VE celebrations at the Starting Gate pub with Speen Community Café

After hearing there would be VE celebrations at the Starting Gate pub on May 7 from 2pm to 6pm at the Speen Community Café, I knew this was an event not to be missed, writes Sharon Rosegrace.

Would you join me in the joyful arrival I experienced?

Seeing the vibrant colours woven into flags, tablecloths, even the freshly cut flowers seemed to whisper: “We are proud of our country.”

Along with corned beef sandwiches, an array of homemade cakes and endless platters of scones, served with fresh cream and strawberry jam.

The aroma of fresh coffee and tea was causing a thirst, as people queued for more.

The atmosphere created a hustle and bustle of excitement and laughter, as people wandered around.

The musicians sang old-time favourites, from I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher to the famous Vera Lynn with We’ll Meet Again.

Music seemed to draw people closer, from toddlers to grandparents; they enjoyed the moment and danced freely with one another.

There was something for everyone.

As a group gathered to play good old dominoes, you could see they were having fun on hearing their joyful giggles.

Creative ladies were getting stuck into crochet and chatting, drinking tea around the table.

When schools were out, the children joined the action and headed straight for the buffet and refreshments. Food was abundant for everyone.

Locals and volunteers dressed up for the occasion, wearing white, flowy skirts, fitted red dresses, and 1940s victory rolls.

A local man and serviceman, Bob McGuinness, had an impressive display of badges pinned to his jacket for all to see.

He also excitedly shared his past VE Day experience in 2005, when he received The Queen's Award For Submarine Service from Queen Elizabeth II.

As we know, someone is always working behind the scenes to bring events like this together and make them happen.

The Starting Gate landlady Sian Cousins, alongside her husband Nathan, took up their role in June 2021 to manage the pub.

Sian was very set from the beginning.

They wanted a community pub, as she said: “To run a community pub, you have to be part of the community.”

Amazingly, a local lady, Kerry Bird from Speen, had the same idea about community spirit.

On approaching Sian and sharing ideas Speen Community Café was established in November 2021.

Kerry, the cafe's founder and chair, is a married Christian with two lovely children.

When I asked what motivated her to start a café, she said: “Jesus asked me to do something for my community.”

Kerry feels that she and her team are encouraging, building, and strengthening the community where they live.

The café, similar to a coffee morning but on Wednesday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm, offers various activities, including bingo, gardening, crafts, quizzes, and adventurous day trips.

It also serves excellent coffee, tea, and a selection of cakes. It’s free and open to anyone of any age.

A warm welcome will await you!