A Dorset care home resident whose ninth birthday fell on VE Day in 1945 has celebrated her 90th with a nostalgia-themed party.
Eighty-one years after her girlhood milestone coincided with the biggest party in European history, Wendy Martin was the centre of attention among guests at Newstone House in Sturminster Newton.
Team members at the Colten Care home set out to recreate the sense of occasion Wendy still recalls, decorating the lounge with Union Jacks and inviting residents to wave them with pride.
Newstone House Chef Jack Wood also replicated Wendy’s ninth birthday cake, a Victoria Sponge with fresh strawberries, to help bring back precious memories for her.
And with Frank Sinatra being Wendy’s favourite singer of the 1940s, a tribute artist was on hand to sing some of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ most popular hits from the decade.
Wendy, who spent much of her youth helping and working in her father’s pub and hotel in Yorkshire, said: “My ninth birthday was one of the best I’d had so far as it was such a massive celebration for all of Europe.
“I recall the air raid warden making an unscheduled stop to warn against the noise and lights, before being told that the war was over!”
After her 90th birthday party, Wendy said: “It was simply the best afternoon, absolutely magnificent. I could never have imagined celebrating my 90th in such style. I thank chef Jack for recreating my cake so well.”
Wendy was joined by husband Derek, other family members and fellow Newstone House residents for the party. Derek told staff afterwards: “I can’t thank you all enough.”
Wendy is one of several Colten Care residents, including service veterans and others who were children at the time, who recall the moment they heard the long Second World War was over in Europe at last.
A BBC radio newsflash on the evening of 7 May 1945 was followed by an official announcement from Prime Minister Winston Churchill the next afternoon declaring 8 May as VE Day and a national holiday.
It prompted widespread relief and rejoicing, with people taking to the streets to celebrate.
