As the country marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day this week a local resident is hoping to reconnect with people who lived in Edgware around that historic time.
Roger Williams, who grew up on Marlborough Avenue in Edgware, contacted us in the hope of tracing old friends and neighbours who celebrated Victory in Europe Day in 1945.
“I was dressed in Top Hat and Tails made from the blackout curtains,” he recalled. “My neighbour’s daughter, Valerie Baum, was dressed as a bride. There were celebrations up and down the street. It was such a relief and a happy time for everyone.”
Roger also remembers several other children from the area, including Paul and Susan Clapshaw, Margaret Morrison, and a boy named Keith. He also mentioned a Peter (Pete) Edwards who lived nearby.
“We all went to Broadfields Infant and Primary School,” said Roger. “I’m hoping someone might remember those days or have photos, especially from VE Day.”
He has a photograph from the time featuring himself and Valerie, and is keen to see if others have similar images or memories to share.
If you lived in or near Marlborough Avenue, Edgware during the war, or recognise any of the names mentioned, Roger would love to hear from you. Please get in touch with any photos, memories or newspaper clippings from that time. You can also email info@harrowonline.org.
Chris Mitchell is the founder and editor of Harrow Online, Harrow’s leading local news platform.
He launched Harrow Online in 2010 as a Facebook page sharing local news and information. Since then, it has grown into a trusted source for breaking news, crime, council decisions, planning, transport, business and community stories across the borough.
Harrow Online reaches hundreds of thousands of readers each month and has a social media audience of more than 200,000 followers.
For news tips, press releases or enquiries, contact Chris at info@harrowonline.org.
