The staff and pupils of Old Swinford Hospital have today commemorated the 80th anniversary of the end of the war in Europe.
An assembly this morning reminded pupils of both the service and the sacrifice made by previous generations, whilst the reminiscences of former pupils were shared.
On 8th May 1945 the Headmaster, Mr. Stone permitted the boys to buy fireworks and set them off from Top Field. Sweets and raisins were issued without ration and the cadets exploded thunder flashes on the cricket square. They also built a bonfire; the first they had seen in six years.
80 years to that day and the OSH cadets attended the Stourbridge memorial to the fallen in Mary Steven's Park for a 12noon silence. Back at School, the silence was observed both in classrooms and at the flagpole outside Potter House, where the Union Jack flew at half mast.
The festivities began at 2pm with the OSH VE Day street party with picnic goodies and cakes galore, accompanied by incidental music and a tribute to Dame Vera Lynn by the staff band.