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VE Day 70th anniversary lunch in town hall and street party in Station Road coach park, Tenterden

Memories of celebrating VE Day 70 years ago came flooding back when veterans got together.

They recalled “getting blind drunk”, dancing and the immense feeling of relief that the war with Germany was over.

As part of events marking the 70th anniversary of VE Day, Tenterden Town Council invited local Second World War veterans to lunch in the town hall on Saturday and organised a street party at Station Road coach park.

Veterans and guests who attended the VE Day 70th anniversary lunch in Tenterden town hall. Picture: Stuart Kirk, Tenterden Photography.
Veterans and guests who attended the VE Day 70th anniversary lunch in Tenterden town hall. Picture: Stuart Kirk, Tenterden Photography.

Among those at the lunch was Len Burton, 95, who was in Austria on VE Day with the Rifle Brigade.

“I got blind drunk,” he said. “It is great to be here today and an honour.”

Relief at the end of the war with Germany was remembered by Ronald Hill, 94.

He was serving in Austria with 5th Bn The Buffs, having arrived there a few days earlier from Italy.

Len Burton, left, and Ronald Hill share memories of VE Day at the 70th anniversary lunch. Picture: Stuart Kirk, Tenterden Photography.
Len Burton, left, and Ronald Hill share memories of VE Day at the 70th anniversary lunch. Picture: Stuart Kirk, Tenterden Photography.

“VE Day was a huge relief – it was a relief that I survived, " he said. “We celebrated by shaking hands with the Italians and I may have had a dram or two.”

The free street party event ran all afternoon and into the evening with many dressed in 1940s clothes.

Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers put on a dancing display Picture: Paul Amos
Cinque Ports Lindy Hoppers put on a dancing display Picture: Paul Amos

Entertainment was provided by the Cinque Port Lindy Hoppers and Tenterden Swing.

For full stories and more pictures, see Thursday's Tenterden Kentish Express.

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