SIDNEY CHARLES GRIMWADE - ipswichluminary

1930-1931
1944-1945

15th August 1945 – EVENING STAR

HOW IPSWICH HEARD of PEACE

“NOISY” STORY OF JUBILATION

At midnight Ipswich sleepers were awakened to “Peace2” with a big noise. From the docks came the shrieking of sirens in earnest effort to give the “V” signal, though it is unlikely that Beethoven would have recognised it.

And noises became fortissimo with the booming of guns, happily fired with no war inspired effort, though it’s not pleasant to find an exploded shell-case fall beside the bed.

Fireworks came to view and searchlights flashed the sky as the awakened moved to bedroom windows, and soon bonfires had been started.

The more spirited began to tread the streets, and some from the Services “scrounged” material from one knows not where and kindled a bonfire of some size on the “island” in front of the Town Hall, whilst distant bells were heard.

VJ DAY 15th August 1945

MAYOR ADDRESSED CROWD

As the last chord died away the Mayor (Alderman S.C. Grimwade), with the mace-bearers, appeared on the steps, and His Worship addressed the crowd, asking them to give thanks to God for the victory which has now been won. Of the entertainments which had been arranged for the two days’ holiday, he said that a fair was open on Christchurch Park, and dancing would be held on the Car Park from 8 p.m. onwards. Then he called for three cheers and the crowd responded with a rousing “Hurrah!” The solitary musician played the opening bars of “The Isle of Capri,” then disappeared to be refreshed.

THIS EVENING’S SERVICE

This evening, at half past six, the Mayor, accompanied by members of the Corporation , magistrates and officials, will attend a specially arranged civic service at St. Mary-le-Tower Church. The mansion on Christchurch Park will be illuminated with fairy lights. Street lighting is to be maintained in late hours and it is to be hoped that the over exuberant will not experiment in switch damage – there was some last night and switches are difficult to replace.