How can Didcot celebrate VE Day during lockdown?

As a Town, we can still celebrate the 75th VE Day - just not in the same ways we had planned before the outbreak of COVID-19.

We think it would be a great idea if Didcot still celebrated VE Day. One way you can join in is to decorate your windows and front garden with bunting, pictures, paper chains, flags and anything else you can find.

We would also like to encourage everyone to join in with the 'Nation's Toast to the Heroes of WW2'. At 3pm on Friday 8th May raise a glass and undertake the following toast:

"To those who gave so much, we thank you," using this unique opportunity to pay tribute to the many millions at home and abroad that gave so much to ensure we all enjoy and share the freedom we have today."

If it is possible for you, it would be a nice idea to raise your glass on your front door step/ balcony/ garden and give a socially distanced 'cheers' to neighbours.

To make bunting: (all cutting out and hole punching must be done by an adult)

Either download our templates at the below link or make your own.

Create a square or triangle design and cut out.

You can use coloured paper or fabric or plain paper and add the design yourself.

Cut or hole punch two holes at the top of the bunting pieces - on our templates they place to hole punch is marked out with blue circles.

Feed string or ribbon through these holes and hang up so the community can see.

For more help, watch the video below for a tutorial.

To make paper chains: (All cutting out must be done by an adult)

To make a paper chain you will need to cut out some strips of paper all equal length and width. You can use our download below, coloured paper, fabric or plain paper and decorate yourself.

Make the paper into loops and Sellotape or glue each one around the previous loop.

Watch the video below for a tutorial.

Download our VE Day themed colouring pages, colour them in and stick them up in your windows for the community to see.

Why not get into the full 1940's spirit and try out this vintage style head scarf style demonstrated in our video below or try out some 40's fashion like the example images below.

Another great way to experience the 1940's is to try out some of the food and recipes.

During World War Two, food was scarce so rationing ensured that food was distributed fairly.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT WORLD WAR TWO AND RATIONING.

We've decided to try out some 1940's inspired recipes in the week leading up to VE Day:

Didcot Town Council staff member Chelsey has tried out a 1940's 'wartime'recipe for a vegetable turnover and here's her review:

'I decided to try out some wartime recipes this week as it is VE Day on Friday. This recipe seems simple enough although I con't think I'll be on Masterchef any time soon. The dough was fairly simple. Rub together the butter and flour with small amounts of baking powder and salt. Roll out the dough, put the filling in, fold over and put in the oven for 20 minutes. I used this recipe and this tutorial for the dough . The dough was a little too thick and as a result was a bit under cooked in the middle, but for a first attempt I don't think it was too bad.'

Here is what is happening in the UK:

• QUEEN'S SPEECH: The Queen will give a speech on TV and radio at 9PM on Friday 8th May, the same time her father, King George VI spoke to the country in 1945.

• SING ALONG: A national singalong of Dame Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again will take place immediately after the Queen's speech.

• PRINCE CHARLES: Prince Charles will be reading an extract from King George VI's diary from May 8 1945.

• CHURCHILL: Extracts from Winston Churchill's speech will be played on the BBC

• TV: Numerous channels will broadcast dedicated VE Day programmes, including one about Captain Tom Moore's war.

• THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION: The RBL is hosting a live stream on its Facebook page.