A SUPERB afternoon was had by all who attended the 1940s Victory Tea dance at Bude, marking the 75th anniversary of The Battle of Britain, 70 years since the end of WWII and 50 years since the passing of Sir Winston Churchill.

Thank goodness the owner of The Falcon Hotel in Bude, Tim Browning, was there on Saturday when the air raid sirens went off and the bombing started. “You are perfectly safe in here. Please keep calm and carry on. Music please!” he said.

The room was filled with nostalgia, from the Union Jack bunting, ration book menus and fabulous guests dressed up in realistic period dress to the Nippy waitresses serving outstanding afternoon tea.

The arrival of Winston Churchill struck drama into the afternoon as he re-read speeches from the summer of 1940 and the Battle of Britain.

Geoff Burns-Sweeney cut a very handsome Churchill, and convincingly told us how “never before in the history of mankind, has so much been owed by so many to so few.”

Organiser, Clair Roberts said: “For me, the highlight, and indeed the very reason for creating the event, was paying tribute to so many people in the room who have served our country and fought for our freedom.

“In particular, I would like to give thanks to Will Shingler, who’s mother was a code breaker at Bletchley Park; Peggy Werner, land girl 1942-1946; Ethel Ridley WRENS 1945-1946; George Good, Royal Navy on HMS Quail, Elvig and Defiance between 1943-1946 and Alan Litchfield, Royal Marines, Sword Beach, D-Day Landings June 6th 1944. There were many more, those who had served in The Falklands, Afghanistan and Northern Ireland.

“It will never cease to humble me, how many people have ‘done their bit’ in all conflicts, of all generations since 1914.”

The Three Belles, who you may have seen on the BBC recently were magical. The dance floor was full, people sang along to songs and waved their flags during the victory celebration after the all clear siren had sounded, marking the end of World War Two 70 years ago.

Clair added: “The veterans sure know how to dance, even when they are in their 90s! Oh boy! The room stood proud and sang loud when the national anthem was played at the very end. Even as guests left, the American Rangers in full uniform were there to hand out Hershey chocolate to all.”

A total of £359.50 was raised by the generosity of the guests. Equal donations of £179.75 have been sent to the Royal British Legion and The RAF Benevolent Fund.

Thanks have been extended to everyone who made the event such a success.

Clair said: “It certainly would not have happened without all your help. Thank you so much.”