nazis surrendered and victory in Europe was declared. World War 2 started in September 1939 and went on for 6 years. Sadly many died and were injured, so when the war was over in Europe there was lots of celebrating, street parties and relief that it was all over and peace could be restored.
This year marks 75 years since the surrender and lots of people up and down the country will be celebrating and remembering those brave people who fought for our country.
Below are some links to help you learn more about the War and how Victory in Europe was celebrated in 1945. We have also pulled together some activities for you all to complete to help you celebrate VE day with your families.
Don’t forget to show us what you have been up to by sharing pictures on our Twitter or Facebook page, we really do love seeing all the fun you are having at home.
Links for learning
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/class-clips-video/history-ks2-ve-day/z7xtmfr
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/ve-day/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/horrible-histories-songs-ve-day-song
The link below has useful links and lessons aimed at both KS1 and KS2 for you to access and take part in.
https://www.mrtdoeshistory.com/75th-anniversary-ve-day
Activity 1
Something extra special about this event, is that it occurred within living memory. This means that there are people alive today who will remember this amazing day. Do you have anyone in your family who remembers 8th May 1945? Perhaps you could speak to them and find out what it was like? How did they feel and how did they celebrate?
Miss Pearson did this challenge and spoke to her Grandma, who was a 23 year old teacher on VE day. Her Grandma has kindly written a little letter to discuss some of her memories of the war and that special day. 
“I taught in a military area. In 1944 we saw from the school window’s huge crates arriving. It turned out they contained American jeeps. At first the area was full of men in uniform from the UK but then there were daily arrivals of soldiers from America.
We all had ration books allowing us small amounts of butter, sugar, tea, eggs etc. The Americans were not rationed as we were but they were incredibly generous, especially to the children.
We had all been looking forward to the end of the war, particularly after our army had gone back to France. I remember going to Brighton (which was naughty as it was a restricted area) to see Phillip (her brother) just before D day (when he had to return to France to fight) and every billeted driveway (houses where soldiers were stationed) had a tank or armoured car ready to go to fight if needed.
Once they went to France our spirits rose and we thought we could see an end in sight. It still took a year and when it was finally announced that the war in Europe was over, there was an overwhelming feeling of happiness and relief. I was taken out that night by a lieutenant that I was friendly with at the time. They were billeted in a big house in the area and I remember after our meal we played bowls on the lawn. There was immense joy and we all celebrated with lighter hearts- but aware there was still war with Japan to finish.
Where there were communities, people went out into the streets and celebrated noisily. There were street parties and long trestle tables in the street laid out with food.”
If you have any questions for my Grandma about the war or VE day, please post them or email to school. My Grandma really enjoyed this task and it helped fill some of her day as she is hugely missing her usual visitors!
Activity 2
Baking!
During the war, lots of foods were rationed; which means that you could only have a limited amount of them. Because of this, sweet treats were rare and people had to be creative with their recipes if they didn’t have the ingredients.
Try the recipe below for carrot cookies and find even more ideas at
www.the1940sexperiment.com
During the war, lots of foods were rationed; which means that you could only have a limited amount of them. Because of this, sweet treats were rare and people had to be creative with their recipes if they didn’t have the ingredients.
Activity 3
In 1945, the people of Britain celebrated in big crowds by singing and dancing to music.
Click the link below to learn the words to two popular songs and even the steps to the Lindy Hop Swing dance.
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/siteassets/home/visit/ve-day-75/eh-ve-day-at-home-pack.pdf
There is also a great playlist on Spotify to help give your celebrations an authentic atmosphere and even more recipes to try!
Did you know that our very own (and very talented) Mrs Mullick sings in a trio called the Alka Seltzer sisters? They sing lots of wonderful songs from the 1940’s and even play gigs around the country at different events and festivals.
People love to listen to this style of music and enjoy dancing too. 
Check out these links below to see her in action!
The video below is from Grassington 1940’s festival where the whole village goes back in time to the 1940s! Can you spot people dancing and celebrating, just like they would have on VE day?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYCtjnf5PYQ
This link is taken from Batley Vintage Day and you can see lots of dancing too – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr7xiNYTVtk
Did you enjoy that? Do you think the style of music and dancing has changed since the 1940’s? I am sure Mrs Mullick would love to know what you think about her wonderful singing!
Check out these links below to see her in action. Maybe you can let us know what you think on our Facebook and Twitter pages?
Activity 4
Have a street party!
In 1945, communities gathered together to celebrate the end of the war in Europe. Why don’t you celebrate in your garden as a family and get your neighbours involved too. You could bake, make banners and flags to wave, bunting to hang on your fence, not to mention some yummy treats to eat!
There are loads of templates online, or simply go free-hand and make your own! https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4TrqYDyf4PMdLypxzyTwGDg/great-british-bunting
Remember www.twinkl.co.uk is free access at the moment – just sign up with the code CVDTWINKLHELPS
Activity 5
Get writing!
After watching some of the video links you will get a sense of what it was like to celebrate VE day in 1945 and what the atmosphere was like. It was probably similar to how we all imagine life after lock down to be, lots of cheering, seeing family and friends, hugs, tears and happiness.
• You could write a diary entry in role of someone celebrating in 1945
• You could write a newspaper article to explain what happened after victory was announced
• Write a message of remembrance to someone who sacrificed their life for us in the war
We hope you have a brilliant time celebrating, whatever you may get up to! Make sure you share your experiences and keep smiling!
