A fascinating new exhibition to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day shows how Trafford people celebrated the end of World War II – and how their local councils organised and oversaw day to day wartime matters.
The display at Trafford Local Studies at Waterside House, Sale, includes a collection of photos from Trafford Council’s archives showing parties and get-togethers, on and around the historic day.
Also on display, until the end of May, are Borough of Stretford and Borough of Sale documents including a large plan of Stretford detailing homes deemed suitable for the addition of air raid shelters, advice notes and invasion instructions for civilians.
Fundraising memorabilia from the Trafford area, highlighting community efforts to generate money for a variety of wartime initiatives, has also been selected from council archives.
Alongside such paperwork is an original air raid warden helmet, ration books and gas mask registers.
Cllr Judith Lloyd, Armed Forces Champion at the council said: “We are delighted to stage such a poignant exhibition, showcasing items of interest from our extensive collections. This fits in with our priority to bring culture and heritage to all.
“Here, people can see how the people who lived in the borough in those times celebrated end of the war but also some of the administration that went on behind closed doors, as council workers tried to keep people safe and support their initiatives.”
Trafford Council will mark the anniversary of VE Day with a special service of remembrance and reflection at St Paul’s Church in Sale on Sunday 11 May.
The service begins at 10am, and among the hymns and prayers will be personal stories from a British Army veteran and a reading of Winston Churchill's VE Day speech. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the community hall. All are welcome.
Trafford Local Studies at Waterside House is open Monday 10am - 7pm, Tuesday-Friday 10am - 5pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm.
