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The war in Europe had been over since May. Now it was August and I was home for the summer holidays.

Ever since VE Day we had been waiting for the absolute end of the war - and now it had come.

My Mother managed a herb shop which was normally open until 11.00pm. The regular customers were in high spirits and Mother wondered how she should mark the occasion.

"We'll stay open all night," she decided.
"What about the Law?" I asked.

We were allowed to open until midnight but not beyond. My Mother gave it due thought. She was a resourceful woman.

"I'm sure the bobby on the beat will turn a blind eye. Very likely he will join in but to be on the safe side I shall lock the door at midnight and then open it again at two minutes past" There was no restriction on early opening.

And so we had a night to remember and all on soft or hot drinks. I don't know where all the people came from. Some had obviously come from the pub. Others were making their way home from St. George's Hall in the city centre where they had been cheering, singing and dancing on the great plateau.

Some people sought the closeness of companionship in peace that we had shared during the frequent bombings of the city. The rest simply wanted to be out to feel and rejoice in the new freedom.

It was a hot night and we left the shop door wide open for the light to shine and with no fear of the blackout.

Trade was brisk. We sold penny and tupenny drinks, ranging from Spenso to Oxo with hot blackcurrant and Horlicks.

Among the customers were quite a few boys in uniform. They were not allowed to pay for their own drinks and they were toasted repeatedly with lemonade.

There was laughter and a warm sense of relief although it was hard to take in the fact that we need never fear the sound of the air raid warning again.

The rationing was still strict and would continue to be for some years yet. The cigarettes and sweets which we sold remained luxuries but that night it didn't matter. We were safe and we were happy.

Children who should have been in bed were let stay. Everybody wanted as many as possible to remember this night when we could look forward to a peaceful future.

Eileen Carr 2005

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