Young families celebrate freedom at VE Day party

Archibald Road in Worthing was closed for the day to allow residents to lay out tables of food and entertainment.

Dot Gregg, one of the organisers, said they had been hindered by rain but it all worked out in the end.

She explained: “We started putting tables up, and down came the rain. We decided to wait as long as possible and eventually, it did brighten up.

“We were going to move it to East Worthing Community Centre if necessary, but we really didn’t want to. We wanted it to be a proper street party, in the street.

“There are 36 houses so it is quite a small street with a nice community spirit. There are quite a lot of young families and everybody joined in.

“The youngsters were out here, celebrating their freedom, There was a really good atmosphere.”

Tables were spread with food for everyone and there was a sandpit, slide, bouncy castle and skittles, plus Sompting Village Morris dancing.

Mrs Gregg added: “We didn’t have all we planned, because the weather meant the band booked for the afternoon had to pull out. But we managed a barn dance in the evening, which went down well. The children enjoyed it and joined in, and there was a barbecue, too.”

A raffle raised £610, which will be shared between Chestnut Tree House children’s hospice and Marie Curie, as these charities have helped people living in the street.