Remembering VE Day

Victory in 1945, yes, but rationing still continued for another nine years before it was lifted completely. Here are some things to do, helpful hints and sound advice that echo not only 75 years ago but our present-day situation too...

• Bunting Making- Learn how to make your own celebration bunting using some recycled materials – a fun activity from the Farming Museum team at Aden. Bunting Making
• Butter Making- Learn how to make your own butter – a fun activity from the Farming Museum Team at Aden. Butter Making
• Check out this wonderful page from the V&A containing knitting patterns of the 1940s. Why not have a go at knitting your own vest and pants set? Itchy!! V&A- https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/1940s-knitting-patterns
• Fashion on the Ration - The rise of the trouser-wearing woman and how women's style changed forever in 1940s Britain- http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG11446271/Fashion-on-the-Ration-how-World-War-2-finally-let-women-wear-the-trousers.html
• Looking after your hair under rationing- Some hairdressers remained open during the Second World War but many women could not afford them. Hair products were in short supply too, so women became inventive. https://hair-and-makeup-artist.com/womens-1940s-hairstyles/
• Make-up- Read on for thrifty make-up tips from the 1940s, including make-up for legs in the absence of nylon stockings https://hair-and-makeup-artist.com/womens-1940s-makeup/
• Access stories and photographs on the VE Day celebrations- Imperial War Museum

Exhibition of World War Two Photographs

Peterhead men wearing their issued gas masks for gas mask practice

Stretcher team at work in Peterhead

A group of pilots walk away from their RAF P51 Mustangs Mk3

1940's Playlist

If you want to add a touch of 40s audio to your VE day celebrations and if you don’t want to be A little on the lonely side, why not head Down to the old bull and bush with Me and my girl instead of a Sleigh ride in July we can go for Cocktails for two or maybe a Rum and Coca-Cola and we will be Groovin’ high as It’s been a long, long time since we have seen each other and Strange things happening every day so we should take a Sentimental journey together and We’ll gather lilacs and I’ll ask Where did you get that hat? whilst wearing my Bell bottomed trousers and make Boiled Beef and Carrots for tea. 

All of these songs feature in the Playlist for Life top 100 songs for 1945 and can be found on Freegal using your library membership. Find out more about Playlist for life.