A memorable VE Day birthday celebration for Sheffield man Derick Todd

Derick Todd turns 88 today, May 8, said his daughter Jacqueline Ball, who takes up the story.

She says: “Dad was born on Bradford Street, Attercliffe in 1932, and obviously a lot of his early years were spent during the war.

“Following VE Day, as you will know, there were street parties held all around the country, and the one my dad attended was captured on camera, and has appeared in The Star previously – I suspect it may have been for the 50th anniversary, and may have even been in at the actual time the party was held.

“The party was held in Rotherham Street which was the street next door to Bradford Street, and where all my 13-year-old dad's friends lived.

“His best friend, Edmund Thacker, said to dad ‘you'll be coming round won't you, Derick’ and dad duly put his best clothes on, and went round the corner on party day.

“Unfortunately, some ladies on the street said ‘what's he doing here, he's not from this street’; dad was so upset. But then a lot of the other ladies said ‘he’s every right to be here, he’s here more than he is in his own street'’.

“So you can now see dad sat on the benches, fourth from the front on the boys’ side, probably next to Edmund, enjoying the party.

“Unfortunately we won't be able to celebrate with dad this year as we had hoped to, especially disappointing as it's a bank holiday, but I'll be with him, and we're having homemade afternoon tea.

“I lost my mum almost three years ago, but mum and dad managed to celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary in March 2017.”

Happy birthday, Derick, we hope that this brings back some happy memories for you.