Hundreds enjoyed up to four days of teas and celebrations

Wood Street was one of Hyde's party hot spots with 'jubilations beginning on the Wednesday, continuing on Thursday and finishing up on Saturday night'.

According to the Herald, mother of six Mrs M Warner and Mrs E Taylor, who had five children, were mainly responsible for the sumptuous feast. 

With victory in Japan clearly in sight for some time, they and some of their neighbours had been setting aside 3d (1.5p) per week to a fund which reached ‘the satisfactory sum’ of £10 including a donation of £2 from a Mr Cope and 10 shillings (50p) from an anonymous donor. Tables were brought into the street and neighbours helped to serve 66 children.

On the Thursday, there was an ‘excellent tea’ for the children at half past two, with residents pooling their food coupons so that the youngsters could enjoy ‘the luxury’ of beef tongue. 

In addition to the meal they were given chocolates, toffee, sweets, ice cream and pop. 

A piano was brought from one of the houses and Mr Kinder played for the games and dancing.

At four o’ clock the parents had their tea in excellent weather and afterwards there were sports including races for the kiddies, the ladies and the men. 

A big bonfire lit up the whole street and the crackers and fireworks were the delight of the youngsters.

Children taking part in the sack race in Wood Street

On the Saturday, the children were treated to yet another tea, a bonfire ‘on a smaller scale’ and the remaining fireworks were let off. 

The celebrations drew many visitors from neighbouring streets.

Another large gathering was arranged by residents of the Woodfield estate - as many as 250 people attended a tea at the Union Street schools. 

Afterwards there were games and a talent spotting competition for which prizes were awarded, followed by singing by Mr Albert Herman, Mrs Brownbridge and Mrs May (who also played the piano). 

At 9pm, the party switched  back to the estate for fireworks and a bonfire. Party games and a tea with ‘cream cakes, trifles, brandy snaps and other dainties’ were followed by an extra treat for the children of Croft Street  - a ‘cinematograph show’ as the Herald described it, in the Baptist Institute.

Elm Grove and Miles Street near Ewen Fields were ‘gaily decorated’ for a big party organised by young Derek Lambourne, Paul Hargreaves, Patricia Forbes, Hilda Baldwin, Joan Wood and Betty Burgess, helped by their parents and friends. 

Mrs Wilshaw of Elm Grove lent them her front room to prepare the food - a ‘pre-war tea’ with potted meat, muffins and cakes. 

The grand finale was a bonfire on Ewen Fields.

Main image:

Children at the St John’s Institute, Godley.